Droid Life

Video: Google I/O Keynote Highlights - All of the Hottest Action in 4 Minutes

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:47:25 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JDDNPyvqpE[/youtube]

If you missed our live blogs from each of the Google I/O keynotes and aren't interested in watching the full replays, Google put together a 4 minute video of some of the highlights. You will see a handful of new Jelly Bean features, Google Play stuff, Nexus Q, and of course, the Google Glass skydiving demo.

Video: Siri vs. New Google Voice Search

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:00:41 +0000

At the Google I/O keynote from day 1 (watch it here at the 20:00 minute mark), the Android team took the wraps off a new product called Google Now that was powered by a new version of Voice Search (our hands-on). During the demo of it, we were all impressed by the beautiful new UI, answer cards with relevant info, and accuracy. To call this a giant step forward in voice searching, might even be an understatement. Naturally, people were quick to compare this to Apple's Siri since it gets all of the play these days in the voice search category. We argued that Siri isn't even on the same level since Google Now actually predicts your life rather than forcing you to ask things of it all of the time, but that doesn't mean we aren't interested in a good battle between the two. So speaking of battles, who wants to see one? Our friends at TechnoBuffalo happen to have both an iPhone and Galaxy Nexus, giving them the opportunity to put Siri and the new Voice Search to the test. I don't mean to spoil anything, but as an Android fan, you will walk away from this with your head held high.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDsOtdRtG0Q[/youtube]

Via: TechnoBuffalo Cheers Nick!

File Found to Fix Jelly Bean ROM WiFi Problem, Flashable Through CWM Recovery

Eric — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:25:25 +0000

One thing you may or may not have noticed after flashing one of the Jelly Bean builds for your phone yesterday was that the WiFi performance seemed to be lacking a little bit (for example, when JB is flashed onto the Verizon Galaxy Nexus). Places where you would normally have a full signal were only coming up as a few bars instead. XDA member mwalt2 had enough and found the resulting different WiFi file in his Ice Cream Sandwich ROM, applied it to Jelly Bean and voila! WiFi that's back up and running at top speed.

After downloading, the file can be flashed through ClockworkMod Recovery and while mwalt2 suggests a cache wipe may be needed, many people are reporting that a straight install works as well. It's always good to make a back up!

Via: XDA

Verizon's Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE has an Update on the Way, Build FE01 Addresses Minor Bugs

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 08:59:52 +0000

If you own the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with LTE on Verizon, you should receive an update in the very near future. It appears to be ultra-minor, but does address a streaming video issue that was happening on MLB.com. It will also update the device with IPv6. And that's pretty much it. The new build number is FE01.

Google Adds "Liveness Check" Option to Face Unlock in Jelly Bean, Requires Blinking

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 08:28:28 +0000

When Face Unlock was first introduced through Ice Cream Sandwich, Android enthusiasts were quick to test its level of security. They quickly found it to be easily bypassable if you had a photo of the person that it was programmed for. While there may be few instances where someone has stolen your phone and also has a picture of you lying around, it was still an issue. Well, not any longer. In Jelly Bean, a new option called the "Liveness check" looks to address this by forcing you to blink in order to get your phone to unlock. I've tested it a bit this morning and it seems to work well. Once it recognizes your face, which is faster than ever, a message comes on the screen that reads "Blink now." Once your blink it unlock. To add this to your device, jump into Settings>Security. Then choose Face Unlock as your Screen lock option, set it up, and then as you finish, check the box for "Liveness check."

Cheers Dave!

Adobe: Flash Not Certified for Jelly Bean, Will Block Users From Downloading It After August 15

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 07:59:00 +0000

If you are running Jelly Bean in some form, you can go into the Google Play store and download Adobe Flash. It even works pretty well. However, since Adobe killed off development of mobile Flash back in November, they have announced that it has not been certified for Android 4.1 and that the experience could be unpredictable. They also want users to know that after August 15, they will kill off downloads of the app through the Google Play store, for those that do not already have it installed. Since they are no longer certifying it for new OS versions or phones, they probably do not want users downloading it, having a horrible experience, and then trashing them through ratings. Here is the full statement:

Beginning August 15th we will use the configuration settings in the Google Play Store to limit continued access to Flash Player updates to only those devices that have Flash Player already installed. Devices that do not have Flash Player already installed are increasingly likely to be incompatible with Flash Player and will no longer be able to install it from the Google Play Store after August 15th. The easiest way to ensure ongoing access to Flash Player on Android 4.0 or earlier devices is to use certified devices and ensure that the Flash Player is either pre-installed by the manufacturer or installed from Google Play Store before August 15th. If a device is upgraded from Android 4.0 to Android 4.1, the current version of Flash Player may exhibit unpredictable behavior, as it is not certified for use with Android 4.1. Future updates to Flash Player will not work. We recommend uninstalling Flash Player on devices which have been upgraded to Android 4.1.

Sad times or have you already moved on from Flash? Via: Adobe Cheers Jigga_Z!

Video: Browser Quick Controls Get a Makeover in Jelly Bean

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:36:36 +0000

Remember browser Quick Controls in both Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich? They are still alive in Jelly Bean, but they have been tweaked to be much more advanced with more functionality. To enable, you need to go into Settings>Labs and then check the box for "Quick Controls." Once activated, you can access them by swiping from either the left or right edge of the display and they will appear. From there, you can hover over each option to get to more options, something that wasn't there in the past. You can basically control every single aspect of your browser through these now. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfUe6DJfKLQ[/youtube] Cheers Artur!

Video: Watch the Google I/O 2012 Day 1 Keynote

Tim — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:40:04 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuC0i4xTyrI[/youtube]

Google has posted the day 1 keynote of Google I/O 2012 in its entirety to YouTube for everyone to watch who may have missed out on the live feed. There are tons of Jelly Bean goodies, Project Glass, and other fantastic Google fun that made this one of the greatest keynote presentations we have ever seen. Cheers Nadeem!

Verizon: Data Widget May be Gone, But the My Verizon App Still has Everything You Need

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:30:00 +0000

When Verizon killed off the data usage widget from the My Verizon app earlier this week in preparation for the launch of Share Everything plans, many of you shared your concerns. It was understandable that you would be concerned, especially knowing that data limits are shrinking and having on-demand access to your usage will be key. We suspected that Verizon simply killed it because it would no longer work properly with shared data, but that something else was likely in the works. While they didn't necessarily say that a new widget will be here any time soon, their corporate PR reached out to let us know that business is as usual in the app aside from the widget.

The Data Widget was retired in anticipation of the launch of the Share Everything Plans. Customers can continue to use the My Verizon app (available on all Verizon Wireless smartphones) to monitor data, voice and text messages. Verizon Wireless has added an enhancement to the My Verizon app that will allow customers on Share Everything plans to see and manage their account level data use. Additionally, customers on all plan types can continue to dial #DATA or visit MyVerizon.com to view their data usage.

I know that the widget was very popular with DL readers, so hopefully they find a solution soon that will work going forward. In the mean time, you will have to open the app from time to time to check on your data usage status. It's an extra click or two, but at least you can still do it from your mobile.

Thursday Poll: What's Your Favorite New Feature in Jelly Bean?

Tim — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:40:03 +0000

It's time for the big question. What new feature in Jelly Bean is your overall favorite? The one you can't live without. For some, it may not be an easy question to answer. With a load of new features being introduced like Google Now and Expandable Notifications, Jelly Bean is so far the greatest Android release to date. Let us know down below how you think the new additions weigh in. [poll id="183"]

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean: Tips and Tricks

Tim — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:00:53 +0000

With Google beginning their roll out of a brand new OS, Jelly Bean, it's time for all Android lovers to start learning the tips and tricks. With the bump from 4.0 to 4.1, the notification bar is enriched with information from Google+ and Foursquare, Voice Search and Google Now are learning from our habits, and Android is now even recognizing the music we listen to. Since we have only had access for not even 24 hours, we're still learning too, so if you see something we haven't covered, please leave it down in the comments section below. What's this song: Google has introduced the "What's this song?" widget, which will most likely put SoundHound and Shazam out of business. Hold your device next to the source of audio and it will then recognize the song and inform you of what you are listening to. How sweet is that?

Google Now Settings: If you will begin to integrate Google Now into your daily life (which most people should), you will want to know how to tune and tweak it to allow for full-on customization. At the bottom of the Google Now display, there is settings menu which will bring an option for "Google Now Settings." Inside there is the heart of how Google Now operates on your device. From here, you tell it about which cards are important to you. Do you travel more than most others? Then you'll want the airline info on the top rather than the Sports card. On the other hand, if you're a daily commuter, having Google Now learn your commute routine and being on the lookout for a quick alternative route is where this service will shine. There are many things that we are still learning about Google Now, so you can bet we'll be posting a ton more info on it as we continue to dig.

Camera and Gallery: Google decided to fancy up the camera and gallery application in Jelly Bean. By introducing a new deck-of-cards like view and swipe controls, looking through your past shots and through your lens at the same exact time is now possible. In the picture I have below, on the right side is my previous shot and on the left is what you see through the lens at that moment. It's definitely a nifty feature.

Hands Free Actions: A neat little trick in Google Now is the ability to simply say, "Google" without having to touch the mic icon. It will take you to Voice Search and from there, a world of information is at your fingertips. It makes for a nice trick to show off to a friend or fellow Android geek.

Two Finger Gestures in Notification Bar: Depending on the action, some notifications can now be expanded with a two-finger slide motion. For example, after having taken a screenshot, you can either have a small thumbnail on the left side or expand it with a swipe down gesture to see a larger thumbnail. This also works for emails and text messages which will truly come in handy for people who live from their notification bar (most Android users do).

Notification Bar Additions: As you may have noticed, the Android team took a lot of time to make sure the notification bar is the place to be. With integration for apps like Google+ and Foursquare, interacting and taking care of business right from there is the new "in." If you miss a call, you can simply message or call back straight from the pulldown. To "+1" a photo that you were tagged in on Google+ is now also an option right from the notifications.

I don't think either Kellen or myself have come out and said how much we love Jelly Bean so far. The Android team has officially blown our minds and they personally told us there is plenty more to come. If you happen across some other tips or tricks for Jelly Bean, let us know in the comments below. We will also update this post if we find other goodies ourselves. Learning about new Android software is always our favorite part of the job. Enjoy the Bean if you're lucky enough to have it on your device already.

Google Now is Awesome.

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:29:29 +0000

Now that Jelly Bean has been announced and is in the wild on the Galaxy Nexus, we thought we should talk a bit more about Google Now and how amazing it is. For those not fully familiar, Google Now is a part of Voice Search, but it goes beyond just searching by trying to learn from you and automate your life. It displays information through beautiful cards that have been created after assisting you and your phone's journey. Forget Siri and questions, Google Now does it before you have to ask. Here are a handful of things that Google Now can do:

Favorite sports teams: Your favorite sports teams are tracked at all times. If they are playing, Now will have the game set up as a card for you to follow along with, live.
Weather: No matter what your location is, Now knows the weather and displays it for you on a card.
Traffic: When you wake up in the morning, Now will tell you how long your commute should take and if an alternate route is recommended. It will do the same when you come home too. It knows when you travel to and from places.
Reminders: Now will remind you that you have a meeting along with directions on how to get there.
Transit: If you are standing at a public transit station, Now will recognize this and tell you when the next bus or train will arrive.
Places: While on the go, Now will recommend bars, restaurants and any other place that it feels you may enjoy.

When you first boot up Google Now, which is done by swiping up the home button on your Galaxy Nexus, you are asked to sign-up for the service. Once it has been activated, it should have already started learning from you based upon your previous Google searches. Doing more searches will then help get the party started as well. If you have yet to flash any of the leaked Jelly Bean ROMs for the Galaxy Nexus, you may want to consider it. This Google Now stuff alone is reason enough to. For example, this morning, I woke up and it was telling me that it would take me 9 minutes to get to this Thai restaurant I had been a couple of nights before. It said that there would be a 3-minute delay in the trip which was normally 6 minutes long and that the weather was gorgeous. Now also had the Giants score up from last night's game. It was pretty wild. Go get some Google Now. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPqliPzHYyc[/youtube]

Photo Tour of the Android Floor at Google I/O 2012

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:49:49 +0000

The Android floor at Google I/O is always the coolest place at the conference to hangout at. It's an entire floor of giant Android statues, interactive stations, gadgets, and nerds. This year, it managed to jump up another level in the Coolness Meter because they added Nexus sections which featured not only the Galaxy Nexus, but the newly announced Nexus 7 tablet and Nexus Q media sharing thing-a-ma-jiggy. It's one of those experiences that we wish all Android enthusiasts could be a part of. For those not able to attend, we thought that maybe snapping a ton of photos of the place and all of its intricacies would help you understand what we are talking about. Check out the gallery below.

Nexus Section

Android Statues

Giant Nexus Q

Random

Panorama

Verizon's Share Everything Plans are Officially Here

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:59:08 +0000

Whether you will benefit from them or not, Share Everything plans are here as of today. For new customers, your only choice is now Share Everything plans. If you are a current customer, and you choose to upgrade at a discounted price, you can choose either a shared plan or go solo with a plan starting at $30 for 2GB of data. If you want to keep unlimited, start saving, because you have to buy phones at full retail going forward. To learn all there is to know about Share Everything, feel free to start here.

Live - Google I/O Keynote Day 2

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 09:40:47 +0000

After the incredible day 1 that went down yesterday here at Google I/O, I'm not sure that there is any chance for a topper this morning, but we are here again to find out. With yesterday's keynote being Android focused, the likelihood of today's turning to Chrome OS and Google TV is pretty high. To follow along in this journey, you can watch it live through the video below (we hope). A live chat will be going on directly below that. Let's have some fun, again!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANiY0uQHQVg[/youtube]

Download: New Google Play Store Version 3.7.11 With Magazines and TV Shows

Eric — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 09:18:00 +0000

If you can't upgrade your phone to Jelly Bean anytime soon, you can at least download the new Play Store that includes sections for TV and Magazines, two new additions as of yesterday. Other than those new sections, there aren't any major visual tweaks other than the removal of those awful reflections. After downloading the application, tap on it and install over top of the previous version of the Play store.

Download: Play Store 3.7.11.apk

Via: AndroidSpin

Google's Andy Rubin and ASUS' Jonney Shih Talk About Making the Nexus

Eric — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 08:52:31 +0000

Andy Rubin and Jonney Shih, two company heads from Google and ASUS, which came together to make the new Nexus 7 tablet, sat down for an interview with AllThingsD to talk about the process of creating such a unique product. According to Shih, things weren't all roses and jelly beans. “Our engineers told me it is like torture,” Shih said, "[Google] ask[s] a lot," in reference to the demanding timelines that were placed on building the N7. Rubin talked about the project going from zero to working product in about four months, saying that he didn't think any other partner could have done it as fast as ASUS. Rubin also went on to say that there was a missing piece to Android tablets until this date, the purchasing of movies and magazines. The Nexus 7 is centered around the Play Store and Google is definitely moving forward with that. The last bit that came from the interview made shock some, and that's the idea that there is no profit margin on sales of the tablet itself. Clearly, Google plans to make all of its money through Google Play store sales of TV shows, Movies, Magazines, Music and apps. Amazon has gone a similar route with the Kindle Fire. The whole interview is an interesting read on the development of the first device with Jelly Bean. Are you going to be getting one? Via: AllThingsD

Have You Received ICS on Your DROID RAZR Yet?

Kellen — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 08:16:23 +0000

From what we have heard, the soak test of Ice Cream Sandwich for the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX has come to a close and the rollout to the public should be happening at any time. At least a handful of readers are claiming to have already received the update this morning (or late last night), so we wanted to toss out a post to try to capture the situation as it progresses. As soon as you receive it, be sure to pop into the comments and let others know. If you had some trick that forced it onto your phone, feel free to share that as well. If you haven't seen it yet and are pulling hairs from your head, snap a photo of those hairs so that we can feel your pain. Let us know!

Fully Working Verizon Galaxy Nexus Android 4.1 Jelly Bean ROMs Already Available

Eric — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 07:55:37 +0000

If you were a seasoned Android user watching the Google Keynote yesterday where they announced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, you had to be thinking "when will I get this on my phone?" Google said "mid-July" but some of us just can't wait that long. Late last night, developers jdkoreclipse and Team Liquid were busy porting a nandroid of 4.1 on a GSM Galaxy Nexus over to Verizon's, and it's working.

The file is flashable through ClockworkMod Recovery, but fully updates you to Google's next OS with all the features intact. The new Google Voice Search, the "buttery smooth" transitions and everything that was announced yesterday is running smoothly on the phone. A full wipe is recommended before flashing however so you might want to make a backup before hand. Get yourself some Jelly Bean at the link below!

Via: RootzWiki [2]

Version 2 of Google Drive SDK Announced at I/O, Full Mobile Support for Android and iOS

Eric — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 07:30:10 +0000

Google Drive has not been official for all that long, but Google is hoping to extend its reach with the new version of the SDK for the application that is tooled just for developers of mobile apps. The new set of APIs will allow applications a lot of new features that developers can integrate to use Google's cloud storage service.

Using a secure Drive API, users will be able to open, edit and save documents to Drive through applications. There's even an "open with" feature where you get to choose what application you open a Drive document on. There are more changes than that hidden under the hood of this SDK update, and developers should be using them on your favorite apps pretty soon.

Via: Google Developers Blog

Video: Here is the New Jelly Bean Boot Animation

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:46:08 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgEI5V8lcts[/youtube]

Before we get into an unboxing and a more in-depth look of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) and the Nexus 7, we thought we would share the new boot animation that comes with it. We already showed you the new Easter egg, so tossing this out there as well just made sense. Ready for this triangular fun?

Wednesday Poll: Favorite Announcement From Google I/O Day 1?

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:30:23 +0000

Now that day 1 of Google I/O has just about wrapped, we would love to hear your thoughts on everything that you saw. What blew you away today? Was it Jelly Bean? The Nexus 7 tablet? Maybe even the drone-line Nexus Q? Will anything ever top the Project Glass demo that Sergey Brin, skydivers, biker riders, and wall scaling maniacs put on? There was a lot to take in, hopefully you were able to follow along during our coverage. Let us know what has you most excited!

Google Launches Magazines and TV Shows to Google Play

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:00:05 +0000

Google has added new content to the already extensive Google Play by now allowing for the download and purchasing of Magazines and TV shows straight from your Android device. Through the Google Play interface, you can buy full seasons or even just single episodes of your favorite shows including 30 Rock, Lost, and Breaking Bad. From the prices we have seen so far, we have episodes of 30 Rock going for $1.99, while the complete season is a justifiable $34.99.

With Magazines, users can subscribe to their favorite titles or simply just purchase a single copy for viewing on their tablet or smartphone. The magazines are designed to flow and work flawlessly on these smaller displays, so viewing and interacting with the content should be a treat according to Google. Google is including a 14-day trial period so everyone can begin using the service and leaning the benefits. Beyond that, depending on which magazine you choose will greatly reflect the price.

How many of you will begin to make the move to having Google Play be your number one stop for all things media and content? Google Play

Google Posts Jelly Bean Platform Highlights, Here is a List of Our Favorites

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:30:33 +0000

Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, is now official and will become available in July. The first devices to receive it will be the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, and XOOM, if you aren't counting the Nexus 7 (our hands-on) which is already running it. After announcing it today at Google I/O, the Android team has posted the platform highlights, so that we can get a refresher of all of the new features.

Faster, Smoother, and More Responsive

Jelly Bean will be the most impressive version of Android yet if we are talking about it on a performance level. They added triple buffering in the graphics pipeline, extended vsync timing, and tossed in some crazy intuitive touch responsiveness tech. They are calling this set of improvements Project Butter.

Expandable Notifications

One of the more visually impressive additions to Jelly Bean are the new expandable notifications. In Android 4.1, apps can be built to take advantage of a new notifications builder that lets them display more info than ever. Using a two fingered swipe, you can expand or collapse them or even perform actions directly without ever entering another app. Think of the new notifications as something no other platform has even come close to matching.

Voice Search and Google Now

The Google team introduced the world to their revamped voice search today, along with a new product called Google Now. You could call it their answer to Siri if you'd like, but really, this isn't necessarily trying to go in that direction. Google just wants you to be able to search for things and receive answers back. That's what the new voice search does, but to beef it up, they added voice playback and are trying to make it smarter than ever by having it recommend options depending on the time of day, location, or from previous searches. With Google Now, they are taking Search and making it more visual. The results you receive back from doing searches arrive as cards that have been built based on your search history. There are cards for weather, calendars, navigation routes you take often, sports scores from your favorite teams, and more. It has a beautiful UI and is definitely something to keep your eye on.

Resizable Widgets

Resizable widgets have been in Android for a while now, but not like this. In Jelly Bean, you can drag a widget onto another home screen, and depending on where you want to place it, Android will adjust your screen to make room for it. Also, if you try to drop a widget onto a home screen, but the widget is bigger than the amount of space you have available, JB will resize the widget to fit without any extra work from you.

High-resolution Contact Photos

Yep, you are reading that correctly. In Jelly Bean, you can now use 720x720 resolution photos in your contacts. From the way it sounds, Gmail or other apps won't overwrite them either. Hooray for pretty pictures again.

Android Beam

Google announced two new functionalities for their NFC-based Android Beam this morning. The first allows you to share photos and videos with another device, similarly to what you can do with the Galaxy S3. The other new feature makes connecting to NFC-ready Bluetooth devices easier than ever. Simply tap your NFC phone to them and you are connected.

Android Browser

The browser in Android 4.1 will provide a better HTML5 video experience, improved rendering speed, improved text input, better Javascript performance, and more.

Network Bandwidth Management

Ice Cream Sandwich brought us data management, however, Jelly Bean has improved upon that to be much more accurate. Apps can now query the the data meter to see if a user should attempt to download something of substance that may push them over a limit.

Audio Tweaks

There is an entire section dedicated to all of the audio tweaks that have been added to Jelly Bean. We are talking multichannel audio, better USB audio for docks, and audio chaining.

_____________________________________

This is only the tip of the iceberg with Jelly Bean. We recommend that you check out the full Jelly Bean highlights list to see everything that has been included. We know that some were thinking the jump from 4.0 to 4.1 would be minimal, but as we said before, that is a foolish way to look at it. This update is major.

Video: First Look at the New Google Voice Search and Google Now in Jelly Bean

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:55:01 +0000

If you watched the Google I/O keynote from today, then you were probably as blown away as we were with their new Voice Search and Google Now offerings. The Voice Search now responds back to you, provides you with cards that have direct results for what you were looking for, and eventually learns your search patterns so that current and relevant information is always ready. After spending a few minutes with it, we can easily say that we are impressed. It returned exactly what we were looking for, with the majority of searches coming via cards that are visually appealing. As this new Google Now and Voice Search continues to grow, this may be very useful. Unfortunately for most, this is a Jelly Bean feature that you may not see for a while. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv6xgXg4jms[/youtube]

Video: Here is the Jelly Bean Easter Egg - Floating Jelly Bean Party is Go

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:33:39 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az41yMkQb5g[/youtube]

Most of the Galaxy Nexus devices laying around the Google I/O show floor are already running Jelly Bean (Android 4.1). Tim and I stopped to play with one for a minute and realized that since this is a completely new version with a new name, that it should also have a new Easter egg. Sure enough, it does. Check it out.

Download: Official Jelly Bean Wallpapers - Installable App Included

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:50:34 +0000

Goodies time! Our buddy @kovdev grabbed the new and official Jelly Bean wallpapers and tossed them together in an installable app for you all to enjoy. If you were looking for the next beautiful wallpaper pack, this is most definitely it. Google, doin' big things in the wallpaper game. Download: JellyBeanWalls.apk Download to your device and then install as you would any other non-market app. Give a shout out to Dave when you can too. Cheers Dave!

Google Announces Pre-Orders for Project Glass, $1500 and for I/O Attendees Only

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:24:53 +0000

What many were hoping for at this year's I/O was more info and maybe even some hints on availability for Project Glass. Our dreams came true as Sergey Brin ran up on stage and presented us with the highlight of the show. With skydivers, bikers, and wall climbers, Project Glass completely stole our hearts. As announced by Brin, Google I/O attendees will be able to pre-order Project Glass developer units (non-retail) for a whopping $1500. Once ordered, shipping is to take place next year, so it looks like we regular folks may have a ways still to go until we can also experience "Life Through Glass." Can we expect that price tag to stick when Glass gets closer to launch or will it go down for the masses? We shall see.

Google Releases Updates to Movies, Books, Chrome, Google+, YouTube and Maps

Tim — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:50:35 +0000

Many of Google's applications are receiving major updates starting today. Maps now has the ability to store offline data, which means no more worrying about having to rely on a steady data connection to have in-depth and highly detailed maps wherever you are. Chrome, as we suspected earlier last week, has officially dropped its Beta tag. Google+ was a main point in their I/O presentation, with its new "Party Mode" and the ability to view feeds all from your notification bar in Jelly Bean. They also released the special tablet UI. YouTube has received a complete UI overhaul, with navigation now happening on the left side of the screen and the ability to download videos over WiFi in the background for smooth playback while you're on the go. Google's Books app has received a few new features and you can now tap the top corner of a page to set a bookmark, along with video and audio playback when they're embedded in the books.

Web Version of Google Play Store Allows For Remote Uninstalls, Updates, and System App Viewing

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:35:00 +0000

It appears that the web version of the Google Play store has also been included in today's I/O festivities without much of a public mention. After loading up the store this afternoon, one of our readers jumped into a section called "My Android Apps" and fell onto some treats. If you are signed into your Google account, you can now send remote updates to your phone, uninstall them if you'd like, and even view System level apps that are installed. I tried both updating and uninstall myself, and they work just as good as the remote installs do. Cheers Anthony!

Video: Quick Hands-on With the Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:17:48 +0000

If you tuned into the day 1 keynote for Google I/O, then you probably saw the unveiling of the Nexus 7 tablet. As we were making our way out of the keynote, we stumbled onto the device itself and managed to put together this quick hands-on video. While we only had all of 3 minutes with it, we definitely like the size and feel of it. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbEZfanXHTQ[/youtube] So much more to come. Stay with us all day!

Nexus 7 Tablet Unveiled - Starts at $199 for 8GB Model, Ships in July

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:52:06 +0000

The Nexus 7 tablet is finally official and available now in the Google Play store. It's $199 for the 8GB version, $249 for the 16GB version, and ships in mid-July. You can order now and be one of the first in the world to use Jelly Bean (Android 4.1). It's as you probably expected it to be on the spec front. The device is powered by a Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 7" HD display, NFC, 1GB of RAM, and runs Jelly Bean. It looks like a solid option at that price. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMQdfGFK5XQ[/youtube] Play Link Cheers to everyone who sent this!

Google Nexus Q Unveiled - Your Streaming Home Media Center

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:36:52 +0000

Say "Hello" to the Nexus Q, a streaming media player for your Android life. We first broke the news on this earlier today, but Google has gone ahead and made it official by posting it to the Play store. For $299, you can connect your phones, tablets, and TVs and streaming all of your favorite media including movies, music, TV shows, and YouTube. Check out the video below to get the full picture. Play Link Cheers to everyone who sent this! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F5FO-MyR0o[/youtube]

Here is the Nexus Q

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:02:05 +0000

And there is the Nexus Q which looks like some sort of swanky media ball. This should be interesting to see. Cheers Ryan!

Here is the Nexus 7 Tablet

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:44:37 +0000

There she is, the Google Nexus 7 tablet. It will be official within the next hour. Cheers Ryan!

TV Shows Headed to Google Play Store Today?

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:41:34 +0000

After confirming that the Nexus 7 is officially real and that another device called the Nexus Q is on the way, we noticed one other note from the Google Play addendum that we received. It mentions the following:

You understand that the Nexus Q currently supports only Google Play Music; Google Play Movies and TV; and YouTube, and that your use of those services is subject to the Google Play Terms of Service.

See anything new in that statement? "Google Play Movies and TV." Currently, the Play store doesn't sell or rent TV shows, but according to this addendum, they will shortly. The I/O day 1 keynote starts in just under an hour - we wouldn't be surprised if TV shows are announced.

Is Google Also Going to Announce the Nexus Q, an Android Media Player?

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:33:01 +0000

A reader of ours was poking around the Google Play store this morning and stumbled onto an addendum that lists out some details for two yet-to-be-announced devices from Google, the Nexus 7 tablet and a new device that appears to be some sort of a media center called the Nexus Q. According to the info we have pasted below, the Nexus Q sounds like a media center or player that you can run your phone, tablet, TV or home entertainment system through. It has access to Play Music, Play Movies, and YouTube. It doesn't necessarily sound like a new Google TV product, but more of a sharing hub.

Nexus 7 Addendum The following paragraphs only apply if you purchase a Nexus 7. The Nexus 7 has built-in Wi-Fi. You are solely responsible for obtaining internet connectivity through an internet service provider as the Nexus 7 does not support mobile connectivity. In order to use the Nexus 7, you understand that you will need your own 802.11a/b/g/n access point Wi-Fi router. The Nexus 7 is manufactured by ASUSTeK Computer Inc., whose principal place of business is at ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Nr. 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan (“ASUS”). ASUS provides a limited warranty for the Nexus 7. Please refer to the warranty card in the Nexus 7 package or ASUS for details on the ASUS limited warranty. Nexus Q Addendum The following paragraphs only apply if you purchase a Nexus Q. You understand that the Nexus Q currently supports only Google Play Music; Google Play Movies and TV; and YouTube, and that your use of those services is subject to the Google Play Terms of Service. The Nexus Q has built-in Wi-Fi and a built-in ethernet controller. You are solely responsible for obtaining internet connectivity through an internet service provider as the Nexus Q does not support mobile connectivity. In order to use the Nexus Q, you understand that you will need your own: (i) phone or tablet running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher with access to Google Play; (ii) compatible speakers, AV system or HD TV; and (iii) 802.11a/b/g/n access point Wi-Fi router. Google provides a limited warranty for the Nexus Q. Please visit this link for more information.

Feel free to discuss this in comments and at our live blog. Cheers seryozha!

Live - Google I/O 2012 Keynote Day 1

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:00:00 +0000

The day has arrived! It's Google I/O 2012 keynote day 1, which has in the past been saved for all of the Android goodness a normal person can handle. Tim and I are here, ready to soak it all in and provide as much meaningful insight as we can to you. The event will be live streamed at 9:30AM Pacific, but we thought that a live blog would be fun so that everyone has a place to to chat about the announcements that will surely be flying around the room. Ready to meet Jelly Bean and the Nexus 7 tablet? We are.

Verizon's Galaxy S3 Makes Its Debut in Latest Commercial

Kellen — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:01:15 +0000

Verizon released a commercial last night called "Big Day" that takes you through the life of a man trying to get in shape before his daughter's wedding. It's a sweet little spot, however, the big thing that we all care about is the phone used. It's Verizon's Galaxy S3 that most have never seen before. Still expected to arrive around July 12, we need to talk about the one picture above as it is clearly not the actual device that you will be buying. On-screen nav buttons from the Galaxy Nexus - really, Verizon? And what's up with the "Verizon" logo squeezed into the space between the physical home button and the screen? For those that are worried about that actually showing up on retail units, I wouldn't let it ruin your day. I would be surprised if that VZW logo isn't there for commercial purposes and that's it. You may recall that DROID RAZR MAXX camping commercial that went up a few weeks ago? The one where Big Red managed to toss in the entire "DROID RAZR MAXX" name into a tiny spot on the top-front of the device? Only for TV, folks. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eug5tHIE5qg[/youtube]

Tuesday Poll: First Non-Nexus Device to Get Jelly Bean Will Be?

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:11:17 +0000

Now that Jelly Bean is official, we have to ask - which will be the first non-Nexus device to receive it? The DROID RAZR is receiving Ice Cream Sandwich this week, the Rezound should get it within the next few weeks, a handful of others have been on it for a bit, and too many are still without it. Will it be a tablet? Maybe the Transformer Prime? What about the Galaxy S3 which is launching across the world with ICS? Will we see a quick turn around from Motorola on the RAZR? Place your bets in the comments.

Galaxy S3 Portrait Dock Works With the Galaxy Nexus? It Appears That Way

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:40:48 +0000

Unhappy over the whole Galaxy Nexus accessory situation? Or should I say, lack there of an accessory situation? This might cheer you up a bit. According to one of our VZW connects, the Galaxy S3 portrait dock works perfectly with the G-Nex. Since the micro-USB port sits freely out in the open and doesn't have any device width restrictions, all you have to do is pop the top, and drop your device onto it. Check out the pic below to see it in action. For those wondering, this dock also has audio out and folds up into a portable disk of sorts. It's actually looking like a solid option for almost any Samsung device that has a micro-USB connector on the bottom - which happens to be all of them. From what have gathered, Verizon stores have already started to receive their stock of GS3 accessories, so feel free to head into one and see if you can pick any up.

Cheers ___!

CyanogenMod 9 RC1 is Ready for Download, Do You Have One of the 37 Devices it Covers?

Eric — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:10:17 +0000

The code freeze that happened just a few days ago was a good sign and now it is finally here. The first official Release Candidate for CyanogenMod 9 is released and as of today, 37 devices can flash the ROM if they so choose. It has taken the CM team 225 days since Android 4.0 hit the AOSP servers, but it seems like they hit it out of the park with this one.

It wasn’t quick or easy, but we are extremely proud of this release and what it represents for us as a group... It meant a lot of hard work, and late nights, but also a ton of fun.

Get.CM is the place for your downloads and it seems to be under a lot of stress at the moment, it took me a while to get it to load. Curiously, Toro (Verzion Galaxy Nexus) build isn't up yet so we'll have to wait and see where that is. However, the GSM Galaxy Nexus, Transformer, Transformer Prime and tons of other devices already have RC1 ready for installation. Hit the download below and happy flashing!

Update: Toro build is up and ready for download! Go get it!

Get.CM

Cheers TJ!

Yes, Google I/O 2012 Starts Tomorrow

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:15:52 +0000

As if you didn't know this already, but yes, Google's developer conference known as I/O, starts tomorrow morning at 9:30AM Pacific. It's tough to tell if this year will be "bigger than ever," however, they did add on a 3rd day of developer sessions for the first time which is at least a good sign that this sucker is growing tremendously. So what can we expect? Probably more things than we can mention.

Predictions

The first day's keynote (tomorrow at 9:30AM Pacific) is going to be the one you will want to tune in for. Not that the day 2 keynote will be a snoozefest, but day 1 is 2 hours long and should be filled with all sorts of Android fun. The most important piece that is almost a slam dunk to happen, is the unveiling of the Google Nexus 7 tablet, made by Asus. This will be the 7" Google-branded device dropping in at $199, that you have all been waiting for. We are sort of expecting availability to also be announced at the unveiling, with a launch time frame of some time in early July (so just a few weeks away). There is a good chance that this tablet will be running the newest version of Android, dubbed Jelly Bean (Android 4.1). We already saw a Google Play listing for the GSM Galaxy Nexus that referenced it as the first phone to run Android 4.1 and that it would be coming "soon," so chances are, that we see it in all its glory this week. What sorts of features will we see? That's anyone's guess. Most think that we will see Google's take on Apple's Siri, which could be called "Computer" and is codenamed "Majel." I would be surprised if there wasn't some talk around Chrome for Android potentially leaving beta. Some UI tweaks are also in store, but nothing as drastic as the jump from Gingerbread to ICS. Be on the lookout for a bunch of NFC talk as well - maybe even a new Google Wallet or expanded sharing capabilities. There will likely be more Android@Home stuff as well, but predicting that would be foolish. The creativity behind this stuff is going to blow minds in the near future, so while this stuff hasn't been on our radar much, it could be the most entertaining of the whole show. Expect Google TV talk as well, possibly even a revamped UI (again). Sony, Vizio and LG all announced new sets last night, so you can imagine there will be GTV action in full force. Day 2 could be Chrome OS related. Will they make their new window-ish UI publicly available? Maybe.

Coverage

Tim and I will be at the show, attempting to take it all in. You can find all of our I/O 2012 stories at this link. Be sure to check it often as stories could be flying all over the place. Our Twitter account (@droid_life) will be in full force as well, along with our Google+ account. There will be live blogs, hopefully some unboxings, and the usual big event chatter. Basically, you will want to connect yourselves to DL for the next few days. Oh, Google is live streaming it all too - we'll have links for that stuff as we get closer to the live events. Anything in particular you are overly excited to see? Last minute predictions?

Jelly Bean is Official, Statue Arrives at Google Campus (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:38:21 +0000

Update: The picture from earlier was actually of the Android team assembling the statue. It has now been completed and is pictured above. There you go, folks. It doesn't get more official than this. The Jelly Bean "statue" has arrived on the Google campus. Get ready for tomorrow.

Via: Google+ Cheers Jeff!

Google I/O App Receives Huge Update - Push Notifications, Google TV Support and Full Agenda Now Ready to Go

Eric — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:50:42 +0000

If you are headed to Google I/O, you will be excited to learn that there is a new update to the official application that took place in Google Play last night. The update, targeted at people who will attend the event this year, includes new push notifications to receive "announcements and the conference schedule from the Google I/O team," along with the ability to view the whole conference's agenda. If you plan to watch the conference from home, the application can now be installed to your Google TV and supports full live streams of the conference through it.

Other than a few bug fixes throughout the application, the last update in the changelog is a little bit of a cute mystery:

[The update] Improves spacetime decompression algorithms; 29 total hours per day are now available to Google I/O attendees within Moscone West.

It could be Google being their normal slightly-geeky selves or they could be hinting towards something we'll be hearing about at I/O. Well, we don't have to wait much longer. Go grab the update from Google Play now.

Play Link

Verizon Kills the Data Usage Widget Days Before Family Share Kicks in, We Hope They Have a New Solution

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:10:15 +0000

For reasons unknown, Verizon has decided to kill off the Data Usage widget that is included in the My Verizon app. Over the next couple of days, users who have the app installed will be notified that an update will remove the widget from their phone, but that they can remove it themselves today, if they'd like. It's a puzzling move because Share Everything will be here in 2 days, which means people will need to know the current status of their data usage now more than ever. In the mean time, they are recommending that you dial #DATA to track usage.

Data Widget Sunsets on 6/25 Beginning 6/25, Verizon Wireless will no longer offer the Data Widget. From 6/25 - 6/27, users will be asked to update My Verizon Mobile. Once available, customers will receive a software update which will remove the Data Widget from their device and they will be unable to re-install it. Customer Experience/Notification Beginning 6/25, upon touching/selecting the Data Widget, My Verizon Mobile will launch and display a pop-up window with the following message: "As of June 25, 2012, the My Verizon Data Widget will no longer be supported. We will send a software update to you when it becomes available. At that time, the widget will be automatically removed from your device. If you prefer, you may remove the widget from your device now by touching and holding the widget to move it to the red remove section on your screen. To check your data usage, visit My Verizon Mobile via the App Tray or dial #DATA." Ways to Track Data Usage Advise customers to visit My Verizon Mobile or dial #DATA to track their data usage. Visit the My Verizon Mobile InfoManager topic for details.

Before we all start in on the, "Here we go again, Verizon trying to screw us over!" stuff, let's give them a chance to release a new way to track data. I can't imagine that they don't already have something in the works that will be introduced on Thursday or shortly thereafter. Since Share Everything plans are quite the change, this current widget probably won't work any longer, hence the reason for killing off this current widget. Update: They do have a new widget on the way. As we suggested, the old one won't work with Share Everything, so they needed to create something that would.

Cheers Robert, Ross and everyone else!

The Samsung Galaxy S3's Sound is Indeed Powered by Wolfson's Audio Chips (Updated)

Tim — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 08:40:47 +0000

Audiophiles rejoice - Wolfson has confirmed that the Galaxy SIII does in fact, incorporate their WM1811 Audio Hub. If you happened to own a Galaxy S, then it is possible that you disinterred some rather high quality audio, all thanks to Wolfson's previous Audio Hub, although Sammy chose a Yamaha variant for the SGSII. The two companies are back together again and the chip is to produce, "crystal clear voice call quality" and "enriched audio playback for music and video." Update: Well, according to @supercurio, the U.S. variant does not have the Wolfson chip and instead uses Qualcomm's own audio chip with the Snapdragon S4. And you wondered why we were upset about not getting that quad-core Exynos. OK, we admit that we had no idea it had upgraded audio, but dammit, now we want it. From what Kellex and myself have already experienced, I would say that Sammy and Wolfson hit the nail on the head when it comes to audio on the SGSIII. Don't send me death threats, but everything sounds great when I hook up my Beats by Dre headphones to the device.

EDINBURGH, Scotland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wolfson Microelectronics plc, a global leader in the design and development of mixed-signal semiconductors and high definition (HD) Audio solutions for the consumer electronics market, has today announced that its ultra-low power HD Audio Hub, the WM1811, has been selected by Samsung for inclusion in its highly-anticipated new smartphone, the GALAXY S III. "We are delighted that Samsung has once again demonstrated its confidence in our Audio Hub solutions, this time by incorporating the WM1811 into its flagship GALAXY S III smartphone, the launch of which will further strengthen Samsung's position as a world leading smartphone manufacturer." This announcement builds on Wolfson's strong partnership with Samsung, having already designed Wolfson's WM8994 Audio Hub into several of its leading-edge smartphones, including the Samsung Wave and Galaxy S. Featuring class-leading technology, the WM1811 provides crystal-clear voice call quality and enriched audio playback for music and video while minimising power consumption, enabling manufacturers such as Samsung to create outstanding HD Audio user experiences with long battery life. Commenting on the announcement, Wolfson's Chief Executive Officer Mike Hickey said: "We are delighted that Samsung has once again demonstrated its confidence in our Audio Hub solutions, this time by incorporating the WM1811 into its flagship GALAXY S III smartphone, the launch of which will further strengthen Samsung's position as a world leading smartphone manufacturer. "Our continued success with Samsung, particularly within its range of smartphones and tablets, is testament to the unrivalled quality of our HD Audio Hubs, and the unique features in our products that allow manufacturers to create differentiated audio experiences." Packed with innovative technology designed for humans, the GALAXY S III is effortlessly smart and intuitively simple to make people's everyday life easier.

Via: Engadget

Instagram For Android Receives Update - Easier Searching and Sharing Likes to Facebook Included

Kellen — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:50:23 +0000

Instagram fans, go grab the latest update in the Play Store if you haven't already. Once you have, you will find searching abilities from the "Explore" tab, along with a fancy new icon, and the option to share your photo "Likes" with Facebook. For those not familiar, you used to have to go all of the way into your profile to search, so this is welcomed change. Other than that, bug fixes were tossed in for good measure. Play Link Cheers Jorge!

Review: Firefox for Android

Ron — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 06:39:35 +0000

Choice in browsers has been an integral part in the history of computing. Mozilla has been at the heart of the push for choice in browsers from its inception out of Netscape to the introduction of Firefox in 2004. Since 2004, Mozilla has been dedicated to giving users a choice in browsers not only on the desktop, but on mobile. The latest version of Firefox for Android, available in Google Play today, comes in the midst of heavy competition in browsers for Android with Dolphin HD, Opera Mobile, Opera Mini, and Firefox each having been downloaded more than ten million times. Perhaps even more dauntingly, Google is in the process of making Chrome the default browser in Android. Chrome made headlines in the last six weeks as it surpassed Internet Explorer to become the most used browser internationally on desktops. Mozilla is keenly aware that by developing Firefox for Android they are competing with Google in a way that is much less obvious on the desktop. I had the opportunity to ask Jonathan Nightingale, Senior Director of Firefox Engineering, some questions about Mozilla’s vision for Firefox on Android. Despite the risks of competing with Google on their own platform, Nightingale remains optimistic: “It’s important for users to have choice. Web use on mobile devices is growing at massive rates, and the values that drive our investment in building Firefox as a desktop browser apply just as readily to mobile. Competition and choice in mobile browsers is deeply important to the health of the mobile web.” When Mozilla first released Firefox for Android way back in 2010 (then called Fennec) it went through several evolutions. Through each evolution Mozilla seemed to struggle with finding a balance between offering something that was powerful like a desktop browser, yet simple enough to use on a phone. Mozilla seems to have hit their stride with this latest release.

A browser may have great animations and special features, but if it can’t load web pages quickly then those fancy features are for naught. Nightingale noted that following the release of "the first version of Firefox for Android, we heard from users the things they wanted most were Flash support and better performance, so we redesigned the product to deliver a better experience." To test the latest version of Firefox against eleven other browsers I used a GSM Galaxy Nexus running stock ICS on the same WiFi network. Below you’ll see the average time it took for the twelve different browsers to launch and how long it took to load Droid-Life with the fastest load times on top:

Browser	Time to Launch
Browser	1.3 seconds
Boat Browser Mini	1.6 seconds
Dolphin Mini	1.7 seconds
Opera Mobile	1.8 seconds
Dolphin HD	2.2 seconds
UCBrowser	2.2 seconds
Skyfire	2.4 seconds
Chrome Beta	2.6 seconds
Firefox (New)	2.7 seconds
Opera Mini 2.7 seconds	2.7 seconds
Firefox (Old)	3.0 seconds
Maxthon	3.1 seconds

Browser	Time to Load Droid-Life
Chrome Beta	13 seconds
Boat Browser Mini	14 seconds
Skyfire	14 Seconds
Firefox (New)	15 seconds
Opera Mini	15 seconds
Dolphin HD	16 seconds
Dolphin Mini	16 seconds
Maxthon	16 seconds
Opera Mobile	17 seconds
Browser (Stock Android Browser)	18 seconds
Firefox (Old)	18 seconds
UCBrowser	26 seconds

Though the new Firefox doesn’t top either of these lists, it’s no slouch either. It’s clear that Mozilla still has some work to do, but overall these slight differences in load times is indistinguishable in regular browsing. In fact, it’s in general performance and usage that the new Firefox really shines. Manipulating web pages is an area where Firefox exhibits definite superiority over Browser and Chrome. Scrolling is smooth, especially on the desktop view of websites, whereas both Chrome and Browser scrolling can be a little jittery. More importantly, Mozilla has done a great job replicating text zoom levels that Safari for iOS offers. While Browser and Chrome simply blow up an area when it is double tapped, Firefox, like Safari, zooms in to make the text below your taps centered on the screen. This may seem like a little flourish, but it actually makes a significant difference in the user experience. In the same way, pinch to zoom works better in Firefox than it does in Browser or Chrome. Don’t get me wrong – pinch to zoom works very week in both Chrome and Browser, but Chrome and Browser have the occasional stutter, especially if pinch to zoom is initiated right after scrolling. Firefox, on the other hand, is able to consistently pinch to zoom smoothly, even after scrolling through a web page.

Like Chrome, Firefox syncs your bookmarks and your browsing history between your phone and desktop. Unlike Chrome, however, Firefox does not differentiate between websites viewed on the desktop versus those viewed on your phone. This decision wasn't because engineers were lazy; it is a manifestation of Mozilla's vision of one Firefox across different screens. Mozilla believes that it can provide the same great experience across all three screens in your life. When I asked Nightingale about the difficulty in providing a desktop-class experience on a mobile device, he emphasized the importance balancing both expectations. "We work with our designers and UI engineers to build a user interface that is simplified, and well adapted to the mobile experience. We build that on top of the same Gecko rendering engine we use on desktop, to ensure that our users on Android are getting a complete, mature, and modern HTML5 browser."

Part of extending a desktop experience to mobile meant bringing extensions to Firefox. As of this writing there are only four extensions available, but Nightingale assures me that like Firefox on the desktop, Mozilla expects the community to develop extensions that help create a truly personalized experience. The extensions available don't create a personalized experience as much as they augment an already great browser. URL Fixer, for example, gives suggestions to the user when common typos in URLs are present before loading the page while Phony lets users impersonate other browsers to get web pages to load differently.

The Start Screen has been overhauled to show frequently visited sites and tabs from your last session. Unfortunately, while the new Start Screen has indeed been overhauled, it is not a huge improvement over the previous iteration of Firefox. Instead of focusing on the most important data when starting a browser, the new Start Screen tries to do too much. Add-ons are not something that I want to see every time I start Firefox. Instead, it would be nice if Mozilla finished its copy of Chrome's launch page and just showed me the websites I tend to visit the most. Mozilla's decision to use the same layout as Chrome wouldn't be a bad thing if they hadn't tried to hide it with the curved layers lining the top of the browser. While the colored layers fade in well on the start screen, they rarely match the look of the website you're actually viewing. Hopefully in a future release Mozilla will simply use the faded black used for the menu button across the top to make the UI look much cleaner. One of the most frustrating parts of the Start Page is the URL bar (what Mozilla calls the Awesome Bar). Entering a website is simple enough (especially with URL Fixer), but Firefox only populates the Awesome Bar with websites you've already visited as suggestions. While this is fairly normal for most browsers, Chrome has set a new standard with Google Instant. On Chrome, as soon as I start typing Google begins suggesting search queries and websites. This feature is a huge time saver, but more importantly, it makes browsing on a mobile device much less reliant on precise typography.

Managing tabs in Firefox hasn't evolved much. Taping the plus button next to the address bar gives the user three options: Top Sites, Bookmarks, and History. Once several tabs are loaded they can be accessed by tapping on the number that replaces the plus button. Tabs load in the background and the preview in the tab view refreshes live so it's easy to check if a website has updated with new data or finished loading. That said, I still prefer Chrome's borrowed card metaphor to a drop down list. The latest version of Firefox still has the option to save pages to PDF, which can be shared or used to browse pages offline. While the feature certainly isn't a replacement for Pocket or other offline readers, it does provides an option to save a website at a fixed point in time. Mozilla may not want to compete in the offline reading space, so perhaps Mozilla should add support for offline readers right in the browser (i.e. not through a plug in). Being able to long press on a link and send it directly to an offline reader in one press is a fantastic feature.

Is Firefox the best browser on Android? In my opinion Firefox is slightly better than Chrome, though it's a close call. Chrome lacks any offline reading mode (despite the fact that Browser includes it), doesn’t support Flash, and offers few customization options, but it still starts the fastest, loads pages the fastest, and is integrated with Google Instant. Though Mozilla claims that Flash is a commonly requested feature, I find Flash less and less necessary and often more frustrating than useful. All things considered, Firefox is a very competitive browser, but the sloppy, borrowed design, lack of Google Instant, and Chrome's use of the card metaphor to manage tabs keep Chrome in the number one spot in terms of design and UI. Mozilla is right about one thing, though - Firefox can be and certainly is a force for innovation in the browsing space. The performance of Firefox compared to most other browsers on Android is incredible. For most users Firefox will provide a fantastic experience on Google's platform, rivaled only by Google's own browser.

Video: Hands-on With Ice Cream Sandwich For the DROID RAZR

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:45:13 +0000

With soak tests for the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX live, it should be only a matter of days before the update gets pushed to the public. Since this OS upgrade is massive in terms of features and functionality, Motorola asked us if we would be interested in showing most of it off to you ahead of time to get you prepared. We thought, "Why the heck not?" So when a device with Android 4.0 preloaded showed up on our doorstep today, we jumped in to highlight what we believe to be the most significant changes. For those that haven't kept up on the ICS leaks for these phones, I have a feeling that you will be pleasantly surprised at what Moto has done here. If you thought HTC scaled back its skin of Android, wait until you see this.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j24cwFvye8[/youtube]

Here is the full changelog for the update from last week.

HHGregg Says Verizon's Galaxy S3 is Launching July 12

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:04:34 +0000

July 12 makes sense, doesn't it? Verizon has been letting you pre-order the Galaxy S3 which has already had estimated shipping days of July 9, 10, and now 11. If devices shipped around then, we would sort of expect them to arrive in stores and on doorsteps by July 12, a Thursday. And we all know how Big Red likes to launch devices on Thursdays, don't we? HHGregg, thank you. Via: hhgregg Cheers Gorgio!

Facebook Messenger for Android Receives Large Update in Google Play

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:22:46 +0000

Facebook has pushed an update to Google Play for their official Messenger app. Included in the update are a ton of new features and also some added improvements. With these new features you can swipe to delete individual messages, share larger photos, and switch between conversations, thanks to in-app notifications. Dang Facebook, you're finally doing something right. New Features:

Quickly switch between multiple conversations with in-app notifications
Include friends of friends in conversations
Swipe to delete individual messages from conversations
See who's available when you start a new conversation
Share bigger photos, tap for full screen and pinch to zoom

More improvements:

Faster app loading, navigating and sending
More-reliable push notifications
Bug fixes

Go grab it. Play Link

Alive Video Wallpaper Brings Stunning Scenes to Life on Your Device

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:33:09 +0000

There might be some people that don't care for Live Wallpapers, but every now and then we come across a few that might just get some folks excited. The newest one to cruise into our inbox is called Alive Video Wallpaper and it brings some fantastic views and scenery to life right on your display. Once downloaded, you open the settings and can then choose which scenes you want to download. There are deserts, forests, bodies of water and other neat videos that you can download and bring to life on your homescreen. That's right, we said video. According to the developer, this is the first live wallpaper app that plays videos in the background, but doesn't take away from the performance of your phone. If live wallpapers are your thing, definitely check it out. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqdWCzZTTZw[/youtube]

Project 83113 for Android, a Platform Shooter with True Style

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:45:38 +0000

There's a new platform shooter on Android called Project 83113. The game performs very well, but what makes it stand apart is the awesome soundtrack and excellent visuals. The game uses swipe controls, which is also a good change instead of on-screen buttons because it makes the overall look of the game much easier on the eyes and fingers. The game looks to take place in the future and revolves around our main character Belle. Her goal is to collect items, weapons, and destroy all the baddies by jumping, ducking, and tapping on enemies to blow them away with her bright, yet powerful Blast Attacks. At the end of each world there is a boss and as you can imagine, they get harder as the game progresses. I have a feeling this game is going to come in handy while I wait for my flight tomorrow to Google I/O. The game is free for now on Google Play, so hurry and grab it. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_T9d7w_xl8[/youtube]

Winamp Turns 15, Introduces In-App Store and Album Washer Tool for Android

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:42:10 +0000

Today marks the 15th birthday of Winamp. To celebrate, they are introducing an upgraded version of the software for Android, Mac, and PC users. What makes the new update special is the addition of the new In-App Store along with purchasable items such as Album Washer, which allows users to clean-up, and organize their music with the press of a button. The add-on will be sold at $0.99 for only a limited time, so make sure to go grab it if Winamp is your player of choice. Congrats to the Winamp team for 15 years of good tunes. Play Link

AOL Unveils New Winamp Album Washer in Celebration of 15th Anniversary Debuts Upgraded Versions of Winamp for Android, Mac and PC

#1 Free Third-Party Music Management App on Android Now with Almost 20 Million Downloads
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AOL Inc. (NYSE:AOL) announced today the release of Winamp Album Washer, powered by Gracenote®, a new feature in Winamp for Android that allows users to clean-up and organize audio files creating a more seamless user experience for passionate music fans. Winamp also plans to unveil updated offerings for both Mac and PC platforms demonstrating Winamp’s continued commitment to innovation as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. “We’re excited to introduce Album Washer and these latest updates which include a richer experience across Android, Mac and PC platforms,” said Geno Yoham, GM of Winamp. “These product releases are another step in our roadmap and vision to provide our users with the most robust set of tools to enhance and customize the way they listen to and manage their music on multiple platforms, empowering the user has been a strategic focus and part of the Winamp DNA for the last fifteen years.” Winamp for Android (v1.3) The latest version of the free player includes Album Washer, a premium add-on available in the new in-app Store. Album Washer makes cleaning up audio files easy by updating users’ incorrect or missing tags (Artist Name, Track Title, Album Name, etc.) and by downloading high quality album art. In celebration of Winamp’s 15th anniversary, Album Washer will be available for only $0.99 for a limited time. Also available in the new in-app store is the Pro Bundle, a bundle of premium features including a customizable home screen, ability to browse by Folders, crossfading between tracks and a 10 band graphic equalizer. The new release includes:

New Winamp In-app Store

New Album Washer in-app purchase

New Move to SD Card feature -- great for user's who have limited internal storage

SHOUTcast radio search and notification optimizations

Winamp for Mac Sync Beta Winamp for Mac is the OSX version of the popular Winamp media player available on Windows and Android. Winamp for Mac allows users to wirelessly sync their iTunes music library to their Android device, manage their music and playlists, and playback their music. The new release includes:

Album Art Views

Play Queue Window & Drag and Drop

Auto-update, including a Beta channel for the latest feature releases

Support for Growl and in application notifications

Faster performance and high quality playback

Winamp Media Player for PC The iconic Winamp is still the Ultimate Media Player. With a robust feature set for managing and consuming audio, video, playlists, podcasts, internet radio and more. There over 6,000 add-ons including built-in services for ticketing, lyrics, and downloading music. The Winamp Media Player is translated into 16 languages and is home to SHOUTcast Radio – one of the largest internet radio directories with over 54,000 stations.* The new release includes MPEG Surround Playback support and an update to the popular Winamp browser toolbar, newly translated into 16 languages. Released in 1997, Winamp offers a complete end-to-end media player solution that features wireless desktop sync, iTunes import, and access to thousands of SHOUTcast internet radio stations. “With the launch of today’s latest offerings, Winamp furthers its position as a full service music management companion, helping consumers download, organize and manage the music they love using multiple devices,” said Jay Kirsch, SVP and General Manager, AOL Media Group.

Reminder: Verizon's Share Everything Plans Launch This Thursday

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:39:58 +0000

Whether you are ready for them or not, Verizon's Share Everything plans will be here this Thursday, June 28. Most of you are probably thoroughly schooled on them at this point, but we wanted to take one last opportunity to make sure you are all up to speed, since this move by Big Red marks a drastic change to the wireless game, one that other carriers will likely follow in the near future.

What are Share Everything plans?

Think of them like the family minute and text plans that you have been a part of for years now, but for data. With a Share Everything plan, you purchase a bucket of data at a flat rate for your whole family to use, just like you did with minutes and texts. You no longer have to buy individual smartphone or feature phone data plans on Share Everything. Deciding which plan will best suit your family is the key here, which requires some analyzing of the amounts of data you are currently using.

How are they priced?

The tiers are as follows: 1GB for $50, 2GB for $60, 4GB for $70, 6GB for $80, 8GB for $90, and 10GB for $100. Along with a data tier, you also have to factor in your "per device" cost which is $40 per smartphone, $30 per feature phone, $20 per Jetpack, and $10 per tablet. Mobile hotspot is included with Share Everything at no extra cost as it pulls from your data bucket. If you would like more than 10GB, you can purchase extra 2GB add-ons for $10 a piece. If you go over your data bucket limit, you are charged $15 per 1GB overage. Minutes and texting are unlimited on Share Everything plans, so your only worry is data usage. You can read more about pricing at our step-by-step guide to selecting a plan.

Can I keep unlimited data? Do I have to switch to Share Everything?

Yes, you can keep unlimited data. No, you do not have to switch to Share Everything. We wrote up an entire detailed post on this scenario of keeping unlimited data that I recommend you read.

Should I upgrade now?

Maybe. If you want to enjoy one last discounted (subsidized) price on a phone and keep unlimited data, you have to upgrade before June 28. If you upgrade after at a discounted price, you will have to change your plan to either a single person tier (2GB for $30) or join a Share Everything plan. Further details on upgrading now, including Galaxy S3 pre-orders, can be found at this post.

What if someone on my family plan upgrades after Share Everything is live?

While I have yet to get a definitive answer from any higher-ups at Verizon, it is my general understanding that you can always choose something other than Share Everything as long as you are a current customer before June 28. If you are in a family plan now and one of your lines upgrades after June 28 and chooses Share Everything, it will not affect your line. From what I have gathered over the last few weeks, you would not have to choose to join their shared plan. Also, if you want to upgrade after June 28, you can choose between a Share Everything plan and an individual tiered plan starting at 2GB for $30.

These are just the basics, but if you want fully detailed info about Share Everything, you can find it all at this link. We asked readers to tell us if Share Everything would save or lose them money, if they wanted to switch carriers because of them, and more.

Frisbee Rush for Android, Controlling a Web-Based Game with Your Mobile

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:18:25 +0000

It is easy to get excited when game developers look outside the box and change up the way we think of mobile gaming. This newest title, Frisbee Rush is a fantastic example of how to bring the web and your phone together. With the controller app and Adobe AIR downloaded from Google Play, you control the game on your phone that takes place through your browser on the computer. The game itself is simple. All you do is flick or fling Frisbee discs at the monsters, but it is a fantastic start of things we could see down the road. I for one would love to see a shooter based on this type of control layout. To play the game yourself, download the controller app from the link provided (you must also have Adobe AIR installed) and then navigate to the webpage listed below.

Play Link | Web Link

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4blV2lG3e8E[/youtube]

Quick Look: Ringke Slim Lite and Tridea Galaxy S3 Cases [Contest Too] (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:30:46 +0000

The folks over at RearthUSA were kind enough to send over their first set of Samsung Galaxy S3 cases, and since they created one of the better Galaxy Nexus cases of all time, we thought we'd give them a look. In our box of goodies was a Ringke Slim Lite case, Tridea Flip Case, and a Tridea Bumper. We slapped each of them on our white GS3, took some pics, and are ready to share some thoughts. As a reminder, this is the beauty of the Galaxy S3 having one design and form factor across the globe. It doesn't matter who is producing a case for this phone, it should fit. There aren't slight thickness tweaks or screen adjustments or volume rocker changes - it's the same exact phone no matter the carrier, it just runs on a different network. You may recall the painful accessory situation for the Galaxy Nexus and its LTE and GSM variants? That won't be a problem here.

Ringke Slim Lite Case

The Ringke Slim Lite case is my favorite of the 3 that we received. It's ultra thin, adds very little bulk, and has a soft matte black finish that feels great in hand. The glossy backing of the Galaxy S3 can be semi-slippery at times, so something as minimal as this case isn't a bad idea to have laying around. This case reminds me a lot of the G-Nex Ringke Slim that we fell in love with. At $13.99 for either the white or black versions, along with free shipping code "freeshipping," this won't break the bank. [Buy]

Tridea Flip Case

The Tridea Flip Case is a lot like the OEM Galaxy S3 case, but it has a magnetic latch to hold it closed and a card slot for business cards. It comes in white or black themes, has this mini mirror on the back for those post lunch teeth checks, and feels like it's made with quality materials. I personally am not into flip cases, but I understand that they provide both screen protection along with a level of device drop security. At $39.99 though, it better pay for lunch too. [Buy]

Tridea Bumper

Ahh bumper cases. When was the last time you sported one of these? Tridea's Bumper is pretty traditional in the fact that its made of rubber and should save your phone from a drop thanks to its squishyness. Other than that, you have to decide if you like rubber on your device, if pulling it in and out of your pocket is going to be easy or difficult, and whether or not baby blue is your color. It's only $10.99. Hopefully they have more colors in the works.

_____________________________

Contest

Let's give all of these away, along with some screen protectors! We know that many of you pre-ordered the Galaxy S3 and are looking for some form of protection, so we thought we could help a few of you out by saving you some of that hard earned cash. Ready? Rules: 1. Leave a comment by telling us which Galaxy S3 you ordered (or will order) - carrier, color, and storage. 2. Then tell us which of these cases or screen protector you would like. Your choices are:

*We have 1 black Slim Lite, 1 white Slim Lite, 1 white Flip Case, 1 black Flip Case, 1 blue Bumper, and a Ringbo Ultimate ClearPlus screen protector.

3. Today at 4PM Pacific, we will choose our winners. Update: Winners: We picked our winners! Be sure to check your inboxes to see if you won! Good luck!

Verizon and T-Mobile Swap Spectrum, Awaits FCC Approval

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:02:23 +0000

Verizon and T-Mobile look to shake hands over a transfer of spectrum recently that now only needs FCC approval to take place. With the transfer, both companies hope to broaden their output for customers, which Big Red will likely use to put towards their 4G LTE network. On the other side of the deal, T-Mobile can now begin their construction of an actual 4G network.

The agreement with T-Mobile is further evidence of the importance of a secondary spectrum market to give companies the flexibility to exchange or acquire spectrum to meet customers’ growing demands for wireless data services.

Specifics on how much this deal is worth are not being disclosed, but it could be pretty hefty. Only time will tell whether the FCC will have any objections or not.

VERIZON WIRELESS AND T-MOBILE USA AGREE TO TRANSFER SPECTRUM HOLDINGS

Agreement Enables LTE Expansion and Benefits Customers of Both Companies
BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Verizon Wireless today announced an agreement with T-Mobile USA to exchange specific spectrum in the AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) band. Under the agreement, both companies also will receive additional spectrum depth in specific markets to meet LTE (Long Term Evolution) capacity needs and enable LTE expansion. Since this agreement includes spectrum that will be purchased by Verizon Wireless in its transactions with SpectrumCo, Cox and Leap, this agreement is contingent on the closing of those transactions. The agreement includes a number of intra-market spectrum swaps that will result in better use of the AWS band for both companies. The agreement also includes exchanges of spectrum between the companies in numerous markets which result in an overall net transfer of spectrum from Verizon Wireless to T-Mobile and a cash payment from T-Mobile to Verizon Wireless. Financial terms of the agreement are not being disclosed. The license transfers require FCC approval which is expected later this summer. “The agreement with T-Mobile is further evidence of the importance of a secondary spectrum market to give companies the flexibility to exchange or acquire spectrum to meet customers’ growing demands for wireless data services,” said Dan Mead, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. “The AWS licenses we’ll acquire from T-Mobile and through SpectrumCo, Cox and Leap will be used to add capacity to our 4G LTE network.” The agreement between Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile is a private commercial arrangement that will allow both companies to optimize their respective spectrum holdings for LTE deployment and to meet their customers’ needs.

PGM Nexus App Allows for Gesture Controls While Display is Off

Tim — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:19:04 +0000

Gestures are always a neat and popular way to control our devices. With a new app called PGM Nexus, you can use them to control your smartphone even when the screen is off. For example, a gesture that is already preset in the app is for "slide2wake," where you simply swipe from left to right on the display while it's off to wake the device. It works like a charm, but it is for Galaxy Nexus phones that are rooted only. Sorry, non-rooted owners. Give it a go and let us know what you think. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZEodCnYv58[/youtube] Cheers Tyler!

Nexus 7 Tablet, Will It Have a microSD Card Slot? Probably Not.

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:26:01 +0000

Since specs leaked for Google's Nexus 7 tablet last night, the storage situation has been brought up more times than we can count. Rumored to come in 8GB and 16GB models, many are wondering if the tablet will have a microSD card slot to expand those seemingly minimal amounts of space. The short answer - probably not. If you look back at the last few Nexus releases, you won't find an SD card slot anywhere. The Nexus S didn't have one, nor did the Galaxy Nexus. Why is that? The Android team has decided that this is the route they would like to go. Dan Morrill, an Android engineer, explained it when the G-Nex dropped, basically saying that they chose to have only internal storage because they wouldn't have to partition anything off, leaving you with the full amount of storage to play with and a "better experience." That doesn't mean that Ice Cream Sandwich or other builds of Android don't play nicely with expandable storage, but that for Nexus devices, Google has decided against it. Whether you agree the logic of that being better or not is probably something we could debate for days, however, this seems to be the way things are. Toss in the fact that Google's products in general function in the cloud and I'd say you better get used to storing things elsewhere. Oh, it also doesn't sound like there will be a rear camera on the device, so you likely won't be filling this sucker up with high-res photographs. There is a front camera for video chatting and that's about it. You can store your documents and work files in Drive, look at photos in Google+, listen to music through Google Music, and check your email through Gmail.

DROID Incredible 4G LTE Launching July 5

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:23:06 +0000

According to Verizon, the DROID Incredible 4G LTE will finally launch on July 5. We first reported this as the next possible target late last week, so we aren't surprised to see it come out this morning. One thing we are still surprised about is the fact that this phone will launch 2 months after it was officially announced back at CTIA in early May. Will we ever know the specific reason for the hold-up? Probably not. If I were a betting man, the first thing I would look to is Share Everything plans as being reason #1. It wouldn't have made much sense for Big Red to push a new phone knowing that they had major plan changes just around the corner. With this phone now launching in July and Share Everything happening the week prior on June 28 (this week), they get to lock some upgrades and new customers into these new plans. Pricing is showing up as $199 on 2-year contract, but there is still a chance that a $50 rebate will be attached, dropping the price to $149. With the Galaxy S3 a much more impressive phone on the spec front at $199, I would hope that HTC and VZW wouldn't let this phone try and compete with it.

Cheers ___!

Google's Nexus 7 Tablet Details Leak in Full Only Days Before I/O?

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 01:09:14 +0000

Is that a picture of the Google Nexus 7 tablet that will be unveiled this week at I/O? According to Gizmodo Australia, it is. They reportedly obtained all of the details of the device through a training document and are as follows:

7" IPS display with 178 degree viewing angles (1280x800 resolution)
8GB and 16GB storage options, priced at $199 and $249
1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor
1GB RAM
Jelly Bean (Android 4.1)
NFC with Google Wallet loaded
1.2MP front camera
9 hours of battery life

Sound about right? It certainly matches up to the handful of leaks we had already seen a number of times over the last couple of months. I am a bit surprised to see the $199 version at 8GB instead of 16GB, but to keep the price down, they had to make a cut somewhere. With so much cloud storage floating about, that really shouldn't be that big of a deal. Who knows, maybe Google will toss in free Google Drive storage to those that purchase this new Nexus. We will know it all in 3 days. Via: Gizmodo Cheers Tyler!

Asus Transformer Pad Infinity Review

Kellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:47:13 +0000

Asus is back this month with another Android tablet entry that looks to build upon their ever-expanding line. This new release is called the Transformer Pad Infinity, a slightly beefed up Transformer Prime-esque device with an incredibly high display resolution of 1920x1200, newer NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, and a revised 8MP camera. It still runs Ice Cream Sandwich with Asus' minimal tweaks, docks in the same keyboard dock as the Prime, and even lasts about as long on a single charge. Is it a big enough jump from any of their other tablets to stand out though? Let's talk about that.

The Good:

Specs: The hardware and specs of the Transformer Pad Infinity are about as good as it gets for the tablet game. With its new Tegra 3 T33 processor clocked at 1.6GHz, there aren't many devices that can keep up with it. It also packs in a 1920x1200 display which is only matched by the new iPad, leaving every other tablet in the dust. Along with processor and display, the Pad Infinity rocks 1GB of DDR3 RAM (clocked at 1600MHz), Bluetooth 3.0, micro-HDMI out, Gorilla Glass 2, an 8MP rear camera with new F2.2 aperture, 2MP front camera for HD chatting, expandable microSD card storage, a 25Wh battery that lasts about 8 hours, and is only 8.5mm thick. It's a beast, people.
Display: The display on the Transformer Pad Infinity is the big selling point here and it delivers. Not only has the resolution been bumped to 1920x1200 to give you full HD fun, but this sucker can be cranked up in the brightness department (600 nits) to give you a great outdoor experience. The viewing angles at almost 180 degrees are impressive, it has Gorilla Glass 2 for extra protection, and weighs in at 224ppi. It has 11% more pixels than a 1080p display, which should give you sharper text and beautiful photos, assuming you can take them. Check out the screen tech comparison below to understand exactly what we're talking about.

Design: In terms of design, the Transformer Pad Infinity is close to being on the same level as its predecessor, the Transformer Prime. Asus kept the same color options - Amethyst Gray and Champagne Gold - along with the circular, metallic finish to the back side. The only difference is a plastic housing up top that holds the camera and switches, which we aren't the biggest fans of, but wouldn't call this area a deal breaker by any means. It's still crazy thin, has enough bezel to make it easy to hold without accidental screen presses, and only weighs 1.31lbs. It also looks killer in the keyboard dock.
Benchmarks: The new Tegra 3 T33 processor inside packs a punch. Below, we ran the standard benchmarks to give you an idea of the performance jump that you will see even over the previous Tegra 3 chipset that was in devices such as the HTC One X and Transformer Prime. In some of the benchmarks it clearly outperforms, while in others it falls back a bit. The dip in scores likely has to do with that crazy high resolution, so to think that it surpasses some of these other devices in a few should impress you.

Performance: And speaking of the new NVIDIA chipset inside, we need to talk about actual real life performance and not just numbers. When you put a finger or ten on this display and move around or attempt to accomplish anything meaningful, you will be blown away at the speed and responsiveness. Part of that amazing performance is the display tech used, but after jumping from apps to games to home and back again, it's clear that we should thank both the Super IPS+ display and the processor, together. I have spent some quality time with almost every major tablet that has been released over the last 2 years, and this easily felt the smoothest.
Accessories: To us, Asus has been the king of Android tablets for some time now, but I don't know that we have ever mentioned why we believe that. Oh who am I kidding, it's obvious, isn't it? It's the keyboard dock coupled with cutting edge tablet tech. For those not familiar, Asus created this amazing mobile keyboard dock that feels as good as any netbook out there with one of their tablets docked into it. Couple that with all of the performance that we saw on the Transformer Pad Infinity and you almost can't beat it as a mobile powerhouse. For me personally, it would be tough for this to replace a laptop as a daily driver, but it certainly works wonders in a pinch. Oh, and let's not forget that the Transformer Prime's dock works flawlessly with the Pad Infinity, so for those upgrading from a Prime, you do not have to go out a buy a new dock.
Battery Life: While I have to admit that I have yet to fully put the Pad Infinity through any serious battery testing, I will say that after 4 or 5 days, today was the first day that I had to slap it on a charger. Now, that's not from steady use by any means, but it is with a little play time here or there followed by a bunch of idle time. Asus is claiming that it can last up to 9.5 hours on a single charge, with real time usage at around 8.5 hours. If you want even more, you can dock the tablet into the keyboard dock to tack on another 5. Thanks to the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor inside, battery life isn't much of a concern. Through some of their custom software tweaks, Asus also threw in 3 different power management modes: Power Saving, Balanced, and Performance.

Gaming: Since the Pad Infinity is a Tegra-powered device, the gaming experience will be unlike any other Android device. NVIDIA and the crew have partnered with numerous gaming companies to create special edition titles with better graphics and experiences, built specifically for devices like this one. Games like Shadowgun THD and Riptide GP have extra PC-like polish that most devices can't take advantage of. If you are a serious mobile gamer or simply want the best experience, devices like the Pad Infinity should be topping your list.

Price: At $499 for the 32GB model and $599 for the 64GB model, you are looking at identical price points to the Transformer Prime. At those prices though, you are getting a revamped camera, faster processor, faster RAM, and a screen with an unmatched resolution. We hope this means that the Prime will drop to an even lower price point, but this is quite the deal for an Android tablet that few compare to.
Software Tweaks: Normally we aren't fans of tweaks to stock Android, but Asus seems to know how to improve upon certain things while leaving the core alone. One example would be the control panel that you can get to by tapping on the notification area. Asus added shortcuts to their performance modes and better brightness controls without mucking things up. They also let you take screenshots by long-pressing the recent tasks button and manage to show you which screen you are on through a slight UI tweak at the top of home screens. What's even better is the fact that most of this stuff can be turned off to give you a fully stock experience if that's what you would like.
Availability: Asus is expecting the Transformer Pad Infinity to be available around the week of July 16.

The Not-so-Good:

Build: I don't have a ton of negative things to say about the Pad Infinity, but one that has stood out from the minute I unboxed it was the build quality. The device looks almost identical to the Transformer Prime aside from the top back piece which seems to be made of a cheap plastic. It houses both the lock switch and volume rocker which are also made of some type of cheap plastic. You'll notice in the unboxing video below that I couldn't even get the volume rocker to adjust the volume after pressing it numerous times. The lock switch feels similar and often takes a couple of presses in order to get a reaction out of it. I don't know that the cheap feel of either of these should deter you from purchasing this device, however, I can't imagine they would be easy to replace should one break or stick permanently. Also, I somehow managed to add a handful of tiny scratches to the back of the device and can't recall it ever being in a situation over the last few days that would warrant them. This tablet has gone from my wooden coffee table to my wooden desk to the couch, none of which have ever scratched any other device of mine.
Android Tablets in General: Look, we review Android tablets all of the time and with each new one, we find it harder and harder to do. There just aren't things that really make you say, "Wow! That's so awesome!" anymore. The Pad Infinity has a great screen, is ultra-powerful, very thin, and is the top dog in the Android world at this time, but the software experience is exactly the same as you would get on every other Asus tablet which will likely be priced lower. OEMs and chipset manufacturers continue to innovate on the hardware front, when that hasn't ever really been an issue to begin with. It's the software experience that sucks on Android tablets, and when we say that, we are admitting that it's no different here on the Pad Infinity. The total package isn't bad, but again, why is this one better than the Prime? Is it the slight uptick in processor? Is it the higher resolution screen that nothing has been built to take advantage of yet? Is it the revised camera that people still won't use since taking pictures and video with a tablet looks ridiculous? You tell me.

Unboxing:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR22rDV6-jg[/youtube]

Overview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7YvXgHe5UY[/youtube]

Gallery:

Verdict:

The Pad Infinity is a solid tablet. It has the best display of any Android tablet around and probably crushes all of them in performance thanks to its shiny new Tegra 3 processor. Couple it with a keyboard dock and you essentially have a device that can embarrass most netbooks as well. So it's a dream device, right? Eh, maybe. It's still an Android tablet, which for many, still means it lacks something. What exactly that "something" is, I can't pin point, so I'll simply throw out a few scenarios that may help you decide if the Pad Infinity is for you. If you are a serious tablet gamer, this is your best option on Android. If you need a tablet that can act as a laptop in sticky situations, this would meet your needs. If you want a device that can give you a stunning media experience thanks to a gorgeous display, then you can't lose here. If you have yet to purchase your first Android tablet and are looking for an all-encompassing piece of tech, this may be it.

Pinterest for Android Arriving Next Week?

Kellen — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 11:44:50 +0000

How exciting, Pinterest appears to be headed for its Android debut next week at Google I/O. How do we know? Well, the official Google I/O app has every woman's favorite obsession app listed in the Sandbox as a presenter. That basically means that they will have some sort of spot set up on level 2 of the Moscone Center to let everyone take their newest creation for a test drive. Many times, these Sandbox presenters are showing off future releases of apps, however, the listing for Pinterest mentions specifically that the app is "now available for Android." It's not yet, but likely will be within the next 2-3 days. Ladies, how you feeling? Your cupcakes, shirtless men, Louboutins, and celebrity outfits will soon become mobile. Via: AusDroid Cheers Mike!

DROID RAZR ICS Update Removes "3G Only" Option, Here's How to Manually Toggle It

Kellen — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 10:42:17 +0000

For whatever reason, Verizon and Motorola have removed the option under Mobile Network Settings to switch to "CDMA Only" in the Ice Cream Sandwich update that is headed to RAZRs over the next few days. For anyone that doesn't have a RAZR MAXX, this is a problem, as LTE destroys batteries faster than you can charge them. In place of the former "CDMA Only" option is a "Global" feature for those that travel the world. Why they didn't leave the old option and simply add "Global" to the list is a great mystery, but don't worry, we have a way to get you onto 3G and saving batteries in just a few steps.

Instructions:

1. Open the dialer and type *#*#4636#*#* 2. A menu will appear - choose "Phone information."

3. Scroll down until you see the pulldown menu for "LTE/CDMA/EvDo/etc." 4. Tap on that menu and choose "CDMA Auto (PRL)."

4. Hit the back button to get out of these menus and to your home screen. 5. Wait 20-30 seconds and watch your 4G LTE logo turn to 3G. 6. To confirm you are on 3G only, head into System Settings and tap on the "More..." button. 7. Tap "Mobile Networks" and "Network type and strength" to see something like this:

8. Enjoy longer battery life. *Pro tip: And if that sounds like a massive pain in the you-know-what, this app will help you do it much faster. It's a shortcut to this settings menu, making it even easier to toggle the network connection type. Cheers Jigga_Z!

Reminder: You Can Uninstall or Disable Most of the Bloatware in ICS on the RAZR

Kellen — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 09:20:49 +0000

When you finally update your DROID RAZR or RAZR MAXX to Ice Cream Sandwich in the coming days, you will likely be blown away by the number of bloatware apps that Verizon and Motorola have included with it. I actually just counted and came up with 25. I'm not kidding either. As many of you know, bloatware apps tend to be installed at the system level, making it impossible to simply uninstall them. They are essentially protected apps that Big Red and Moto ~~have signed licensing deals for~~ have decided should never be removed. Thankfully, Google gave us the ability to disable them in Ice Cream Sandwich, so they can at least be somewhat out of your hair. If you would rather not "hide" them or create your own custom app drawer folder to disguise them, then feel free to follow these instructions to fully disable them.

Instructions:

1. Open your app drawer. 2. Press Menu and then Manage Apps. 3. From your "All" tab, find all of the bloatware apps that you would like disabled. 4. Tap on each one, and then choose "Disable." 5. If you find one that says "Uninstall updates," do that first and then disable.

Your disabled apps will then appear in a list at the bottom of your "All" apps column. If you would like to re-enable an app or if disabling one seems to have caused issues on your device, find it in this list, tap on it, and then tap the "Enable" button. While going through this process, you may notice that a handful of apps such as Blockbuster, Madden, and Let's Golf can all be uninstalled. Feel free to take advantage of that. Enjoy ICS!

DROID RAZR and MAXX ICS Soak Test is Live

Kellen — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 08:42:37 +0000

We are getting closer, people. DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX owners that hang out over at Motorola's Support Forums have started to receive "soak test" builds of the Ice Cream Sandwich update that you are all waiting patiently for. When this happens, that means the test has officially begun. Once they have had a chance to play with it for up to a week (hopefully less time in this scenario), then the update gets a final approval and is made available to the public. If you missed any of our coverage of the update so far, be sure to check it all out so that you are an Android 4.0.4 pro. Here is the full changelog and highlight list for the update. Here is an intro video from Motorola. Here is info on the leak that came out a few days ago, which is the same build. It can be flashed in your stock recovery, however, people are running into issues, so be careful. The official update should be here shortly and you may want to wait it out. For those that have received it, is it everything you ever dreamed it would be?

This Week In the Life of DROID: 6/22/2012

Tim — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:54:53 +0000

This time next week, Google will have spilled the Jelly Beans (see what I did there?) at next week's Google I/O developer conference. From what we know today, many are expecting a Nexus tablet unveiling, maybe some Majel, and other Chrome OS goodies. Kellex and myself will be in San Francisco to cover everything first hand, so we will make sure you all feel as if you are right there with us. If you missed any of this week's events, here are the highlights:

Have a great weekend, everybody!

HTC Creating "Top Secret" Dog Translator...err Whisperer?

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:44:13 +0000

HTC posted this picture today to their Facebook page with the quote, "Ever wonder what your pet has been trying to tell you all these years?" We are pretty sure that they aren't actually hinting at something and are simply having fun, or taking a shot at Apple, but we giggled. Thoughts? Feel free to have fun with this one as we head into the weekend. Woof. Cheers Twentysboy!

DROID Bionic Receives Smart Actions When Updated to Ice Cream Sandwich

Tim — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:20:54 +0000

After flashing the new Ice Cream Sandwich leak to his DROID Bionic, a reader noticed that Motorola's Smart Actions was installed on his device. If you're unfamiliar with the software, S.A. allows for users to program certain functions to take place given the time or place of the user. There are applications such as Tasker that do this as well if you don't happen to own a Motorola device. If you don't feel like waiting for a silly update to take place, you can hack the RAZR's Smart Actions onto the Bionic with the instructions here. Cheers Ranlil!

HTC: Due to Low Sales, Have Decided to Pull Out of the Brazilian Market

Tim — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:40:54 +0000

According to a recent comment made by an HTC representative, the handset maker is looking to scrap plans to launch the One Series in Brazil due to a serious lack in previous sales numbers. Subsequently, the company is reported to pull out of the market completely, but will retain a small presence to offer support to current owners. With projections that show Brazil to be a Top 5 Smartphone market by 2016, it may seem out of character for HTC to abandon the area, but with a market share of a whopping 0.11% in Q1, maybe it's for the best. Via: The Verge

Asus Rolls Out Transformer Pad 4.3.30 Update, Camera Improvments and Fixes

Tim — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:00:47 +0000

Asus is on a roll as of late, with constant updates being pushed to their line of Transformer devices. The newest to receive love is the TF300 aka Transformer Pad, which is getting the bump to firmware number 9.4.3.30. With little bug fixes for Chrome, WiFi, and camera improvements, put another notch in Asus' belt for being one of, if not thee best Android tablet manufacturer to date. If you haven't already, go grab the update now. Changelog:

TF300T ICS v9.4.3.30 - SYSTEM – improve stability of Chrome browser - SYSTEM – improve camera performance - Pictures more colorful - better audio- white balance(AWB) and auto-focus(AE) - better continues-auto-focus (CAF) - SYSTEM – fix the bug “wifi occasionally fail to connect after resume from suspend status” - Appbackup – fix the bug “have to key-in password again after change screen orientation”

Via: Asus Finland Cheers Scott!

Nike+ App Finally Released on Android, Doesn't Work With NikeFuel

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:10:36 +0000

Workout machines, a Nike+ app is finally available on Android. And I must say that this thing is pretty feature rich. You can track your runs with GPS, hear cheers in your ears from friends on Facebook, challenge your best runs, view run summaries, and more. It even manages to pull in your Google Music playlists, something that no other app has been able to do thus far. There do seem to be some bugs that need to be ironed out though. If you cruise into the Play store listing, you'll notice a bunch of good reviews along with a whole bunch of bad ones. The app works OK on my Galaxy S3, however, it has force closed at least twice on me already. Nike probably isn't going to let this remain a frustrating experience, so be patient and look for an update very soon. One thing I am a bit disappointed in, is the lack of Nike FuelBand support. As Nike's newest workout toy, the only users who are able to sync their Fuel on the go are iPhone users. Nike told us to expect an app some time this summer, but we were hoping it would be coupled in with Nike+, just like the newly overhauled Nike+ website has done it. Play Link Cheers Brett and Anish!

HTC One XXL on the Way With Snapdragon S4 Quad-core Chip, 2GB of RAM, and LTE?

Eric — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:30:22 +0000

HTC apparently wasn't ok with people calling the One X the best Android phone they've ever used; they saw more room for improvement. The above screenshot is from the rumored One XXL that takes the original and bumps the specs even more. Not to be out done by Samsung, this new phone will have the same 4.7" LCD2 screen packed in, but will feature 2GB of RAM and a quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor that will play friendly with LTE. This sounds like an amazing bump in specs to a phone that already blew people's minds when they purchased it. This certainly matches up with HTC's promise to focus on high-end phones, the question is: is any of this rumor true? The One X only officially launched a few months ago so we don't expect to be seeing this anytime soon, although that doesn't mean we're not excited. Via: SmartDroid Cheers Denny!

Video: Motorola Introduces DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Owners to Ice Cream Sandwich

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 07:51:13 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24073UmIlwQ[/youtube]

With the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX ready to begin rollout today, Motorola jumped in on the action with a welcome video that highlights all of the big new features. Most of these have been posted here in the past and were also listed in the official changelog, but why not see it all again? It's going to be a big weekend for RAZR owners.

Confirmed: Ice Cream Sandwich Headed to the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Today

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 07:22:50 +0000

Verizon confirmed this morning that the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX will begin to receive their Ice Cream Sandwich updates starting June 22 (today). We first reported this as the rollout date a few days ago. One thing to keep in mind, is that many of you may not receive the update today at all. A lot of times, the initial go live date is for testers or small groups to make sure the update isn't going to blow up a bunch of phones. Mass availability could and will likely happen a few days later.

DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich; Global Ready

Two Motorola phones making the global jump to Android's latest operating system.
The DROID RAZR and the DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola will be the first 4G LTE smartphones on the Verizon Wireless network to be Global Ready. The upgrade, which will begin on June 22, will also upgrade all smartphones in the DROID RAZR family to the popular Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Ice Cream Sandwich features upgraded functionality and new features, such as Face Unlock. By looking directly at the screen, the smartphone recognizes its owner and automatically unlocks the device. It also includes Direct Access Lock Screen, which allows you to easily open camera, text messages, and dialer from the lock screen. Customers can use the front camera to video chat with friends and family to share summer stories or even just to wave hello. The new Video Calling icon makes it easy to access video chatting apps like ooVoo and Tango. The upgrade also enhances the voice input technology, typing your words as you speak emails or texts. Speak continuously for paragraphs at a time, add punctuation and even edit mistakes with voice input. As a Global Ready device, customers with the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX will be able to have voice and data service in more than 220 countries, when subscribed to an international plan. Additional information on the ICS upgrade can be found on the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola support page.

Flipboard Leaves Beta, Arrives on Google Play

Kellen — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 07:00:15 +0000

Flipboard, one of the prettier news apps on any platform, has left beta on Android and entered the Google Play store. It's free, as you would expect, and brings you a solid list of news sources to fill up your days. Get to flippin'. Play Link

DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Ice Cream Sandwich Update Build 6.16.211 Approved by Verizon, It's Update Time!

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:14:09 +0000

I have no idea what the hell is going on in Australia, but Verizon just posted the support docs for the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Ice Cream Sandwich update. This almost always indicates that the update is days away from rolling out. I'd say that the June 22 and 27 dates we heard are definitely in play. The build number is 6.16.211 which leaked out 3 days ago. Global roaming is included, a new video calling feature, new Smart Actions app, and a whole bunch of other goodies. Mostly though, it's all about Android 4.0.4 and the complete makeover that Motorola's Blur has received. It's much less intrusive, but with enough add-ons to make it semi-appetizing. This is it, the update you have been waiting 7 months for.

The update is 354MB in size. More. Update: Motorola updated their DROID RAZR page as well. It includes a whole bunch of Ice Cream Sandwich tutorial videos that you may want to take a look at. We have a bunch of them posted here as well. Cheers Mark!

Motorola: ICS for the RAZR Delayed in Australia, Other Regions Too? (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:06:10 +0000

Motorola announced today via Facebook that the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the international RAZR in Australia has been delayed and will not rollout in Q2. They initially announced Q2 as a deadline back in February, but even with a number of leaked builds sneaking out, they apparently ran into issues that will prevent them from pushing it to end users on time. The interesting note about this situation is the fact that one of the "MotoXprts" over at Motorola's support forums has made it clear that Australia will not be the only region affected. So does that mean that the U.S. will see a delay as well? As you all know, Q2 ends next Saturday. We have seen soak test invites go out to U.S. DROID RAZR owners, so there is a chance that we still see it here.

I will say that we have heard two reports within the last few days that have to do with the RAZR update here in the States. We had another source claim that June 22 is still in play, ~~but another is under the impression that it won't happen just like what was announced for Australia~~. The good news is that we should know within the next week. Hopefully you can all hold out a bit longer. Update: Verizon just posted the ICS docs for the DROID RAZR. We're go any day now! Sorry, Australians. Via: Motorola Facebook | Motorola Forums Cheers NJ!

Another DROID Bionic ICS Build Leaks, This Time as Version 6.7.2233

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:44:30 +0000

Quite the day for DROID Bionic owners, I'd say. After receiving their first flashable Ice Cream Sandwich leak this morning, another has appeared with a slightly newer build and potentially some critical bug fixes. The original leak was build 6.7.2231 - this one is 6.7.2233. According to those that have flashed it, there are framework, Moto apk and webtop changes. Probably not a bunch of stuff you'll notice upfront, but it should be more stable if anything. In order to update to this, you have to be on build 5.9.905, just like with the last one.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaJ4BlthS44[/youtube]

(This video is of this morning's leak.)

Via: Download | XDA Cheers Mike!

Strikefleet Omega, the Fate of Humanity Rests in Your Hands

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:00:42 +0000

Another spaceship game has hit Google Play, but this isn't just your average Asteroids. With a perfect mix of good graphics, story and gameplay, Starfleet Omega is a true contender for what a space shooter should be. Earth has been destroyed by alien terrorists and you are placed in command of a fleet of fighters. You must use them as best as you can to defeat the oncoming horde of enemy baddies while not letting them destroy the last bit of humanity. The game runs insanely smooth and for the price of free, is a must have for some. Give it a try and let us know what you think. Play Link

Incredible 4G LTE Pushed Back to July?

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:20:04 +0000

Yesterday we received word that the DROID Incredible 4G LTE would not be making its debut in the month of June and would instead arrive some time in July. We were hesitant at first to buy into the idea that Verizon and HTC would push it out that far, but additional sources of ours have said the same thing today. July 5 is now being thrown out as a likely target, however, I'm not sure that you should put any money on that being final until Verizon says it is. I wouldn't necessarily call this a delay, since we were only told that it would be released in the "coming weeks" back during its announcement at CTIA. It just seems odd that this still hasn't been released two months after it was announced. Had the Incredible 4G LTE made its way into stores at the beginning of June, it would have had a solid jump start on the Galaxy S3. The first week of July is only days before the GS3 is released - good luck. Cheers all!

Thursday Poll: Predictions For Jelly Bean?

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:43:07 +0000

Now that we have confirmation on Jelly Bean being Android 4.1 in the numbering scheme, we should start to talk about what we can expect from it in terms of features. While we are already seeing tech news outlets claim that it is only a minimal update, I'd call that a foolish assumption. For example, the jumps from 2.1 to 2.2 and then 2.2 to 2.3 were massive. If the move from 4.0 to 4.1 was only incremental, Google wouldn't have created an entirely new name for it. They clearly have bigger plans than some are predicting. So what are you hoping or expecting Google to announce for JB? Will we see Chrome replace the stock browser? There has to be some minor UI tweaks, right? We have seen the new search bar already. Will we get Majel, Google's full voice actions system? Pinch-to-zoom in Gmail, finally? More NFC features? File sharing in Google Talk? Native Google Wallet 2.0? How soon can we see 4.1 on a device? Will it launch with the Nexus tablet? Any chance it goes live for the HSPA Galaxy Nexus at IO? Let us know in the comments what you think.

Gameloft Releases Launch Trailer for Asphalt 7, Naturally It's "Coming Soon"

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:52:48 +0000

Gameloft released a trailer for the upcoming Asphalt 7 racing game that is soon to make its way onto the Android platform. This edition looks to be a super charged, nitrogen oxide-boosted addition to the franchise that is sure to leave users gripping on to the edge of their tablets or phones for dear life. Dramatic tendencies aside, the graphics are really starting to shape up, so I'm looking quite forward to this launch. We'll keep you posted. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXP9Rcr7OLQ[/youtube]

TiVo Launches Tablet Application on Android, Looking Straight at You Google TV

Eric — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:00:55 +0000

TiVo has been around so long that it's now a household name, but up until recently their Android game was lacking. They have a basic Android application, but if you're like me and leave your tablet on the coffee tablet in front of the TV, you would rather see a tab-specific application to control your TiVo with. Today, the company has released just that, along with a few really cool features other than your basic guide and search options.

My Shows – Check in on what you’ve got waiting in your own personal entertainment lineup in My Shows. Not only can you sort by date and title, you can monitor your available recording capacity with the handy disk space meter.
Season Pass Manager – Prioritize and edit your Season Pass recordings with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality in Season Pass Manager.
Remote – Take total control of your entertainment with your choice of two great TiVo remote control options: a full-scale replica of a classic TiVo remote or an intuitive, gesture-based remote control.

If you're a TiVo user, it sounds like this app is going to be a must-have in your living room. The application is available for download in the Play Store now. Play Link Cheers Novak!

Portal 2 Fans, Wheatley Has Arrived for Android in the Form of a Live Wallpaper

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:30:45 +0000

Portal 2 is a very popular game among the geek/nerd/tech community because it actually makes us use our brains. You don't just go around shooting zombies or fighting dragons, but you have to test your brain power and be a wizard at problem solving. Everyone's favorite character, Wheatley now makes his debut on Android as an awesome live wallpaper. What makes him even more stellar on Android is that his eye follows your finger's movements across the display and blinks when you tap on him. But alas, if only he could deliver his fantastic sense of humor as well to us in this form. The wallpaper is only a $1 and is quite worth the buck. Play Link ($1) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0V9boOAbXM[/youtube] Cheers Dale!

Galaxy Nexus Listing in Play Store Outs Jelly Bean as Android 4.1, Arriving "Soon"

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:30:09 +0000

And I'd say this about settles it. Jelly Bean will be Android 4.1, according to the Google Play listing for the Galaxy Nexus. We had all sort of assumed that 4.1 would be next, but now the question remains, "Will this be outed at Google I/O next week?" If Google is ready to talk about the G-Nex receiving it "soon," I'd say that we should be surprised if it isn't unveiled there. Update: During checkout, the new thumbnail that shows up includes a picture of the device with that new glassy Google Search bar that we saw in from the IO app yesterday. It's tiny and tough to make out, but this blurry blown up version gives you bit of a look:

Update 2: The checkout page that outed 4.1 as Jelly Bean has already been changed and no longer mentions it at all. Good thing we grabbed that screenie. :)

Via: XDA Cheers Luigi!

Starting Today, Developers Can Directly Respond to User Feedback in the Play Store

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:21:24 +0000

The comments section on an app's page in Google Play is an important section. If a potential buyer is looking for a quality app, they can browse through comments to see if the app has problems or if it lacks certain features. For those that have already purchased an app, leaving comments has been the best way to provide developers with feedback on bugs or requested features. Up until now though, developers have been unable to respond directly, making this somewhat of a 1-way street. Starting today for "Top Developers," with roll out to additional developers down the road, publishers can now reply directly to comments left on their app's listing. Whether it be to help users, answer questions, or inform folks of new feature additions, this should be a great way for developers to stay in touch with their users. Keep it up, Google. Via: Android Developers

Right in Time for Google I/O, Android Developer's Site Gets Facelift

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:53:13 +0000

Knowing that Google I/O is all about the developers, the official Android Developers website is sure to see lots of traffic in coming weeks. In anticipation of this spike in traffic, Google has just launched a newly redone site and so far, it looks fantastic. The site is based on the three steps that developers follow when creating applications: Design, Develop, and Distribute. Google has spent a lot of time making sure developers have everything they could possibly need to create the next big hit app for Android. As a cute note, in the top right of the site, you will see the settings key and search function that you would on a device running Ice Cream Sandwich and they work just as they would on your phone or tablet. It's a really fun site, so go check it out. Android Developers Website Via: G+

Samsung Galaxy SIII US Launch Officially Begins Today, So Where Is It?

Tim — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:10:01 +0000

Starting today, Samsung's Galaxy SIII (review here) is officially available in the United States. But as many Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint customers would know, we have yet to receive devices from carriers thanks to launch delays and open ended release dates. While we wait for our devices to show up at our doorsteps, Samsung is putting on the biggest advertising campaign ever conducted in the U.S. To give off a sense of the amazing lengths they are going to, here is a couple of the "innovative" ways Samung is marketing this device here in the States:

Samsung is rewarding new owners with premium content via Samsung Share-to-Go Stations across the nation at no cost.Leveraging the NFC technology incorporated into the Galaxy S III, Samsung customers are able to download content directly to their device with a simple tap of their phone to the smart board or kiosk.

This summer, Samsung is launching an interactive cinema 3D game experience at theaters across the country. The Samsung Galaxy SIII Cinema Game allows the audience to uniquely interact with a 3D phone on-screen and move the images with hand motions to score points.

In a special event to celebrate this enormous launch, Samsung brought in a few NBA stars, Skrillex, and even Ashley Greene to show off the sharing features of the device. Along with that hype, Sammy is going to donate a very generous $1.5 million dollars to the World Wildlife Fund from their Facebook page, which will help secure a world where humans are inspired by nature and then design phones on it. If only they could put all of this cash into making sure people's orders were fulfilled already, life would be good.

Samsung Galaxy S® III Available Starting Today

Samsung celebrates launch of “The Next Big Thing” in smartphones with expansive marketing campaign, consumer experiential event, and $1.5 million donation to World Wildlife Fund
New York City — June 21, 2012 —The Samsung Galaxy S® III has officially launched in the U.S. The premium content sharing smartphone is available online starting today on T-Mobile’s Web site and in select retail stores. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular will have the Galaxy S III in-store and online within the next several weeks. The Galaxy S III celebration kicked off in New York City last night with a star-studded event hosted by actress Ashley Greene. Five hundred Samsung fans were granted access to an experiential event held at Skylight Studios in the trendy SoHo district to test drive the sharing capabilities of the Galaxy S III, get their picture taken with NBA stars Steve Nash, Kevin Love and Stephen Curry and share those once-in-a-lifetime experiences thanks to the Galaxy S III. Capping the night off was a special surprise performance by Skrillex. Taking its inspiration from nature, Samsung Mobile designed the Galaxy S III features to respond intuitively and naturally to human use and interaction. It balances ergonomics with intuitive use so that the device becomes an extension of the user. To celebrate the launch of the Galaxy S III, Samsung Telecommunications America will donate $1.5 million to benefit the World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org), which strives to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. Samsung fans can share with the world which animal species they love by voting at www.facebook.com/samsungmobileusa and at the various launch events being hosted June 20-22. Samsung will announce the donation on its Facebook page and tap into its community of nearly 7 million fans on Facebook.com/samsungmobileusa to help raise awareness of the WWF initiatives with posts throughout the week. The launch of the Galaxy S III is being supported by the largest and most innovative marketing and advertising campaign ever conducted in the U.S. by Samsung Mobile. The campaign leverages technology to engage consumers in new and interactive ways and reward Galaxy S III owners. · With sharing as a key feature of the Galaxy S III, Samsung is rewarding new owners with premium content via Samsung Share-to-Go Stations across the nation at no cost. Leveraging the NFC technology incorporated into the Galaxy S III, Samsung customers are able to download content directly to their device with a simple tap of their phone to the smart board or kiosk. Content is stored on the device so it can be viewed at any time. · This summer, Samsung is launching an interactive cinema 3D game experience at theaters across the country. The Samsung Galaxy SIII Cinema Game allows the audience to uniquely interact with a 3D phone on-screen and move the images with hand motions to score points. · This weekend, the Times Square Share will give consumers on the streets of New York, the first opportunity to share photos and video with the Galaxy S III. Consumers that perform actions such as playing air guitar or showing off dance moves can watch their video on the Samsung Big Board in Times Square and on Samsung’s social media channels. · Samsung presents Beacon, a mobile-only magazine and content hub with the latest news, tips, information and entertainment designed for people who’ve left the desktop behind. Beacon will offer daily news and features curated from more than 1,000 sources across the Web, as well as exclusive stories and downloadable content in the form of music, video, and e-books and magazines. “Once again, we are putting the ‘Next Big Thing’ in consumers’ hands. The Galaxy S III introduces a completely new way of sharing and socializing that no other mobile phone can,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications. About The Galaxy S III SHARING & SIMPLICITY The sharing services and capabilities of the Galaxy S III connect people to the experiences and content that influence their daily lives. This smartphone harnesses the potential of Samsung’s diverse ecosystem of consumer electronics by enabling sharing of content with multiple devices, among large groups or with another device. The process of pairing the Galaxy S III for these sharing services takes little to no set up. · AllShare Play – Galaxy S III automatically locates Samsung HDTVs, laptops and other devices on the same WiFi network that are ready to receive video files. Users remotely access files from devices on other networks. · Group Cast – Share and collaborate on documents, presentations or images without loading the file separately · Share Shot – Send still images from Galaxy S III’s 8 megapixel camera to other phones up to 200 feet away · S-Beam – One touch transfer of large video or document files without using Wi-Fi cell signal or data service · S-Voice™ – Control commonly used services (music player, camera, alarm) with words instead of touch · Smart Stay – Tracks eye movement to keep device screen lit anytime the user is looking at the display · Burst Shot – Rapid-fire image capture (three images per second) with zero shutter lag · Pop Up Play – Watch any side-loaded video content while operating any application in full-screen at the same time NEW SMARTPHONE STANDARD The Galaxy S III creates a true industry first by delivering the same design and user experience across the carrier variants while also offering the customized services of each of the five U.S. carriers. Design highlights include: Lightweight and Sleek: weighs 4.7 ounces and measures an ultra-thin 8.6 mm HD Super AMOLED™ Touchscreen: 4.8-inch display with minimal bezel maximizes viewing area Dual-core 1.5 Ghz CPU & 2GB internal RAM: high-speed performance and seamless multi-tasking 2100 mAh Battery: get more video, music and Web on a single charge Impressive Expandable Memory: store and swap out microSD cards as large as 64GB ACCESSORIES PORTFOLIO A host of premium Galaxy S III accessories, including convenient docking options, convergence solutions and an array of colorful cases and covers, will be available for all Galaxy S III smartphones. Available now:

Universal Multimedia Desktop Dock

Spare Battery Charging System

Universal Vehicle Navigation Mount

Protective Flip Cover in Pebble Blue, Marble White, Light Blue, Green & Pink

Protective Cover in Transparent Blue, Transparent Pink, Opaque Blue & Opaque Green

Ultra Slim Cover in Transparent Blue, Clear

C-Pen

HDTV Smart Adapter with 11 Pin Adapter Tip

Available in the coming weeks:

AllShare Cast Hub

Premium Audio Dock

For more information on Samsung Galaxy S III, visit www.facebook.com/samsungmobileusa

The First Galaxy SIII Melt Down, So Hot It Can Catch on Fire

Eric — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:30:49 +0000

It seems like every time a new device comes out, there's always one that comes back to the factory with a little bit of a burn mark on it. The Galaxy SIII is not just the hottest phone that everyone is talking about right now, but one recently got a little too warm for one customer and ended up melting.

This international version of the SIII was in a car holster when the phone got hotter than it should have. It was sent back to Samsung and they responded with this message:

Samsung is aware of this issue and will begin investigating as soon as we receive the specific product in question. Once the investigation is complete, we will be able to provide further details on the situation. We are committed to providing our customers with the safest products possible and are looking at this seriously.

Let's hope that Samsung finds out what caused this soon to fix anything if it needs fixing.

Via: Pocketnow

New Orders of Verizon's Galaxy S3 Now Shipping by 7/11

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 08:50:07 +0000

Over the last couple of days, we have seen almost every U.S. carrier announce some sort of delay for their shipments of the Samsung Galaxy S3 (our review) to both stores and consumers. Thanks to high demand, Verizon can be added to that list, with their estimated shipping date now showing as 7/11. One thing we want to make clear though, is how this affects those that pre-ordered long ago. According to info we received, this new 7/11 date only applies to those that pre-order from today on or potentially within the last couple of days. If you pre-ordered between 6/6 and 6/13, yours should still ship by 7/9. If you pre-ordered between 6/14 and 6/18, yours should ship by 7/10.

Cheers zepfloyd, ___, and J!

ICS 4.0.4 Leaks For DROID Bionic, Can Be Flashed Through Stock Recovery

Eric — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 08:05:42 +0000

Bionic owners, let me be the first to tell you that your morning just got a whole lot better. Late last night, Android guru P3Droid said on twitter that he came across a leaked build of Ice Cream Sandwich for the DROID Bionic. First impressions are that the build is "buttery smooth" and many people are reporting that it runs pretty well on the phone.

The best part about this file is that it can be, actually must be, flashed from stock recovery. You must be on stock .905 for this to work but if you drop the file on your SDcard you can flash away. And if the story could get any sweeter, ~~the root method that worked on the RAZR 4.0.4 build seems to work fine here~~, but there is a special root method being made for this anyway. If you want to get your Bionic up-to-date hit the source link below and happy flashing!

Update: The previous root method apparently works, but djrbliss is recommending that you do not use it. Wait for the special root method if you can.

Via: Droid Hive

Cheers Mike, Sam, and Josh!

Swiftkey 3 Graduates Beta and Into the Play Store - Free For X Owners, On Sale For Newbies

Kellen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:43:59 +0000

Swiftkey announced late last night that their Beta 3 was moving on up in the world and into official status in various app stores. Many of you have been helping them test the beta, but for those who stuck to releases in places like the Play store and Amazon Appstore, you can now join the party. If you had already purchased Swiftkey X, the upgrade to version 3 is free. If you have yet to fork out cash for any of the Swiftkeys, you can pick up them up for a limited time at half price, or $1.99. Links: Phone | Tablet Cheers everyone!

New Mod Allows for NFC Actions While Screen is Off

Tim — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:50:55 +0000

When performing Near Field Communication (NFC) actions on our capable devices, the display must be on. Don't know why exactly that is, but it's just one of the rules. Well, thanks to a new mod from an XDA member, having the display on is no longer needed. After installing a new NFC.apk, you can simply tap your TecTiles or Android Beam with other users without having to unlock your device. The mod is available so far for the Galaxy Nexus line of devices, the HTC One X, the Galaxy SIII, and the Nexus S. If you want to give it a go, then follow the via link down below. Via: XDA Cheers Ryun!

Oscura is a Beautiful 2D Platformer With a Gothic 3D Aesthetic for Android

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:10:32 +0000

Last night, while trying to unwind after busting out my Galaxy S3 review, I stumbled onto a game made by MTV of all companies, called Oscura. It's a 2D platformer, but while playing, it almost feels 3D thanks to the environment and the obstacles you encounter. Better put, it's freakin' beautiful. You are some sort of a mouse or rodent, with one goal, to find shards of a crystal that was destroyed and sprayed across an island. There are dark creatures lurking in various places, spikes, lava, powerups, and more. The idea is simple and the gameplay is buttery smooth, but so far it has been quite the challenge to pass each level with much of a high score. There is a 4-star rating system to get you to pass through perfectly, and even some hidden treasures throughout. Reviews in the market claim that there are only 20 levels so far, so the price may seem a bit steep. Assuming MTV plans to add more, this game is easily worth that price tag. Play Link ($1.99)

HTC: Rezound Ice Cream Sandwich Update Available Today, Wait What? (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:39:21 +0000

According to HTC, the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Rezound is available today. Verizon hasn't mentioned it yet and no reader of ours has reportedly received it, so we are as confused as you probably are. For what it's worth, their support page has all of the dirty details on it which we have pasted for you below. For those that have been following along in the ICS-Rezound saga, the build referenced is the same one that leaked last week. Here is the full changelog:

HTC Rezound™ Software Upgrade Instructions | 06.20.2012
This software update (Software Number: 3.14.605.10 710RD; Baseband Version:1.22.10.0421r, 1.22.10.0424r) is now available for your HTC Rezound. It will update your device to the Ice Cream Sandwich Operating System (OS) and provide several enhancements, fixes and features, including:

Applications & Widgets

V CAST Media Manager has been updated to Backup Assistant Plus with an enhanced user experience.

Caller Name ID application has been updated and added to All Apps.

Time zone issues have been resolved within the Clock widget.

Device Features

Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.

Cisco AnyConnect support has been added to improve VPN functionality.

Improved data connectivity for a better user experience.

Improve device stability minimizes the number of resets.

Improvements to Mobile Hotspot connectivity.

Email, Messaging & Web

Improvements to default mail application now displays all Yahoo! mail contents properly

In order to receive this update, you will need to be on build 2.01.605.11. The entire process will take approximately 70 minutes. Update: HTC jumped the gun and has reverted the support page back to showing the previous update. Who knows when we'll see it now. For them to publish all of this info though, we have to think that it must be close to receiving that final approval.

We'll be on the lookout for more info, like a rollout date. Via: HTC Cheers Joel and Sina!

Jolicloud for Android, One Social Media App to Rule Them All

Tim — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:05:26 +0000

If you're like many others out there, you are constantly having to open all of your different social applications to see what's new in everyone's life. Well, in comes Jolicloud. What Joli looks to do is combine all of the media content that comes across your feeds and puts it into a very pretty and well laid out interface. You can hook up your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other networks through the Settings menu. The idea is pretty good and the execution is even better. It's a very well designed app and does in fact make stalking your friend's feeds more interesting. Give it a try and let us know what you think. Play Link Cheers Anish!

MightyText for Android, Another Great Way to Link Your Texts to the Desktop

Tim — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:20:33 +0000

If simplifying your life through the Internet and computer is your passion, then MightyText might be your next favorite application. Through a Chrome extension (Safari and IE also supported) and Android application, you can start receiving and sending text messages straight from your desktop computer. Much like Koush's DeskSMS, after linking the app to your Google account and individual device (yes, it uses your carrier's SMS count), you can start chatting with friends right from the monitor in front of you. No more having to pick up that heavy smartphone (/s). After a short test with Kellex, the application works pretty darn smooth and I highly recommend it. Play Link Via: Mighty Text Cheers Jake and bsweetness!

Galaxy Nexus Portrait Dock Officially Discontinued at Verizon

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:44:20 +0000

The portrait-style HDMI dock for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus has officially been discontinued through Verizon. Actually, that's a funny way of putting it since the dock was never made available in the first place. It appeared through back alley channels in Big Red's store at some point, but if anyone tried to order it, they were usually sent a cancellation notice days later or told that it was backordered. For those, like me and a couple of other readers, who had not heard back, you may have received the email that we attached below which delivers the discontinued news.

The dock was available for a while from sites like Expansys at around $60. We picked one up and came to the conclusion that it was not worth that much since it lacked almost any useful functionality. While this may seem like sad news, I'm sure you have already all moved on by now. Save your cash for your next full retail phone purchase. Cheers Chad!

Samsung's "The Next Big Thing is Here" Commercial for the Galaxy S3

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:10:37 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh3N_9Vd8Us[/youtube]

We aren't sure if this is the official Galaxy S3 TV spot that will run for the foreseeable future, but you have to admit that it does a pretty good job of highlighting both the phone and features. In the past, we have seen companies attempt to promote products without actually showing enough of the product, so this a step in the right direction. If you missed our Galaxy S3 review, be sure to check it out.

Quick Look: Samsung Galaxy S3 Flip Cover

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:25:04 +0000

If you checked out our Galaxy S3 review from last night, then you probably saw the two pictures under the "Accessories" section of the device's Flip Cover. There isn't a ton to say about it, but we thought we'd whip up a quick video to show it off a bit. For those that haven't seen it yet, think of the Flip Cover as a replacement battery cover with a soft, screen guard attached. It flips open and closed over the device, hence the name. It probably won't offer you the ultimate amount of protection, but it will give your screen some relief when sliding the device in and out of pockets or bags. We are wondering how easy it is going to be to adjust the volume with this cover on though.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zISxGigv0UE[/youtube]

Samsung Upgrading the Whole Galaxy Tab Line to Android 4.0 Next Month?

Eric — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:50:48 +0000

The second version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 may have launched with Ice Cream Sandwich, but many owners of the original are still wondering where their update is. If the rumors are right, Samsung will be sending out updates to most of their old line of tablets starting next month. That includes the:

Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI/ 3G
Galaxy Tab 8.9 WIFI/ 3G
Galaxy Tab 7.7 WIFI/ 3G
Galaxy Tab Plus 7.0 WIFI/ 3G

The original Samsung Galaxy Tab seems to be a bit too aged to get the bump to ICS, but it's good to see that Samsung is committed to all these other devices. Other than all the upgrades the ICS brings, the update is said to improve battery life and overall speed of the tablet. There are no dates set in stone yet, but it sounds like it will be sooner rather than later. Via: SamMobile

Verizon to Turn On 46 New 4G LTE Markets and Expand 22 Others Tomorrow

Tim — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:15:14 +0000

Starting tomorrow, June 21, Verizon will flip the switch on an additional 46 4G LTE markets here in the US, while also expanding on 22 others. Total LTE markets will then reach 304, as Big Red hopes to reach 400 complete markets by the end of 2012. There's no doubt, Verizon is completely blanketing the country with high data speeds in preparation for everyone's favorite Shared Data plans. New Markets:

Florence, Ala.
Harrison, Ark.
Yuba City/Marysville, Calif.
Panama City, Fla.
Carrolton, Gainesville and Newnan, Ga.
Blackfoot, Idaho
Decatur/Effingham, Kankakee/Bradley-Bourbonnais and La Salle/Peru/Ottawa, Ill.
Columbus and Michigan City/La Porte, Ind.
Greater Portland, Maine
Greenville/Greenwood, Jackson and Tunica, Miss.
Houghton and Traverse City, Mich.
Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks and West Plains, Mo.
Binghamton, Elmira/Corning/Hornell and Oneonta, N.Y.
Burlington, Hickory/Lenoir, Jacksonville and New Bern, N.C.
Bedford and Sharon/Farrell/Hermitage, Pa.
Anderson, Florence and Greenwood, S.C.
Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Midland, San Angelo and Waco, Texas
Danville, Va.
Ashland, Ky./Huntington, W.Va. and Logan, W.Va.
Fond du Lac, Janesville/Beloit and Sheboygan, Wis.
Gillette, Wyo.
The Lihue, Hawaii market launched June 11.

Expanding Markets:

Denver and Fort Collins/Loveland, Colo.
Philadelphia., Pa./Wilmington, Del.
Daytona Beach, Gainesville and West Palm Beach, Fla.
Hilo, Hawaii; Boise/Nampa, Idaho
Chicagoland, Ill.; Lafayette, Ind.
Hammond, La.; Springfield, Mo.
Glens Falls and New York, N.Y.
Charlotte/Gastonia and Greenville/Washington, N.C.
Indiana, Pa. and Hagerstown, Md./Chambersburg, Pa.
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va.
Seattle, Wash.
Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis.

VERIZON WIRELESS 4G LTE NETWORK AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN 300 MARKETS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES Company Adds 46 New Markets, Expands in 22 Other Markets on June 21

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless, owner of the nation’s largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, today announced that its 4G LTE network will be available in 46 new markets and expand in 22 additional markets across the United States on June 21. Just in time for the summer travel season, the company will bring its 4G LTE network to a total of 304 markets, enabling 4G LTE speeds in vacation destinations throughout the country. With the new and expanded markets, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network continues to expand its reach with 4G LTE speeds available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population, and more 4G LTE coverage than all other networks combined. “Time and time again, third-party surveys affirm that the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network keeps its promise to provide customers with consistently reliable responsiveness, download and upload speeds, and greater availability in more places throughout the country than any competing network,” said Nicola Palmer, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. “Our aggressive 4G LTE network build-out is on track, providing our customers with the largest 4G LTE network in the United States – and the world – today. We are committed to cover more than 400 markets by the end of 2012. We will continue to expand and strengthen our 4G LTE network and plan to offer full nationwide coverage everywhere we have 3G coverage today, by the end of 2013.” New and Expanded Markets On Thursday, June 21, the company will introduce its 4G LTE network in 46 new markets: Florence, Ala.; Harrison, Ark.; Yuba City/Marysville, Calif.; Panama City, Fla.; Carrolton, Gainesville and Newnan, Ga.; Blackfoot, Idaho; Decatur/Effingham, Kankakee/Bradley-Bourbonnais and La Salle/Peru/Ottawa, Ill.; Columbus and Michigan City/La Porte, Ind.; Greater Portland, Maine; Greenville/Greenwood, Jackson and Tunica, Miss.; Houghton and Traverse City, Mich.; Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks and West Plains, Mo.; Binghamton, Elmira/Corning/Hornell and Oneonta, N.Y.; Burlington, Hickory/Lenoir, Jacksonville and New Bern, N.C.; Bedford and Sharon/Farrell/Hermitage, Pa.; Anderson, Florence and Greenwood, S.C.; Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Midland, San Angelo and Waco, Texas; Danville, Va.; Ashland, Ky./Huntington, W.Va. and Logan, W.Va.; Fond du Lac, Janesville/Beloit and Sheboygan, Wis.; and Gillette, Wyo. The Lihue, Hawaii market launched June 11. The company will also expand its 4G LTE network in 22 markets where Verizon Wireless 4G LTE was already available: Denver and Fort Collins/Loveland, Colo.; Philadelphia., Pa./Wilmington, Del.; Daytona Beach, Gainesville and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Hilo, Hawaii; Boise/Nampa, Idaho; Chicagoland, Ill.; Lafayette, Ind.; Hammond, La.; Springfield, Mo.; Glens Falls and New York, N.Y.; Charlotte/Gastonia and Greenville/Washington, N.C.; Indiana, Pa. and Hagerstown, Md./Chambersburg, Pa.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va.; Seattle, Wash.; Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis. 4G LTE Devices, Plans and Speed Verizon Wireless offers 24 4G LTE devices, the largest selection of 4G LTE devices offered by any carrier. Devices range from tablets and mobile hotspots to the latest smartphones and more, including the Samsung Galaxy S® III, currently available online for pre-order, and the soon-to-be available DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC. Details on available devices can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at www.verizonwireless.com/plans. Verizon Wireless also offers a variety of smart accessories, including the FitBit Ultra Wireless Activity Tracker and the Withings WiFi Scale, for customers to use with their 4G LTE devices. A full list of smart accessories can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/smartaccessories. In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area or when they travel to areas already covered by Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network. On June 21, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available in 304 markets across the United States. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for a full list of 4G LTE markets and additional information on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. For street-level detail of coverage and more, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE.

LG Optimus LTE2 Cruises Through the FCC Sporting Verizon's LTE Frequency

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:00:16 +0000

The LG-VS930, or better known to all of us as Verizon's LG Optimus LTE2, cruised through the FCC yesterday. It's sporting Big Red's LTE frequency in the range of 777MHz to 787MHz in case you were wondering. Other than that bit of info, the FCC filing is your standard filing with no other dirty details being revealed. What we do know is that boxes containing either the device or promotional materials have been shipping to VZW stores and that this phone has popped up in benchmarks in the past sporting a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor. It should have 2GB of RAM as well. We also have known its codename of D1LV for a couple of months now, but LG has reportedly confirmed that to be the codename this morning. This should be LG's finest U.S. effort yet, however, it has the Galaxy S3 to compete with (our review). Via: FCC | Blog of Mobile

Google Hints at Jelly Bean Goodies in Google I/O Application Screenshot?

Tim — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:30:33 +0000

There is buzz going around this morning, all surrounding the above screenshot that Google released to show off the widget in the newly launched Google I/O application. Whether all of these people need to go take a break from their computer screens or this is what Jelly Bean could come to look like, let's go over what has people so curious. The first major change that we can see in this screenshot when compared to Ice Cream Sandwich, is the Google Search bar itself. Instead of being a solid and dark grey color, they look to have opted for a more transparent feel, while also incorporating a newer 'mic' icon. Keep in mind, this is for the official I/O app, so we would think this is a Googler's device and not someone who is running a custom ROM or anything of that nature. Next up, we have the Chrome for Android icon in the bottom right. Bye bye, stock browser? Again, being a Google employee's device would mean that they would most likely use Google's line of applications more often than not and are just taking this time to showcase Chrome more broadly. Could we see Chrome leave the Beta tag behind at I/O? Another little fun thing to point out is the time on the device. 25:10? October 25? Could it be a launch date? Could it be something else? We love speculating, especially around this time of year! If you have any wild guesses or fun facts to throw into the pot, give it a go down in the comments section below. I/O Fever has officially taken over the Android community. Could we expect to see to Jelly Bean next week in San Francisco? Fingers crossed. Cheers Tjhrulz!

Samsung Wins 3G Patent Dispute in Holland, Apple May Have to Pay Up

Eric — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:00:19 +0000

The patent wars seem never ending at this point, but there is good news for Samsung just before the launch of their Galaxy SIII around the world. In a patent dispute in Holland over European Patent EP1188269 which is an "apparatus for encoding a transport format combination indicator for a communications system," Apple is said to have infringed upon Samsung. There is not likely to be any kind of ban on products at this point, but Apple may have to pay to keep things from getting ugly. The two companies are working towards a compensatory deal at the moment, we'll have to wait and see how much the case was worth.

Via: Engadget

Swype Announces New Version, a 4-in-1 Keyboard Filled With Magic

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 08:22:44 +0000

Swype, who seemed to have been losing its edge in the keyboard game to Swiftkey around these parts, announced a major overhaul today that as you may expect, brings it inline with some of its strongest competitors. In this latest version, Swype predicts better and also learns from your emails, texts, and posts. It even includes a new 4-in-1 keyboard of sorts, meaning you can Swype words, rapidly type them key-for-key thanks to predictive text, speak using their Dragon button, or go as far as writing actual letters out with your fingertip. It should be available at beta.swype.com for those itching to test it out, however, their site is completely overloaded. We'll update this post as soon as it comes back. Update: The site appears to be back up, go download it! Update 2: Added video of the new Swype in action below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCTjgbEtYKY[/youtube]

Nuance Launches Next Generation Swype

Swype's New Living, Learning Keyboard Gets Smarter Every Time You Use It
Burlington, Mass. – June 20, 2012 – Nuance Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN) today announced the next-generation Swype keyboard, a four-in-one keyboard that is a revolutionary step forward in the way people communicate and input text on their mobile devices. Swype now combines touch and voice input with unique adaptive capabilities to understand users’ preferences over time – becoming smarter and more personalized every time they swype, speak, tap and write. Staying connected has never been more exciting as Swype provides consumers with more choice in how they input text, and now interprets a user’s personal language style – ultimately providing an amazingly fast, flexible, and accurate experience. New features include:

Next Word Prediction: Swype’s next word prediction is amazingly intelligent as Nuance has integrated capabilities from its renowned XT9 portfolio. Swype gets smarter based on historical usage, so prediction becomes more accurate with each use.

Voice-Text Dictionary Syncing: Swype now includes a personal dictionary. Every new word a user enters on the keyboard gets added to their personal dictionary for speech and text, and you can even have Swype learn from emails, texts and posts. These updates are then mapped into Swype’s unified language model, so people can immediately speak or write that same word no matter how unique or specialized.

Language Downloads: Swypers everywhere can communicate in any language they speak, as Swype now supports the download of over 55 languages right from the device.

Four-in-One Keyboard: Swype now delivers a four input modalities in one keyboard. People can swype from letter to letter; type rapidly with predictive text input powered by XT9; speak their text naturally through a fully integrated Dragon button; or, simply write letters, words and symbols using their fingertip. Further, users can switch back and forth between modalities on the fly – providing the ultimate in keyboard personalization.

“People use their keyboards every day in every way – so input needs to be fast and simple,” said Michael Thompson, executive vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. “The new Swype living, learning keyboard ushers in a new era of input, where the keyboard adapts to the users’ unique way of communicating every time they swype, speak, tap or write.” Availability The next-generation of Swype is available for OEMs supporting the Android Platform as well as via an SDK for other operating systems. Can’t wait for a device? Go to beta.swype.com to download the Swype Beta for Android today. About Nuance Communications, Inc Nuance Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN) is a leading provider of voice and language solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with devices and systems. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience Nuance’s proven applications. For more information, please visitwww.nuance.com.

Video: Samsung Galaxy S3 S Voice Overview

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 08:20:44 +0000

These damn voice recognition apps, they just won't go away. I'll admit that they are probably more useful than 3D was, but how many people are going to find something like this useful on a daily or even hourly basis? Siri use has been hit or miss, so how will Samsung's S Voice fair? In our tests, it worked OK at times. For me personally though, I'm still struggling to find a way to fit it into my daily schedule, however, over time it could grow on me (assuming Samsung has plans to add in sports, movie and restaurant features). At this point, it's only slightly better than some of the Android options and has a long way to go to become an ultra-powerful tool. We took it for a spin below. Most of this video was featured in our full Galaxy S3 review, in case you missed it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIaeA1BVBo8[/youtube]

Video: Sharing on the Galaxy S3 With Share Shot, S Beam, and AllShare

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 07:45:42 +0000

To me, the biggest draws to the Samsung Galaxy S3 are going to be its ability to share things with other Galaxy S3s. If you and your friends or colleagues have the phone, passing around pictures, videos, and other media has never been easier. Samsung realized that in order to become more than just a spec beast, they would need to take this sharing idea and their custom skin and add features that no other phone has, like Share Shot, S Beam, and AllShare. I think they did a pretty good job with it. This video was also posted in our full Galaxy S3 review, in case you missed it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d474uOl0ol8[/youtube]

Video: Samsung Galaxy S3 TouchWiz Overview

Kellen — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 07:00:59 +0000

Samsung has made some major changes to its TouchWiz UI through the Galaxy S3. In fact, they made so many, that it took a 26-minute video from us to touch on about half of them. The video is below and includes a tour of the camera, S Voice, UI customizations, and more. If you were looking for a more detailed video of this latest custom skin from Sammy, you may not find one elsewhere. This video was also posted in our full Galaxy S3 review, in case you missed it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1gb5wXVsq8[/youtube]

Samsung Galaxy S3 Review

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:00:04 +0000

It's here, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has arrived. Well, almost. Depending on the carrier, you may not see it for a week or two, but the time is certainly upon us. Are you ready for one phone, in two colors, on all carriers? Are you ready for 2GB of RAM? How about a phone that lets you and your friends share the world with a couple of clicks? Do you want to be a part of the next Android global phenomenon? This is the phone that is supposed to bring all of that - let's see if it did.

The Good:

Specs: You can't argue with the legitimacy of the specs for the Galaxy S3. On top you have a 4.8" HD Super AMOLED display that is gorgeous, a top-of-the-line 8MP camera in the rear, front 1.9MP camera, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, incredibly loud speaker, 2100mAh battery, expandable storage up to 64GB, and internal storage up to 32GB. This phone is as top tier as it gets.
Performance: People are going to roll their eyes at the dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor in this phone since we can't seem to get anything else in this country, but you'd be a fool to discount it. Qualcomm knows what they are doing here, folks. This phone flies. If you want one of, if not the smoothest experiences on a smartphone to date, you are looking at it. There are zero stutters, the transitions never lag, and multi-tasking is a breeze. Once you figure out the navigation button system, you are going to be blown away by the speed of this 2GB RAM and dual-core processor combo.
Camera: The 8MP camera on the GS3 is pretty awesome. It's super fast (instant shutter), takes better than average pictures under lower lighting, and shoots in burst (20 instant pics) and all sorts of other sharing modes. The software can be customized to your liking, it takes stills during video, and the facial recognition in it works incredibly well. If you were looking for one of the top smartphone cameras available today, this is one of them.

Build: This phone feels just as solid in hand as any other phone you will hold this year. It may be made of plastic and not some fancy oxidized ceramic, but it certainly doesn't feel like it's going to fall apart. Samsung has taken heat in the past for having "cheap" feeling phones, however, this is not one of them. It has just enough weight to allow it to sit nicely in your hand, yet it's light enough to make you feel at ease. You also have Gorilla Glass 2 on the front to give you a bit of extra protection.
Screen: Yep, it's pentile. Do we care? Just like with the Galaxy Nexus, we don't. The pixel count is high enough that your eye isn't going to pick out anything horrendous. Also, Samsung confirmed to us that while this display is still the same HD Super AMOLED tech used in the G-Nex, that it has actually been improved a bit. It wasn't a big enough step up to call it a "Plus," but it is better. After looking at it for the last week, I would tend to believe that it has been improved, with colors appearing clearer, brighter and truer. Looking at the macro shots below though, may tell a different story depending on what your eye sees. No matter what, it looks beautiful to the naked eye.

(Click to enlarge)

Design: I'm torn a bit on whether or not I truly love the design of the Galaxy S3. I hate the physical home button, menu and back keys, and also dislike the white back plate of the white version. For whatever reason though, I seem to have fallen in love with the blue color chosen for its counterpart. It would be a lie if I said that this phone equals or bests the HTC One X in terms of design, however, it remains a looker and has already caught the attention of many of my friends. I could do without the shiny finish that tends to attract fingerprints at times, but it's not a deal breaker. Overall, the GS3 is designed very well.
Battery Life: While I'm still waiting to get my hands on Verizon's Galaxy S3, so that we can test the battery life on LTE, I've had no issues with the AT&T version. Over the last week, I have been able to push this phone through a full day with ease. I have to admit that I haven't done much gaming yet, but there has been plenty of settings tweaking, Beaming, WiFi-direct connections, and camera work that all would crush a battery in hours in the past. This Snapdragon S4 processor may be our cure for battery life until the new LTE chips are released. Also, we should note that the battery is removable, so if the 2100mAh of juice aren't enough, you will likely have the option to upgrade to a bigger one.

TouchWiz: Look, I'd rather do without an Android skin if I had the choice, but Nexus devices are the only ones giving us that experience at this point. Skins are here to help OEMs differentiate their products and Samsung has done a solid job here. While the "nature" theme is a bit obnoxious at times, the feature add-ons like Share Shot, S Beam, and all of the camera software tweaks are fantastic and a joy to use. Not only that, but you have system toggles in the notification bar, easy connectivity to friends and networks, and more customizable options in settings menus than we have seen in some time. Samsung focused on giving owners of the GS3 quick ways to connect and share content with friends - they have more than succeeded.
Call Quality: Voice calls all sound great on the Galaxy S3. I'm not a massive talker, but every time I placed a call and talked for more than a few minutes, I could hear the other party as clear as ever.
Network Connectivity: Ahh yes, connectivity. After the disaster that was the radio situation on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, you have to be wondering how the GS3 fairs. So far, this AT&T device has been stellar. Now, that doesn't mean that Verizon's CDMA/LTE version will be of the same quality, but I get the feeling that Samsung knows where it failed with the G-Nex and has corrected it. No dropped calls for me and no major data drop outs or hand-off issues to be reported.
Accessories: You should be beyond excited over the fact that Samsung forced all carriers across the globe to adopt one design and not give them the opportunity to change it. You will have more accessories to choose from than you ever imagined. There will be docks from multiple accessory dealers, cases galore, extended batteries that aren't confusing, and so much more. I hate to bring up the iPhone, but you may know in the near future exactly what their accessory world is like.

Pricing: Options are always good, aren't they? Samsung is releasing this phone with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage and has priced each version at $199 and $249 respectively. Well, except on T-Mobile where the pricing is beyond confusing. If you are going with AT&T, Verizon or Sprint, you get the pricing I just stated which is on-par with other top tier phones. Be sure to keep in mind that the expandable storage goes up to 64GB, so even if you choose the lesser 16GB version, you'll still have the ability to add on a ton if you need it.
Color Options: Again, how can you not like options? For the first time in recent memory, Samsung is releasing an Android phone with 2 color choices at launch: ceramic white and pebble blue. Both look great, but I'd give the blue a slight edge over the white. And thank you Sammy, for not making either of them charcoal or black. Hooray, for color!

The Not-so-Good:

Physical Home Button: Why Samsung!?! Why did you include this navigation key setup? The Android team, with Ice Cream Sandwich, wanted the world to move away from a menu button and physical nav keys, yet here we are with the biggest device of the year sticking to them. I hated the physical home button on the Galaxy S2 and I still hate it with the Galaxy S3. It just doesn't feel natural or convenient to have to physically press in a button to get back home. Not only that, but it isn't pretty either.
S Voice: One of the big selling points for the GS3 is going to be their Siri knock-off dubbed S Voice. As someone that has tried just about every single one of these voice recognition and activity services, trust me when I say that this one isn't going to change the world. Does it have a bigger repertoire than many? It does. Does it outperform them all? At times. Will it become an integral piece to your smartphone experience? Well, even Siri hasn't with iPhone users, so I doubt it will with this phone.

TouchWiz Styling: For as much as I praised TouchWiz in the "Good" section above, I have to be fair and bring up some of the parts that drive me nuts as well. For starters, this "nature" theme is completely silly. I do not want water all over my phone, nor do I want it to sound like a dripping faucet every time I press a button. Even in its 2012 form, TW remains too cartoony for my liking. I tend to prefer more minimal looks with clean lines, and subtle colors, two things that Samsung has migrated far from. The feature set in TW is impressive, but the look is still lacking.
Keyboard: When you pick up a Galaxy S3 over the next couple of weeks, install a 3rd party keyboard immediately. The keyboard included sounds awesome on paper with Swype-ish trace typing and predictive text, however, it does neither well. The swiping action over words is hit or miss and the predictive texting is so aggressive that you almost never know what you are typing and will find yourself questioning how it decided on the predicted options. Swiftkey's newest beta is still your best friend.

Bloatware: Since it's not a Nexus, it's going to have bloatware no matter what carrier you purchase it from. Thankfully, you can hide most of it and uninstall some of it. Some day, we may win this battle and be able to fully remove it from our phones the way we can a computer, but that day is not here yet.

Unboxing:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BofukisjqjY[/youtube]

Software Tour:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1gb5wXVsq8[/youtube]

Sharing With Share Shot, S Beam and More

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d474uOl0ol8[/youtube]

Gallery:

Marble White

Pebble Blue

Vs.

The Verdict:

Is the Samsung Galaxy S3 the greatest smartphone ever made? That's a tough question. It is one hell of a smartphone though. This and the HTC One X are on a level of their own at this point in 2012, with each offering a few pluses over the other. Both have incredible screens, great internal hardware, amazing cameras, and are the complete package. For me though, the software add-ons to the GS3 give it the edge. Phones are now so powerful that manufacturers need to turn to software to try and separate themselves and I feel like Samsung has done that here. While TouchWiz has its quirks and a silly nature-inspired theme, it's moving the industry forward in a great way through its ability to share so easily with friends and family. You cannot go wrong with this device. *We had both the AT&T and T-Mobile versions of the phone in our possession for review purposes thanks to Samsung.

Samsung Kicks Off Galaxy S3 U.S. Marketing Campaign - Highlights Pop-Up Video Player

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:00:11 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-awUtf-p1U[/youtube]

Get ready for a massive marketing push by Samsung for the Galaxy S3. Our review is up already, but to help kick off the festivities even further here in the U.S., this new commercial featuring the device's pop-up video player is featured. This is likely to be the first of many. Liking the tone? Did you want more feel-good nature stuff?

Google Begins the Longest Day Deals, Plenty of Great Apps for Only $0.99

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:44:17 +0000

When we wrote up that EA Games was hosting a sale on Mass Effect and NBA Jam, we had no idea that Google was about to launch the Longest Day Deals over on the Play Store. For a limited time, you can have popular apps such as GTAIII, Draw Something, Shazam Encore, and plenty others for only a single dollar. We know these deals are hard to resist, so hurry on over and grab 'em all. Longest Day Deals

Google I/O App Updated With 2012 Sessions, One Week to Go!

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:43:03 +0000

If you still have the Google I/O app installed from last year, then you should have an update available to bring in the 2012 goodness. All of this year's sessions are now loaded into it with descriptions, the indoor map takes you to where you need to go, and our excitement just jumped up another level. Did you realize that this is all going down next week? Next Wednesday to be exact. Nexus tablets. Jelly Bean. More Chrome OS stuff. Majel. And who knows what else. They added on a 3rd day for the first time ever, so this is going to be can't miss tech stuff. Play Link

SanDisk Introduces New Extreme Pro microSDHC UHS-I, Allows for 95MB/s Speed

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:10:53 +0000

SanDisk has launched their newest UHS Speed Class 1 rating (Class 10 equivalent) mobile memory cards. With the company reporting speed capabilities of 95MB/s read and 90MB/s write, it doesn't look like you'll have to wait for your gallery or files to load ever again. As of right now, they're only available in 8GB and 16GB options which are $60 and $100. Thinking about picking one up? Via: SanDisk

MILPITAS, Calif., June 19, 2012—SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today announced the world’s fastest mobile memory card. The SanDisk Extreme Pro® microSDHC™ UHS-I card is ideal for smartphone and tablet users who want to boost their device’s storage capacity while enjoying the fastest mobile experience. Maximum Performance for Next-Generation Mobile Devices The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDHC UHS-I card enables smartphone and tablet users to fully enjoy their mobile device’s advanced applications.

Full HD Video Capture: Mobile phones will capture approximately one third of all video footage by 2014, according to IDC3. With a UHS Speed Class 1 rating (Class 10 equivalent), the new card allows consumers to record superior Full HD videos, even in 3D

High-Quality Photo Capture: Mobile phones will capture 525 billion photos in 2012, roughly half of all photos captured this year, according to IDC4. The card is ideal for mobile imaging applications, offering up to 90MB/sec write speed for capturing multiple photos using burst mode with a UHS-I enabled mobile device

Faster File Transfers: With up to 95 megabyte per second (MB/sec) read speed, the card moves files quickly between host devices

Seamless Multitasking; Fast Downloads: The card allows consumers to smoothly run multiple applications at the same time and download files quickly using 4G LTE phones

“SanDisk offers the broadest mobile memory card lineup in the industry,” said Chris Loh, director, product marketing, SanDisk. “Our portfolio includes microSD cards with the fastest speeds, highest storage capacities and reliability that consumers demand.” Availability and Pricing The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDHC UHS-I card is available on www.sandisk.com in 8 gigabyte (GB)5 and 16GB capacities carrying MSRPs of $59.99 and $99.99. The card is compatible with any microSDHC-slotted device and is ideal for UHS-enabled smartphones and tablets.

Is It Ice Cream Sandwich Update Time for the RAZR and RAZR MAXX? Motorola Sends Out Invites For Testers (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:39:08 +0000

Motorola told us Q2 for Ice Cream Sandwich updates to the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX and it looks like they are doing everything in their power to hit that deadline. Soak test invites for members of their feedback network are going out this minute, talking about a "new software release." They do not specifically say Android 4.0, but after seeing a new leak come out this week as build 6.16.211, what else could it be? Update: We received a tip suggesting that the soak test will start June 22 and the full rollout to the public will happen on June 27. Stay tuned... Cheers R, M, J, J, and C!

EA's Mass Effect: Infiltrator and NBA Jam on Sale for $.99 Each

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:00:40 +0000

For reasons unknown, EA Games is listing their popular titles Mass Effect: Infiltrator and NBA Jam for just a single buck. Seeing as how Mass Effect is usually listed for $6.99 and Jam goes for $4.99, you may want to snatch these up before they return to their usual prices. Both titles are rated quite well in the Play Store, so you know you will at least be getting your dollar's worth.

Mass Effect: Infiltrator | NBA Jam

Cheers Chris, Brian, and Nick!

If You Thought Share Everything was a Whacky Announcement, Wait Until You See T-Mobile's Galaxy S3 Launch Plans

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:26:30 +0000

I know that Share Everything has sort of taken over the wireless airwaves over the last couple of weeks, but today, T-Mobile almost trumped it when news of its Galaxy SIII launch plans leaked this afternoon. If you were looking for a confusing carrier move, this may be the ultimate one. Through Verizon, AT&T and Sprint,the 16GB version of the GS3 has been priced at no more than $199 on new contract. Hell, I think even small time carriers are announcing it at that price. T-Mobile on the other hand, had initially decided to hold back on announcing pricing and we now know why. For customers that are renewing contracts, you could pay upwards of $279 after a $50 mail-in-rebate for the 16GB model. So actually, you are paying $329 for a device that every other carrier is charging $199 for, but then you have to deal with a rebate on top of it. I probably don't need to remind you of this, but there isn't an LTE network in sight for them either. Crazy. Also according to the latest leak out of Magenta, their plan is to launch the Galaxy SIII in two phases. On June 21, they will have a limited supply available online and then instore availability through their top 29 markets. Then on June 27, they are hoping to have enough inventory to branch out to other locations. Demand is obviously high, so you can't fault them for this move. Via: TMoNews

Desktop Gmail Getting Custom Themes, Google+ Integration Gets Even Deeper

Eric — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:55:39 +0000

One of Google's greatest creations this side of Search, is getting an update in the near future that will allow you to make your Gmail inbox even more personal. It will receive newer themes to go along with the UI that was introduced last year, which will allow you to choose custom pictures to fill your inbox with.

You can choose from a "Dark" and "Light" theme that Gmail provides or you can upload your own to fill your background image. If you have a particularly good picture uploaded to your Google+ account, you can use it here, making the connection between the two programs even deeper. It seems like a small update, but for people who look at their inbox all day long, this will be a welcome addition to Gmail. The update doesn't seem to be live yet, but it should be here in the next few days. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYEtiWUHCRM[/youtube]

Via: Gmail

Original DROID Incredible Update 4.08.605.15 on the Way, Yes That Incredible

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:10:52 +0000

An update for the original DROID Incredible has been approved by Verizon and should start to rollout within the near future. The update fixes a visual voice mail issue, improves Bluetooth car connectivity, and resolves a bug with the Verizon App store. Crazy, right? Who would have thought that after two years, this phone would still be receiving updates. Props to HTC. More info.

Google's Nexus Tablet Already Shipping, Will be Unveiled at I/O with Market Availability Beginning July

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:48:51 +0000

According to the newest report out of DigiTimes, Google and Asus' Nexus tablet has already begun its journey from the factories and is on its way to San Francisco for the official unveiling at this year's Google I/O. Once it is shown off to all of the press and developers in attendance, the tablet is said to be ready for purchase shortly after in July. And yes, it is being reported that the price will be set at $199. Due to the low price, Google has opted out of a back-facing camera, but the tablet will feature a front-facing shooter for video conferencing or whatever purpose you may need it for. It will remain WiFi-only and come pre-loaded with Google's Chrome for Android browser. Now that we are getting closer to launch and have a better sense of what this device will offer consumers, are you starting to become more excited for it? At that $199 price point, we definitely are. Via: DigiTimes

Tuesday Poll: Would You Pay Extra For a 41MP Smartphone Camera?

Eric — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:00:07 +0000

Cameras and mobile phones have been linked for a long time now, but recently companies have started to put more of a focus (no pun intended) on the cameras built into them. All of this leading up to Nokia blowing the doors off the trend in releasing the 808 Pureview, a Symbian phone that has a 41 megapixel sensor on the back of the device.

Up until recently, Nokia was quiet on whether the phone would be available in the US, but now has announced that Amazon will be carrying the phone unsubsidized for $699. We have seen HTC raise the bar on contract phones with the One X and manufacturers are likely to follow.

[poll id="182"]

Microsoft Surface Isn't a Threat to Google [Opinion]

Ron — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:25:13 +0000

Yesterday Microsoft unveiled their new tablet, Surface. A reimagination of the original Surface concept, Microsoft's new tablet combines Windows 8 with a slew of ideas borrowed from multiple devices. Does Microsoft's latest foray into the hardware space threaten Apple, Google, or Amazon? While Microsoft hasn't announced important details about Surface like battery life or pricing, it's safe to say that the hardware alone is intriguing. While Surface doesn't look like an iPad (it's made with magnesium instead of aluminum), its keyboard cover and built in kickstand position it in both the consumer and professional space. In fact, the color options for the keyboard covers look eerily similar to Apple's Smart Covers. Make no mistake about it - Microsoft wants to go head to head against the iPad because they know that the iPad is slowly eating computer sales left and right. Microsoft has a key advantage over the iPad, however, in that Windows can do things that the iPad can't. Microsoft's success may ride not only on battery life and price, but on emphasizing those differentiating features against the iPad. If Microsoft wants to win in the tablet space, they need to take sales away from Apple, not Amazon or Google. That leaves Amazon and Google to compete for the low end. It's no secret that Android tablets haven't sold well. The only marginally successful tablet compared to the iPad has been the Kindle Fire, which is free of Google services. Based on the rumors, Google is done trying to challenge the iPad head to head and I don't blame them. It takes a lot to challenge an incumbent in a space and Google wasn't able to deliver. If the rumors are to be believed, Google thinks its best bet is to steal the bottom end of the market from Amazon and leave Apple the pricier side of the market. From Google's standpoint that makes sense. Google doesn't make money selling hardware; Google makes money selling ads. The best way to sell ads is to get a device with Google services in front of as many people as possible. Apple, on the other hand, makes money selling hardware. If Microsoft is gunning after the iPad, that leaves space for Google to dominate the rest of the market with a cheap, powerful tablet that offers a better experience than the Fire. At Google IO I'm expecting Google to blow the Fire away and ignore the iPad and Surface. Google needs to get their ecosystem in place before they can really challenge the iPad; taking down the Fire won't take much. Taking down the Fire puts Google in control of Android tablets again and warns other OEMs against forking Android. If Google can control their OS and get developers to make killer Android apps, Google can go for the iPad and Surface. Microsoft is making huge bets on the company with Windows 8 and by competing with its OEMs. Meanwhile, Google is in the process of befriending OEMs with the new Nexus program and playing the long game against Apple. Surface looks like really compelling hardware, but without pricing and killer Metro apps it will fail in the market. Microsoft has zero credibility in the tablet space. They don't want to risk fighting for third space in tablets like they are phones. Google has the money and the resources to play the long game with Apple. Google has a much better relationship with consumers in mobile thanks to Android. If Google can harness that relationship from Android in conjunction with Google services and hardware, they may have a shot at killing the Fire first and the iPad later.

Tasker App Factory for Beta Users, Turn Tasks into Standalone Applications

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:50:07 +0000

Tasker is an application that many Android lovers can't do without. You can program the app to complete tasks depending on what time it is, where you are, or even through gestures. It has received high ratings and is a great app for people who want to get the most out of their devices, but without lifting a single finger. The developer is back with another fantastic concept called, Tasker App Factory. With App Factory, users can turn their tasks into individual and standalone applications. According to the Play description, creating an app takes only seconds and no programming experience is required. For example, if you want your WiFi to turn on as soon as you arrive at home, configure the settings for where your home is, and it will create the application so you don't have to launch the actual Tasker app. App Factory is only available for Tasker beta users at the moment, so you can download the beta right here if you want to try it all out. Go have some fun. Play Link Via: Android Police

Light Flow Receives Full Makeover, New Features, and is More Impressive Than Ever

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:15:35 +0000

When the Galaxy Nexus was first announced, I immediately fell in love with an app called Light Flow. Since the G-Nex had this big beautiful multi-colored notification light centered at the bottom of the device, this app would help all of us take full advantage of it. The app, back then though, worked well, but wasn't the prettiest thing to look at. Thanks to a massive update that dropped last night, it certainly is now. In version 3.0, users can set specific volume controls for each notification, tell notifications to override silent or vibrate modes, test out new features in a Labs section, and reset wonky notifications through a simple widget. It's a hefty upgrade, but again, the most noticeable stuff is clearly in the UI overhaul that is pictured above. Good stuff, here. Links: Free | Full ($1.99) Cheers Jason and Justin!

HTC Rezound Drops to $80 Through Verizon

Tim — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:30:40 +0000

Thanks to Verizon's Summer Sale, customers who sign up for a new two year agreement can get the HTC Rezound for a mere $80. Originally ringing up for $199, the promo is for $120 off, which is a crazy good deal. With the device receiving tons of love from developers and the community lately thanks to its unlockable bootloader, the Rezound is sure to treat any owner properly. Via: Verizon Cheers JT!

Microsoft Surface Unveiled Last Night, Have Any Thoughts on It?

Kellen — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:04:35 +0000

Yesterday afternoon or early evening (depending on where you are located), Microsoft unveiled their next big thing to the tech world, a tablet called Surface. I know, I know what you are thinking, "Just what we need, another damn tablet." This one doesn't look all that bad though. It comes in a couple of versions - RT and Pro. They have 10.6" HD displays, full USB ports (2.0 on the RT, 3.0 on the Pro), run versions of Windows 8, are incredibly thin (9.3mm and 13.5mm), have a variety of storage sizes (32GB, 64GB, and 128GB), vapor protected finishes and built-in kickstands. Along with the hardware, they have a really exciting set of accessories as well. See that picture above? It's like a Smartcover for an iPad, only it has a touch sensitive keyboard built into it which includes a multi-touch touchpad. We aren't sure how much these suckers will cost, but Microsoft mentioned netbooks and low-end computers at some point in their presentation last night, so you can imagine they'll be competitive. Overall, I'd say I came away impressed. Whether or not that means I'll buy one is something else altogether. What about you? Have any thoughts on Microsoft's latest and greatest?

Promo:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpzu3HM2CIo[/youtube]

Live Event:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jozTK-MqEXQ[/youtube]

Flipboard Gets Access to Google+ API, Tight Integration on the Way

Eric — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 07:38:11 +0000

Google is playing their social network very close to the company vest, and haven't really opened up the ecosystem to anyone yet. That's why it's big news that Google+ will soon be coming to Flipboard, at some point in the future. At a conference in London Bradley Horowitz, the Google vice president of product management in charge of Google+, showed off some basic functionality of how G+ would look and work on Flipboard.

He was also quick to point out that they would be taking their time until it looked good, saying they wanted to wait for the point "when we can do it in a way that we know is good for users." This will certainly be good for the growth of G+, we hope to see it sooner than later. Do you use Flipboard for Android since it came out a few weeks ago?

Via: CNet

Contest: Win Gift Cards Up to $30 to Spend on Cruzer Lite Cases (Update: Winners Picked)

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:33:49 +0000

We aren't shy when talking about our love for Cruzer Lite's products that work well with some of our favorite devices. Some of them are cases that will surely bring out the inner Android fanboy in all of us, so we have teamed up with them to bring our readers a nice little treat. We have 5 $30 gift cards, 10 $15 gift cards, and 10 $5 gift cards for winners to use towards a brand new Cruzer Lite case that will help keep their spiffy Android device safe. If you're feeling lucky, check the rules down below on how to enter.

Update:

We have our 25 winners! Go check your emails!

Contest Entry:

1. ~~Follow @Droid_Life and @Cruzerlite on Twitter.~~ ~~2. Tweet the following phrase:~~

Win up to $30 in gift cards to spend on @Cruzerlite cases from @Droid_Life - http://goo.gl/u7rOq #android

~~3. In the comments below, tell us why you're an Android fan.~~

Winner:

We will pick our 25 winners this Wednesday, June 20 at 12PM PST randomly from our comments section, so make sure to use a valid email address when commenting. Good luck.

And be sure to check out their entire case collection and Facebook page for more.

XP Mod Launcher Turns Your Phone Into a Windows Powered Machine

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:38:56 +0000

I'm sure many of you are quite familiar with Windows XP, so why wouldn't you want to experience it on your phone? As a launcher, XP Mod works pretty well actually. You have shortcuts to your browser, file shortcuts, and of course your pull-up menu where you access all of your apps and settings. It has a ways to go to be something people would use as a daily substitute, but huge props to this development team for bringing XP to Android. Download it from Google Play and have some fun with it. You won't be disappointed. Play Link Via: Android Police

Video: Samsung Galaxy SIII Vs. iPhone 4S Drop Test

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:08:16 +0000

Attention future Galaxy SIII owners, do not attempt this at home. We have seen these "drop test" videos in the past and they're always sort of fun to watch. In this edition, we have the new Samsung Galaxy SIII taking on Apple's iPhone 4S. Keep in mind, the SGSIII features the popular Gorilla Glass 2, which doesn't seem to fair very well after a few of these drops. Don't be a fool, wrap your smartphone tool. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbL7ciKmT7g[/youtube] Cheers Andrew!

DROID RAZR Ice Cream Sandwich Build 6.16.211 Leaks, Could be Official

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:32:03 +0000

According to Motorola, the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX should have an official Ice Cream Sandwich update available by the end of Q2. For those keeping track, that gives them until next Saturday to squash any last minute bugs from test builds, hand it out to Motorola Feedback Network members for a few days, and then make it available to the public. If the photos above are any indication of where the process is, the end of next week could be do-able. A reader of ours says that this new 6.16.211 build is the latest to hit test devices and has been spotted through Cheesecake over at DroidRzr.com, so assuming there aren't any major flaws, it could be the version that goes public. Once these are made available to testers and then approved, there is a chance that they could be ready within 1-2 weeks.

Sharp's Feel UX Android Skin, This is What They Call "Simplifying"

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:50:06 +0000

Sharp, whose AQUOS smartphones are quite successful in Japan, have teamed up with frog to create a new Android skin named Feel UX. By making the user experience more focused on the user's content (pictures, agenda, notes), Feel UX is Sharp's approach at allowing owners to feel more in control of their devices:

By simplifying the interaction model and reducing clutter through a more curated experience, it will be immediately apparent to customers how to use the phones and make them more personal.

From the preview we see in the below video, Sharp is attempting to achieve an experience that is centered around multimedia, but want it to also be simplistic and easy on the eye. They have replaced icons with huge matte boxes and their stock icons that seem to take up half the display while leaving little room for much else. On the other hand, the lockscreen does look like a keeper. It has impressive music controls and notification shortcuts, but I don't feel that having a swipe-able photo gallery is really necessary. In short, I wish they just made the lockscreen a downloadable feature and left the rest out. The new skin will be available this year over in Japan, but we do hope it finds a way over to the US somehow just so we can give it a good try.

frog Redefines Android Experience The new Sharp AQUOS smartphones with Feel UX, designed by frog, will be available in Japan summer of 2012. TOKYO, June 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — Leading design and innovation firm frog today announced that it has partnered with Sharp Corporation (Sharp) to create “Feel UX”, a new Android smartphone experience that is easy to use, highly personalized, and visually stunning. The collaboration brings together a global interdisciplinary team of strategists, designers, and engineers across both companies to design a distinctive and meaningful connected experience for the next generation of Sharp’s AQUOS smartphones. According to global business analytics firm comScore, four out of five mobile phone users in Japan currently own a feature phone. However, in February 2012, the number of purchased smartphones surpassed the number of feature phones over the same period. This signals an ever-increasing importance for handset manufacturers to design and develop compelling and differentiated smartphone experiences for consumers. “To capture the expanding market of smartphone users, we wanted the new Sharp AQUOS handsets to be a unique kind of Android experience, to look and feel different and standout from competitors,” said Paul Pugh, Vice President, Creative, Software Innovation at frog. “By simplifying the interaction model and reducing clutter through a more curated experience, it will be immediately apparent to customers how to use the phones and make them more personal. In addition, the design caters to current Android users by giving them new tools to organize and optimize their handsets, while personalizing the phone in ways not previously possible.” The newly designed “Feel UX” for Sharp’s AQUOS smartphones will be available in Japan during the summer of 2012 and include the following features: Personalized and innovative lock-screen experience, allowing users to browse photos and widgets without unlocking the devices Real-time weather display motion experience and animation Desirable, gender-neutral palette and visuals Streamlined, curated home space to smoothly manage applications, widgets, and shortcuts “frog was chosen as Sharp’s innovation partner because of the company’s unique combination of consumer insights, strategy, design, and software engineering capabilities,” said Itsuki Kouchi, Division Deputy General Manager, Global Product Development Center at Sharp. “Through our collaboration with frog, we have adopted an advanced approach to Android’s concept, features, and philosophy, creating a distinctive device that will ultimately increase the life of the product and enhance customer satisfaction.”

Share Everything Plans Mean Sharing More of Your Bank Account [Opinion]

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:06:06 +0000

This weekend, I was fortunate enough to spend a ton of time with a big group of friends and family (30-50 people) thanks to a graduation celebration for my brother. During that time, smartphones and wireless service were brought up quite often (since that's what I do for a living), leading to some interesting conversations around Verizon's new Share Everything plans. What I gathered over the last 4 days, was that these plans benefit very few people, and that no one I talked to had suggested to Verizon that this become an option, as was suggested through their announcement.

Family and Friends

This group of friends and family that was in Portland for the weekend is what I would consider to be average tech consumers. Almost all have some form of higher education, many have smartphones, some have feature phones, a few travel for work, most use computers on a daily basis, and almost all are starting to realize that their lives are made easier by using more technology. Being in the northwest, I'd say that 90% of them are Verizon subscribers and have been for a number of years. As you can imagine, when I started trying to pry thoughts out of them on these new shared data plans, they had some concerns.

"Customers Asked"

According to Big Red, "customers asked" for these new shared data plans. Did they really though? We don't know who Verizon polled or where they got the idea that sharing data was something needed, but what I do know is that every single person I talked to this weekend, had certainly never thought of it. Not only that, but we also had to talk through the situation a couple of times in order for them to fully grasp what it is that Big Red is trying to get them into, starting June 28.

Smoke Screen

As I sat with these friends and family this weekend, I had plenty of opportunities to talk through the benefits (if there are any) to these new Share Everything plans. I made it clear that if you switch to one, you would never have to worry about minutes and text messages anymore as they were being bumped up to "unlimited" status. While that sounded good at first, none of them were all that excited about this new "unlimited" status because they are all settled into their current plans which they are comfortable with and rarely run over on. "Unlimited" is how Verizon is going to try to sell these though. If you look at Verizon's own landing page for these new Share Everything plans, you will struggle to find benefits. The only thing that stands out is this "unlimited" stuff, which from what I can tell, means very little to most. As you can imagine and we have reported on, people are using less and less minutes and are sending fewer and fewer texts each year. Both of these categories used to be cash cows for carriers, but as data has become the new mobile technology force, profits from those areas have fallen and carriers are finding other ways to make up for it. Data is one of those new ways. Up front, through the unlimited smoke screen, everything sounds like a positive. "No more overages!" "No more worrying!" "Send as many texts as you'd like!" However, it's the final step, where you choose a data plan, that is going be the thorn in the side of many. While you may not have to worry about texts and minutes, you will be worrying about data usage. With the small amounts of data and sky high prices that make up these tiers, along with the ever-growing number of data hog apps and services, you should be more worried now than ever.

Bottom Line

After talking through similar points this weekend, we finally got down to actual pricing and whether or not my friends and family would benefit from Share Everything. I was able to walk through their current setup and help them figure out their bill based on shared data tiers. To give you an example, many of these were couples who had 1 smartphone and 1 feature phone. Their minute plans usually sat around the 600 minute mark, sometimes pushing towards 900. They had the one data plan, no plans for a hot spot and no need to connect a tablet. I would put their average bill at anywhere from $90 to $120. Once I was told how much they currently pay, I broke out the costs under these new Share Everything plans ($30 per feature phone, $40 per smartphone), which ended up being more than they are currently paying in every scenario. If some of them took their 1 feature phone and 1 smartphone and added on a 1GB data package to share between them, they would be starting out at $120. Since almost no one can make it on 1GB of data (Verizon even claims that the average user uses 2GB), they would have to bump up to 2 or 4 or 6GB, which would then take their bills to $130, $140 and $150. At one point, I tried to sell a couple on trading in their 1 feature phone for a smartphone because even if they weren't big data users, their partner who may be, would benefit from having extra data. And then we got back into pricing and with data tiers starting at $50 for 1GB, it then made no sense.

I Don't Get It

Seriously, I don't get it. Do carriers think we're all this stupid? For new customers, it is my understanding that all will be forced into a shared plan. For current though, it's much different. If you take an upgrade after June 28, you can choose whether to go onto a solo tier or take the family onto a Share Everything plan. Every single current customer should take the solo tier in this situation. You can get 2GB of data for $30 on the solo, but when on the shared plan, it would cost you $60 for that much data that you would then have to share with other people. Think about that for a second. Verizon is charging share plans double for the same exact amount of data.

An Expensive Future

I tried and tried over the last couple of weeks to find benefits to Share Everything, and unfortunately, I have come up empty. From what I can tell, the only people to benefit, would be those that talk like champs and text with the best of them yet use little to no data. How many of those people do you know? In some cases, it would also benefit large families who have multiple smartphone lines. At least 75% of Droid Life readers said that under these plans, their bill would be higher. In some cases, drastically higher. I think we all understand, as with any major corporate move, that this wasn't going to benefit the consumer in the end. I just feel for my friends and family (the average tech consumer), who are going to be left with some very difficult decisions in the near future.

Samsung: The Galaxy SIII is SAFE for America's Enterprises

Tim — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:36:51 +0000

With analysts expecting Android to be the number one platform for enterprise smart devices by next year, Samsung is reassuring buyers that their newest device is the safest out there by introducing SAFE (Samsung Approved For Enterprise). SAFE brings features such as 338 IT Policies, on-device AES-256 bit encryption, and better support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, Sammy is letting the corporate folks out there know that the SGSIII is the right choice to make when it comes to keeping your data safe. Along with SAFE, Samsung has also introduced SAFE2SWITCH, which is a way for older-device owners to trade in their used smartphones for credit towards a brand new Galaxy SIII. If you want to see how much your phone could be worth, you can check right here.

Samsung Makes Android SAFE™ for Enterprises, Offers Trade-In Program to Upgrade to the Galaxy S III

Samsung is the First to Launch a Quality Assured, Enterprise-Compliant Android Smartphone
DALLAS — June 18, 2012 — With the AndroidTM operating system projected to be the No. 1 platform for enterprise smartphones by 2013[1], Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) is simplifying enterprise adoption with the introduction of SAFE (Samsung Approved for Enterprise) and the first SAFE-branded smartphone in the United States, the Galaxy S® III, which will be available at AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and US Cellular by July. To aid prosumers and corporations in accessing the most innovative smartphone on the market, Samsung is also introducing SAFE2SWITCH, a trade-up program that offers competitive pricing for qualifying smartphones for both individuals and enterprise customers. SAFE – Optimized for the Enterprise SAFE provides a comprehensive approach to making Android devices secure and manageable by systematically meeting the rapidly evolving needs of IT and the growing number of businesses allowing employees to “bring your own device” (BYOD) to work. Samsung created SAFE as a way to defragment the Android OS across multiple versions from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich at U.S. carriers. Out of the box, the SAFE-branded Galaxy S III supports a full suite of enterprise-ready features and capabilities with support for 338 IT Policies.[2] This includes on-device AES-256 bit encryption, enhanced support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and support for industry-leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. Over the last 12 months, Samsung has surpassed its next nearest handset and smartphone competitors to become No. 1 globally[3] and now has its sights set on the enterprise. Working closely with enterprise customers and industry-leading solutions providers, Samsung developed a thorough quality assurance program. This program begins with MDM and VPN solutions providers using Samsung’s software development kit to deeply integrate their solution on the SAFE device. Once the development effort is completed, Samsung and the solution provider then thoroughly test and verify the device’s support for the MDM and/or VPN software. This collaboration, coupled with the testing process, creates solutions that are optimized for SAFE devices and enterprise use including adoption within regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services and government. “It’s now safe to say that the ‘Next Big Thing in Enterprise’ is here with the near-term availability of SAFE-branded Galaxy S III devices at five U.S. carriers,” said Tim Wagner, Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Sales at Samsung Mobile. “The highly desirable, SAFE-branded and QA-tested Galaxy S III smartphone systematically defragments Android to provide a consistent level of IT compliance for individuals who demand the very best in both their personal and professional lives.” Galaxy S III – Powerful, Collaborative, Secure

The Galaxy S III offers secure features and capabilities that may be used in a wide range of business situations to improve efficiency and productivity.

AllShare Play - Group Cast: Securely share PowerPoint presentations and PDFs with business partners also using Galaxy S III devices

Share Shot: Quickly and easily compile and share photos with colleagues and contacts

S Beam One Touch Sharing (NFC and Wi-Fi Direct): Quickly exchange contact and meeting information or company documents by simply tapping phones together. S Beam can also be controlled via an MDM solution.

Intelligent Display and Motion: Focus on the job at hand with intuitive features like Direct Call and Smart Stay

HD Super AMOLEDTM Display: Review detailed plans or blueprints with brilliant 4.8” HD Super AMOLED display on second-generation rugged Corning® Gorilla® Glass

Samsung TecTiles: NFC programmable tags and mobile application transform how businesses, both large and small, engage their customers

SAFE2SWITCH Prosumer / Enterprise Trade-In Program With the launch of the SAFE-branded Galaxy S III, Samsung is announcing the availability of a trade-up program called SAFE2SWITCH which simplifies the transition to Samsung SAFE devices from Samsung or other manufacturers’ smartphones. Both prosumers and corporate customers alike can take advantage of this program which offers very competitive trade-in values in real-time from their existing smartphone or Internet-connected device. For more details, visit www.samsungsafe2switch.com.

The Physical QWERTY Lives! Motorola Developing New Slider For Sprint?

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:10:53 +0000

After Motorola release the DROID 4 at the beginning of the year, we were beginning to wonder if it would turn out to be one of the last Android phones on the planet to sport a physical keyboard. The answer to that is apparently, "No." According to a family member of a Sprint device tester, the phone you are seeing above is real, works, and could become a reality. He was unable to provide any other details, but we can gather some things from this shot. First of all, I'd put that screen at around 4 inches or so. You can see Ice Cream Sandwich in all its blue glory, along with a touch of MotoBlur. Those are definitely on-screen navigation keys, something that Motorola seems willing to push going forward with its next batch of phones. That's a 5-row keyboard, similar to the one seen on the DROID 4. The design itself is a much more rounded D4, which we like. Other than that, we'd simply ask, "What do you think?" At this point in the game, do you care at all for physical keyboards? Via: Android Central Forums Cheers kixofmyg0t and Mike!

CyanogenMod 9 Nightlies Hit the Galaxy SIII, Stock Android Available Right Now

Eric — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:15:42 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy SIII is the most anticipated phone of 2012 and is likely to make a huge splash in the States when it launches later this month. It stands to get a few more followers now with the announcement that CM9 for the device is already available for download, for the unlocked international version that is. Knowing Samsung's fairly open approach to Android though, we would be shocked if the U.S. versions weren't running some form of CM within a week or so after release.

There are only a few bugs to be spoken for at this point:

FM Radio: currently not supported, try Spirit FM from market
Camera: using LED flash causes FCs on some phones.
Waking the device up using volume keys might not work because the device is sleeping too deep and doesn't recognize key presses.

If you're one of the lucky people to have the Galaxy SIII in your hands already, the download is available for you now at the source link below. Are you going to keep Samsung's new Nature UX or flash a custom ROM when you get yours? Download Via: XDA

Nexus 7 Tablet Takes Photo, Posts It to Picasa for EXIF Viewing Fun

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:35:31 +0000

Is this the first publicly posted camera shot from the upcoming Google Nexus 7 tablet? It could be. According to EXIF data for the photo, the device is made by Asus and is certainly called "Nexus 7." The legitimacy of the photo is also backed a bit by the fact that the photo appears to have been taken on Google's campus and that the man responsible for it is friends with all sorts of Googlers. Yes, you could fake this stuff, but we have seen phones outed like this for years now. Most of the tech world is fully expecting this device to be announced at Google I/O next week and then released shortly after at around $199. So far, we saw the Nexus 7 appear in a benchmark, cruise through the FCC, potentially show itself through leaked press images, and get the nod from an anonymous Asus rep. Everyone ready? Via: Picasa | The Verge Cheers Tio!

Galaxy Nexus Drops to $149 at Verizon, Discontinued at Best Buy?

Kellen — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:07:22 +0000

With Fathers' Day behind us, Verizon has kicked off a new "Summer Sale" that includes everyone's favorite stock Android device, the Galaxy Nexus. Originally priced at $299 before being permanently dropped to $199, Big Red's first Nexus can now be had for $149 with an automatic $50 online discount. Not a bad price for what most of us would consider the best phone on America's largest 4G LTE network. In related and semi-sad news, friends of ours from Best Buy are under the impression that the phone has been given the axe, at least in terms of replenishing stock. In some BBY inventory systems, the supply code has been changed to "X" for this phone, which is the standard "end of life" sign for their phones. Without much of a marketing push and the Galaxy SIII almost upon us, maybe this is the right move. Via: Verizon Cheers Scott!

This Week in the Life of DROID: 6/15/2012

Tim — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:35:49 +0000

Google I/O is now quickly approaching and with the festivities kicking off on June 26, we can barely contain our excitement. This week saw the introduction of Shared Data from Verizon, some major app launches onto Android, and the Bionic even got an update. If you missed any of this craziness, we have the highlights down below:

We hope everyone has a great weekend.

Groupon and Facebook Updated in Google Play, Groupon Sees UI Overhaul While FB Receives Bug Fixes

Tim — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:50:41 +0000

Two very popular applications received updates today over in Google Play. The first being Groupon, a special deal-sharing application, has been updated to version 2.0. In the new release, there is a brand new ICS-inspired look and feel, where you can swipe through the many different categories and stay up to date with the latest money-saving deals in your area. Secondly, Facebook for Android has received yet another update. Nothing major from what we can see, just some bug fixes. Go grab the updates and have some fun.

Groupon | Facebook

Cheers Vlad!

Android Other: Moto Qinara Stops by FCC, Galaxy SII On Sale, T-Mobile Not Getting a Galaxy Nexus Yet and CM9 For Everyone

Eric — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:05:27 +0000

Motorola Qinara (Atrix 3?) Makes a Stop By the FCC, Doesn't Reveal Much

The Qinara made quite the splash when we heard about it and got this leaked image of it last week. It has since made a trip by the FCC to make things all official but unfortunately no new details were confirmed for us other than it will have LTE on-board, which no one was doubting. 720p HD screen, Ice Cream Sandwich and on-screen navigation keys all on board allegedly so we'll just have to wait until AT&T decides to tell us if we are wrong or not.

Via: Pocketnow

SGH-T699 is a QWERTY Samsung Phone, Not the Galaxy Nexus

Much to do was made over at AL when there was a rumor of an unannounced Samsung phone that was sporting a 720p screen and a few other features. All signs were pointing to the phone being T-Mobile's version of a Galaxy Nexus coming to the carrier in the near future. The guys over at TmoNews however have finally gotten a picture of the T699, and found out that it's a full-featured 5-row QWERTY phone. The phone is said to run Android 4.0 right out of the gate and have a 5MP camera on the back as well, but all the other specs are still missing at this moment. A little disappointing that T-Mo didn't have a Nexus up their sleeve but we'll wait to see what this phone looks like.

Via: TmoNews

Need a Pretty Decent Phone for Your Father's Day Present? AT&T Selling Galaxy SII for $9.99

Sure the Galaxy SIII may be weeks away at this point but what if your dad isn't the most tech savy guy in the world, and you want to hook him up with a good smartphone? AT&T has knocked the Galaxy SII down to $9.99 for the holiday and this makes for a great gift. The SII is one of the best selling Android phones ever so you can't go wrong here. The only downside is that it isn't the LTE version, but even then this is still a good deal.

Via: Phandroid

Official CM9 Nightlies Hit for AT&T Galaxy SII Skyrocket and T-Mobile Galaxy SII

CyanogenMod 9 is a big upgrade from the last CyanogenMod and it's taken some time, but more and more phones are finally getting their own builds. Today we can add two more phones to the fold of "nightly" builds, or builds that are the cutting edge of Android, freshly put together from their code. The T-Mobile Galaxy SII and the AT&T Skyrocket both now have builds available for download at the source links below. Get to downloading!

Download: T-Mobile SII | AT&T Skyrocket

Microsoft Brings Kinectimals to Android, First Game for the Platform

Tim — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:20:05 +0000

Microsoft seems to be showing a bit more love for Android as of late. Just the other day, we finally received an official Xbox Live application (which totally rocks) and up next we have a brand new game. I am completely unfamiliar with Kinectimals, but from all of the positive ratings it has received in a single day, I may have to check it out. From what we can see, you are put in charge of loving and taking care of an exotic cub. Lions, tigers, and cheetahs oh my! The game is $3, which doesn't seem bad for an official game such as this. Are you starting to like all of this positive attention from Microsoft? Play Link ($2.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JINVKJA1mU[/youtube] Cheers Billy Jo!

EA is Celebrating Father's Day With a Mobile Game Sale, Up to 40% Off the Goods

Eric — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:30:51 +0000

If you are a lover of all things mobile gaming, EA Games is offering up four of their biggest games for discounted prices this weekend to celebrate Father's Day. Titles like Dead Space, FIFA '12, Need for Speed, and Plants vs. Zombies are all on sale for a limited time. If you don't have any of these games yet and are looking for a cool gift for dad or for yourself, you should check them out.

Need for Speed | FIFA 12 | Plants vs. Zombies | Dead Space

DROID Incredible 2 Update 6.01.605.05 is on the Way

Kellen — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:51:06 +0000

An update for the DROID Incredible 2 has been approved as build 6.01.605.05 710RD. It's about as minor as it gets and is definitely not Ice Cream Sandwich. It takes care of a picture downloading issue through social networks and enables the wireless alerting system. See, very minor. Still no word on when or if the device will see Android 4.0. HTC is still keeping this device as "on the fence." It's a whoppin' 32MB in size. More info.

Google Begins Video Campaign for Google Play, Powered by Bananas and Mirrors

Eric — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:20:23 +0000

The switch from the Android Market to Google Play was received with mixed reviews, but the one thing it did do, is give Google a place to sell multimedia under one unified brand. While "Google Play" still feels a little bit awkward to say out loud, Google is sticking to it and these new videos on YouTube show how Google plans to market their one-stop-shop for everything down the road.

True to Google fashion, they do their videos a little bit...different. It's funny and catchy however, and even more important, it's a good demo of what Play does. Their webstore for movies, music, apps and now devices is really key to Google's plans moving forward. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqOfoswnln8[/youtube] Via: Phandroid

Droid Life Q&A Session: Volume 2 Answers

Tim — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:37:35 +0000

It's time for the second installment of our Q&A sessions. On Monday, we asked everyone to submit their second round of questioning for our staff, resulting in tons of fantastic questions from all of you. We have gone through them and have chosen ten that we have answered below. For reference, you’ll see answers from everyone on the team by their first initial K (Kellen), T (Tim), E (Eric), and R (Ron). We had a ton of fun not only reading through the questions, but answering as well and are looking forward to doing this more often. We hope you enjoy.

When you're asked by an iPhone user why he or she should switch to Android, what do you tell them?

K: At this point, iOS and Android are pretty similar as far as app selection and performance goes, so it really is tough to sell someone on switching. Thankfully I have this big beautiful One X in my pocket that can be pulled out at any time. I don't want to sound too fanboyish, but the One X sitting next to an iPhone just makes the iPhone look so outdated and tiny. The best selling point for Android is this newest crop of top tier phones. E: Customization. There is so much you can do as far as changing your phone to how you want it to look and perform with Android than with iOS. I would list off a bunch of features like changing the keyboard, placing widgets and things like that.

What are your predictions for big Android announcements at Google I/O? Or maybe better yet, what's on your wishlist for announcements?

R: Nexus tablet. Maybe an announcement about multiple Nexus phones. Google TV update. Jellybean preview. Android@Home with Motorola hardware. K: The big thing has got to be the Nexus tablet from Asus and NVIDIA. After that, I'm hoping we see more on Majel (Google's new voice software), so that we can stop dealing with all of the crappy Siri kangs in the Play store. I want to see what Google can do with real voice recognition stuff. Hopefully we hear about the multi-Nexus phone plan as well.

Why do you think Android handset manufacturers seem to release a slew of "almost there" handsets? It seems like every device being released is "It would be an amazing device, but..." and pick your feature.

K: I think this trend is on the verge of dying. At this point, manufacturers realize that they can't win by pumping out 15 devices each year that all lack something. In 2012, we have seen less devices, but at the same time, they all seem to be pretty complete. One X and Galaxy S3 are total package type devices. By the end of the year, it'll be tougher than ever to decide which phone because all high-end devices will have it all. T: You know, that is a great question. I tend to lean towards the, "There is always something better" outlook when it comes to technology. As far as smartphones, I think it's just a matter of having something to suit everyone's different needs. Options. Like K said, I think it will come to an end and every device will look super on paper. R: Carriers order the devices. If they want to emphasize one OEM (or OS for that matter) over another they'll do so with their orders. There is a reason there is still only one Windows Phone on Verizon. OEMs can't put their devices on CDMA networks without approval and without carrier support in stores and online a device won't sell well, so OEMs are at the mercy of the carriers.

What features from iOS would you like incorporated into Android.

R: I really like how iOS puts notifications right on the lock screen. Showing directions on the lock screen is a really nice feature of iOS 6. iOS scrolling physics are still a little better than Android's and I wouldn't mind iMessage (or have GTalk integrated into texts). T: I don't really need any features, but I wouldn't mind a handful of their developers and applications. They tend to have the best games and apps before Android does.

If you could change a few things about Android what would they be?

R: All OEM enhancements have to be contributed to AOSP. A better tablet UI. E: I wish it was a little more intuitive. We, readers of the website, take it for granted but we've all gone through the learning curve. It's not much but Android isn't the easiest to pick up and understand. If Google took steps in that direction it'd be a truly awesome platform (not that it isn't already).

Who's going to win the Thunder vs. Heat series?

E: I pick the Heat to win in 7 games - They have more experience and I think that this is the year LeBron starts playing like the 3-time MVP that he is during the playoffs. It's going to be a great series. T: Boston is definitely going to win it all - Wait, they didn't make it to the Finals because of blown calls by refs? Screw this. K: I'm going Heat. LeBron seems like he's heard enough from the media and his haters that he will do everything in his power to shut them up.

Google Wallet and Google TV: Still have some hope or going the way of Google Wave (extinct)?

R: Google Wallet might survive, but mobile payments in general haven't been very successful. It looks like iOS is moving in that direction with Passbook, which might help push mobile payments into the mainstream. I have little hope for Google TV as a portal for TV. I think those content deals are still far away, but I'd love to be surprised. K: Google seems fully invested in Google TV, but Wallet, I'm not so sure. The fact that Google is letting Verizon and other carriers dictate whether or not users can have Wallet is beyond me. Can you imagine if Verizon told Apple that the iPhone couldn't have iMessage?

If you couldn't pick an Android device, what would you pick? iPhone, Blackberry, Windows phone, or a feature phone and why?

E: WP7 looks really tempting even though I know it doesn't have all the functionality of Android. If I had to choose one, it would be Windows. K: I picked up a Lumia 900 for a weekend and really grew to like Windows Phone as an operating system. The Lumia itself is a horrible device, but if you pair WP7.5 with the build of something like the One X, it would be beyond beautiful. The app selection is definitely not there yet, but it's coming along. T: I would lean iPhone, but I don't want to be stuck staring at a puny 3.5" display until they decide to make a phone built for grown ups.

What was the very first Android device you owned and how long of a time period went by before you rooted it?

E: The OG DROID. I had it for probably 4 months or so before stumbling upon DL and learning how to get my hands dirty with rooting. R: The DROID Eris (which was a bummer since it was rarely covered on Droid Life despite being launched a month after the OG). I never rooted it. Once I replaced it with the OG I got into rooting and ROM's. K: Was the original DROID. I don't remember the first time I rooted it, but after looking back through archives, I can see that our first tutorial for rooting it was with Android 2.0.1 in February of 2010, just before the 2.1 update because we were scared we wouldn't have root. Crazy how long ago that was. T: My first was the OG DROID. I had mine for about one month before I came across DL and learned the benefits that rooting offered.

What music are you all listening most to right now?

E: I just bought an album by the dubstep/drumstep artist Figure that I can't get enough of and I also got the Mumford & Sons album that is really, really good. T: Hardest question yet - There's new Gojira (zOMG, yes!), Waka's new Triple F Life, and tons more. I'm constantly changing it up between my roots in metal and this new wave of faux-gangsta' rap music. Who doesn't like driving down the street while brandishing a nine-milli every now and then? K: A whole mix of stuff, but mostly hip hop these days. Newest singles from Kanye (Mercy and Way Too Cold), Kirko Bangz, couple of new Usher tracks (Lemme See w/ Rick Ross), and even some of the new Waka Flaka album. Nothing too out there that you probably haven't heard of. R: I listen to "Call Me Maybe" at least once a day. Outside of that silliness, a lot of Young the Giant, The Format, Regina Spektor, Cold War Kids, Florence + The Machine, and Brooke Fraser.

A Little Less Online [Opinion]

Ron — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:00:28 +0000

Listen to the article: [audio:http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Memo.mp3|titles=A Little Less Online] In late May Paul Miller of The Verge detailed his visit to a rally put on by various groups of Orthodox Jews about the dangers of the Internet. The article itself is a good read, but the video of the event is incredible. In the video Paul talks with a number of Orthodox Jews about their views on the Internet, but one man in particular, Eytan Kobre, an editor for Mishpacha Jewish Family Weekly, had some particularly fascinating things to say about how the Internet should be viewed. Ever since Paul decided to leave the Internet I’ve been questioning its own effects on me as a human. How has the Internet changed me?

What we’re looking to do here, really, is, you know, making a cost-benefit analysis. Saying, are social networking sites, are they undermining my sense of human dignity, of privacy? Are they pandering to my worst instincts when I get on the comments section of a blog, of a website? Are they turning me into something I don’t realize? – Eytan Kobre

I’m 24 years old, which makes me part of a special generation. Unlike the generation after me, I can remember a time when computers were fairly common, but the Internet didn’t exist for all intents and purposes. I can remember doing a project on the country of Russia in elementary school. We were advised to use an encyclopedia among other sources. I used an encyclopedia on my computer, but it was Encarta, not Wikipedia. If I wanted to play a video game with a friend they had to come over to my house, not login to Xbox Live. My generation can remember a time when your computer wasn’t always connected to the Internet. To surf the web we had to dial in with our modem, which in turn tied up the phone line so that no one could call through (unless you were special and had two lines). I know what a keyword is and can give you my ASL. I can remember playing Counter-Strike, Starcraft, Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun, and Quake in LAN parties and online. The future was here, but we didn’t realize how it would change the world. High school students today probably can’t really remember a time without the Internet. They’ve grown up with constant connectivity and instant access to the world’s information. While we haven’t seen the full repercussions for our always-online lifestyle, everyone is beginning to see changes in the way we interact with each other. Phone calls are becoming rare thanks to the text message (and even text messages may be on the way out with chat solutions). Social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have not only threatened the postal service but email as well. This shift towards expecting information to be available instantly may not be a good thing for us. It’s one thing to expect instant results in a Google Search, but having those expectations can also influence our expectations in our relationships. We may only choose to interact with friends and family through social media because of the convenience and lose the nuance and genuine connection that a face-to-face conversation offers. Our demand for quick information can make us value facts instead of interactions. If I can see video and pictures from a trip and read a few of the highlights, isn’t that just as good as being there? Recently I’ve been spending more time with family in preparation for my wedding in July. As a result, I’ve found myself checking social media less often and leaving my phone away from my person. Surprisingly, these haven’t been conscious decisions; I’ve just noticed a shift in my behavior. It may seem obvious that we should value time with loved ones more than what our phone is trying to tell us, but often our behavior suggests otherwise. We’re so quick to glance at our phone during a conversation or even unlock it unprompted just to see if something new has arrived. I think we should ask ourselves about the cost-benefit ratio of an always-on lifestyle. Is always being tuned into the Internet making me a better person? Is it good for me as a human, or is it changing me into something I don’t want to be. Is your phone an idol that you placate every time the screen flashes or is it a tool to help keep you connected? Is keeping up on Twitter or Facebook as beneficial to you as reading a good book? Are we missing out on more of the life around us because we’re so focused on the digital life that is fighting for our attention? We have to make decisions about how things affect us. I’m finding myself choosing to disengage with the Internet subconsciously because I would rather interact with the humans around me than read through a Twitter stream. The Internet can be an amazing tool, but it can also be a source of depravity. Maybe if you’re finding the Internet and social media taking up too much of your time you can go on a fast from the Internet or take a day off from it. Everything will still be there when you get back, and if it isn’t, you’ll have spent a day being more intentional than your phone would want you to be. On Sunday evening I got to hold my nephew for a few minutes. While I was holding him my phone rang in my pocket. It wasn’t hard to decide which I should focus on – the child in my hands was infinitely more valuable than any distraction my phone had to offer. Every day we’re faced with little decisions about whether or not to interact with the humans around us or get sucked back into our phones. Every day we can choose to be better or worse versions of ourselves. I think we could all stand to be a little bit less online and a little more engaged with those around us.

Crazy NFL Off-Season Continues: Eagles Sign 5 Undrafted Free Agents to Their Roster

Eric — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:20:59 +0000

The NFL just took a wacky turn for the crazier this year. Teams have fallen apart, come together with trades and draft picks have been flying everywhere. Now that we're into the training camp stage of the off-season, teams are looking to sure up their rosters for the year ahead and the Philadelphia Eagles have just made an unprecedented move, signing 5 undrafted free agents. Press conference video after the break. [youtube]![/youtube] As the defending champs, the Giants are going to have to keep an eye on the Eagles in the NFC this year with Angry Birds coming to their roster. But in all seriousness, Rovio and the Eagles have come together for a new themed game later this year, near when the NFL season will start. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that there will even be a big marketing campaign to follow and that the Eagles will even get the rights to use Angry Birds on their jumbotrons in the stadium. Andrew Stalbow, Rovio’s General Manager for North America, was quoted as saying that this is just one part of Rovio's "aggressive" plans going forward. I can't see how it gets more aggressive than this. Do you like these mobile games tying in with marketing campaigns? This and Temple Run's recent tie-in with the movie Brave seem to hint towards it happening more often. Via: WSJ

Verizon Sends Texts to DROID RAZR Owners, Says That Android 4.0 is Coming Soon

Kellen — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 08:33:37 +0000

Motorola and Verizon have exactly 15 days left to upgrade the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX to Ice Cream Sandwich in order to make their self-imposed deadline of Q2. Through a text message that is going out to RAZR owners today, we can assume that they must be getting close. Big Red is informing owners of these devices that Android 4.0 will be here soon and that their current Mobile IM app will have to be replaced:

Free Verizon Message: Your phone will soon be upgraded to Android 4.0. At that time we will remove your Verizon Wireless Mobile IM app because it is not supported in Android 4.0. Please download a new instant messaging app to use IM on your phone. Thank you for using Mobile IM!

With a couple of leaked builds having made their way to handsets over the last month or so, we know that they are at least attempting to work their magic in hopes of getting it ready in time. I'm sure you are more excited about the new Mobile IM app, right? Cheers Jerry, Antony, Leland, and Nick!

Gameloft to Bring the Dark Knight to Android this Summer, Heck Yes

Tim — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 07:47:07 +0000

Gameloft released a teaser trailer for an upcoming Dark Knight Rises game that is to launch on Android and iOS this summer. Besides saying that it looks totally awesome and kick-a**, we really hope Gameloft serves this title right and makes a game that people want to spend their cash on. Check the trailer out below and let us know what you think. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrLplomkO78[/youtube] Cheers Evan the Gamer!

Apple and Motorola Given One More Chance to Prove Their Arguments

Eric — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:45:08 +0000

Judge Richard Posner gave us some hope that patent wars might start to receive the attention they deserve (which is being tossed out of court) when he dismissed the case between Motorola and Apple last week. He has since softened his stance slightly and allowed the two companies to prove that there are true damages to be assessed here. The judge has given them until next Monday to submit briefs proving there is a case, but there is still the chance that neither of the sides will win anything. We will have to wait and see for now how the two sides approach this.

Via: The Verge

Angry Birds Seasons Updated, Piglantis for Android is a Go

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:00:10 +0000

Fans of Angry Birds can go pick up the newest Seasons update which features the awesome Piglantis levels. What's neat about Piglantis is the addition of the water levels that add a new sense of physics, just like Angry Birds Space. You dive the birds into the water where they become weightless, and as they near the surface, they pick up speed and come flying out of the water. It's a really neat update which is good way to freshen up your AB skills. Go grab it. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC0tdp6kCi4[/youtube] Cheers DoA!

Thursday Poll: Do You Use Your Front Facing Camera?

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:10:23 +0000

Exactly one year ago today, we asked in a poll if readers actually used the front-facing camera on their devices. The feedback was actually interesting, with a majority 34% of 10,000 voters stating their devices didn't even have a front-facing shooter, but that they indeed wanted one. Coming in a semi-close second were folks who mentioned they only used their front lens for special occasions. With the introduction of Face Unlock in Ice Cream Sandwich and many readers having upgraded to devices since then and now, we're back to re-visit this question and get some updated numbers. So tell us, do you use your front-facing shooter? [poll id="181"]

CyanogenMod 9 Code Freeze Has Begun, Official Release Candidate On the Way

Eric — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:30:01 +0000

The #1 rule of CyanogenMod is not to ask for ETAs (estimated times of arrival). CM and Steve Kondik took to Google+ a few days ago to assure everyone that the official RC1 was on its way. Only a few days later, on CM's official blog the team has confirmed that the code freeze for CM9 has begun, meaning a Release Candidate is being worked on currently.

While there are still a number of technical and organizational issues that need to be resolved very quickly, the plan is to quickly iterate through a series of release candidates over the next few weeks.

Android 4.0 was a huge jump for the operating system so it should be no surprise that it took so long to upgrade. CM has yet to announce which phones will see RC1, but you can be sure it will be more than just the Galaxy Nexus. Oh, and if you're a nightly kind of ROM user don't worry, nightlies will still be released alongside these release candidates so you can still stay on the cutting edge.

Via: CyanogenMod

Cheers Jul!

Foursquare and Flipboard Receive Updates, Minor Improvements Added

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:50:38 +0000

If you happen to have the Flipboard apk installed on your device (it is still not available through the Play Store) then you can update it to the newest version through the app. Included in the update is a few behind-the-scenes improvements, which means less battery drain and memory strain. For Foursquare users, we haven't found the official changelog yet, but will update the post as soon as it is made available. If you have yet to try Flipboard, we have included the apk download link below.

Foursquare | Flipboard

Cheers Klutch K!

Disney's Pixar and Imangi Release Temple Run: Brave for Android

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:10:17 +0000

Fans of Temple Run should feel a bit excited this morning, as the brand new Temple Run: Brave edition has made its way to the Play Store. With the Brave edition, there is an entirely new look along with some cool new features such as being able to shoot a bow. By hitting targets, you gain additional points which adds an extra difficulty factor to the gameplay. The game is $1 in the Play Store. Are you still loving Temple Run? Play Link ($.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt-TZYvyFMo[/youtube]

Chameleon Launches New Kickstarter, Hopefully This One Works Out

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:40:56 +0000

Chameleon, the home replacement solution for tablets that was all the rage back in mid-May, has relaunched today through Kickstarter after running into a funding situation the first time around. According to its creators, one of their team members, who had initially setup the Amazon funding solution through Kickstarter, left the team which caused them to have to close the original project. Since the backing and funding process through Kickstarter involves credit card information, setting up a new project and simply transferring everyone's backing amount was not an option. Hopefully that made sense. What you need to know, is that this new Kickstarter page is live and you can head on over and back it today if you'd like. They still expect to have it ready for backers by the end of August. Via: Kickstarter Cheers Brian!

Ship Date for Verizon's Galaxy S3 Changes to July 10

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:54:03 +0000

For whatever reason, the shipping date for the Samsung Galaxy SIII on Verizon has changed to July 10 this morning. The estimated "ship by" date had previously stood at July 9, so this isn't a drastic change or some sort of delay from what we can tell. This is a Tuesday though, so can we put money on July 12 being the official release date? Any chance we see it sooner? Is June 28, the day that Share Everything goes live, still in play? Good questions that Big Red isn't willing to give us answers to quite yet. Cheers @JoshKBane!

Summer Edition: Comic-Con Android Collectibles Coming in July

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:45:13 +0000

Android collectible collectors, add the new Comic-Con series to your list. The two new special edition collectibles are named Griller and Fandroid, both come with accessories. The Fandroid mini comes with a laniard to add to his Trekkie attire. The Griller mini comes with a spatula and grill, so that your summer burger obsession can spill into your doll collection. Only 1,000 have been made, which can be picked up during Comic-Con in San Diego from July 11-15 at booth #4728 or from DKE Toys. Via: Dyzplastic

RAZR Ice Cream Sandwich Builds Rooted Before Official Release

Eric — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:25:36 +0000

We may still be waiting for the official launch of the update to Ice Cream Sandwich here stateside for the DROID RAZR, but when it does get here rooting it should not be a problem. XDA user hacker812c has posted a myriad of ways for users to root their RAZRs, and it seems to be working on many different builds from many different countries. Whether or not you like using the one-click exploit methods that have become popular these days or you want to get your hands dirty in some adb lines, the thread at XDA has full explanations for you. As a reminder, this is for Android 4.0 on the RAZR which means you're running a leaked build of some kind. Hit the link below if you're feeling adventerous.

Via: XDA

Cheers JON!

Is Verizon About to Announce the LG Optimus LTE2?

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:45:41 +0000

The LG-VS930 has been on our radar for a couple of months as the device that LG hopes to compete with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. It first surfaced under the code name D1LV through a benchmark that outed its 4.7" HD display, version of Ice Cream Sandwich, and 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor. Since then, we have grown to realize that this is the Optimus LTE2 that LG announced in early May as one of the first devices in the world with 2GB of RAM. Specific details from Big Red have remained well hidden, but this anonymously sent picture below of what appears to be a shipping box with Optimus LTE2s inside has us wondering if this phone isn't about to be announced. We still do not know an official name, however, we wouldn't be surprised to see VZW go with something other than "Optimus." Thoughts? Any guesses on the name? Is LG still a player worth adding to your team?

Cheers ___!

Official MIUI Launcher Lands on Play Store, It's Makeover Time for Your Device

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:10:10 +0000

The MIUI team released their official launcher onto the Play Store for 2.3+ and 4.0+ devices. If you are unfamiliar with MIUI, what the team is well known for is making Android look like a completely new OS with flavors taken from all over the place. To some, the lack of a dedicated app drawer reminds them of iOS, but MIUI is much more than an iOS clone. With this launcher you are able to choose from countless themes, classy wallpapers, and awesome icon packs that are sure to turn your snoozefest device into one you would be happy to show off to friends and family. Included with the launcher is also the MIUI Locker which is a separate lockscreen app that is quite sexy. It's always a good time to spruce up your homescreens. Play Link (4.0+) | Play Link (2.3+) Via: Droid Dog

Acer Announces A700 Tablet With Full 1080 Display, Available for Pre-Order Now

Eric — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:30:51 +0000

Acer is quietly making some very nice Android tablets at some good prices, but if you didn't know it, you would never give them a second look. Acer has just announced their newest tablet, the A700 as a newer version to their ICONIA line and has packed a full 1080p HD screen into their already very solid tablet.

The resolution has been bumped up to 1920 x 1200 and fits very nicely with the Tegra 3 processor underneath. And maybe the best part of the tablet, other than the fact that it already runs an almost stock version of Ice Cream Sandwich, is that the tablet still packs an insane amount of battery, one that has been said to last 10 hours under heavy use. We reviewed the A510 (read the review here) and loved our time with it. The A700 seems to be a decent upgrade to the line while still keeping a low price. Pre-orders for this tablet are live today for $449.99. What do you think? Enough specs for you at that price point?

Pre-Order

Via: Acer

Rockstar's Max Payne Released to Android, Time to Shoot Up Some Baddies

Tim — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:43:55 +0000

The ultra-hit Max Payne is now available for Android. Rockstar definitely took their time on this release, even by delaying launch a bit and we are hoping it was to squash as many bugs as they could before delivery. The game only costs $2.99 and if you are a true Payne fan, you know this is a small price to pay for such a classic. Please note, depending on your Internet connection, you may not be able to play the game for some time after you purchase it. Download size of the game for me was a full 1.3GB. Yea, that's intense. Go try it out and let us know what you think about Max's debut onto Android. Play Link ($2.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1t8NnG-8kc&t=30s[/youtube]

Samsung Opens Up About Developing the Galaxy S3 - Multiple Models, Dummy Boxes, and Family Secrets

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:13:42 +0000

Samsung's Galaxy SIII development team sat down this week and opened up about their experiences while creating Android's next big thing. The topics of discussion mostly revolve around security and the struggles the teams had at keeping this phone under wraps. They talk about dealing with family members, including their own children, who constantly asked about the device. They mention the difficulties in trying to hide the phone whenever it was taken off campus. Did you know that there were actually 3 different models being worked on at all times? Now we know why there were versions in the wild with on-screen navigation keys. And speaking of those leaks, remember the "dummy boxes"? Yeah, they dealt with those too. Their team even went as far as hand delivering the Galaxy SIII to testers rather than using third party courier services to prevent leaks. Helicopters were involved, no pictures were ever allowed, and trying to price the device even turned into a chore since the marketing teams couldn't see it. It's a great read that can be found at the Samsung Tomorrow site below. Via: Samsung Tomorrow | SammyHub

DROID Bionic 5.9.905 Update Passes Tests, Starts Rolling Out to Everyone

Kellen — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 07:10:38 +0000

With the soak test now complete, update 5.9.905 for the DROID Bionic has started to rollout to all owners of the device. The update isn't large, but it should fix some of the 4G LTE data issues that have continued to plague this device for months. To pull it, head into Settings>About phone>System updates. Cheers Josh, David, Edmond, Jim, and Benjamin!

Fast Burst Camera for Android, Take Up to 30 Pictures Per Second

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:44:09 +0000

One of the many reasons we love HTC's One X is because of its camera software. You can choose various filters, shoot HD video in slow motion, but my overall favorite feature is the burst shot. When you hold down the shutter icon, you can snap multiple shots in a split second, which then allows you to choose the best shot from the roll. For those who take pictures of fast moving subjects, it's a life saver. Fast Burst Camera has made its way onto the Play Store and it does exactly what we were looking for. Simply hold down the button and you can snap up to 30 frames in a single second if your device allows it. The free version works just fine, but has a few ads which can seem intrusive. For $4, you can buy the pro version which unlocks some additional features such as auto-focus and lighting settings. View the video below to see some real life experiences with the application and see if it could help you take some neat shots. Play Link (free) | Play Link ($3.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWsm7ADk8Q4[/youtube]

HTC to Keep Focus on High Quality Devices, CEO Doesn't Want to "Destroy Brand Image"

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:25:29 +0000

In a recent talk with the Wall Street Journal, HTC's CEO stated that the company will now begin to solely create high-end and mid-range devices moving forward. In a move to not "destroy brand image," it looks like the days of low-end smartphones are over for HTC. Can we expect nothing but One S and One X-esque devices from now on? Until there is further clarification as to what a low-end device is in the eyes of HTC, we'll have to see what he means. During the launch and success of the One S and One X devices, HTC has shown that they can create a device that everyone wants to own. In addition, with the acquisition of Beats audio, they now also own a good selling point in the software department. With so much work being put into creating the world's greatest device, it isn't a shock that HTC would want to distance themselves from future low-end disappointments. Could this mean VZW customers can expect a high-end HTC option sometime soon? If so, sign me up. Via: Wall Street Journal

Contest: Win an Official Galaxy Nexus Car Dock, Already Modded for LTE Version Fun (Update: Winner Picked)

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:25:57 +0000

So as most of you know since you watched our "how to" video, I have this official Galaxy Nexus car dock that has already been modified to work with the LTE version. Unfortunately for my LTE Nexus, I'm currently addicted to the HTC One X and will also have a Galaxy SIII in a couple of weeks to play with, so I'd hate to see it sit on a shelf and collect dust. Well, what better way to fix that problem than by giving it away to a DL community member? These suckers retail for $54 in the Play store, but with shipping and taxes (depending on where you live), they can run you upwards of $70. How about we save one of you that cash to put towards your next full retail phone?

Update:

We have our winner and his name is Jason Brown, whose favorite movie so far this year is The Hunger Games. Thanks to the 1700+ of you that entered to win this great accessory!

Contest Entry:

1. ~~In the comments, tell us what the best movie was that you saw this year.~~ ~~2. Feel free to follow us on Twitter too.~~

Winner:

Tomorrow (June 14) at 12PM Pacific, we will randomly choose a winner. Good luck! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syhNX8oFjY4[/youtube]

Wednesday Poll: Upgrading Phone Now, Buying Later at Full Price, or Giving Up Unlimited Data?

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:53:28 +0000

Now that Share Everything data plans have started to soak in and most of you understand all of your options, we have a couple of important questions to ask. You know you can keep unlimited data if you'd like, but that means you have to buy phones at full price after June 28. Some of you may not want to save up the cash to do that and will either use up a last upgrade before the 28th or will bite the bullet and give up unlimited data in order to get a subsidized phone later on in the future. We want to know what your plans are. Full priced phones? Use the last upgrade before the 28th? Give up unlimited data? Willing to switch carriers? [poll id="180"]

Aviary Photo Editor, Another Powerful Option for Android Users

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:15:53 +0000

For all you smartphone photographers out there, there is now another option for your editing needs. It's called Aviary Photo Editor, and it contains some extremely powerful, yet easy to use features for getting the most out of your pictures. You can do all of the normal color adjustments and cropping, but Aviary also adds some fantastic filters (better looking than Instagram's) and other add-ons that are truly great looking. It took us a while to go through all of various features, so give it a try and let us know how you like it. For being free, it's up there among the best and gives many more options compared to Android's stock editor.

Official My XBOX Live App Finally Lands on Android

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 12:34:47 +0000

Finally, right? An official XBOX Live app is now available on Android from Microsoft and it looks fantastic. You can track achievements, watch gaming videos, change up your avatar, message friends, and edit your Live profile all from within. But along with that list of features, we seriously are impressed by the quality of this app. Swiping between screens and into different sections is met by beautiful transitions and that Metro UI that Windows Phone has become known for. Go get it and tell us what you think. Play Link Cheers Anish!

Adult Swim's Monsters Ate My Condo Released on Android

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 12:00:51 +0000

Adult Swim has recently published another game onto the Play Store called Monsters Ate My Condo. It has been a big hit on iOS (like every other game that finds its way onto Android) and it is a blast to play. The game is sort of all over the place in terms of the overall goal, which is perfect for people who can multitask while also looking at extremely bright colors for prolonged periods of time. Condos drop from the sky in various colors. You then feed the monsters the matching colors, while also trying to put three condos of the same color together which earns you points. There's a lot of other stuff going on, so give it a go and let us know what you think. And don't worry, it's definitely worth the $1. Play Link ($.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DNcUk61Vlw[/youtube]

First Look: Asus Transformer Infinity Tablet

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:20:10 +0000

Here is the first look at Asus' newest member to the Transformer line of tablets - the Transformer Infinity. To many tablet enthusiasts, this will be the absolute peak of what an Android tablet can be at this time. With a Tegra 3 clocked at 1.6GHz (benchmarking at 1.9Ghz), a display that rivals the iPad at 1920x1200 resolution, and a superior build quality that resembles the Transformer Prime's, Asus is looking to further themselves from all other competitors. What many will notice is that the Infinity incorporates a plastic-like top on the back of the slate, which will provide for better GPS functionality. Asus is not looking for a repeat of Dongle-gate. Whether you're a tablet fan or not, there is no doubt that Asus has made a true super-slate here. Overall Hands-On: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLABtrHlIoE[/youtube] Benchmarks and iPad Comparison: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LaJYYabnMI[/youtube] Via: Ritchie's Room

Tempered Glass Screen Protectors for the Galaxy Nexus Up for Pre-order

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:39:20 +0000

Looking for that extra bit of protection on your Galaxy Nexus screen? Would a tempered glass screen protector interest you? We have seen similar products from companies like Spigen SGP sell well for the iPhone and Galaxy Note, but up until this point, the G-Nex had been left out. Thanks to a member over a RootzWiki who seems to have convinced the company he works for to create a similar product, tempered glass is finally coming. For those not familiar with tempered glass, think of it as the ultimate screen protector. Once applied, it shouldn't reduce screen sensitivity at all, but it will help your phone survive a major fall. Spigen's, for example, is a specially processed reinforced glass that protects against scratches and also increases shock absorbency. We are assuming that this product will be similar to that. Think of Tempered glass as putting all other screen protectors to shame. His company has opened up a pre-order for the glass protector at $29.99, but if you use the coupon code "NEXUSFTW" at checkout, you can save yourself $5. They expect orders to be ready by late June or mid-July. Buy. Via: RootzWiki Cheers @strikeir13!

Video: Quick Look at Samsung's TecTiles in Action

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:00:14 +0000

Last night, Samsung introduced their latest product to the market called TecTiles which are NFC stickers that can be programmed to help you accomplish tasks. Since we saw some confusion in the comments about how they are programmed, what kinds of things can you ask them to do, and if they are reprogrammable, we thought a video to help explain them was needed. Here you go! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMjUTuyd7A8[/youtube] Links: Play Store (app) | TecTile Site *Note - As one of our readers has pointed out, you are essentially programming the app to know what to do when pressed to a specific NFC sticker. When you tell the app what you want the NFC chip to do, you are actually programming the app to recognize this particular NFC sticker and then perform actions. This would be the reason you need this specific app installed on every device in order for that NFC sticker to do the correct action. It's like the app is recognizing an NFC code that is specific to that sticker and then telling your phone what it should be doing. Update: Samsung reached out to help clarify this situation even more. Basically, it depends on what you programmed the NFC tag to do. Some require the app to perform, some do not. Here is a list that do not require you to have the TecTiles app installed:

Show a message
Open a web page
Location/map/address
Make phone call
Send text message
Share a contact

For other things like toggling WiFi, checking in somewhere on Foursquare, and launching an app, all require the TecTiles app to be installed.

Smule Launches Magic Piano for Android, the Wait is Over

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:05:06 +0000

Magic Piano has finally arrived for Android. I think I've only been waiting a full year for this to happen, but hey, it's better late than never. For anyone unfamiliar with Magic Piano, it has been a major success on iOS devices for quite some time. With MP, you download songs that range from Mozart to today's bigger pop hits such as Bruno Mars and One Republic and then you tap on the screen to the notes that appear on the screen. Think of it as Guitar Hero's cousin, Piano Hero. It's a definite blast for any music lovers out there and I highly recommend it. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_C2DQeqRXE[/youtube]

Recap: Everything You Need to Know About Verizon's Share Everything Plans

Kellen — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:50:30 +0000

After yesterday's news that Verizon's new Share Everything data plans would arrive by June 28, we dove into every nook and cranny of them to try and help you understand this drastic change in wireless carrier service. We talked about keeping unlimited data, pre-ordering the Galaxy S3, corporate discounts under the new structure, and even tossed together a step-by-step guide to help you decide if you would save money or not by switching off of your current plan. Since there was a ton of info out there, we thought we'd throw it together for you in one post for quick reference.

Share Everything Basics: This is our step-by-step guide to help you figure out how much money you would spend if you were to switch to a shared data plan. From what we have gathered over the last day and a half, these plans seem like they will benefit those that talk on the phone a lot and send thousands of text messages every month, but may not be the best thing for anyone who uses more than 2GB of data per month.
You Can Keep Unlimited Data: Verizon told us a couple of weeks ago that you can keep your unlimited data plan even after they launch shared data and they weren't lying. You can keep it, however, you will never be able to buy a subsidized/discounted phone again. If you want to keep your current plan, you will have to buy phones at full retail price.
Will You Save Any Money?: We asked the DL community to take their current plan and calculate their bill as if they had switched over to a Share Everything plan to see if they would save money, spend more per month, or keep a similar bill. About 75% of you said that you would be paying more under Verizon's incoming shared data plans, 17% will save money, and 8% will keep a similar bill.
Corporate Discounts and Tablets: A source of ours shared the new policy on corporate discounts, which now includes only a discount on your data plan (which is account level) and not your individual line. If you had a $40 line access fee and a $70 2GB data plan, you would only see a discount off of that $70. Verizon has also decided to eliminate discounts from tablets, which makes sense since you can no longer buy them on contract.
Guide to Share Everything: Here is a full guide to Share Everything plans, one that includes almost every single detail you could ever need to know.
Galaxy SIII Pre-orders: Yes, you can pre-order the Galaxy SIII and keep your unlimited data plan. You need to do it before June 28 though, or you will be out of luck. Also, you may want to be careful pre-ordering through Best Buy, as their process is much different than Verizon's.

The last question that we are seeking an answer on has to do with accounts that have multiple lines and upgrades at different times. What would happen if one of those lines uses an upgrade with Share Everything live? Does that force the entire account onto Share Everything or will just that single line move onto it? We have this question into Verizon already and are hoping to have something official back soon. Stay with us. Other than that, do you feel like you have a better understanding of Share Everything? If not, be sure to drop your questions in the comments.

Asus Transformer Prime Receives Minor Update, Face Unlock Now Available

Tim — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:18:44 +0000

Asus has begun to roll out the .28 firmware update to Transformer Prime owners. Included in the update are a few tweaks to the stock browser and a new notification for when your GPS dongle is attached, but the big news is the addition of Face Unlock. I guess some folks can never get enough of their beautiful faces. Go check out the update and let us know if you notice any other goodies. Cheers Todd and David!

Samsung Announces TecTiles, Brings Programmable NFC Tags to the Masses

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:01:58 +0000

Tonight, Samsung announced their newest non-hardware creation called TecTiles. These are programmable NFC tags that will be available through major carriers at the launch of the Galaxy SIII. Their goal with TecTiles is to help NFC reach the masses and become a part of our everyday lives. Since the GS3, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Galaxy SII (some models), HTC One X and so many other devices all have NFC chips inside, this should be simple, right? If you are not familiar with NFC stickers like these, I'll do my best to explain them. With an NFC sticker like TecTiles, one can program it to accomplish a single task that under normal circumstances would take more than a few seconds of your time. For example, you could program a TecTile (using your NFC phone to program it) to toggle WiFi on and off. Assuming you have an NFC-enabled phone, all you would have to do is touch your phone to this sticker and it should toggle your WiFi. A restaurant owner could place one inside the door of the building so that customers with NFC phones could quickly tap the sticker and check-in through Foursquare. You could place one of these stickers on your desk and have it automatically send a text to your wife that read, "Hi Honey, on my way home from work!" as you leave work. The possibilities are sort of endless if you think about it. You could launch an app with a programmable NFC sticker, post a Facebook update, open a webpage or even send a Tweet. TecTiles specifically will be available for $14.99 for a pack of 5, again, at all major U.S. carriers. The TecTiles app that helps you program these as many times as you'd like, is available in the Google Play store. Here is a link to the TecTile site. Are you ready for mass NFC adoption? I sure am.

______________________________________

Samsung Mobile Puts All The Pieces in Place to Bring NFC To The Masses

Inexpensive, easy to use Samsung TecTiles™ Programmable NFC Tags can be customized to launch apps, send text messages, share contact information, change phone settings and more, with an NFC-enabled Galaxy smartphone
DALLAS — June 13, 2012 — Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) is helping consumers realize the potential of NFC technology today with the creation of Samsung TecTiles™ and the TecTile™ programming application. With the largest user base of NFC-enabled devices in the United States and TecTiles available in all four major carrier stores and at major online retailers at the launch of the Galaxy S III, Samsung is ensuring NFC becomes a part of daily life. With a simple tap of an NFC-enabled phone to a TecTile, consumers are able to automate everyday functions of a smartphone including sending a “headed/at home” text message, silencing the phone when entering a meeting, setting an alarm, and dimming the display when going to bed. Samsung TecTiles will transform how businesses large and small engage with consumers. On premise, TecTiles enable consumers to check-in on Facebook® or foursquare^®, connect to Wi-Fi® or download content. Off-premise, businesses can use TecTiles as a way to market to and engage with consumers by enabling reward programs and to download discount offers or content. “With millions of NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy smartphones currently in the market and the arrival of our flagship device Galaxy S^® III, Samsung saw an opportunity to expand the value of NFC beyond mobile payments,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America, the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S. and worldwide-. “The launch of Samsung TecTiles is another example of Samsung’s ability to innovate new products and applications that improve the way we use our mobile devices for everyday tasks.” Samsung TecTiles are easy to program with any NFC-enabled smartphone and the free application, which can be found in the Google Play™ marketplace. TecTiles can be reprogrammed as often as needed to complete any of the following functions on an NFC-enabled phone: Settings & Applications

Change phone settings (Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ringer/media volume, screen brightness, etc.)

Launch an application

Join a Wi-Fi Network

Show a message

Communication

Make a call

Send a text message

Start a Google Talk™ conversation

Share a contact or business card

Location & Web

Show an address on a map

Open a web page

Foursquare or Facebook check-in

Social

Automatic Facebook “Like”

Update Facebook status

Post a tweet or follow a contact on Twitter

Connect on LinkedIn®

Samsung NFC-Enabled Android ^TM Smartphones

Samsung Galaxy S^® III on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon

Samsung Galaxy S^® II on T-Mobile

Galaxy Nexus^TM on Verizon, Sprint and GSM Unlocked

Nexus^TM S^® 4G on Sprint

Samsung Galaxy S^® Blaze ^® 4G on T-Mobile

Pricing/Availability Priced at $14.99 for a pack of five, TecTiles programmable NFC sticker tags are now available for purchase online and in-store at AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. The Samsung TecTiles app is now available for download at the Google Play store. © Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S, and TecTiles are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Android and Nexus are trademarks of Google Inc. All other company names, product names and marks are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks. Links for more information:

Samsung TecTiles microsite

Galaxy S III U.S. Availability Announcement

Galaxy S III Global Launch URL

About Samsung Telecommunications America Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 206,000 people in 197 offices across 72 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LED. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world’s most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Apple Won't Delay Samsung Galaxy S3 Launch Thanks to Judge Ruling

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:09:05 +0000

Shortly after Samsung announced Galaxy SIII availability in the U.S., Apple filed to amend an injunction of theirs against the Korean phone maker. They were hoping to stop the launch of the device which most carriers were expecting to release on June 21. Judge Lucy Koh, who is overseeing the case that Apple was hoping to add the Galaxy SIII to, decided that this move would be too much and essentially told them they would have to wait. Apparently her calendar was busy enough, and trying to get this block done by June 21 would be too much for her to handle. While this doesn't cancel out the trial over patents that is set to take place in July, this does at least assure of a smooth launch for the device here in the States. +1 to that. Via: Reuters Cheers Faustic!

Android Other: T-Mobile Galaxy Note Hits FCC, AT&T Wants Verizon's Spectrum, and Galaxy SII ICS

Eric — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:30:36 +0000

Android Other is a quick look at some of the other Android stories that hit the web today that we thought you may care about as an enthusiast. In order to stay up-to-date on all things green robot, this isn't a bad post to check out on the daily.

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Galaxy Note Headed for T-Mobile Passes through the FCC

The Samsung Galaxy Note, the 5.3" phablet that passed the 7 million units sold mark a while back, is looking to ad to its surprisingly high totals. There were rumblings that the Note may be making its way to T-Mobile, but this FCC filing looks to make that pretty official. Now the question is, when can we see it? Rumors point to July 11 for this phone launching on the Magenta network and it may have Ice Cream Sandwich already on board if we're really lucky. With the Note making its way to another US carrier, do you still want it on Verizon?

Via: FCC | Pocketnow

T-Mobile Pushes Android 4.0.3 Update to Galaxy SII Starting Today

The Galaxy SIII may be the talk of the town lately, but the Galaxy SII is one of the best selling Android phones to-date. The update to Ice Cream Sandwich has finally arrived for the SII on T-Mobile's network. Installation requires downloading Kies software for Mac or Windows followed by a quick hookup and download. Get to it!

Via: TmoNews

HTC One S Being Sold with Snapdragon S3 Processor in Select Markets

The good guys over at The Verge reached out to HTC to see if the rumor that the One S in some markets was shipping with the earlier-gen S3 processor was true. HTC responded and said that it is true, but the S3 is being bumped up to 1.7GHz instead of the 1.5Ghz on the S4 that resides in American One S phones. The question is why? It seems that Qualcomm is having trouble keeping stock of the S4 chips since they're being used in almost all of the big name phones these days. Let's hope that the stock gets replenished sooner rather than later, especially with the Galaxy SIII almost upon us.

Via: The Verge

Sprint Touch Slides Leaked, is Google Wallet on its Way Out? The rumors of Sprint making their own Wallet system for their smartphones might be true after a set of leaked slides surfaced today. Sprint was the only carrier in the US to really embrace Google Wallet when it was announced last year, but now it seems as if they are moving in their own direction. The slides show partners like Macy's and McDonalds and reward cards, but there was no mention of bank partners on this Touch Wallet system. It does seem that Sprint is serious about this, however, are Wallet's days numbered?

Via: Android Central

AT&T Wants a Piece of Verizon's 700MHz LTE Spectrum

The government wasn't too excited about Verizon trying to buy a whole lot of AWS Spectrum from Comcast and Time Warner last year. To appease Capitol Hill, Verizon mentioned they would be willing to sell some of their 700MHz spectrum, and apparently AT&T wants in. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson has been hinting recently that his company would be very interested in purchasing that from Big Red. AT&T says the spectrum could be "up and running in 60 days from the sale" so they're pretty serious about it. Time will tell if the two network giants get to settle this deal.

Via: The Verge

Ice Cream Sandwich Build 3.14.605.10 Leaks for the HTC Rezound

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:30:38 +0000

Another Ice Cream Sandwich build has leaked for the HTC Rezound, this time as version 3.14.605.10. It appears to be a minimal update over the last one (fixes SMS issue, data widget, and removes caller ID app), which is a good sign, as that likely means they are getting closer to it being a finished product. HTC told us to expect it in either June or July of this year, so when we see minor tweaks and no new radios, we start to get excited. The file and instructions for flashing can be found at the source link. Via: Download | XDA Cheers claydos66!

Reminder: Pre-ordering the Galaxy S3 on Verizon Allows You to Keep Unlimited Data

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:00:27 +0000

Here is one last Share Everything data plan note/reminder and we should have just about covered it all. And actually, we talked about this back when the Galaxy SIII first went up for pre-order, but we have seen some confusion on the subject in the comments and on Twitter and decided to talk about it one more time. I cannot say this any clearer - if you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy SIII before June 28, you can keep your unlimited data plan (assuming you already have an unlimited plan).

How do we know for sure?

Well first of all, we heard directly from Verizon's top communications director who told us as plain as she possibly could, that if you pre-order this phone, that you can keep your current plan. There was no beating around the bush or tricky word phrasing - she told us straight up that this is the deal. Second, I walked through the process myself last week and as you can see from the screenshot below, unlimited data was a part of my checkout process. Third, I had Tim walk through it on his account today, now that Share Everything plans have been announced, and he also was able to select his current unlimited data plan and not a tier or share of any sort (pictured above). We have heard from readers that spoke with VZW support reps who are for some reason under the impression that this isn't the case. I hate to say this, but I'm not sure they know what they are talking about. The only way Verizon could get me off of unlimited data after going through this pre-order, would be to void my contract and force me onto a shared plan. They can't do things like that, folks. Even if the phone ships on July 9 (after shared plans are live), I have already locked in according to the document that you are seeing below. When I activate the device whenever it does ship, it won't matter because it's all about the date that you sign the new contract, which for me, was last week or for you would be this week. Think about it. If you pre-order and the phone arrives on July 9 at your doorstep, how is Verizon going to change your plan? When you pre-ordered, you told them what you want your plan to be, so that when the phone shows up, you can simply activate it and be on your way. It's not like you would have to go back online once your phone arrives, and re-select plan features that would take you off of unlimited data. That wouldn't make any sense.

What about Best Buy pre-orders?

With that out of the way, let's talk about the tricky situation here that involves Best Buy. When you pre-order a phone through Verizon (at least online), you purchase the phone as if you were walking out of a store with it today, which means you choose plan and feature options and then extend a contract. The only difference between buying a RAZR MAXX today and the Galaxy SIII is that you don't get the Galaxy SIII until Verizon is ready to ship it. But again, if you pre-order through Verizon directly, you get to lock into that contract. Best Buy on the other hand could be very different. When you pre-order with Best Buy, all you are doing is holding a device for $50 until it arrives in store. When it arrives, you then cruise into your store and finish the process which would involve extending your contract and paying for the rest of the device. Seeing the problem here? If the Galaxy SIII does not come out until after Share Everything plans are in effect, there is a pretty good chance that you will have to move from unlimited onto one of these new plans because you did not lock in beforehand. We are hearing that Best Buy is telling customers that pre-ordering and putting $50 down will keep their unlimited data plans safe, but I'm having a hard time believing that to be true. If you are going to pre-order through Best Buy, I highly suggest that you ask as many BBY employees, including managers, as you can to be 100% certain. I would hate to see a bunch of unlimited data users receive bad news on Galaxy SIII launch day.

Did you pre-order?

If you pre-ordered any time over the last week from Verizon, we would love for you to confirm in the comments that you kept your unlimited data. If you pre-ordered through Best Buy, we would love to hear exactly what their sales reps are telling you as far as keeping unlimited data is concerned. If anything else changes from what we have told you today, we will be sure to let you know.

Analyst: Motorola's RAZR MAXX Outsells iPhone 4S on Verizon During Q2

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:15:32 +0000

According to a network analyst, Motorola's uber-popular RAZR MAXX has completely outsold Apple's iPhone 4S on Verizon during this year's second quarter. Motorola is beginning to see success again, thanks to Verizon's constant marketing of their all-powerful 4G LTE network and the device's 3300 mAh battery. But what will happen in the fall when Apple unleashes its iPhone 5 onto the masses - Will it feature LTE? Will it have a larger 4.0" display? Let's see if Goo-Moto can keep this success streak going forward with the RAZR HD. Via: Phandroid

Sensordrone for Android, a Kickstarter That Actually Looks Worthy of My Money

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:30:15 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UIj1mgePMg[/youtube]

We recently came across the Sensordrone project on Kickstarter, and frankly, it looks pretty awesome. With the sensor hardware that connects through Bluetooth to your device, checking the carbon monoxide levels in an area, natural/artificial lighting, and even your BAC is made possible. The hardware comes with a ton of various sensors onboard which is what makes some of the following things possible:

Application examples:

Air quality

Breath alcohol

Color matching

Non-contact thermometer

Weather monitoring

Crowd sourced Sensor Data

Games (totally new concepts)

Flatulence (use gas sensors for both serious and not so serious measurements)

Totally new applications/Multi-sensor mayhem!

To receive a beta of the Sensordrone you only have to donate $99, which isn't too bad. The project has already reached its goal, so this will in fact come to fruition. Does checking your BAC before you drive home from the bar interest you at all? Via: Kickstarter Cheers Isaac! <3

Ice Cream Sandwich is Up for a User Experience Award Tonight, Here is a Taste of Some of Its Inspiration

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:44:47 +0000

Android 4.0 is up for a 2012 User Experience (UX) award tonight and to help celebrate, the Android team released a video that not only goes through some of the best commercials they released at launch, but they also give us a look at some of the early design ideas. If you don't feel like watching all of the commercials, most of which are pretty brilliant by the way, then jump to the 2:05 mark to see the motion and visual graphics stuff. I think most of us can agree that Ice Cream Sandwich as an operating system is nothing short of beautiful. It's minimal lines, smooth transitions, and simple colors have made this the most refined version of Android yet. Hopefully it takes home this award. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZh9krcasoY[/youtube]

Verizon Share Everything Data Plans: Applying Corporate Discounts, Tablets No Longer Subsidized or Discounted

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:58:07 +0000

One of the questions that came up this morning after Verizon announced their new Share Everything data plans, was "How will corporate discounts work?" We now have the answer thanks to the document above. As you can see in the B2B section, Big Red will apply the corporate employee discounts to the Monthly Account Access portion of your bill and not the Monthly Line Access fee. So basically that means that you get a discount off of your shared data package and not off of your individual device monthly fee. Another interesting note up there has to do with tablets. Verizon will no longer be subsidizing or discounting tablets, which makes sense since you can simply add on a tablet to your account for $10. What we will have to watch for now is whether or not full retail pricing of tablets comes down. I can't imagine that many of you are interested in paying $900 for a XYBOARD. For additional details about these plans that we haven't already covered, feel free to hit up this Google+ post. Cheers ___!

Songkick Arrives on Android, Fills Up Your Calendar With Concerts From Your Favorite Artists

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:24:14 +0000

Not that the concert app market is lacking, but we wanted to point out Songkick to the music buffs in the building today. If you hate to manually keep track of your favorite artists and when their next concert is happening, this is the app for you. Upon installing, it scans your music library, Google Music account, and Last.fm app to figure out who you like to listen to. Once it has a grasp on the situation, it starts notifying you of incoming concerts that you can add to a calendar or pick up tickets to. From what I can tell, it does a hell of a job, aside from that Bieber addition. You can also add specific locations and see what concerts are on the horizon or see what other cities your favorite artists are playing in. Play Link

More Photos Taken With the DROID RAZR HD Appear on Picasa

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:45:46 +0000

A series of photos from a Motorola employee has surfaced on Picasa within the last few days, leaving us to believe that the rumored DROID RAZR HD is still out there being prepped for a launch on Verizon. According to the EXIF data, we could still be looking at a possible 13MP shooter on the back (which is what comes equipped in its Chinese counterparts) with a f2.4 aperture. Besides these new camera shots, we have posted images of the upcoming RAZR HD here if you haven't seen them yet. We continue to hear from sources that a late summer launch is intended, but with Verizon ending unlimited data for good before this phone comes out, are you still planning to get it? Cheers Stephan!

DROID RAZR ICS Update Likely Not Arriving Today, Folks

Tim — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:00:17 +0000

Last week, CNET reported that the DROID RAZR would receive Ice Cream Sandwich on June 12. Clearly that is not happening. In a tweet from VZW's support Twitter page, they mention that a date has not been given for the update, which leaves us with basically no concrete idea as to when we can expect it besides the previous "before the end of Q2" report. Like most other updates from Moto and VZW, we can expect Moto Feedback Network users to receive emails about a possible soak test before the update is officially ready, so until we see those, we'll have to remain patient. To keep up with ICS updates, be sure to bookmark our official list of dates.

Galaxy SIII Gets New 30 Second TV Spot, Tugs at Your Heartstrings

Eric — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:10:49 +0000

Samsung is really pushing their new Galaxy SIII to the consumer and it's all under the unified message of "Designed for Humans." In the latest TV spot we see this put on display with Samsung showing you how their new phone can fit into your life rather than boasting about its specs and how new it is. A wedding, a marriage proposal and even a night of reading a bedtime story are all included. All intimate times that Samsung wants to help you out with when using their S3. Sammy is looking to take over the nation with their plans to launch on all 4 major carriers and even some regional ones. Do you like their new marketing campaign?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGfV6uh3kTs[/youtube]

Slick ICS-Based Spotify App Leaves Beta, Available for Download Now

Eric — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:30:33 +0000

Remember that new Spotify app that came out looking really nice and inspired by Ice Cream Sandwich a while back? That was just a beta test of the app, but now that Spotify has got all the kinks worked out they're letting everyone in on the new application. And they've even added a few more tricks into the deal for you:

Play queue
Last.fm scrobbling
Crossfade/gapless playback settings
Widget – control Spotify from the home screen
Folder support

The download is available now in the Play Store for those who want to get in on the music streaming action. We advise you stream now before those shared data plans kick in. Play Link Via: Spotify

Tuesday Poll: Under Verizon's New Share Everything Plans, Are You Saving or Losing Money?

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:50:07 +0000

It's time to bust out those calculators. With Verizon announcing their new Share Everything plans, most of you are under the impression that these aren't the great deals that Big Red is attempting to lead you into believing. From what I can tell at first glance, these plans will be amazing for families who talk on the phone a lot and text message like champs, yet rarely get on the internet or use data intensive apps. For those like me, that rarely make calls and use free instant messaging services (aka no text plan), but pound the data, these plans are the last thing I would ever choose. Each of our situations are different, so we would love to see what those are. Let's do two things here. First, walk through our step-by-step guide of Verizon's new Share Everything plans and calculate a bill for your account based on these new numbers. And try not to automatically choose the 10GB plan to jack up the price, but look at your last 3 months of data usage to get yourself an average. Once you have done that, compare it to your current bill and then vote in the poll. We would love to know if you would save money, spend more, or stay the same with these new plans. [poll id="179"]

Reminder: You Do NOT Have to Switch to Verizon's New Share Everything Data Plans - Unlimited Data Can Be Kept

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 07:49:07 +0000

We see in the comments that some users are freaking out a bit and are wondering if they will be forced onto one of Verizon's new Share Everything plans. The answer is no. Let me say that one more time, so that hopefully, it can be the last. You do not have to switch to Verizon's Share Everything plans. With that said, if you want to keep your unlimited data plan and current minute structure, there are some things you need to know.

To Keep Unlimited Data

In order to stay locked into unlimited data after June 28 (the day Share Everything plans go live), you will have to purchase phones at full retail price, which could mean paying anywhere from $449 to $649 for a new smartphone. If you choose to buy a phone at the discount or subsidized rate ($199 or so) after June 28, you will be forced onto one of these new tiered plans (either individual or Share Everything).

Your Last Subsidized Upgrade

If you have an upgrade available and paying full price for phones doesn't sound like a party, then you have 2 weeks to use that upgrade. If you buy a discounted phone today, you can keep your grandfathered unlimited plan. For example, the Galaxy SIII is up for pre-order - you can pre-order and keep your current plan. Verizon confirmed it to us, but we also can confirm after going through the whole process.

Choosing Subsidy Over Unlimited

If you come to the end of a contract after June 28 and choose to upgrade at a discounted price, you will have to leave your unlimited data plan. At that time, you have a couple of choices for plans through Verizon. There will apparently be individual plans that start at $30 for 2GB of data and then of course, these new Share Everything plans. In some cases, it may be cheaper for you to purchase individual accounts than go with a Share Everything. For example, if Verizon is offering a double data promo for individual accounts ($30 for 4GB of data). If that time comes though, you will want to pull out the calculator and do the math to find your best option. To see exactly how the Share Everything plans break down, we have laid it all out for you in this post.

The Basics: Verizon's New Share Everything Plans

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 06:45:26 +0000

After Verizon dropped their new Share Everything plans on us this morning (aka shared data tiers), it took a minute for us to fully process exactly what we have going here, but we think we have a good grasp on it now. To help everyone understand this new focus on data rather than minutes and texts that goes live June 28, we thought we would lay this out for you in the simplest of ways. Ready?

Step 1: Smartphones

Do you have more than 1 line on an account that includes a smartphone? Proceed to "Step 2" and the Share Everything plans. If you have an individual smartphone account with 1 line, there are standalone data packages for you starting at $30 for 2GB of data. If you only have feature (basic) phones on your account, you get a whole new set of plans that you can find at the very bottom of the post

Step 2: Number of Devices

How many devices do you have? Each one comes with its own "Monthly Line Access" fee. Prices below:

Smartphones: $40 per device
Feature phones: $30 per device
Jetpack / Netbook / Notebook / USB: $20 per device
Tablets: $10 per device

Step 3: Data Package Selection

Choose a data package for your entire family/account or what Verizon refers to as "Monthly Account Access":

1GB for $50
2GB for $60
4GB for $70
6GB for $80
8GB for $90
10GB for $100

Step 4: More Data

Not enough data? If 10GB is not enough, you can add on an additional 2GB for $10. If you go over your monthly allowance, you pay $15 per 1GB of data.

Step 5: Mobile Hotspot

Want to add mobile hotspot on? It's already on there. Mobile hotspot is now included with all capable devices at no extra charge. Just remember that using a hotspot on any of them will pull from the data package you selected in "Step 3."

Step 6: Minutes and Texting

You do not have to select a minute or text package as they are all unlimited on these new share everything plans, and that includes picture and video messages. From what we can tell, this isn't just mobile-to-mobile either. You can call anyone across this great nation for free on any phone.

Step 7: Add It Up

To figure out what your bill will look like, add up your number of devices along with their per device price from step 1, then add on a data package and you are done. That is now your monthly bill, minus taxes and fees. Here is an example: You have 6 devices in your family - 3 smartphones, 1 feature phone, 1 Jetpack, and 1 tablet. You will pay $40 for each smartphone ($120), plus $30 for the 1 feature phone, $20 for the Jetpack, and $10 for the tablet. The total monthly line access for your devices comes to $180. Since Verizon seems to think that the average user users 1-2GB of data per month, you would probably choose no less than the 8GB plan for $90. Add that to the $180 total for your devices and your bill will roughly be $270 per month, which includes unlimited talk and text.

_____________________________________

Feature or Basic Phones

If you do not have any smartphones on your account, you get two choices going forward: 700 minutes for $40 or unlimited talk and text with 300MB of data for $70. The $40 does not include data or texting, so you would have to purchase those separately starting at $10 per 1,000 messages per line. If you have multiple feature phones, you can add each one to the pot for an additional $30.

Data-only Plans

If you don't need Verizon for calling or texting and simply want to purchase a Jetpack/netbook/notebook/USB or tablet, you have a separate set of plans as well. Each Jetpack/netbook/notebook/USB will cost you $20 each. Each tablet is just $10 per month. The data packages to attach to those are as follows: 4GB for $30, 6GB for $40, 8GB for $50, and 10GB for $60. Example: Say you have 1 Jetpack, 1 USB dongle, and a tablet. You would pay $20 each for the Jetpack and USB and $10 for the tablet bringing your monthly line access charges to $50. Verizon claims that the average user users 1-2GB of data per month so you would want to go no less than the 6GB plan for $40. Your total bill for data-only would then be $90 for 3 devices.

Other Notes

Verizon has made a bunch of resources available to you to decide if shared data is for you. Here is their breakdown of all the plans including pricing. Here is the main Share Everything page. Here is the new data calculator, so that you can figure out your perfect plan.

Verizon Announces Share Everything Plans, Starting at $50 for 1GB of Data and Unlimited Talk/Text

Kellen — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:34:55 +0000

Here they are, folks, shared data plans or as Verizon is referring to them - Share Everything Plans. They just came across the wire and are definitely an interesting approach to wireless plans. This new plan structure will debut on June 28. Let's try to talk through exactly what we have here. Verizon is offering unlimited minutes and texting and then adding on set amounts of data at an account level. The fees start with a monthly access fee which is basically where you choose the amount of data that you think your family will use: 1GB for $50, 2GB for $60, 4GB for $70, 6GB for $80, 8GB for $90, and 10GB for $100. Then, you start adding on devices (up to 10) which each come with their own fee: smartphones for $40 each, feature phones for $30, Jetpacks/USB dongles/Notebooks/Netbooks for $20, and tablets for $10. For example, if your family has 2 smartphone lines and 1 feature phone ($40 per smartphone and $30 for the feature phone) and you want 6GB of data shared between all of you, add on $80 to the $110 for the devices and your bill is roughly $190 (or a tad more with fees and taxes). If you have a 4G LTE tablet, you can add that to the account for $10. You can also add a hotspot plan on for free (or they are simply included), but just remember, that it pulls from that 6GB of data that you are all sharing. Here is an an example of what my current plan looks like - 2 smartphones and 1 feature phone on a 700 minute plan with 2 unlimited data packages. We pay $10 per line ($30 total) plus $30 for each unlimited data package and $80 for the 700 minute plan. My bill is roughly $170 each month. If you go over your data limit, you pay $15 per 1GB. If you need more than 10GB per month to start, you can add on an additional 2GB for $10. As you can tell, and probably could have guessed long ago, this is a monumental switch off of caring about minutes and texting and focusing everything on data. The minutes and texting are never a worry with these plans since they are unlimited, but you now have to start monitoring how much data your family is using. There is no longer an unlimited option at all and the highest amount of data you can buy per month is 10GB for $100 (unless you add more for an additional $10). If you have the full 10 devices attached to an account, that gives you 1GB per device per month, which as you can imagine, is not a lot. *We broke this whole situation down into a "basics" type of post that you may want to check out. *Don't forget, there are ways to keep your unlimited data plan. *Be sure to vote in our poll and tell us if these new plans would save your money or cost you more. *We now have info on corporate employee discounts here. Here is Verizon's site that details everything.

VERIZON WIRELESS UNVEILS NEW SHARE EVERYTHING PLANS FOR BASIC PHONES, SMARTPHONES, TABLETS AND MORE

Share Data with up to 10 Verizon Wireless Devices; Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Messages and Mobile Hotspot Included in All Smartphone Plans
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless today announced Share Everything Plans that will forever change the way customers purchase wireless services. Share Everything Plans include unlimited voice minutes, unlimited text, video and picture messaging and a single data allowance for up to 10 Verizon Wireless devices. In addition, the Mobile Hotspot service on all the devices is included in the Share Everything Plans at no additional charge. The groundbreaking Share Everything Plans debut on June 28 and will be available to new, as well as existing, customers who may wish to move to the new plans. “Customers asked, and today Verizon Wireless delivered an industry first,” said Tami Erwin, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “Share Everything Plans are the new standard for wireless service. They are simple; customers no longer have to think about their voice and message plans, because both are unlimited. Share Everything Plans are convenient; customers purchase one data plan and they share it with up to 10 mobile devices. And, they are worry-free; customers can connect their 3G or 4G devices wherever and whenever they want on America’s most reliable network.” How Share Everything Plans Work To get started on a Share Everything Plan, customers first select the devices they want on their accounts. The next step is to choose a plan that includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages and a shared data allowance that begins at 1 GB for $50. Customers adding a tablet on their Share Everything Plans can do so for an additional $10, with no long-term contract requirement. The following matrix shows pricing for an account with several different devices, such as a smartphone, a tablet and a basic phone, billed to the same individual.

Step 1

Step 2

Monthly Line Access

(per device)

Shared

Minutes

Shared

Messages

Shared

Data

Monthly Account Access

(shared with up to 10 devices)

Smartphones - $40Basic Phone -30Jetpacks/USBs/Notebooks/Netbooks - $20Tablets - $10
Unlimited

Unlimited

1 GB

$50

Unlimited

Unlimited

2 GB

$60

Unlimited

Unlimited

4 GB

$70

Unlimited

Unlimited

6 GB

$80

Unlimited

Unlimited

8 GB

$90

Unlimited

Unlimited

10 GB

$100

There are separate plans for accounts with only basic phones, or data only devices such as USB modems or Jetpack Mobile Hotspots at www.verizonwireless.com/ShareEverything. “When developing these plans, we first asked customers what they wanted in a wireless service plan. We also looked at the technology and how customers were using it to manage their lives. And last, we took into consideration the evolution of the technology and how customers would use wireless in the future,” Erwin added. “Share Everything Plans are the outcome of that research. They cover every device Verizon Wireless offers, from basic phones to smartphones, from tablets to Jetpacks and more. Share Everything Plans represent a tremendous shift in how customers think about wireless service.” Switch to a Share Everything Plan Customers are free to keep their existing plans, but there is no fee or contract extension to move to the new Share Everything Plans. To help customers determine the best Share Everything Plan option, Verizon Wireless has created an easy to use online tool at www.verizonwireless.com/ShareEverything. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Ice Cream Sandwich Test Build for DROID Bionic Hints at Release from Motorola?

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:58:08 +0000

Over the weekend, a supposed Ice Cream Sandwich test build found its way onto the Cheesecake app for DROID Bionic owners. The Cheesecake application searches servers that Motorola hosts their public files on and sometimes, people score early builds. Before this, no builds or details have been seen from Motorola, but we have known that the Bionic is due to receive the update sometime in Q3. The build is currently un-flashable and is basically just an engineer build. Hang in there, Bionic owners - the wait is almost over. Via: Droid Hive | XDA Cheers Colin!

Rockstar Finally Announces Official June 14 Launch Date for Max Payne onto Android

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:10:43 +0000

After a few untimely launch delays, Rockstar has now given Android owners a concrete date at which to find Max Payne on the Android platform. Starting June 14, you can find the shooter on the Play Store for just $2.99. Not bad. Once the game is released, we will be picking it up and letting you know our thoughts on this re-release of one of the better classic titles from my younger years. Have all the delays sort of made this launch a big letdown for anyone else? It sure has for me. Via: Rockstar

Linaro Tweaks Added to AOKP, System Performance Boosts Are Quite Noticeable

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:30:41 +0000

A non-profit organization named Linaro has recently posted codes that help boost Android system performance by a reported 100%. Their work is focused on how and what the Android OS spends time processing, making the OS run with better efficiency. Since release, it was only a matter of time before that we would begin to see these codes be written into our favorite ROM's, and the time has come. The creator of AOKP has re-released Build #38 with the Linaro codes baked in, and the performance increase is definitely noticeable. There are also builds available for CyanogenMod users if CM is more your style. If you want to give the boost a try on your Galaxy Nexus, follow the via link below. To better explain Linaro and how it benefits Android, watch this video: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrQRYmYip6Q[/youtube] An awesome interview with Bernhard Rosenkränzer where he explains his job at Linaro: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q-uqG-KZoE[/youtube] Via: RootzWiki

A Quick Look at iOS 6 and Its New Android Features

Kellen — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Whenever a new version of iOS is announced by Apple, we usually take a few minutes to look at the features that were highlighted and compare them to Android, since in many cases, Android users have been experiencing the "new" fun for years. With iOS 6, the same can be said again, but to give credit to Apple this time around, we have to point out that words like "reinvented" weren't used much if at all. During today's presentation at WWDC, Apple's execs seemed to give off the impression that they knew they weren't changing the game "again," but were finally adding in features that should have been there long ago. If you are reading tech blogs across the globe today who insist that iOS 6 is the greatest thing since Zapp's Cajun Crawtator chips, we are here to show you that you can do all of this stuff now on your Android device and more.

Maps

Apple did indeed kick Google Maps to the curb in favor of their own map solution, dubbed "Maps." From what we could tell, it's your standard maps + navigation app that Android users have enjoyed for years now. They have 3D images of cities, turn-by-turn directions with voice, traffic and route recommendations, etc. No reinventing here, especially without transit directions (that we know of), offline maps, and social integration, all of which are embedded in Google Maps.

Safari and Tab Syncing

For those with Chrome installed on a computer and Android phone, you know that Chrome has had tab syncing across devices for almost 2 months now. Apple introduced it to iOS 6 and Safari today, but since no one uses Safari, I'm not sure how useful this can actually be to iOS users. Chrome is the most popular browser in the world and has this feature already included. Then again, this is Apple's way of getting you to use Safari on a desktop if you want to take advantage of syncing. Sorry, iFolks.

Facebook Integration

As they did with Twitter in iOS 5, Apple announced "deep" Facebook integration. You can now post to Facebook in an instant, share URLs quickly, and allow it to sync with your calendar and contacts. Android users, you can do all of this with much more than just Facebook and Twitter. In fact, almost every single app that needs it, has sharing capabilities. If you want to share something with Pocket or Google Drive or Dropbox or Gmail or Facebook or Twitter, you can, just by hitting the share button. You aren't locked into only sharing things with Twitter and Facebook. Calendar and Contact integration has also been there for longer than I can remember. Google removed it a tad with stock ICS, but custom skins from HTC, Samsung and Motorola all kept it in.

Siri

The coolest thing I saw today during the iOS 6 presentation was Siri returning sports scores and stats. With each Siri knock-off Android app, one of the first questions I always ask has to do with last night's games. They always come back empty and ask if I want to search the internet. They also tossed in Yelp, OpenTable, and movie stuff, which could come in handy from time to time. Still though, everyone with an iPhone 4S that I know tells me every time I ask, that they never use Siri. Google still doesn't have their own Siri-like app, other than Voice Actions which are limited. At Google I/O this month, they are expected to show something off that should compete in this space.

Phone and Quick Reply

Quick replies during incoming calls! Nope, not an iOS 6 original. Through Android, stock or a variety of skins, if you quickly hang up on someone, you are almost always prompted with a menu to either text them or be reminded of that call at a later time. With most, you can even create canned text messages that can be fired off in an instant. It's a great feature, just one that has been around for a while.

FaceTime over Cellular

In previous version of iOS, you were not allowed to FaceTime video chat with people unless you were connected to a WiFi network. In iOS 6, you can finally make FaceTime calls over a cellular network, however, this is not new and has been done with a variety of video chatting apps on Android, but most importantly, natively through Google Talk for some time now. Hell, I think it has been around since Gingerbread almost 2 years ago.

Passbook

Apple announced a new app called Passbook which stores flight information, coupons, movie tickets and loyalty cards. It's time and location based, so if you enter your favorite coffee shop, your phone will automatically pop up your coffee rewards card for quick scanning. As you enter an airport, it will pull up your flight info and potentially notify you should your gate change. This is actually a cool idea. There are Android apps out there that do similar stuff, but not as an all-in-one application.

Mail

In iOS 6, Apple added a "VIP" mail category that acts in a similar way to Gmail's priority inbox. You can set up select people (or I'm assuming groups too) that will hit your VIP inbox while those boring work emails will slide to your regular folder. It's a handy feature, but like I said, Gmail's priority inbox does something similar, but actually learns on the fly so there is no manual setup. They also tossed in easy photo embedding into emails, something that has been in Android since the beginning of time.

Fragmentation

Oh, they didn't announce fragmentation? Those little footnotes at the bottom of the Maps and Siri pages that read, "Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation will be available only on iPhone 4S and iPad 2 or later" and "Siri will be available only on iPhone 4S and iPad (3rd generation)" made it seem like they did. So let me get this straight, iOS devices are updated to the newest versions of iOS at some incredible pace, making Android look so silly on giant projector slides, but those new versions of iOS don't even include all of the same features? There you go Android OEMs, now you know the trick - just start pulling features from your updates to push them out faster. (Cheers SR!)

_________________________________

And that's pretty much it. Apple said that there are some 200 new features, but these were the big dogs that they showed off on stage and are likely the most noteworthy. What we can take from this, without being too nasty to this other mobile operating system, is that both Android and iOS are becoming more polished with each new release. There probably isn't much room for something dramatic to happen at this point, so it's the little things that they'll continue to add in. This latest iOS release includes a whole bunch of stuff that has been in Android for a long, long time - most of it is incredibly useful by the way - so we are glad to see our frenemies get in on the action. If you were looking for that game changer though, it didn't happen.

The Droid Life Q&A Session: Volume 2

Kellen — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:32:10 +0000

Two weeks ago, we announced a new feature called the "Droid Life Q&A Session" which gave the DL community the chance to ask our team anything that they had been dying to get feedback on. While we toss out opinions and flavor here and there, we still try to do our best to provide you with straight up news. These Q&A sessions though, through your questions, are a way for us to let loose a bit and you inside the minds of this whacky team. The idea here is pretty simple. You toss out questions in the comments, and by Friday, we grab a handful and answer them as a team. These could be industry related and about today's Apple conference and why we laugh the entire time that their execs are on stage, if we think Google I/O will blow minds or be a dud, whether or not you should buy the Galaxy S3 now or later, etc. You could even go personal and ask Tim what he feeds his wolf pup for breakfast, what Eric's favorite console game of all time is, if Ron has an opinion on Lindsay Lohan driving a rental Porsche and ramming it into the back of a semi, or how I decide to buy Matrix-like green-checkered shirts? Ask away! Be sure to come back Friday to see which questions we have picked. To read Volume 1's answers, check out this post.

Contest: Win 1 of 20 Tickets to Lookout's "Party Your Apps Off" Google I/O Event on June 26 in San Francisco

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:00:43 +0000

If you are already going to be in San Francisco for Google I/O at the end of this month, then how would you like to come hang out with the DL crew at Lookout's I/O party called "Party Your Apps Off"? The party is the night of Tuesday, June 26 at 8PM, and will feature plenty of good food (food truck style), unlimited drinks, Android-centric goodness, and even goodie bags for the first few people that show up at the door. The location is secret for now, but Lookout has assured us that it will be at one of SF's hottest downtown spots. If you are going to be around, jump past the break for details on how to enter to win 1 of 20 tickets. How to enter:

In the comments section below, tell us what you are most looking forward to at this year's Google I/O 2012.
Make sure to enter with a valid email address so we can contact you if you win.
The event is strictly age 21+, so please have a valid I.D. for entry. Sorry to all of our young readers.
We are giving away 20 tickets, so you have a very good chance if you are in town or close by.

It's as simple as that. Winners: We will leave the contest open until Friday, June 15 at 12PM Pacific. At that time, our randomly selected 20 DL readers will be contacted with instructions on how to sign up for the event. Good luck and we hope to see you there!

Samsung Pulls an Apple, Tells Users How Not to Hold Their Galaxy SIIIs

Eric — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:15:35 +0000

Everyone remembers "Antennagate" for the iPhone 4 when it launched. The phone had some less than stellar antenna placement that caused calls to be dropped if you had your hand covering a certain part of the phone. To right this problem, Steve Jobs said "you're holding the phone wrong" but eventually Apple backed on that stance and offered bumper cases to everyone that wanted one.

It's well documented at this point that Samsung wants to be on the level as Apple, and this picture taken from the user's manual of the Galaxy SIII is just too funny not to share. The antenna for the SIII is located at the bottom of the phone, which would be awkward to grip with one hand when the phone is 4.8" large but Samsung makes sure to note that you should not hold it there. Granted, there are spots on any phone that if you hold your signal will suffer but we have to put the latest and greatest smartphone though it's paces don't we?

Via: Phone Arena

Quick Looks: Spigen SGP's Ultra Thin Air and Crumena Cases for the HTC One X

Kellen — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:30:12 +0000

The crew over at Spigen SGP, at least in my opinion, is producing some of the higher quality smartphone accessories you will find today that remain at a reasonable price point. The latest batch to hit our door step includes their Ultra Thin Air and Crumena cases for the HTC One X. At $19.99 and $29.99 respectively, they match up to competitors, but do they stand out enough to get you buy them? Let's chat about 'em.

Ultra Thin Air

I've made it clear that I believe the HTC One X to be the most beautifully designed smartphone ever. It's unibody polycarbonate material with soft matte finish is something that has received more comments ("Whoa, what is that phone!") than any other phone I have ever owned. So the question then becomes, why on Earth would you want to cover it up with a case? Well, protection of course. Is the Ultra Thin Air capable of doing that though? That I'm not 100% sure of just yet, but it certainly looks pretty. As one would expect from a case named the Ultra Thin Air, this thing is unbelievably thin and like the One X, is made of a polycarbonate material. When attached to the device, it adds millimeters of thickness that you won't even notice. It manages to be a nice contrast to the all-white back of the phone, but still lets some of that beautiful body shine through. For minimalists, this is a dream case. But let's talk protection again. Can it, on this ultra-minimal level, provide any sort of protection? It should provide at least some. The corners are covered, so if you were to pocket drop directly to one of the 4, it could give you enough of a barrier to leave your phone unharmed. With that said, if you fast drop your One X with this case attached, it's not going to be there to aide in that fall. As you can see from the pictures below, the case comes only about 2/3 of the way up the side. So for me, this case is all about adding beauty or contrast rather than being a protector. It's so thin and light that it doesn't even feel like you have a case on when it is attached to the One X. This is definitely one of the nicest cases I have used, but then again, I'm a caseless kind of guy and using a case for protection has never been my thing. I'll say this to finish - if you want to add a bit of protection with some added color flair, the Ultra Thin Air is a great choice. If you want the ultimate protector, this won't do the job, but understand that it isn't trying to. *Note - The case, as of today, comes in white or black. Also, as with many of Spigen's cases, you get a screen protector and cleaning cloth. Buy. ($19.99)

Crumena

Ahh yes, the leather pouch. I have to be brutally honest here and say that this is one of those accessories that has never been my thing. I love the smell and look of a fresh leather pouch and the protection it provides, but having to pull my phone in and out of one of these all of the time just seems like a pain. With that said, Spigen's Crumena pouch for the One X feels of the highest quality. It's leather on the outside and a soft fabric on the inside to prevent scratching. It holds the device tightly, but will likely loosen a tad over time since it's leather. It comes in 3 color shades right now (pictured above) that all look beautiful. For those into the pouch game, this should be added to your list of pouches to consider. Buy. ($29.99)

Google Reportedly Working on Wallet 2.0, But Who Will be Able to Use It?

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:37:46 +0000

Reports show that Sprint is looking to create their very own mobile payments system for customers, so what is the future of Google Wallet? According to sources, Sprint is reaching out to banks and other service providers to create a service to equal that of ISIS. At this time, Sprint is the only carrier to pre-load Wallet on their devices, but Google seems to continually work and build on the service, as if they have other plans. According to this report, with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile committed to ISIS, Google is looking to put more emphasis on the "cloud" side of Wallet and will try to bring more deals to customers. More than likely, Google will take their time at Google I/O to show off some new Wallet ideas to developers. Do you think that Wallet 2.0 will succeed when ISIS arrives and if Sprint creates their own mobile payment system? Frankly, we think it's time Google lays down some law and forces Wallet to be supported across multiple carriers. Via: The Verge

Which iOS 6 Features From Android Will Reinvent Smartphones This Morning?

Kellen — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:43:12 +0000

In case you were wondering (wait, why would you be?), Apple's developer conference, WWDC, kicks off this morning in San Francisco at the Moscone Center. During their opening keynote, everyone expects them to introduce iOS 6 and all sorts of new features that will forever change the way smartphones work (sarcasm much?). As you may recall from last year, iOS 5 apparently did the same thing, however, anyone who has used an Android phone over the last 3-4 years knows that much of those newly introduced features were standard fare from day 1 on this platform. You know things like, notifications, OTA updates, tabbed browsing, an IM client, etc. So with this iOS 6 business about to happen, let's have some fun with it. What Android features are we going to see? Any chance that Apple introduces something new or is it going to be to take Siri out of beta, which will be followed by an extra 5 Zooey Deschanel commercials per hour? Reinvent, people!

Anonymous Asus Rep Confirms Nexus 7 Tablet, Ready in Time for Google I/O

Tim — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 07:56:36 +0000

At this year's Computex event, a representative of Asus confirmed the partnership with Google in creating a Nexus "7" tablet that is to be ready for shipment by the end of this month. Further details such as Jelly Bean and the Tegra 3 were not confirmed, but with Google I/O taking place in the same time frame, it's hard to see this as coincidence. This may not be official, but it is giving more cred to the previous rumors that mentioned the same thing. Via: Android Authority Cheers Ryan!

Andy Rubin: Over 900,000 Android Devices Activated Each Day

Kellen — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:27:22 +0000

In a Tweet and Google+ post to shut down a rumor started by Robert Scoble that suggested Andy Rubin was leaving Google to join a company called CloudCar, Rubin felt as if it was the perfect time to drop some Android love. According to Mr. Android, over 900,000 devices are activated each day. Think about that for a second. Twenty-four hours after you read this post, almost 1 million brand new Android devices will have been activated by someone across the globe. Back in February, we were at 850,000 a day, so as you can see, this train continues to pick up speed. Via: Google+ | Twitter

DROID Incredible 4G LTE Signage Arrives at Verizon Stores, Still No Official Release Date

Kellen — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:12:16 +0000

Some Verizon stores received signage for the yet-to-be-released DROID Incredible 4G LTE over the weekend. Unfortunately for those waiting to get their hands on the device, a release date did not accompany them. Our sources have told us that Big Red is targeting June 21 for the non-One series device, but until we hear something official publicly, there is still a chance that that could change. To bring everyone up to speed, the Incredible 4G LTE was announced by VZW back on May 7 at CTIA in New Orleans with an open-ended "coming weeks" release time frame. Here we are over a month later and the wireless giant remains silent on the matter. We aren't exactly sure if this slow movement has something to do with the new Samsung Galaxy SIII launch which could happen before the end of June, or if there is a problem with the device. We know that Verizon is meticulous in its release schedules, so we have to assume that they have some reason for this madness. Signage arriving in stores is always a good sign though. Cheers ___!

This Week in the Life of Droid: 6/8/2012

Eric — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:15:46 +0000

The first week of June turned out to be a busy one and if this is any indication, the summer will be busy as well. We had a lot of news happen this week with even more events and news coming in the next few weeks. Google I/O is still looming at the end of the month, with many things in store. This week also let us know that there are lots of new devices coming in the next few weeks so it should be an interesting and exciting month of June to be sure.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Verizon and AT&T Opt Out of 50GB Dropbox Promo for Samsung's Galaxy S3 (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:44:25 +0000

When Samsung announced the Galaxy SIII in London, they mentioned that the phone would come with 50GB of free Dropbox storage for 2 years, adding to its appeal. When announced stateside though, there wasn't a mention of the promo from any of the carriers, but we just assumed that it was still a go. And then today, a Dropbox moderator mentioned specifically to a member of their forums that AT&T and Verizon had opted out of the deal. The member was asking for help because they were not seeing the free storage appear after purchasing the phone, yet did not specify the version, and that's when this moderator chimed in with the opting out stuff.

Update: According to an official Dropbox support page, this is indeed true - Verizon and AT&T have opted out of the 50GB promo.

Not sure how that affects your decision to purchase this phone, but do understand that after 2 years, we weren't even sure what was going to happen to that storage. This isn't a free 50GB of storage for life type of thing, unless Dropbox decides later on that it should be. It was like a 2-year test drive. It would have been a nice add-on, but there are so many cloud storage services out there at this point, that you should be able to survive. We still have word in to VZW, Dropbox, and Samsung, so if we hear something different, we'll be sure to pass it on. Via: Dropbox Forums Cheers Jim!

Droid 3 .906 SBF File Released, One-Click and RSDLite Included for Whichever You Use

Eric — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:45:12 +0000

SBF files have saved more than a few people's phones if flashing ROMs gets a little out of hand. It allows you to flash a stock image of the phone in a last case scenario and is always good to have around just in case. The DROID 3 is seeing some love with a new SBF file released, of the .906 firmware build, for download today, and you even get to choose which method you like.

For those who like the safety of a one-click method, you can download the file and let the program do it's thing while you relax. If RSDLite is more your cup of tea, XDA developer ovelayer has that file for you as well. Either way you use, the SBF will revert your phone back to .890 if you would ever need it. Generally these are good to have around if you are a prolific ROM flasher, so head over to XDA and get the download now.

Via: XDA

Android App Updates: NOVA Launcher, Adobe Flash, Adobe AIR, Facebook, Tumblr and Total Commander

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:00:43 +0000

When Friday rolls around each week, we tend to see a bunch of app updates hit the Play store as teams finish up projects before heading into the weekend. This week is no exception, as new releases of Facebook, Tumblr, Adobe Flash and AIR, Total Commander, and Nova Launcher all showed up within the last 24 hours. Most of them were released to squash bugs, but with apps like Nova and Tumblr, we get some new goodies to talk about. Nova Launcher gave users the ability to change the theme (accent) color throughout, brought widget overlapping, more icon theme support, faster widget loading, and improved performance. Tumblr introduced a new photo viewer design, faster image loads, and visual enhancements. Adobe AIR's page mentions having stylus support, but Adobe's app pages are rarely up-to-date so it's difficult to tell if that is new or not. Oh, and a couple of days ago, Google Wallet saw an update that introduced support for "new device form factors." Whatever that means. Play Links: Nova Launcher | Tumblr | Total Commander | Flash | AIR | Facebook

DROID RAZR HD Stops by Nenamark for a Benchmark, Snapdragon S4 Processor on Board

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:15:40 +0000

The DROID RAZR HD appears to have stopped by Nenamark within the last few days to pop off a benchmark and give us a look at its specs. From this result, we can see that it indeed does have a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz. How can we tell? Because of the Qualcomm Adreno 225 GPU listed here that accompanies this chipset. We can also see that the device is running the newest version of Android, 4.0.4, and that it has an HD 720p screen with a resolution of 1196x720. Normally when we see that 1196 instead of the full 1280, we assume that it has on-screen navigation keys that are taking up a few pixels. Other than that, we see "Verizon" as a brand and a score that matches up to other Snapdragon S4 phones. If you want to see what the phone looks like, you are in luck because we posted the first pictures of it today. Our source confirms that the device has on-screen keys and a beautiful HD display. No word of a release date has been mentioned, but I'd guess we are still at least 5-8 weeks away. Via: Nenamark | Blog of Mobile

Google is Regaining Control of Android, Not Losing Control [Opinion]

Ron — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:25:12 +0000

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Google's purchase of Motorola and the rumor that Google will partner with five manufacturers for the Nexus project. There seem to be signs that things are changing around the way Google controls Android. Google needs the phone manufacturers and the carriers to ensure that handsets get into consumers' hands, but the tug of war between OS vendor, OEM, and carrier hasn't been pretty. In the past I have argued that Google should block services from carrier branded Nexus devices to assert their control and that Google should use Motorola to control its own Android devices instead of relying on manufacturers to assert control over Android. Some have argued that Google's purchase of Motorola probably got other OEMs worried that Motorola would be favored, hence the new rumored Nexus deal to appease manufacturers. Dan Frommer argued that Google might offer three versions of Android: Nexus (stock, Google controlled), Motorola (Google hardware and software with special Motorola-only features from Google and Motorola), and OEM (Android as most humans know it with carrier branding and skins). This sort of move, however, might push manufacturers and carriers to team up and use a forked version of Android (especially now that Google has agreed to keep Android open and free for five years), which would mean that Google had lost complete control of Android. In fact, because of the tensions between Google, OEMs, and carriers, Charlie Kindel (former Microsoft employee of 21 years and general manager of the Windows Phone Developer Program) believes that Google has lost control of Android and will instead begin pursuing the Play brand instead of Android. Kindel offers four options for Google to pursue to regain control of Android: investing in the Nexus brand, pushing OEMs to upgrade their devices, block Google services from devices that don't meet Google's requirements, or switching to a closed source model of Android. Kindel believes that investing in the Nexus brand would be good for consumers, but probably wouldn't result in more sales than branded and skinned devices. Google can try to demand that OEMs upgrade their devices to the latest version of Android, but that's easier said than done. Google can't simply block Google services because there are too many alternatives. Google had the opportunity to switch to a closed source model of Android before the Motorola deal closed, but even if they had, ICS is already out in the world for anyone to take for free and fork. In short, Kindel doesn't see how Google can control Android without upsetting manufacturers. What Kindel couldn't forsee was Google offering the Nexus program to multiple manufacturers. Google's main concern isn't that manufacturers are skinning Android and making all sorts of random devices. Google's concern is that Android needs to be updated everywhere quickly to ensure that apps are using the latest APIs and to minimize security concerns. Manufacturers are beginning to scale back this year, having realized that a clear product brand and fewer devices will sell better. Samsung's Galaxy brand has served it well, so HTC is trying again with the One series. Even more importantly, manufacturers like Samsung are pushing back against the carriers this time by making every US carrier call the Galaxy S III by its maiden name, not some carrier specific name. Google realizes that it needs to choose its battles wisely. While Google may have a very specific vision for what Android should look like, it can't get that vision out there without the OEMs and the carriers. OEMs don't want to make stock devices because they want to differentiate themselves and because carriers want special devices. But what happens if Google gives the OEMs something the carriers can't offer? If Google gives more manufacturers access to the newest version of Android sooner, manufacturers can update their devices faster as market pressure pushes them to make fewer devices. Google wants to shift power away from the carriers towards Google and the OEMs. In this three way tug-of-war, Google needed an ally. Google thought they were making friends with the carriers, but got burned with more carrier specific devices (which slows updates) and delays from the carriers on Google's own device. Because of carrier's push for power, Google is shifting control back to themselves and OEMs. If OEMs have the latest version of Android faster then they can update their devices faster. They'll still have to wait for carrier approval, but that will be the biggest delay. Google also gets the opportunity to expand its version of Android with more stock devices that they can sell directly to consumers in the Play store. Google and the manufacturers need power to shift in their direction. The delays in the Galaxy Nexus getting updating prove that. Kindel believes that Google has lost control of Android, but I really think they're regaining it by shifting power towards themselves and OEMs. As I said before, the carriers need Google and the manufacturers, not the other way around. The launch of the Galaxy S III under one name on all major carriers signals that need. The carriers know that people want those devices, so they want to ensure they keep subscribers. As the cost of unlocked phones continues to drop, leaving a contract is becoming much easier. Google wants to use that to their advantage with their own fleet of Nexus devices sold directly to consumers. By partnering with manufacturers to ensure that they get what they need, Google is taking back control of Android.

Exclusive: First Pictures of the Motorola DROID RAZR HD

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:00:36 +0000

Pictures removed at request of Motorola.

Sorry, folks. Motorola has requested that we remove pictures of the DROID RAZR HD and any info that came with them. Cheers ___!

A GSM Pogo Dock and Some Sandpaper Walked Into a Bar, Out Came a Cheaper LTE Nexus Dock

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:59:30 +0000

Modding the official car dock for the Galaxy Nexus to work with the LTE version was pretty simple, however, if you want the cheaper GSM Pogo dock, you have a bit more work cut out for you. As many of you know, you can buy a Pogo dock that is made specifically for the LTE version (we reviewed it here), but at $90, it's beyond pricey especially when you consider the GSM version is only $54 in the Play store. Unfortunately for LTE variant owners, your phone is slightly larger than the GSM variant and if docked in the GSM dock, will slide up over time, causing it to lose connection with the 3-pins that charge it. Thanks to an XDA member, we now know that a little elbow grease and some sandpaper will fix that problem. It'll take some work, but if you want to save $36 and have some sandpaper handy, this may be worth a deeper look. At the source link below, the modder talks about the dirty details that and how he would have done it differently now, to save some of the prettiness.

Via: XDA Cheers EC8CH!

One More Clock is Similar to the Clock Widget From the Latest Motorola Leak

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:15:40 +0000

The leaked photo of the AT&T Motorola Qinara (or Dinara) from a few moments ago caused all of four reactions from people. The first was, "Wow, this phone looks nice!" The second was, "Holy bezel, Batman." The third was a mixture of MotoBlur praise and hate. The fourth, well, that had to do with the clock widget on the screen. Thanks to a reader comment (~~which I can't seem to find now~~), we know that a clock widget in the Play store named One More Clock will get you this identical look, for free. Once you download the app, you'll want to add it as a widget to a home screen just as you would with any widget. Then tap on the clock that appears, then "Set Widget Theme," and then download the full online collection from the bottom right corner. Once that finishes downloading, you will want to scroll until you find "Chrome Rings." Enjoy! Play Links: Free | Paid ($0.99) Cheers Blackcatroad!

Motorola Qinara Press Image Appears, Like a RAZR HD But for AT&T

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:13:41 +0000

Remember the Motorola Dinara? That was a code name, we first outed all the way back in July of last year, for a phone that was set to be the next big thing from Motorola. The picture above is said to be it, although, we aren't sure if the source got the codename right, as we have seen an AT&T HD Razr-esque device from Moto codenamed the "Qinara" as of late that better matches up to this picture. Either way, this is likely what your DROID RAZR HD on Verizon is going to mimic, aside from the RAZR HD having a more RAZR look with angled edges. This phone reportedly has an HD 720p screen, Ice Cream Sandwich with MotoBlur, and on-screen navigation keys. From that benchmark we saw in April, we also know that it has a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor inside. I have to admit that this version of Blur looks very pretty. Check out the slight transparency to the nav bar and keys so that you can see the wallpaper. How nice of a touch is that? If the RAZR HD follows in these steps, prepare for something amazing. Via: The Verge

Series 3 Android Mini Collectibles Arriving "Late July"

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:53:08 +0000

At the end of July, assuming there are no setbacks, we will all have a chance to get our hands on the latest in Android collectibles. According to a blog post over at Dyzplastic, Series 3 is almost done and ready to be manufactured in mass. They had initially hoped to release these in Q2, but with some design changes to improve the series, Andrew Bell and the team wanted to make sure you knew that it'll be another couple of weeks. As you can tell from the picture above of the Kronk Ape, this leaked "sneak peak" that made it to retailers in February was on point. Also, you can see the owl in the background, even with the blur. Excited? I certainly am. Via: Dyzplastic Cheers Scott!

Tactus Touch Screens Want to Give Your Screen an On-demand Physical Keyboard

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 07:56:12 +0000

Tactus Technology understands that the physical keyboard is essentially dead because people want to have more screen real estate for gaming and other highly interactive apps. But what if they could produce an on-demand physical keyboard that popped up through your touch screen? Think about the difference this could make in gaming controls or texting for those that miss their old physical keyboard. Seem impossible? In the video below, Tactus shows off their vision and expects to have the technology for it ready to ship by the middle of 2013. Via: Cnet Cheers Andrew!

"Purchase" Select Free Apps From Amazon, Earn $1 in Free Music Credits

Kellen — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 07:31:00 +0000

Now here is a sneaky way for a company to bump up download and install numbers. According to a new promotion page through Amazon, they are willing to give you $1 to spend in their MP3 store for downloading specific free apps. This appears to be a 1 credit per customer thing, so while we initially thought you could download a massive list of apps and rack up cash for music, that likely isn't the case. Here are the brief details:

Purchase at least one qualifying free app offered in the Amazon.com Appstore for Android in the webstore or on an Android device. The apps that qualify are apps for Android offered in the Amazon.com Appstore for Android that display the offer message on their webstore product information pages. Qualifying apps will not display promotional messaging on their Android on-device product information pages.

After completing your purchase, you will receive an e-mail indicating that a $1 credit for Amazon MP3 music downloads has been applied to your account automatically. The e-mail will also provide instructions on how to redeem your credit.

Promotional offer limited to one promotional credit per customer.

Promotional offer is valid from June 6, 2012, through June 13, 2012, and subject to change. You must redeem the credit by July 31, 2012.

If you visit this Amazon page, you will see the full promotion details along with a partial list of the apps, which is actually pretty extensive. In order for a free app to qualify, its web listing has to reference the promotion, so you'll need to spend time in the webstore to make sure you aren't wasting your time on non-qualifying apps. After grabbing some random Deer Hunter game, I can confirm that I did receive an email shortly after that informed me of my $1 credit. I should also point out that I didn't actually have to install Deer Hunter in order to receive the credit. I simply "purchased" it and let it download, but hit "cancel" when it asked me to install. It could be different for other apps though. Go get free music! Cheers RBI411!

Verizon Announces Another Batch of New 4G LTE Markets to Join the June 21 Party

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:15:46 +0000

Earlier this week, we helped spread word of an impending 4G LTE expansion by Verizon on June 21. The initially announced markets included towns in Indiana and Michigan, but we had heard from enough readers over the past weeks from other states to sort of expect there to be more. Sure enough, the list grew today to include most of Florida, eastern Oregon, Idaho, and parts of North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Big Red is moving so quickly at this point that it is almost impossible to keep up with. Like I said, we get emails on the daily from readers who are in markets across the country that were not previously announced or live, yet all of a sudden are. Props to VZW for puttin' in work. You can see the full list of newly announced sites here.

Case of Apple V. Motorola Gets Thrown Out of Court, Apple Shot Down Again

Eric — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:45:38 +0000

The judge in the case between Apple and Motorola was never really a fan of the whole thing to begin with. Multiple times he berated both sides, telling Apple "frivolous" and "untimely." Motorola didn't have it easy either, Judge Richard Posner called Moto's claim ridiculous. Apparently, Posner had enough and today, 2 days before the trial was set to begin, he tossed it out of his courtroom.

Posner, who apparently has a reputation for cutting through legal run-around, rejected both of the damage arguments from Apple and Motorola and isn't interested in hearing any more of the case. The suit between these two was shaping up to be one of the biggest patent debates to-date. Maybe this is a sign that the patent wars should start coming to a close.

Via: CNNMoney

100 Floors App for Android, Unique Puzzles to Spend Countless Frustrated Hours On

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:00:11 +0000

I came across 100 Floors in the Play Store and I've been spending most of my afternoon trying not to become extremely frustrated with it. From the looks of it, it was just a simple puzzle game where the object is to solve a puzzle and use the elevator to advance onto the next floor. Well, it's a tad bit harder than that. The puzzles are actually quite difficult at times and there's no instructions or hints on how to solve some of them. Makes for some intense gameplay. To get an idea of just how hard this game can become, do a quick Google search of 100 Floors. Results come back with hundreds of walk-through videos helping people beat this game. Folks must have become so flustered, the makers even published an official 'Cheats' application to help users. Give it a go and let us know if you think the frustration is worth it. Play Link

Motorola Begins "Switcher" Contest Through Facebook, Offers $2500 Grand Prize

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:10:56 +0000

Are you the owner of a DROID RAZR or RAZR MAXX? Then you might want to start telling Motorola why you made the switch from your previous device to one of theirs. On Motorola's Facebook page, simply fill out an entry form of a few basic usage questions, then tell them why you made the switch to a DROID RAZR. A grand prize winner is going to walk away with $2500 and many others will win accessories. Go give it a shot if you're feeling lucky. Enter Here [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-Tr2kc5OtY[/youtube] Via: Facbook

Evernote Food Wants You to Remember Everything Tasty with their New App

Eric — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:20:04 +0000

Evernote is in the business of helping you remember everything that goes on in your busy life. One thing that we can all agree on no matter how busy we are is food. Evernote is looking to help you remember that awesome recipe you had last week with their new Food application. You can snap pictures of the food and apply all the ingredients to said picture to make everything easy.

You can share meals through Facebook and Twitter and browse through meals if you're searching for a specific one. And of course it all ties into your already existing Evernote account to make life easy. It's also a nifty little way of keeping track of your food intake if you're looking to lose a few pounds. Another good addition to Evernote's application portfolio. Who's going to share their greasiest, unhealthiest meal with us?

Play Link

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNe2v-JhwNE[/youtube]

Thursday Poll: Buying Your Samsung Galaxy SIII in 16GB or 32GB?

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:30:43 +0000

The Galaxy SIII will be Verizon's first time to offer an Android device in multiple size options, so it's sort of a new concept for buyers if you've never purchased say, an iPhone before. There is a $50 difference between the two choices and we are wondering which size most people would likely choose. Do you need the most internal storage as possible or are you fine with shelling out the cash for a bigger SD card? In the comments section below, let us know why you choose the smaller or bigger option. [poll id="178"]

SoundHound Gets Updated to Version 5, Packed With New Features

Eric — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:40:25 +0000

In the battle for top music identification applications, Shazam and SoundHound are the top dogs. SoundHound has released an update to their application today aiming to make their app even better. At the center of the upgrade is huge, high resolution artwork around a carousel of navigation that makes finding music and artists very easy.

SoundHound is also introducing the Free Song Stream that lets you listen to a single from many artists featured on the app. Lots of additions to their LiveLyrics system rounds out a pretty decent update to their application. James Hom of SoundHound says they are up to 80 million viewers, but we ask: are you a Shazam or SoundHound person?

Play Link

Via: SoundHound

Another Google Maps Car Involved In Collision, Second Incident in Past Month

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:00:52 +0000

We just received these images from a reader out in Virginia, who spotted this Google Maps car parked on the side of the road after what appears to be a small traffic collision. Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time we've seen a Google Maps car trade paint with someone else on the road. From what we can see, this was rather minor in comparison, but we hope everyone is okay.

Cheers Mike!

HD Widgets 3.0 Now Available, On Sale for Only $.99 Over the Next 48 Hours

Eric — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:20:17 +0000

One of the most popular widget apps out there for Android is HD Widgets and with the bump to version 3.0, the company is making sure that you should check it out. 3.0 brings a new UI that makes laying out your widget just how you like it easier than before and the customization has been turned up off the charts. More colors and backgrounds for each clock means that you can spend hours trying to get everything just the way you want it. Getting in early also gets you more widgets down the road. Developers Cloud.tv already have a hi-resolution download pack for tablets and they are promising two more new packs within the month. If you are one that can never have your homescreen the same for more than a few days, now is the time to upgrade to HD Widgets 3.0. Play Link ($.99)

Official DROID Bionic 5.9.905 Update Begins to Roll Out

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:40:42 +0000

The DROID Bionic update we informed you about yesterday is now being shipped out to owners. We know it's not Ice Cream Sandwich, but it does offer better 4G LTE connectivity (which is a plus) and a couple of other random fixes. One of our tipsters pulled the update zip file for all to enjoy, so if you need to open and examine, feel free to do so. Note: According to Moto's Forum Manager, this could just be a smaller soak test with larger roll out happening as early as next week. Sorry, folks. Cheers Benjamin, Dominic, Jim and David!

Oracle Ordered by Judge to Pay Google's Legal Fees In Latest Patent Battle Loss

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:00:45 +0000

Poor Oracle. After suffering a loss in a battle against Google concerning Java and Android patent fun-stuff, the court is ordering the company to pay Google's legal fees, totaling no more than $300,000. To sum it all up, at the beginning of the trial the court said that if they felt Oracle was dragging the cases along and wasted the court's time, a large fee would be the outcome. Better luck next time, Oracle. Via: Gizmodo

HTC Sales Pamphlet Explains How the One X is Better Than the Galaxy S3

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 09:20:07 +0000

According to documents obtained by shopping site PriceBaba (and assuming they are real), HTC wants its sales staff to know exactly why they believe the One X is better than Samsung's new Galaxy SIII smartphone. Through a pamphlet or flipbook of sorts, HTC compares specs of each phone, but also tosses in some biased flair, which you would expect. Is the One X superior to the Galaxy SIII? If only there was a simple answer to that. What we want to talk about though, are some of the arguments that they use which made us giggle. First up is the argument that a removable battery is a bad thing because you would need an external charger to charge it with. Clearly the creator of this document does not realize that the point of having a removable battery is so that you can swap in a spare or use an extended battery in place of the low mAh OEM one that came with the device. Second, their SD card and memory claims are hilarious. The One X has 32GB of internal storage along with 25GB of Dropbox storage. That's nothing to be ashamed of, however, the Galaxy S3 has 32GB of internal storage, an SD card slot that supports 64GB cards, and Samsung is also willing to give you 50GB of Dropbox storage on the side. I don't think I need to do the math for you to realize the winner in that argument. The rest of the stuff in there is mostly opinion, so we won't harp on it too much. After all, this is HTC's document, so they should be selling the hell out of it to their sales staff. I will say a couple of things in defense of the One X. It is still the most beautifully designed phone ever, in my opinion. The screen also cannot be beat by any phone that I have used and that includes the Galaxy SIII. Unfortunately for HTC, the One X just won't have the adoption rate or community that the GS3 will and that's a turn off to a user like myself. For the most part though, these phones are on the exact same level, but it's up to the user to decide which spec bump here or there makes one better than the other. So tell us, One X or Galaxy SIII?

Via: The Next Web | PriceBaba

Incredible 4G LTE Shows Itself on Video Again, Still No Release Date From Verizon

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:45:57 +0000

With no release date (other than one from us) officially announced by Verizon, the DROID Incredible 4G LTE by HTC (longest name ever?) is stuck in limbo. From what we know, there are still some tests being done, but the phone should be here this month, likely around the 21st. If this is still the device for you and not the Galaxy SIII, we wanted to show you a little love this morning. A friend of ours sent over this video of the device's boot animation, a speed test, and a look at how video plays on its 4" screen. None of this is all that new, as we had our hands all over it a couple of times at CTIA, but again, we simply wanted to give future Inc 4G owners something to drool over. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJGbp8kAAA8[/youtube] Cheers ___!

Foursquare Receives Major Overhaul, "Re-Imagined" Interface Looks and Feels Fantastic

Tim — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:00:48 +0000

Frequent Foursquare users will have a nice surprise waiting for them in the Play Store this morning. The official overhaul that was planned for Foursquare has gone live and needless to say, it's legit. There doesn't seem to be a single part of the app that hasn't received the face-lift and it now features a perfect mix of visual treats and better ways of finding things to do near your location. Go pick it up and let the check-ins begin! Play Link

XOOM Android 4.0.4 Update Rolling Out to All, Trick to Force It Early

Kellen — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:15:14 +0000

The Android 4.0.4 (iMM76L) update for the Motorola XOOM 4G on Verizon is rolling out to all owners this very minute. Earlier in the week it was arriving for testers, but according to the flood of emails in our inbox, everyone should be in the money. If you have not received it, the same trick that we used to force it onto the Galaxy Nexus apparently works on the XOOM as well. Instructions below.

1. From your tablet, head into Settings>Apps>All. 2. Search for Google Services Framework. 3. Once found, tap on it and choose “Force stop.” 4. Then choose “Clear data.” 5. Back out of Apps to your About page in Settings and check for the System update.

If you are unable to force it, you can always manually update it using our instructions here. Cheers John, Dean, Brian and everyone else!

NVIDIA Announces Their TegraZone Player Choice Winners, No Surprises Here

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:50:17 +0000

Last month, our friends over at NVIDIA held their first annual Player's Choice Awards to determine which Tegra-optimized Android title was the best of the best of the best, sir. Major titles such as Shadowgun, GTAIII, Dark Meadow, and many others were up for three top titles - Best Graphics, Best Gameplay, and Best Overall. We had many of our own readers vote, so let's get down to it.

And the winners are...

Best Graphics: Shadowgun THD Best Gameplay: Grand Theft Auto III Best Overall: Grand Theft Auto III Well, Rockstar's GTAIII basically swept it. Shadowgun had little to no competition for best graphics, but I wouldn't have been shocked if Dark Meadow had somehow taken the Best Overall title. It's a fun game and is actually a lot easier to control on a mobile device, unless you happen to own a Bluetooth gaming controller. If you haven't checked any of these titles out yet, this is a good sign that you might want to get on that. Via: NVIDIA

TomTom for Android Coming This Summer, Will it Give Google Maps a Run for Its Money?

Eric — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:00:04 +0000

In the Android ecosystem, once Google Maps got the ability to navigate via GPS, most people moved over and used that as their go-to navigation system. Before that, TomTom was big and now they are looking to regain some of their market share by releasing their application on Android.

If you're a diehard TomTom fan you'll be happy to know that the app will most likely launch this summer. The report is that “summer season is important" for TomTom so we might get to see the application within the next month or so. On iPhone the TomTom app is $59.99, granted it has a few tricks that Google Nav doesn't. Can an Android user justify spending that kind of cash on this application? We'll have to wait and see.

Via: Phandroid | Pocket-lint

DROID Bionic 5.9.905 Update Ready to Rollout, Improves LTE Connectivity

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:04:33 +0000

A DROID Bionic update as build 5.9.905 has been approved by Verizon and is ready to rollout. No, it's not Ice Cream Sandwich, but it is the leak we saw a couple of weeks ago. As you can see from the list of changes, it's pretty minor. After updating, users should have a better 4G LTE connection, easier-on-the-ears volumes with Bluetooth, and improved Visual Voicemail. Yep, that's it. The update is 42.5MB in size. More info.

Today's Android App Updates: Chrome, Google Maps, Yelp, Dropbox and Instagram

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:00:17 +0000

Some major app players have received updates in the past 24 hours including Chrome for Android, Google Maps, Yelp, Dropbox, and everybody's all-time favorite, Instagram. While Chrome and Google Maps were more bug fixing and stability tweaks, Yelp, Instagram, and Dropbox received a couple of new features. Yelp has added support for the country of Finland, not really beneficial for us over here, but cool nonetheless. Instagram has added better search functionality for users, while Dropbox has added video streaming for Ice Cream Sandwich users and the ability to upload files of any size. Righteous. If you haven't updated your apps yet, now would be the time to do so. Play Links: Yelp | Google Maps | Google Chrome | Dropbox | Instagram

Apple the Patent Troll Requests For Preliminary Injunction Against Samsung's Galaxy S3

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:15:31 +0000

Yeah, here we go again. Apple has requested to have the Samsung Galaxy SIII added to the preliminary injunction it filed against the Galaxy Nexus back in February. While it may want to dig deeper into Samsung's latest release for more goodies to attack, the ultimate patent troll is claiming that the device infringes on two of its patents so far: unified search (aka Siri) and data tapping. If Apple were to be granted this injunction, you can imagine that it may delay the launch a bit. In response, Samsung has already told the court that they believe that Apple should have to file a new motion altogether and that amending the current one against the Nexus should be denied. We will definitely be watching this one closely as it affects 5 major U.S. carriers and the launch of the biggest Android phone of the year. Via: BGR

Planets Pack Live Wallpaper Allow You to View Beautiful, Yet Distant Worlds

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:50:46 +0000

I stumbled upon the Planets Pack LWP while taking my daily stroll through the Play Store yesterday. The developer is quite popular and has many other LWP offerings that are highly rated by users, which makes me less weary of spending $2 for a wallpaper app. Well, there were many more options and customizable features than I had expected, making it a definite new favorite of mine. On a few of my phones, LWP's create a terrible lag throughout the device, but I have yet to experience that with this one which is a huge plus in my book. Simply choose which celestial body you want pictured, the atmospheric glow and density, the rotation speed, and you're done. It is easily the most beautiful LWP I've had the enjoyment of watching on this phone. If you're into exploring new worlds, give it a shot. Play Link ($1.95) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7VQk_XS_rw[/youtube]

LG Lucid Receiving VS840ZV6 Update, Buggy Bug Fixes

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:58:33 +0000

The LG Lucid is set to receive its second update in just over two months, this one as build VS840ZV6. It looks like bug fixes for Google Maps, high battery temperatures, and weather widgets. Oh, it does introduce a new dialer widget... The update is 48.9MB in size. More info.

Google Patents Their Own Smart Action Technology, Location Based Settings Coming to Android?

Eric — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:55:22 +0000

Motorola made a big splash during the launch of the DROID RAZR about Smart Actions, meant to save you battery by doing certain things with your phone based on where you are. Apps like Tasker have been doing it forever but it seems that Google is getting in on the fun itself with this patent that has come to light. Google wants to use GPS and network information to see where you and your phone are and do things according to that info. The patent was filed in September last year so Google has been quiet on this if they are still working on it. Would you forgo Tasker if Android has this kind of capability natively?

Via: Phandroid

Google Earth to Feature Complete 3D City Renderings in Near Future

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:15:09 +0000

During today's Google presentation on the Next Dimension of Maps, the company unveiled the next step for Google Earth - complete 3D renderings across the globe. Of course, such things do take time and Google will take baby steps in making this feature a true reality. As we saw in the presentation, the entire area of San Francisco has been mapped in complete 3D scale and it looks phenomenal. No exact time was given on when regular users will see the introduction, so we'll keep our eyes open. With the ability to have a complete and full birds-eye view of a city, Google is also introducing Google Tour Guide, a way for the service to show certain points of interest if you are visiting an unfamiliar part of the world. For example, if you're visiting San Francisco and love baseball, Google Earth can give you a full view of AT&T Park along with the surrounding area in extreme detail thanks to the 3D mapping efforts made by their teams. I haven't been using Google Earth for quite some time, but these types of things may force me to install it again and keep it there for good. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6Douyfa7l8[/youtube] Via: Google

Incredible 4G LTE to Arrive June 21, Galaxy S3 the Following Week on June 28

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 11:32:05 +0000

Word from our sources suggests that Verizon has finally started to inform staff of tentative dates to launch both the DROID Incredible 4G LTE and the Samsung Galaxy SIII. Each phone had previously been announced, one with a pre-order period, but Big Red was not willing to give us an in-store date at those times. We now know that the current plan is to launch the Incredible 4G LTE on June 21, with the Galaxy SIII right behind it on June 28. We seem to talk about this a lot, but as many of you know, VZW likes Thursday launches and both of these days are Thursdays. We had also seen Best Buy pre-orders from this morning that mentioned an expected arrival date for the GS3 of June 28, so this matches up nicely. And we probably don't need to remind you of this, but will anyway. These are current targets or tentative dates, so things can change. Until Verizon announces them publicly, assume that they are not 100% set in stone. This at least gives us a couple of week time frame to look forward to though. Cheers ___ and ___!

Google Maps Bringing Full "Offline" Support to Android

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:55:52 +0000

During today's Google Maps event, the Maps team announced that "offline" functionality is here to stay and will be leaving its beta or Labs world behind. A similar feature was introduced back in July of last year, however, that involved caching of areas while this new offline mode allows users to download full sections of maps for later use. We were not given a release date, and instead were left with "soon." For now, if you would like to take Maps offline, head into Google Maps>Settings>Labs and check the box for "Pre-cache map area." Then from the map view, long press in the middle, tap on the bubble of the location it finds, and then choose "Pre-cache map area." You will then download the area of the map that you have in view.

Apple Comes at HTC With Another ITC Patent Dispute, One Series Targeted Again

Eric — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:45:44 +0000

Apple has filed yet another complaint with the International Trade Committee on June 4, claiming that HTC is infringing on the same patents that held devices up at customs last month. We all know that those devices were eventually cleared of the investigation, but Apple is going after the One X, One S and One V along with other devices as well. The ITC has already ruled in Apple's favor one time, let's hope they don't again. Via: Engadget

Logitech Revue Update Rolling Out, Aims to Squash Many Bugs

Tim — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:00:01 +0000

Owners of the Logitech Revue set-top Google TV box should start to see a new update being pushed to their device which began a couple of days ago. According to an email from a Logitech customer service rep, all Revues should be running the newest firmware by the end of June 7 (tomorrow) and this update looks to directly fix the many various bugs that haunt Revue owners:

It is a pleasure to announce you that yesterday (June 4th) a new firmware version was released (Honeycomb 3.2) for the Revue. This update solves a great number of issues the operating system had. This update will be released automatically to all consoles starting today and finishing on June the 7th. I am sure this update will solve all your issues.

As a Revue owner myself, it is sometimes hard not to throw this thing against a wall. With constant force closes and Netflix bugs making the viewing of Family Guy a complete hassle, it's good that Logitech and Google are attempting to handle it. Have you received the update yet? Via: Logitech Forums Cheers Brock!

Google Maps "Next Dimension" Live Stream is Up

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:37:59 +0000

Google is live streaming their "Next Dimension of Google Maps" event that is happening this morning in San Francisco. Feel free to tune in and see what is in store. Any guesses on what "next dimension" means? Google doesn't strike me as a company that would buy into 3D tech, but you never know. Live Stream

Wednesday Poll: Galaxy S3 in White or Blue?

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:10:28 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy SIII is up for pre-order today at Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint, with shipping dates that vary depending on the carrier. You can find both 16GB and 32GB models in blue and white at Big Red and Sprint, but only the 16GB version at AT&T. What we want to know though, is what color you would choose? This is the first time in possibly ever, that an Android phone has launched in multiple colors, so we are interested to see what the community is leaning towards. Blue and white are something semi-new in general and a departure from the standard blacks and charcoals, leaving you with quite the decision on your hands. Which would (or did) you buy? [poll id="177"]

Rumored Press Images of Google's Nexus 7 Tablet Leak, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Reported By Another Source

Eric — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:30:32 +0000

Is this the Nexus tablet that we will see at Google I/O this year? The 7" tablet is said to have a Tegra 3 quad-core chip inside and will sell for reportedly under $250. The folks over at Phone Arena have come across some alleged press image drafts of the front and back of the unannounced tablet and a few rumors to whet our appetite until launch.

The tablet will have an all-white front with a two-toned grey and black back piece. What looks even more interesting is the earpiece cut-out on the front of the tablet. The tipster to Phone Arena says that this tablet will launch with Android 4.1, which we have already heard is going to be named Jelly Bean. The way things are going, Android 4.1 is sounding like a feature-packed upgrade that isn't a complete overhaul, similar to the jump from Android 2.0 to 2.1. Rumors are starting to get bigger and juicer. Do you like the styling in these images?

Via: Phone Arena

Best Buy Telling Verizon Galaxy S3 Pre-orderees to Expect Shipments by June 28

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:00:26 +0000

Before we dive too deeply into this, understand that Best Buy is wrong A LOT of the time. They were telling employees that Ice Cream Sandwich updates were coming to the Rezound and RAZR back in early April, and yeah, owners of those phones know exactly how that panned out. They also tend to populate their systems with dates that look more like estimates than anything official. With that said, they do give us good info from time to time, so we thought we would at least share. If you pre-order the Verizon version of Galaxy SIII from BBY, they are apparently telling customers that the device could arrive in stores by Thursday, June 28. There are a couple of reasons we like this date: 1. It's a Thursday and Verizon likes launching phones on Thursdays. 2. We were told by a source that Verizon expects to have the device at warehouses as early as June 23. If that's the case, then the 28th is certainly a possibility. Again, Best Buy is hit or miss with this stuff, so don't take it as gospel, just file it away into a "potential" locker. If you pre-order directly from Verizon, they are telling customers to expect it by July 9. Cheers Matt!

AT&T and Sprint Galaxy S3 Pre-orders are Live as Well

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:53:26 +0000

We know that not everyone is a Verizon homer, so we wanted to make sure that you were aware of the other Galaxy SIII pre-orders happening today. AT&T and Sprint's are both live, however, you can only order the 16GB model through AT&T. Both are carrying blue and white models, but if you want 32GB, Sprint and Verizon are your spots for pre-ordering. AT&T has yet to give us a delivery date, but Sprint is fully expecting to have them at doorsteps by June 21. Buy: AT&T | Sprint

Pre-order For Verizon's Galaxy S3 is Live Now, "Ships by July 9"

Kellen — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:08:49 +0000

It's live! For those looking to get in on the most hyped Android phone of the year, the Samsung Galaxy SIII, you can pre-order yours today through Verizon. As a reminder, the device comes in either blue or white and in 16GB and 32GB models at $199 and $249 respectively. If that extra $50 for an extra 16GB of internal storage seems a bit much to you, remember that the phone does have a microSD card slot, so you could essentially save yourself $50 and just slap in one of your existing cards to expand it above 16GB. During the checkout process, we noticed that it certainly says "ships by July 9," a date we first reported yesterday. We have actually been told that warehouses are expecting devices during the last week of June, so there is always the slightest of chances that we will see this shipped before July. Otherwise, you have exactly 1 month to go before naturistic technology is in your hands. Update: Verizon realized that they screwed up in their confirmation emails, having said 6/6/2012 as a ship date. They are now sending out "Oops!" emails to let everyone know that July 9 is still their expected ship date. And yes, as we also told you on Monday, pre-ordering will lock you into unlimited data. For those not familiar, Verizon's pre-order process is not the $50 deposit method that retailers like Best Buy use. With Big Red, you actually purchase the device and extend your contract. Here is the unlimited data proof from checkout:

Buy. *Note - We had originally reported that a confirmation email said it could ship by July 6, but it actually says "6/6/12" which is today. That is clearly not happening. Cheers interstellarmind, Taylor and Tim!

Angry Birds Space Updated in Play Store, 10 Delicious Utopia Levels Added

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:10:57 +0000

Attention disgruntled avian lovers, there are ten new Utopian levels ready for you to devour in the Play Store this morning. One of DL's favorites, Angry Birds Space has received another update from Rovio to include a new Utopia planet that includes ten food-themed levels. Popcorn, pretzels, and other yummy treats fill these levels, which should make for some interesting gameplay. Go munch on it and let us know what you think. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-SZi7QZSJI[/youtube] Cheers Victor!

Verizon's Galaxy SIII Will Get Global Roaming Later Via Software Update

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:25:24 +0000

Just like the RAZR, RAZR MAXX, DROID 4 and Rezound, the Samsung Galaxy SIII on Verizon will receive an update later this summer that will give it the power to roam globally. The device has the radios inside to support global roaming, but for whatever reason, Big Red is not giving it that ability out of the box. We don't have exact details on when these updates will happen other than "summer" so try to be patient. Via: PhoneScoop Cheers Trevor!

Tagy Redefines Minimalism, Replace Old Icons For Customizable Text Widgets

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:45:12 +0000

If the days of using normal icons to access the apps and folders you need are long over, then check out Tagy. It's a pretty simple idea - instead of icons, you use text. Each word is an individual shortcut to the matching application and they can be customized to fit any look you desire. Choose from any color, tons of fonts, and the ability to arrange however you choose are just some of the ways Tagy can give your device a much needed makeover. It goes beyond just apps too, with the ability to use the widgets for contacts and also website bookmarks. If you're looking for a new feel on your homescreen, it's worth a shot for the welcoming price tag of free. Play Link

Microsoft Creates On{X} App For Android, Wants to Automate Your Life

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:00:20 +0000

Weirdest title in history, right there. Why on Earth Microsoft has developed an Android-only app is beyond me, but we'll take it. The app is called On{X} and it aims to automate your life, similarly to what Motorola has done with Smart Actions. Through On{X}, you get to pick out "rules" using a web portal that then translates everything to an app on your phone. It's as minimal as it gets, but think of how nice it would be to have your calendar launched every time you arrived at your job. Or what about having your phone start a weather app in the morning only when it's raining, so that you know how to dress for the day? It's location, time, and action based. The only catch seems to be that you will need to write your own "rules" for the app which requires a bit of coding. There is a whole guide over at the On{X} site to teach you the ways, so I can imagine that most of you will figure it out and create your own amazingness. For those not into learning to write some simple code, there is a community forum that we are assuming will be a way for users to share their different works. Oh, the other catch would be that it requires you to login to Facebook. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfLMTsIJsoo[/youtube] Via: Play Link | Microsoft *Note - Yes, this app is like Tasker in a sense, and every other task automation app. Feel free to go grab it. It's an oldie, but goodie that will run you $6.49. Here is the Play Link to it. Cheers Brad and Dominick!

Nyko Introduces PlayPad Pro Bluetooth Controller for Android Tablets at E3

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:25:22 +0000

A tiny bit more of Android-related news coming out of E3, is the announcement of the new Nyko PlayPad Pro Bluetooth controller for Android tablet devices. Controllers like these are designed to making the gaming experience on Android about a thousand times more kick-a**, so once this thing finally hits shelves, you can bet yourself I'll be picking one up. Pricing is unknown and launch is expected for this year's holiday season. That's quite the ways off still, but let's hope these things are worth the wait. Shadowgun and N.O.V.A. 3 with a full controller like this? Oh yeah, baby.

LOS ANGELES – June 5, 2012 – Nyko Technologies®, the leading gaming peripherals manufacturer, unveiled their latest products at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). A stalwart exhibitor at the game industry’s headline event, Nyko this year announced a bold new product line designed to enhance our experience with the evolving range of consoles, handhelds and mobile devices that today’s gamers enjoy. “With the tablet evolving into a dedicated gaming platform, it becomes our duty to supply the gamer embracing these devices with the controls and functionality they are accustomed to,” said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing, Nyko Technologies. “At the same time we have introduced our Free Fighter arcade stick that caters to the fans of fighting games who need precision control and customization options.” Nyko’s E3 2012 product line-up includes: The PlayPad Pro is Nyko’s full-sized wireless Bluetooth® gaming controller for Android tablet devices. The controller features dual analog sticks, a d-pad, face buttons and shoulder bumpers for a console-style control experience on Android devices. Nyko’s complementary Playground app will offer backwards compatibility for other Android games and a variety of button-mapping features, including customized controller layout. The PlayPad Pro will be available at select retail stores nationwide Holiday 2012.

HTC to be First Non-Sony Licensed Manufacturer of PlayStation Certified Devices

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:50:38 +0000

During Sony's E3 conference, the company announced that they would be renaming their PlayStation Suite to PlayStation Mobile and that their first 3rd-party hardware partner would be none other than HTC. While no future HTC PS-certified device was unveiled at E3 yet, the One X was used as an example of the collaboration and was also used in some promotional video to announce the partnership. Since the announcement of the PS Suite last year, most consumers thought it would only be Sony Ericsson, now Sony Mobile that would be creating the gaming-centric devices. With this new partnership, we could see a huge leap in the quality and marketing of these PS-certifed devices, with hopefully some fantastic titles being created in the near future. Mobile gaming is on the up-and-up. Via: The Verge Cheers David, Lance and Jonathan!

NVIDIA Announces Five New Tegra Optimized Games at This Year's E3, Dead Trigger a Clear Show Stopper

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:20:19 +0000

The good folks over at NVIDIA are currently showing off five new exciting game titles at their E3 booth down in Los Angeles. The games are not available for download yet, but there's nothing wrong with getting them hyped up. The new Tegra 3 optimized games are titled Dead Trigger, Bounty Arms, Heroes Call, Puddle, and Demons' Score. What has me the most excited is definitely Dead Trigger. The game comes from the same makers of Shadowgun and it's all about zombies and taking them down with huge guns. Just what I needed! Below is a screenshot from each of the games and a brief description that was provided by NVIDIA and the publishers. After checking them out, let us know which one might have you the most excited.

Dead Trigger - The world has collapsed and meat-eating zombies are after you! This first-person shooter takes advantage of the Tegra 3 processor to provide exclusive effects like enhanced water, specular lighting, volumetric fog and ragdoll physics.

Bounty Arms - This exciting 3D side-scrolling action game will be playable for the first time at E3. Open-Reset and Luma Arcade are working closely with NVIDIA to create Tegra-exclusive enhancements for Bounty Arms on Android, tapping the graphics potential of Tegra 3. These enhancements include visual and performance upgrades and exclusive content like co-op play and advanced particle effects.

Puddle THD - This hot Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network console game is now being shown off on an NVIDIA Tegra 3 device at E3. The game mechanics are simple and intuitive – guide the water to a target destination through tilt controls. On Tegra 3, you’ll get higher resolution textures, advanced fluid effects, better shadows and advanced physics effects.

Demons' Score THD - A break-beat action game that integrates music with battles. It was developed using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3 to produce high-quality 3D graphics and a user interface optimized for smartphones and tablets. Tegra 3-exclusive features include higher resolution textures, advanced bloom effects, rim lighting, dynamic shadows and depth-of-field effects.

Heroes Call - Heroes Call is a playable action RPG that brings next-gen gaming to Tegra devices. Lush graphics, deep quests, multiple characters and varied abilities make Heroes Call an experience unlike any you’ve seen on your mobile device. The Tegra 3 exclusive features here are higher resolution light maps, spectacular maps on character weapons and armor and additional physics interaction on objects and particles. Via: NVIDIA

Galaxy Nexus LTE 4.0.4 IMM76K System Images Posted, Go Get 'em!

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:28:31 +0000

The factory images for the Galaxy Nexus LTE on Verizon have been posted by the Android team (JBQ specifically). These images are of the newest Android 4.0.4 update, build IMM76K. Go download them, as they will come in handy down the road should you ever need to be rescued from some sort of screw-up on your device. Via: Google | Download (very bottom) Cheers Brad!

Comparison: Galaxy S3 vs. Incredible 4G LTE vs. Galaxy Nexus vs. RAZR MAXX

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:17:54 +0000

With the Samsung Galaxy SIII becoming all sorts of official yesterday on Verizon, we thought we would take its specs and compare them to the other major players from Big Red that are currently available. We know that many of you have a big decision to make in the next couple of weeks as contracts come to a close and upgrades free up, so maybe this will help. In this chart, you will see the GS3 up against the Incredible 4G LTE, Galaxy Nexus, and DROID RAZR MAXX as those (to us anyway) are the cream of the crop right now.

(Click to enlarge)

Verizon's Galaxy SIII Orders Will Ship by July 6? (Updated: July 9 Definitely in Play)

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:32:00 +0000

We have received info this morning from a variety of sources who claim that Verizon has pegged July 6 as the expected ship date for their version of the Samsung Galaxy SIII. After learning of the pre-order for the device that will go down tomorrow, June 6, the biggest question most asked was, "How long before we see those pre-orders?" From what we are hearing, it could be a month before you can get your hands on it. There is also a chance that July 9 is the day, as we have heard it come up a couple of times today as well. So far though, the 6th has come up more often. Update: Here is proof that July 9 is in play.

As we receive additional details, we will let you know. Until Verizon publicly confirms, consider it rumor. Cheers ___ and to everyone who sent this!

Verizon Stretching Their 4G LTE Fingers Into New Territory on June 21

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:30:56 +0000

Verizon is starting to release the pressers for the few new towns and cities across the US that will see their 4G LTE switches turned on. To be specific, VZW has announced that parts of Indiana and Michigan will see the change officially on June 21, but from what we've gathered thanks to a lot of reader emails, we could witness more than just those markets go live. We have been hearing rumbles of 4G LTE in parts of North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina, so we will remain patient and see just how many markets Big Red intends to light up. Via: Verizon Cheers jw!

Amazon Wireless Offering Up the Galaxy Nexus For a Penny, Limited Time Offering

Tim — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:50:33 +0000

It's never a bad time to be on the hunt for your next Android device. Anyone who doesn't own a Galaxy Nexus and reads this site probably knows how the DL community feels about this phone, always referring to it with mostly high praises in comparison to other Android devices on the market today. Sure, the camera may be a little iffy at times and the radios could use some work, but it is still a completely stock Android experience that performs like a total champ. For a limited time only, you can pick up this device on a new two-year agreement through Amazon Wireless for a single penny. Not a bad deal, especially if these upcoming Galaxy SIII and RAZR HD devices aren't exactly to your liking. You can check the deal out by simply following the via link below. Via: Amazon Wireless

New Verizon MAP is Out - Confirms $149 Incredible 4G LTE Price, Adds Galaxy S3 to the Fun

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:05:40 +0000

Hey look, a unicorn! The DROID Incredible 4G LTE has been included in Verizon's latest MAP (minimum advertised price) list at the $149 price point we first reported a few weeks ago. At launch it may actually end up at $199, but with a $50 rebate, leaving it at $149, but you get the idea. With price out of the way though, do we think that Verizon will ever announce a release date? They first revealed the device officially back at CTIA, which was about a month ago (our first look), but would not give us a time for launch. We were under the impression that the phone was scheduled to hit stores on the last day of May, something this MAP also suggests, yet that clearly did not happen. Now that the Galaxy SIII has been announced and will likely arrive before June is over, we are wondering why the waiting game from Big Red on the Incredible. You can imagine that it will be tough to compete with the GS3 at only $50 cheaper. Cheers ___!

Google Acquires QuickOffice, Probably Looking to Improve Drive

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 09:40:25 +0000

QuickOffice, one of the top office suites on Android, has been acquired by Google, the Mountain View based company announced this morning. Your immediate reaction is probably the same as ours - "Time for Google Drive to get some much needed love and polishing." Google wouldn't mention Drive specifically, but they did have this to say:

Today, consumers, businesses and schools use Google Apps to get stuff done from anywhere, with anyone and on any device. Quickoffice has an established track record of enabling seamless interoperability with popular file formats, and we'll be working on bringing their powerful technology to our Apps product suite.

We aren't sure how much longer they will continue to keep QuickOffice up and running, but Google is looking forward to welcoming their team and users to the party. Via: Google

DROID RAZR Ice Cream Sandwich Update Coming June 12?

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 09:10:16 +0000

Is the Android 4.0 update for the DROID RAZR arriving on June 12? According to a report out of CNET, that may be Verizon's current target. Motorola previously told us that we could expect the update to rollout by the end of Q2, so the 12th at least fits into that time line. It also makes sense that they would try to have the update ready to go a couple of weeks before the end of Q2 in case there are final issues that need to be addressed. If this report is correct, I would expect to see soak test invites from the Motorola Feedback Network to arrive in testers inboxes any day now. To keep up with ICS updates, be sure to bookmark our official list of dates. Via: CNET Cheers Brian!

How to: Modify the Galaxy Nexus 3-Pin Car Dock to Work With the LTE Version

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:25:00 +0000

On Friday, we told you that the Galaxy Nexus car dock that is now available through the Google Play store, actually does work with the LTE version of the phone after you make a slight modification to it. The volume rocker on the LTE variant is slightly bigger than that of the GSM version, so upon initial insertion, it freaks out a bit. However, after a simple scraping of the volume rocker area on the dock to lengthen the volume rocker hole, this thing works perfectly. Below, I have two videos for you to see. The first is a simple overview of the car dock and why it is so much better than the cheap plastic thing that Verizon was selling at launch. The second video is all about the modification and how you can scrape away plastic to make magic happen. And yes, this is as simple as it gets. Oh, and the dock works great with the extended battery.

Car Dock Overview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syhNX8oFjY4[/youtube]

How to:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad9CDSF20Ps[/youtube] Downloads: Carhome | Cardock Install both of these apps in order to get the car experience with the LTE Nexus.

Best Buy Announces Pre-sale of the Galaxy SIII for Verizon, Sprint and AT&T - Starts Today

Kellen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 07:42:37 +0000

With all of the major U.S. carriers announcing pre-orders or launch dates for the Samsung Galaxy SIII yesterday, we were sort of surprised to have not heard from Best Buy. Well, we heard from them this morning. As of today, you can walk into a Best Buy store and pre-order the Android phone of the year from 3 carriers - Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T. Via: Best Buy

Monday Poll: Are You Buying the Samsung Galaxy SIII?

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:40:00 +0000

Now that the Samsung Galaxy SIII has been confirmed on all of the major U.S. carriers, with launches happening as earlier as June 21, we have to ask - are you buying it? If so, which carrier and why. If not, we'd love to hear what device you are sticking with or which one you are holding out for as well. [poll id="176"]

Hulu Plus Seems to Work Just Fine on the Galaxy Nexus Now After Updating to 4.0.4

Tim — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:30:39 +0000

After the latest update to the Galaxy Nexus, readers are sending in countless emails to tell us that Hulu Plus is actually working on their devices. Do note, rooted users still have been left in the cold. Do we have any new 4.0.4 users here that have also noticed this new compatibility with Hulu Plus? If it's now working for you, enjoy it. Play Link

Google Acquires Instant Messaging Company Meebo to Bolster Google+

Eric — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:45:36 +0000

There have been rumors of Google acquiring social-messaging company Meebo going on for a few weeks now and today the two companies made it official. Meebo started off doing instant messaging before everyone had an IM client and has since changed into multiple apps, like their toolbar or advertising, all with social in mind. Now that Google has purchased them, they plan on folding them into their own social network, Google+:

We are always looking for better ways to help users share content and connect with others across the web, just as they do in real life. With the Meebo team’s expertise in social publisher tools, we believe they will be a great fit with the Google+ team. We look forward to closing the transaction and working with the Meebo team to create more ways for users to engage online.

Google hasn't come out and said how much Meebo cost to acquire, but they are clearly dedicated to making their social network as good as possible.

Via: The Next Web

Asus Announces Partnership With BlueStacks to Bring Android Apps to Windows PCs

Tim — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:00:10 +0000

Asus is partnering up with start-up BlueStacks, to allow for the running of Android applications straight onto Asus PC computers. The software will come paired with all Zenbooks, Notebooks, Eee PCs, and other Asus desktop computers to allow the use of Android games, utilities, readers, etc right on your PC. To launch the service, Asus will include six months of free apps, but after that, users will be charged an unknown amount for unlimited access. It's a pretty awesome application if you cant live without your Angry Birds or Talking Tom Cat. Want to give BlueStacks a test run on your computer? Download it here.

ASUS Partners with BlueStacks to Bring Android Apps to Millions of PCs Worldwide

Adds Premium Android Apps to asus@vibe Entertainment Platform on ZenBooks, Notebooks, Eee PCs, Desktop PCs and All-in-one PCs
Taipei, Taiwan (PRWEB) June 03, 2012 ASUS, one of the world's top three consumer notebook vendors and a leading innovator in personal computing products, has partnered with BlueStacks to bring popular Android apps to 30 million Asus PCs worldwide. BlueStacks, makers of “App Player for PC” software, will enable a rich selection of Android apps on asus@vibe, a one-stop entertainment platform that is preinstalled on all ASUS products. Powered by BlueStacks technology, users of asus@vibe can access exciting and engaging Android apps across all categories including games, social, news, shopping, music, business and education. BlueStacks recently partnered with top app developers to bring popular Android apps like Fruit Ninja, Evernote, Pulse, Drag Racing, Defender, Tap Fish, Moviefone, Nook, Guns N Glory, Talking Tom and Kids ABC to the one billion strong PC market. BlueStacks' patent pending LayerCake technology enables Android apps on touch and non-touch Windows PCs. As part of this special arrangement with BlueStacks, users of asus@vibe will enjoy Android apps for free for 6 months, with the option to upgrade to unlimited apps and sync apps from phone to PC. The apps are integrated into and presented seamlessly within the @vibe platform across the entire range of ASUS products, including the ZenBooks, notebooks, Eee PCs, desktop PCs and All-in-one PCs. "ASUS is delighted to bring a vibrant selection of apps that were previously inaccessible on Windows PCs. Our partnership with BlueStacks is a valuable addition to the @vibe family," noted Vira Chang, the Head of eBusiness Services at ASUS. "The integration of BlueStacks and @Vibe is central to ASUS's consumer cloud strategy. Additionally, we are encouraged by the increased revenue potential that BlueStacks represents." "ASUS has created a phenomenal software experience on PCs. Launching with ASUS at Computex 2012 solidifies BlueStacks' leadership position as the sole provider of apps for consumer electronics and PC manufacturers worldwide," said Rosen Sharma, President and CEO of BlueStacks. "Our strong portfolio of apps from top developers, combined with our unique monetization engine makes this a revenue-generating opportunity for PC OEMs. This is a winning proposition for the entire PC ecosystem. App developers who have already built for Android can now just run their apps on Windows PCs through BlueStacks. We've done the heavy lifting for the benefit of all." About ASUS ASUS, one of the world's top three consumer notebook vendors and the maker of the world's best-selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today's digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes notebooks, netbooks, tablet devices, servers, multimedia and wireless solutions, networking devices, mobile phones, motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktops, Eee Box and all-in-one PCs. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,886 awards in 2011, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than 11,000 and a world-class R&D team of 3,100 engineers, the company’s revenue for 2011 was around US$11.9 billion. ASUS website : http://www.asus.com asus@vibe: vibe.asus.com About BlueStacks BlueStacks is a software company that enables Android apps to run on Ultrabooks, Notebooks, Desktops, All-in-One PCs and Tablets. It was founded in 2009 by Rosen Sharma. BlueStacks is privately held and headquartered in Silicon Valley with global offices in India, Taiwan and Japan. For more information visit BlueStacks.com, or join their over 1,000,000 Facebook fans.

Turn Any Regular TV Into a Smart TV With This Kickstarter Project Called "Pocket TV"

Tim — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:15:11 +0000

Another handy looking Kickstarter project has caught our attention, this time taking the form of a thumb-drive equipped with an HDMI male piece called Pocket TV. Once you plug the drive into your TV, you'll be greeted by the stock Ice Cream Sandwich interface, allowing you to download Play Store apps, and have the Android OS right on your TV. Controlling is made easy with a custom remote and there will also be an app for Android and iPhone devices that will allow control of the TV that way too.

With its 512Mb of RAM, single core 1GHz processor, and 4GB of storage, this little machine packs quite the little punch. The project is at a healthy $70,000 already out of $100,000. And with only 34 days left to fulfill the needed amount, it' looking like this piece of tech is soon to become a nice reality. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-S1JBgBKLI[/youtube] Via: Kickstarter Cheers Victor!

AT&T Announces Their Galaxy SIII - Only 16GB Version Available, Pre-order June 6 for $199

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:25:33 +0000

AT&T joined the Samsung Galaxy SIII party this afternoon, announcing to the world that they will only carry the 16GB version of the device and that it will be available for $199. As with Verizon, AT&T did not give us an actual launch date, but is instead allowing you to pre-order it on June 6. It seems a little odd that they are ditching the 32GB version of the phone, however, to make up for it, they plan to release an exclusive red edition of the phone some time later this summer (oooooh!). Other than that, it's the same dual-core chipset, 2GB of RAM, and Ice Cream Sandwich that every other U.S. carrier will have. Via: ATT

Pre-order the Galaxy SIII From Verizon and You Keep Your Unlimited Data Plan

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:45:46 +0000

When Verizon announced this morning that customers could pre-order the Samsung Galaxy SIII starting June 6 at 7AM, the first question that many asked was, "Do we get to keep our unlimited data plan?" With no shared data plans in sight at this point, it seemed obvious that you would, however, there was a note in the press release that read, "Customers that purchase a Galaxy S III will need to subscribe to a 4G LTE mobile broadband data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data," which scared a number of you. To clear this all up, we reached out to Verizon's PR team and they confirmed to us that if you pre-order the device, even at the subsidized $199 or $249 prices, that you will get to keep your unlimited data package (assuming you have one now). If you are a new customer or are adding a line, you would be subject to the $30 per month, 2GB tier. We aren't exactly sure what will happen to those of you that do not pre-order and wait until the phone is actually launched, as there is a chance that Verizon will have kicked off their shared data plans by then. If that is the case, you may have to accept one of their new shared data tiers if you choose to buy the phone at a discounted rate at that time. Again, if you pre-order though, you get to keep your unlimited data.

June 2012 Rumor Round-up: Galaxy S3 Launch Date, RAZR HD Sooner Than Thought, and Shared Data

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:10:44 +0000

After releasing our first ever monthly rumor round-up post in May and attempting to not commit to it being a monthly deal, we are back 1 month later with another. As we get ready for the summer, there are too many interesting stories floating around behind the scenes to not let you in on them. What we have here is information officially released paired with bits of info that have been handed to us from industry sources. Most of it can change with time, but we like to keep you up on the gossip behind the scenes. Enjoy.

Galaxy SIII Release Date

Well, we know one thing is certain - you can pre-order Verizon's Galaxy SIII on Wednesday for either $199 or $249 depending on how much internal storage you want. What we don't know after that is, when you will receive your pre-order or when those on-the-fence customers will be able to fondle one in stores. T-Mobile and Sprint have already announced June 21 availability, but for whatever reason, Big Red wasn't willing to go that far. We have heard a couple of stories on this front from a number of sources. Most of them have been led to believe that Verizon's will also launch around June 21 with the other carriers. That's a Thursday, and as we all know, VZW certainly loves to launch things on Thursdays. Another source or two have heard that it may not launch so soon though and could push to July. I can't say that I'm fully buying into a July launch, but then again nothing should surprise us after the Galaxy Nexus debacle. That was supposed to hit stores in November, yet thanks to Verizon's insanely slow testing and ultra-high quality standards, it wasn't released until mid-December.

DROID RAZR HD Updates

The DROID RAZR HD release date remains a complete mystery to this point. According to our sources, it will either launch towards the end of summer or "sooner than we think." Yeah, if that doesn't leave it up-in-the-air, then I don't know what does. One thing we are pretty clear about are the specs, which should equate to a 4.6" HD display, on-screen navigation keys, 13MP camera, 3300mAh battery, 4G LTE and Ice Cream Sandwich. From what we can tell, this will be Motorola's best phone in quite some time. Why the uncertainty? Well, since Samsung just stole everyone's thunder by announcing Galaxy SIII availability in June, why would anyone else try to compete? Sure, Motorola has a decent following, but compared to what Samsung is doing these days, it would be device suicide to release the RAZR HD anywhere close to the GS3. Moto is probably making a smart move if they are indeed pushing the device to later on this summer.

Shared Data Plans Launch

They are coming, "this summer." We still do not know specific details about pricing or data sums, but we know that unlimited data is going away for good and will be replaced by account level tiers. Well, almost. If you want to keep unlimited data going forward, once these shared tiers launch, you will have to buy phones outright at full retail price rather than the much more appealing subsidized price. I think the biggest question everyone has right now is, whether or not Verizon will try to sneak these in before the launch of the Galaxy SIII to get all of the customers upgrading at a discounted rate. All signs so far point to that not happening. Plus, the pre-order is going down on Wednesday, so unless VZW somehow launches shared data tiers tomorrow, you can lock into your unlimited plan with the discounted price without moving to a tier then. I don't have any insider info on this, but I would imagine that we will see shared tiers in mid-July at the earliest. The RAZR HD will likely be the new phone that launches and forces you to buy at full retail unless you want to give up your unlimited plan.

Incredible 4G LTE Release Date

Oh, you forgot about this phone? As did I and almost every other soon-to-be-new-phone-owner. With all of this Samsung Galaxy SIII talk, the Incredible 4G LTE may have a rocky road ahead of it. Verizon announced this little guy back on May 7 without a release date and here we are almost a month later, still without anything concrete. From what we have heard, there are still some tests being done, so it seems unlikely that it will come in the next few days. It could be here at some point in June, but then it has to compete with the Galaxy SIII on some level. While it will launch at a lower price point (potentially $149), the GS3 at $199 would be worth the extra $50 if you have an upgrade available. I can't imagine that Verizon will postpone the launch of this phone much longer though, so look for an announcement with a date any day. In the mean time, be sure to check out our hands-on time with the device from CTIA.

LG Optimus LTE2 With 2GB of RAM

A Verizon-branded LG Optimus LTE2 has been spotted a couple of times now as model number VS930. Potential release dates are anyone's guess, but we do know that this phone is an absolute beast. It has a 4.7" HD display, 2GB of RAM, dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, Ice Cream Sandwich, and is LG's attempt at competing with the Galaxy SIII. We aren't sure how popular it will be with LG's name on it, but if the Galaxy SIII and RAZR HD aren't making you hot, this could be a decent option.

Ice Cream Sandwich Updates (Razr, Rezound, etc.)

First off, the best way to keep up with Ice Cream Sandwich updates is through our official list. From there, you will see that the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX are due to receive their updates by the end of this month. Obviously things can happen that can alter that, but as of last week, Motorola told us to expect it by the end of Q2. Cross those fingers that Verizon signs off on every test build going forward. The Rezound, according to HTC, should receive Android 4.0 by the end of July, however, they will release it as soon as they can, potentially in June.

____________________________________________

So that’s it for this month’s rumor mill on Verizon. If you stumble across any other details that we may have missed or if you find yourself in a situation where sharing of information through our tip line would be a fun time, please do.

Verizon's Latest Double Data Promo Ends June 5, the Day Before You Can Pre-order the Galaxy SIII

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:40:04 +0000

According to info we received from friends of ours at Verizon, their newest Double Data promotion will end tomorrow, June 5. If you are wondering about the timing, consider the fact that the Samsung Galaxy SIII goes up for pre-order the following day, June 6. The last date we were given pegged June 3 as the end of the promo, but apparently VZW was giving you an extra couple of days to get in on the deal. From June 6 going forward, you will only get 2GB of data for $30 rather than the 4GB for $30 that new customers are currently enjoying.

Cheers ___!

Xbox Smart Glass Is How Tablets Should Be Used For Gaming [Opinion]

Eric — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:00:08 +0000

Today, Kellen, Tim and I have been geeking out over Microsoft's press conference to start the Electronic Entertainment Expo, otherwise known as E3. Near the end of their presser, while listing off all the new things coming to the Xbox 360 to keep you centered around it, they showed off "Smart Glass," a feature they hope to implement into their tablets and phones (albeit WP7 devices) that I think is the way that games should be done on mobile devices.

At it's core, Smart Glass is a feature that allows mobile devices to be linked with your TV and Xbox so that when you are watching content on either device, the other knows. For example, you're watching a movie on your tablet and you switch to your TV. Your tablet will soon give you a list of information on the movie, cast and characters and bios, while you watch the movie. They then moved on to show how it could be used for gaming. In Madden 13, before the play happens you can pick up your tablet and draw out the play with your finger before setting it down and executing it. In the clip for Halo 4 they showed Master Chief unlocking a piece of intel that could be read on the tablet.

In my opinion: perfect.

With a few exceptions, I find gaming on tablets very lackluster and not very fun. Trying to shoehorn an old way of gaming (on-screen controls) into a new medium is not a good plan of attack, and something needs to change. The next Nintendo console, the Wii U, has a controller that is a tablet basically. The possibilities grow as the games get more in-depth. If a major game developer puts time and money into the idea of a tablet alongside the console, great things can happen. That being said, it's probably going to take a lot of time and effort to make things seamless to the point of releasing.

The question is, will we see any of these for Android tablets? For Xbox probably not. Microsoft will likely do everything in their power to make sure that an Android tablet never talks to a Microsoft product in any way, while pushing their upcoming Windows 8 tablets as much as possible. We are hearing rumors that it was confirmed for iOS and Android but given Microsoft's overall tone with Android lately it's questionable we will ever see it. Sony however has a console, the Playstation 3, and their own Android tablets, the Tablet S and P. Maybe that connection will allow Android to have some future in this kind of integration. What do you think? Would you like to use your tablet to increase the experience of your console game, or have it be the game itself?

Google Wallet is Down, Pre-Paid and Citi Cards Unavailable at the Moment (Updated)

Eric — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:15:52 +0000

Update: It's back up and running!

We were getting many reports from Twitter this morning that Google Wallet was down. Pre-paid and Citi cards seem unavailable at the moment for a large group of people so you don't need to worry that it's just you and you can rest easy knowing that there is nothing wrong with your secure element. One reader called tech support to see what was up and all he got was a confirmation that the app was indeed down, no word on why. He was also not given a time frame to expect it to be back up by, so when we hear any different we will let you know.

Cheers Christian!

Download: Motorola XOOM 4G Android 4.0.4 IMM76L Update

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:48:08 +0000

Here is the official file, straight from Google. As you can see, the build has changed to IMM76L. Download: IMM76L-from-HLK75H.2a903016.zip Instructions:

*Instructions require a USB host cable (like this) and USB drive/stick. * You will also need to be on Android build HLK75H

1. Download the file from above and drop it on a USB stick or SD card that can be put in a USB Stick. 2. Turn your XOOM off. 3. When you power it back on, tap Volume Down at the red M logo until it says:

--> Android Recovery

4. Tap Volume Up to enter recovery mode. 5. At the green Android logo, press Power and Volume Up. 6. Plug in your USB drive to a USB host cable and then into your XOOM. 7. Scroll down to "apply update from USB drive" and select it with Power. 8. Scroll down to the .zip update file from above and use Power to select it. 9. Your XOOM will now update. *Note - If you know another method for manually updating, please let us know in the comments.

Cheers Justin!

Motorola XOOM 4G Ice Cream Sandwich Update Rolls Out Today to Testers

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:38:57 +0000

Verizon confirmed to us on Friday that the Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.4) update for their version of the Motorola XOOM would start to roll out today. Has it yet? No, but it will shortly to testers and another small batch of lucky XOOM owners. Below, we have a note from Motorola that mentions to testers the rollout schedule:

We're testing final software. A group of some thousands of Xoom owners will receive the software upgrade. But only a portion of that group is made up of owners like you, from the Motorola Feedback Network. It's your feedback that we rely on in evaluating if our software is ready.

So for the rest of us not in the testing program or the lucky first thousand, it could be a few days. These tests usually run for a couple of days and then all parties involved decide if it's good to push to everyone. If you do not see the update today, try to hold it together. These things take time. Cheers J, J, J and S!

Imangi Announces Temple Run: Brave, Based on the Pixar Film Coming June 14

Tim — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:50:57 +0000

Sweet, another Temple Run game. Game publisher Imangi is partnering up with Disney's Pixar Studios to bring us Temple Run: Brave to iOS and Android devices on June 14. What will make this game unique is not only the same run, slide, and jump features, but you will also be able to shoot arrows at targets which will give the game a nice breath of fresh air. Brave hasn't even hit theaters yet, so it's hard to know if this is going to become a hit with kids or adults or even both. I'm hoping for some good humor out of this flick. Either way, I love me some Temple Run. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ22AAGPzOs[/youtube] Cheers EvanTheGamer!

Has Samsung Scrapped the Old Pebble Blue Back Plates of the Galaxy SIII Due to Quality Issues?

Tim — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:10:54 +0000

After reports of Samsung having to re-manufacture the Pebble Blue back plates due to quality issues, it looks like Sammy may have completely scrapped the old color all together for a new grey-looking plate. As we can see in the video below, this new color looks nothing like the previous Pebble Blue, so was Samsung just unable to fix the issues? From what we have seen this morning, the SGSIII that US customers can pre-order will come in "Pebble Blue", but we will have to see if it's the old looking one or this grey-ish one. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwlPN3dlJz0[/youtube] Via: SamMobile

CyanogenMod Team Reveal New CM9 Boot Animation, New Mascot in Full Effect

Tim — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:25:50 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o05PQRO1UW4[/youtube]

The CyanogenMod team has made the mascot change truly official, revamping the official CM9 boot animation to reflect their decision. Say goodbye to Andy and hello to Cid. Whether you care for the change or not, it looks like it is here to stay. Frankly, I'm more of a Unicorn man myself these days when it comes to custom ROM's. Cheers Scott!

Instapaper Launches on Android at a Whopping $2.99, Ugly Black Bar Legacy Menu Included

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:00:01 +0000

Familiar with Instapaper? It's this ultra-popular iOS read it later type of app that apparently, some Android users have been begging for. Think of it as the most minimal app on the planet that allows you to catch up on articles you may have started earlier in the day, but would like to finish later. At $2.99 though, we are trying to figure out how the price is justified. Pocket (formerly Read It Later) is free and in my opinion, much more beautifully designed and with more features. Plus, I watched Instapaper's developer the other day talk about design and being minimal, yet he couldn't even code the legacy menu button out? That would be the awful looking black bar at the bottom of all of those screenshots. To be fair, the app does function as advertised. It is minimal, but with just the right amount of features to allow it to get the job done. It's up to you to decide if you want to pay that price. Play Link ($2.99)

Asus Reveals the Transformer AiO Dual-Booting Tablet, 18.4 Inches of Android and Windows Goodness

Tim — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 08:20:23 +0000

Surprisingly enough, Computex 2012 has yielded some pretty awesome news for Android lovers. Asus has unveiled the Transformer AiO (All in One) tablet, which runs on both the Android and Windows 8 operating systems. With the hit of a single button on the side of the tablet, this 18.4" monster of a device can go from running Ice Cream Sandwich, to Win8 in a split second. Due to its size, it's only natural that the device can be paired with an enormous dock and made to look like a complete desktop computer. Asus remains silent on what exact specs are being used to power this beast, but we do know that it has an Intel Ivy Bridge chip handling the internals. No word on pricing or availability yet either. Could you picture this thing on your desk at the office or home? Depending on price, I could see this being a nice novelty piece to have sitting around. Would definitely be good for watching Netflix and Hulu. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbgOiues6Is[/youtube]

Verizon's Galaxy SIII to be $599 and $649 at Full Retail

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 07:23:09 +0000

Verizon told us early this morning that the Samsung Galaxy SIII will be $199 and $249 at launch on contract for the 16GB and 32GB models of the device. What they didn't give us was the full retail price, which as many of you know, has become increasingly more important knowing that shared data plans and the end of unlimited data will soon be upon us. We still aren't sure when Big Red is going to announce these plans, but as a reminder, once they do, the only way to keep your current unlimited data package is to buy phones at full retail. If you decide to purchase at a subsidized price, you will be forced off of your unlimited data plan and into a shared tier. Depending on if Verizon launches these before the phone comes out, this may be the way you have to buy the phone. So how much? According to info we received from our sources, the 16GB version will launch at $599 with the 32GB version dropping in at $649. These prices match up to current offerings in Verizon's store and we believe them to be correct and not just place holders. No additional info was given, like an actual release date, but once we have it, we'll be sure to pass it along.

Cheers ___!

Sprint and T-Mobile Also Announce the Galaxy SIII, Available in Stores June 21

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 06:35:56 +0000

Both T-Mobile and Sprint jumped into the Samsung Galaxy SIII action this morning shortly behind Verizon, however, they both announced actual launch dates rather than just a pre-order. Both carriers will carry the GS3 on June 21 in white and blue and in 16GB and 32GB versions. T-Mo did not including pricing in their announcement, but Sprint is following Big Red's lead with the $199 for 16GB and $249 for 32GB scheme. AT&T, you are up. Via: T-Mobile | Sprint

Verizon Announces Their Samsung Galaxy SIII for $199 and $249, Pre-order on June 6

Kellen — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 06:24:38 +0000

Last night Samsung spread word that the 5 biggest U.S. carriers would all carry the Galaxy SIII, some of then starting as early as June. This morning, Verizon confirmed theirs, by announcing a pre-order for June 6 at 7AM EST. An actual launch date has not been given, but we have heard rumors of a June 20th (or around there) targeted date. Pricing is $199 for the 16GB version and $249 for the 32GB version. As you can see from the pictures, it has the physical button, only Verizon branding on the back, and is essentially the same device that was announced a few weeks back aside from the some internal spec tweaks. We'll get the 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 4G LTE, 2GB of RAM, expandable storage, 8MP camera, two color options (blue or white), and Ice Cream Sandwich.

Here is Verizon's landing page for the devive which we found last night.

VERIZON WIRELESS ANNOUNCES SAMSUNG GALAXY S^® III COMING TO AMERICA’S LARGEST 4G LTE NETWORK

The Next Generation Smartphone with the Power to Share and Intelligence to Make Everyday Life Easier
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the 4G LTE-powered Samsung Galaxy S^® III is coming to America’s largest 4G LTE network. Galaxy S III customers can use Share Shot to create their own temporary photo sharing network with a group of friends who are nearby at the same party or event. Photos can be taken by any member of the group and shared with the entire group. One touch sharing with S Beam allows friends to share pictures, videos, documents and more by simply touching two Galaxy S III devices’ backs together. Galaxy S III customers can take advantage of 4G LTE to share live video broadcasts of life’s special moments with their Facebook^® friends using the Color app. As an exclusive feature for Verizon Wireless, customers can live broadcast video with audio when using Color. The Galaxy S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED^™ display and runs Android^™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Watch a video while texting friends or surfing the Web at 4G LTE speeds with Pop Up Play. Videos can be played in a small window while customers use the rest of the display to complete other tasks such as typing emails, organizing calendars and updating their social networks. Multi-tasking is seamless with the 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 2 GB RAM paired with the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. Customers can also interact with the Galaxy S III in simple and fun ways thanks to Motion Gesture. With Motion Gesture, customers can initiate a phone call from a text message by simply raising the phone to their head, or they can pause a video by covering the display with their hand, and even get to the top of an email message and contact list. The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is currently available in 258 markets, covering two-thirds of the of the U.S. population. Verizon Wireless 4G LTE will be in 400 markets covering 260 million people by the end of this year. Additional features:

Smart Stay – So intelligent, the display only dims when the customers’ eyes are closed or no longer facing the screen.

S Voice^™ – Featuring natural language recognition, you can control the apps and services used most with words instead of touch. Use S Voice to turn the volume up or down on the music player, answer or reject incoming calls, shut off or choose to snooze the alarm clock, or take a picture by saying “smile” or “cheese.”

AllShare^® Play – Share HD videos and your favorite songs by streaming multimedia content from the Galaxy S III to a compatible Samsung Smart TV^® or home audio system when connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and remotely access files on up to six Samsung devices.

Evolved camera capabilities – Burst Shot mode instantly captures 20 continuous shots and Best Photo feature selects the best shot to display.

Enhanced camera – 8-megapixel rear camera with zero-lag shutter speed and a 1.9-megapixel front camera so customers can capture pictures and videos of themselves or video chat with family and friends.

Mobile Hotspot – share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

microSD^™ card slot for expandable memory.

Pricing and availability:

Samsung Galaxy S III will be available online for pre-order starting June 6 at 7 a.m. EST atwww.verizonwireless.com/galaxys3 and will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online in the coming weeks.

The Samsung Galaxy S III will be available in 16 GB and 32 GB models for $199.99 and $249.99 respectively with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will also have the choice of the Galaxy S III in two colors, Marble White or Pebble Blue.

Customers that purchase a Galaxy S III will need to subscribe to a 4G LTE mobile broadband data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

Customers can visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/galaxys3 to sign up for more information and availability details on the Samsung Galaxy S III for Verizon Wireless. For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Follow@VZWnews on Twitter^™ for the latest news on Verizon Wireless. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia. About Samsung Mobile Samsung Mobile (Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC), a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com. Samsung, Galaxy S, AllShare, S Voice, Samsung Smart TV and Super AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names, product names and marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks. 4G used in connection with the Samsung Galaxy S III refers to the fact that the device is capable of operating on Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.

Samsung: Galaxy SIII Coming to 5 U.S. Carriers Starting in June

Kellen — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:09:13 +0000

Samsung just dropped news of U.S. availability for their brand new Galaxy SIII and yep, it's coming to all 5 carriers - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular. They said that the we will start seeing them in June, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will all arrive in June. That could mean that AT&T's will launch first and that Verizon's will launch in July for all we know. But we do have a "June" time frame to start looking forward to. Big Red's version did just cruise through the FCC, so we at least have that as a good sign as well. Prices will start at $199, but again, we could see T-Mobile's at $199 and Verizon's at $299 or so. Samsung has said that each carrier will announce their own variant individually over the coming weeks. Pricing will then be confirmed everywhere, so for now, we'll just have to speculate. One thing we do now have confirmed (assuming these are final), is that the physical appearance of the device will mimic that of the international version with the full-blown hardware home button with menu and back keys along side it. We also now know the official specs which match that of the Canadian variants. We have a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor (no quad-core), 2GB of RAM, 2 colors (white and blue), 4.8" HD Super AMOLED display, 8MP camera, 16GB and 32GB models, expandable storage, and Ice Cream Sandwich. Update: Sprint is hosting a party on 6/12 which has to do with Samsung, so you can guess the topic. AT&T's landing page is already up, confirming the look of the phone. Verizon seems to have a page ready, but it's blank at this time. And, please feel free to share your thoughts on this fine Sunday evening.

Samsung Galaxy S III Coming To Five Major Carriers Beginning in June

In an industry first, Samsung delivers the same iconic smartphone design and premium content sharing experience with customized AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular services starting from $199
DALLAS — June 4, 2012 — U.S. consumers on five major service providers will now be able to own the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S® III. Galaxy S III, optimized for peak performance on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE and HSPA+ 42 networks, will be launching with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular starting in June. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the five carriers in the coming weeks. “The U.S. launch of the Galaxy S III is the most anticipated launch of the year. As promised, we are delivering the ‘next big thing’ for U.S. customers and across all major carriers,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “Galaxy S III introduces new technological innovation and takes sharing to the next level.” With the Galaxy S III, Samsung is setting a new standard for smartphones. This device was designed to be lightweight, durable and powerful. The Galaxy S III weighs 4.7 ounces and is 8.6 millimeters thin, making it lighter and sleeker than other leading smartphones, including several competitor models with smaller displays. The brilliant 4.8 inch display extends to an ultra-thin bezel to maximize the viewing area. The Galaxy S III delivers impressive processing power to allow more applications to be accessible simultaneously. The Galaxy S III goes far beyond content consumption to content sharing. Continuing its history of innovation, Samsung has simplified how consumers share content and control the device with a single touch, through enhanced gesture technology or the simple movement of the eyes. Sharing Made Simple The content sharing experience on the Galaxy S III addresses the sharing needs of consumers, whether it’s sharing and editing a presentation with a large group in real-time, sending digital images to several other smartphones at the same time or transferring large files within seconds from one phone to another. Further, these sharing experiences are simple and require little, if any, set-up. Sharing With Multiple Devices -      The Galaxy S III introduces the next evolution of Samsung’s content sharing service with AllShare® Play. This service automatically notifies the Galaxy S III to Samsung HDTVs, mobile tablets, laptops and other consumer electronic devices on the same network that are ready to receive video files. Users can also remotely access files from devices on other networks.
Sharing with Groups
-      With AllShare Group Cast on the Galaxy S III and a Wi-Fi network, users can share and collaborate on documents, presentations or images in real-time with multiple friends or co-workers’ without loading the file separately.
-      With Share Shot, become the official photographer for a group of friends. There’s no need to send photos and video via email, MMS or a USB drive. Users can quickly and seamlessly share pictures taken with the Galaxy S III’s 8 megapixel camera to other phones from up to 200 feet away. Once the Galaxy S III is synched with chosen devices, the pictures are automatically shared.

Sharing Smartphone to Smartphone
-      S-Beam is an industry first, providing fast, easy transfer of large files, such as videos and documents, with a single touch of the Galaxy S III without needing a Wi-Fi connection or cell signal. A 1GB movie file can be shared as quickly as three minutes and a 10MB music file can be transferred in seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone. Smartphone Simplicity -      The S-Voice™ feature on the Galaxy S III offers much more than just asking and answering questions. S-Voice allows users to control the applications and services used most with words instead of touch. Use S-Voice to turn the volume up or down on the music player, answer or reject incoming calls, shut off or choose to snooze the alarm clock, or take a picture by saying “smile” or “cheese.” -      Smart Stay puts the “smart” in smartphones. With Smart Stay, the Galaxy S III tracks the user’s eye to ensure the device screen is always on while you’re looking at it. By knowing when you are looking at the screen, it doesn’t dim the backlight or timeout to an idle screen. -      Motion simplifies and short cuts many common functions including converting a text message to a call by simply raising the phone to the ear, tapping the top of the phone to go to the top of an email and list of emails or contacts, and alerting to missed call or text message. -      The capabilities of the Galaxy S III’s 8 megapixel camera are far beyond point and shoot. Burst Shot captures still pictures at a rapid-fire pace at three images per second with zero shutter lag; and Best Shot recommends the best picture to keep based on colors, lighting and clarity. The Galaxy S III shoots and plays back 1080p HD quality video with a backside illuminated sensor that improves performance in low light environments, and provides the ability to capture a photo during videoing -      Watching video while downloading a large file or service is seamless with Pop Up Play. Pop Up Play allows you to watch any side-loaded video content while operating any application in full-screen, background view at the same time. Video running on Pop Up Play can be moved anywhere on top of the full screen, much like picture-in-picture capabilities on large screen TVs. Powerful Performance The Galaxy S III includes Android^™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with TouchWiz enhancements, a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.5 GHz dual core CPU and 2GB of internal RAM to provide high-speed performance enabling efficient and seamless multi-tasking. The dual-core processor offers competitive speeds and performance as leading quad-core processors without sacrificing valuable battery life. The brilliant 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED™ touchscreen display brings content to life, without compromising the device’s true pocketability. The expansive display is protected by Gorilla Glass 2.0 to guard against cracks and scratches and provide enhanced touchscreen responsiveness. The Galaxy S III, which comes in Marble White and Pebble Blue, is powered by a removable 2100 mAh battery for extended use on a single charge. Users can store large libraries of photos, videos and music onboard the Galaxy S III with expandable memory to compliment the standard 16GB or 32GB of onboard storage. “The Galaxy S III is the most innovative smartphone on the market today. It is an industry first to see five major carriers align behind the launch of a single device virtually simultaneously,” said Todd Pendleton, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Telecommunications America. “To support the immense excitement for the Galaxy S III we will execute our biggest marketing campaign ever. Consumers won’t be able to miss why this device is the must-have smartphone.” For more information:

Visit us at www.facebook.com/samsungmobileusa

¹ Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S. and global claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics, Q1 2012 U.S. Market Share and Global Market Share Handset Shipment Reports. Samsung, Galaxy, AllShare, S Voice and Super AMOLED are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. About Samsung Mobile Samsung Mobile (Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC), a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 206,000 people in 197 offices across 72 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LED. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world’s most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Verizon's Galaxy SIII Stops by the FCC, Shouldn't Launch be Next?

Kellen — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:02:13 +0000

There is your Galaxy SIII that is headed to Verizon. Model number SCH-I535 is indeed the device that many of you are waiting to get your hands on through Big Red, and after stopping by the FCC this week, it seems that an announcement for a launch date is about all that is left to see. Rumors have pegged other carrier's variants launching some time around June 20, which matches up to those headed to Canada. It would certainly be a welcomed change for an Android manufacturer to release phones simultaneously across the globe rather than the normal schedule which includes an unveiling, followed by an open-ended and mysterious release date. The other big question remains - how will the U.S. carriers alter the device from what we saw introduced internationally? Will they change it at all? According to shots we saw of the T-Mobile variant from yesterday, Samsung may have finally laid down the law and is forcing the big four in the States to sell the phone as is without differentiating. How do you feel about a physical home button? Via: FCC | PocketNow Cheers Daniel!

Google Wallet and Verizon's Galaxy Nexus Play Nice After 4.0.4 Update?

Kellen — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 11:42:45 +0000

After updating to Android 4.0.4 on his Verizon-powered Galaxy Nexus, one of our readers noticed that Google Wallet was popping up as being compatible. As many of you know, Verizon told Google that they would rather Wallet was not made available to the G-Nex at launch as it was looked at differently than other apps, which most of us took to mean, "We have our own NFC payment system on the way, please block your own." So we aren't sure if 4.0.4 and this newly found compatibility is Google's way of saying, "Piss off," or if Verizon has given it the thumbs up. Either way, we pulled up the listing in the Play store and it also showed that our VZW Nexus (100% stock) was compatible. It installed without issue and even allowed us to re-add our previous card and balance. Feel free to check for yourself and let us know. Update: The first batch of comments are leading us to believe that this may not be the case for everyone. What's odd is that both myself and our reader are as stock as it gets (I'm not even rooted at the moment) and it installed without issue. Continue to let us know in the comments what your outcome is. Play Link Cheers dragon19104!

Tip: How to Force the 4.0.4 Update for the Galaxy Nexus LTE

Kellen — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 06:37:09 +0000

The 4.0.4 update is pushing out to a massive batch of Galaxy Nexus owners as you read this, however, there are still a number of you that have yet to be prompted. If you would like to speed up the process, you can try this little trick that dozens of readers have submitted as working like a charm.

1. From your phone, head into Settings>Apps>All. 2. Search for Google Services Framework. 3. Once found, tap on it and choose "Force stop." 4. Then choose "Clear data." 5. Back out of Apps to your About page in Settings and check for the System update.

You may have to repeat the steps a couple of times. Good luck! Cheers @splendorthought and to everyone who sent this in!

Purported Images of T-Mobile's Galaxy SIII Appear, Physical Home Button Included in U.S. Variants?

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:40:41 +0000

The crew at The Verge received what they believe to be press images of T-Mobile's Galaxy SIII variant. As you'll notice immediately, the phone includes the dedicated home button that U.S. carriers have forced Samsung to abandon in the past. With the Galaxy S and SII, we saw carriers in the States drop the middle button in favor of a 4-button (back/home/search/menu) approach, so this is surprising to say the least. One question immediately comes to mind after seeing these photos - how do you all feel about a physical home button? We thought for sure that it would disappear when the phone landed here, but maybe Samsung finally laid down the law and said, "This is the #1 phone in Android and this is how it comes. Take it or leave it."

Via: The Verge

Galaxy Nexus Official 3-Pin Car Dock Will Work With the LTE Version, Slightest of Modifications Needed

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:19:49 +0000

At the beginning of the week, Google started selling official Galaxy Nexus accessories through the Play store, including the 3-pin car dock. Unfortunately for LTE Nexus owners, there was a note attached to the listing which mentioned that these were only compatible with the GSM or HSPA+ variants and would essentially be a waste of your money to buy them. Leave it to the passionate LTE community of Nexus owners to prove that theory wrong. According to numerous reports over at XDA, the official 3-pin car dock does indeed work with the LTE G-Nex, but it requires a slight modification. When inserted, the volume rocker gets pinned down and causes some odd behavior, however, if you take a knife or razor blade to to it and scrape a bit away, it apparently works flawlessly. The 3-pin connector charges the phone and the audio-out works as you would expect it to. Oh, it also fits if you have the extended battery and cover attached. So again, the official 3-pin dock works just fine for the LTE version as long as you have a knife to scrape away a bit of plastic. And from what I can tell, this should take all of 5 minutes. We aren't talking about accessory surgery here, but a simple scrape job. Happy? Get to ordering. Mine will be here on Monday and I'll confirm all of this and will include a tutorial at that time. Via: XDA

Makers of Shadowgun THD Announce DEAD TRIGGER, Scratches Your Zombie Itch

Eric — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:42:49 +0000

With the very real scare of zombies going around these days, we all have to prepare ourselves somehow. From the makers of Shadowgun THD, one of the best looking Android games to-date, MADFINGER Games has announced DEAD TRIGGER. You've got it all here: guns, zombies and lots of bullets, what's there to ask questions about?

The game is soon to be hitting Android and the Tegra Zone, the place for games that the Tegra 3 powerhouse processor specializes in. The Tegra edition of the game will feature boosted graphics, ragdoll physics and some more goodies thanks to that quad-core. Hopefully the slow zombies will help with the on-screen controls. The game is set to launch later this month.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpzkCTe76Bc[/youtube]

Verizon: Motorola XOOM 4G ICS Update Starts June 4

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:10:31 +0000

Verizon confirmed this afternoon that the Motorola XOOM will receive Ice Cream Sandwich starting June 4. The update should come directly from Google as it is a "lead" device for Android, but Big Red has gone ahead and announced its arrival. To see the full changelog, check out this post. Via: Verizon

Droid Life Q&A Session: Volume 1 Answers

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:32:38 +0000

At the beginning of the week, we announced a new feature for the site that would give you (the community) a chance to ask the DL team anything that comes to mind. The questions could have been Android related, but they definitely didn't have to be. We are humans after all and don't mind talking about things that aren't tech-related here and there. So after soaking in the massive amounts that were asked, we grabbed a handful of the most voted on and did our best to provide a variety of answers. For reference, you'll see answers from everyone on the team by their first initial K (Kellen), T (Tim), E (Eric), and R (Ron). We had a ton of fun not only reading through the questions, but answering as well and are looking forward to doing this more often. We hope you enjoy.

What does Droid Life feel is the current or soon to be released best Android phone available from Verizon?

K: Personally, I'm getting giddy over the RAZR HD. I know that probably makes me sound like a Moto fanboy, but this is the first device in quite some time that they will probably release as a complete device - HD screen, massive battery, ICS, great camera, etc. Other than that, you can't forget about the Galaxy SIII which should be here long before the RAZR HD. Even if the U.S. carriers tweak it some, it'll be impressive. 2GB of RAM, anyone? T: Well, until we know the exact fate of the device, I would have to say the Samsung Galaxy SIII is a safe bet for most folks. R: Everyone has different preferences. The best phone on VZW is probably still the Gnex, but I'd personally like to get my hands on the Droid Incredible 4G. I loved the Rezound. If I could get the Dinc 4G running stock Android with that new Sense clock I'd be a happy camper.

What do you do with all of your blog review handsets, after they've been reviewed?

K: Well first, let's set the record straight on this topic. Review units are just that, review units. They are not ours to keep. While we would love to hang on to every new device that cruises across our desks, that would probably be both unethical and illegal on some level. When companies have new products that they would like us to check out, we usually have a 3-4 week time frame to get down and dirty with them and then they are returned. If you see us with a phone for a longer period of time than that, it probably means that we loved the phone so much that we bought it out right, just like every other wireless customer. R: Pack them up and then weep profusely after dropping them off at FedEx to be returned.

Which Android phone in your opinion was the most dissapointing?

K: There really were so many bad ones, like the DROID 2, Charge, Revolution, and DROID 4. If I had to pick one though, and I hate to do this, it would have to be the Bionic. After impressing the world at CES in January of 2011, it then ran into so many issues that it was delayed and completely recreated over a 9 month stretch. After finally launching, the Bionic was a disaster with its cheap specs and massive bug list. The phone should have been scrapped and never released, especially with the DROID RAZR dropping just 2 months later. E: Most disappointing phone for me had to be the D2. Moto had the world in the palm of it's hand after the OG Droid and decided to put more time and money into the Droid X. I have seen more people jump the Android ship to iPhone because of the D2 directly than any other phone that I can think of.

Most successful?

R: The most successful phone in my mind is still the OG Droid. In terms of numbers the Galaxy S, S2, and S3 are the most successful, but they wouldn't have had a shot without the OG Droid. If you can think back to 2009, Android wasn't doing well. The iPhone was still considered the best option for a smartphone. The Pre was out, but exclusive to Sprint. It was a really interesting time. People were still transitioning away from RIM and Nokia into something more modern, but no one knew for sure what would be successful. I still wonder what it would have been like if the Droid launched on all four carriers or if the Pre came out on Verizon too. How would that have changed things? Having the Droid on Verizon (which was a massive carrier, but lacked many innovative phones) really changed the game for both Verizon and Android. T: Most successful? In my opinion, the OG DROID and the Galaxy Nexus have been the biggest hits in my eyes. I have only seen a line of people stand out front of the VZW stores for two devices, the OG and the G-Nex. 'Nuff said. K: From a sales perspective, the original DROID, DROID X, Thunderbolt and RAZR are probably all success stories. As far as a community goes, there are only two, which both Tim and Ron mentioned - the OG and the Galaxy Nexus. Rarely do you find phones that can create such a buzz around these parts.

Would you still recommend the Galaxy Nexus now that it's six months old?

K: It depends. I've found that I use the camera on my phone so often now that the Nexus is no longer an option for me. You can talk about radios all day long as being the number one issue with that phone, but Google and Samsung should be embarrassed for that thing inside that they claim to be a camera. With that said, if you need to have a fully-open device with a massive developer community that will support a phone far beyond what a carrier will, then the G-Nex is the logical choice. T: If I was recommending a phone to a family member or friend, I would recommend the Galaxy Nexus without hesitation. It's a solid device and despite some people's beef with it, it's still quite the little workhorse. E: Yes, it's still one of, if not the best ICS device out there right now. I couldn't be happier with mine. R: If you need a phone right now, absolutely. It's still a great device. Not my favorite form factor or screen, but it's great. If you can wait for the new Nexi later this year I'd do that, though.

So exactly what does "Droid Life" mean to you guys? Not the website, but actually Android. Does Android assist you in everyday life or does it isolate you from the rest of the world?

K: Yeah that name "Droid Life" has certainly turned into something far beyond what I ever expected it to. At this point, I'd say that I clearly do live a "Droid Life." My phone is my tool for life. It makes it more efficient, a conversation starter, a community builder, and an entertainer. I could not imagine what things would be like without Android in my life. It definitely wouldn't be as fun. T: My passion for Android has easily passed just a love for the hardware and OS. I have fallen in love with the community as a whole and if Android can't help me complete a task, I know there is a group of folks out there willing to spend their time helping me. Everyday I'm impressed at the number of folks who are so dedicated to voicing opinions and helping fellow enthusiasts/fanboys. And I wouldn't say it isolates me, if it wasn't for Android, I wouldn't be able to talk to all of you everyday! E: I've probably bought into the Google ecosystem more than most people. The last thing holding me onto Apple (besides my Macbook, which isn't going anywhere anytime soon) was the iPod. As soon as Google announced Google Music I moved it all over there and haven't looked back. I enjoy going to the Play Store and browsing the deals they have on books and music and will buy if the price is right. So far Android keeps me centralized to all my aspects of life, other than Facetime which all my friends have on their iPhones, I don't feel cut off from them in anyway. R: I love all things mobile, so my life is more than Android. That said, to me Android represents an open ecosystem that allows for insane customizations. Apple has one device, which might be great for some, but it doesn't fit every need. Windows Phone has a lot of SKUs, but the software is limited and identical. With Android you can have all sorts of variations in software and hardware, which allows for crazy ideas like the Echo or the Evo 4G, etc. We're just beginning to see the customizations and variations that Android can allow for.

What screen technology do you like better LCD2 or AMOLED HD?

T: Short answer would have to be LCD2. If you haven't played with an HTC One X, then stop reading this and get your hands on one right now. R: I've tended to like LCD screens better than AMOLED. AMOLED are bright, but the color fidelity hasn't been great, traditionally. That seems to be changing now, but we'll see. K: I'm with both Tim and Ron on this one. While the vibrant colors on AMOLEDs can be fun to look at, the crispness and clarity of the LCD2 that HTC is using in the One X is quite the technological feat. I'll be interested to see what an HD AMOLED Plus looks like, but it may be a while before we see one.

Beyond the OG Droid why do you all love Motorola so much?

T: We have a certain fondness for Motorola because they are the company that got many of us to care about Android in the first place. The OG DROID brought many of us into this community and sure, they do some stupid things, but you still got to have love for Moto. Plus, their radios kick ass compared to almost anyone's. R: Motorola put Android on the map. They've made some bad business decisions following the Droid (with the possible exception of the DX), but I think phones like the RAZR MAXX have put them back on the map. They have a ways to go, but their build quality has traditionally been the best of all manufacturers. When you're stuck with a phone for 2 year, build quality is an important feature.

What's with all these ICS phones without soft keys?

R: Phones take years to design and build. There's a good chance manufacturers didn't know that soft keys would be part of the Nexus design so they kept doing capacitive. It could also be that manufacturers have kept up with capacitive keys because the design of the buttons has become part of each manufacturers brand (e.g. you can tell a Motorola phone from a HTC phone by the capacitive keys alone). K: Ron is exactly right. Phones are planned over a year in advance, so the batch of phones that you are seeing hit stores in the first half of 2012 were all likely designed long before the Galaxy Nexus was released. By this summer and then towards the end of 2012, you should start to see more on-screen nav button devices.

How do you all feel about the direction the original Droid line is going?

E: I've actually been pondering this question for a few months now. I've had every single Droid since the OG (2,3,4) and while their hardware has gotten better, Moto has drifted to the larger screens (X, X2, Razr) for more publicity. Personally, I think that's fine, but Moto should take the Droid line back to it's roots. Make it a developer phone, let people blast it open and do what they want. The Droid was originally everything that the iPhone isn't and with the keyboard that idea still lives on. I'd like to see Moto put a little more oomf behind the next Droid and keep the brand alive and going. What if Moto's Nexus (granted this whole 5 nexus idea happens) had a keyboard, how crazy would that be? R: Not great. The D2 was a disaster. The D3 and 4 were better, but not great. I'd love to see Motorola release an anniversary edition of the OG Droid with the same chassis, but updated specs and stock Android.

What is your favorite beer and/or brewery?

K: Living in the beer capital of the world (Portland), that might be the toughest question of the week. I definitely prefer less hops (odd I know coming from Portland) and tend to lean towards anything Belgian-style (recommend the Tripel Karmeliet). The Abyss (seasonal winter) from Deschutes Brewery is always a winner on the local front. If you ever make it to Montana though, find yourself a Cold Smoke from Kettlehouse. Top 5 beers of all time for me. T: Easy! Great White from Lost Coast Brewery. E: Favorite beer has to be Dos Equis. Favorite brewery is a local place in downtown Indianapolis called Sun King. They make some really really good drinks there. Anyone near that area needs to check it out. R: I don't drink a lot of beer. I'm more of a rum and Coke guy.

Google Drive Offline Coming Within the Next Few Weeks?

Eric — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:10:55 +0000

Google Drive launched a couple weeks back and quickly got to work doing it's thing by managing everyone's files. Only problem with cloud-based apps like Drive is that if you have no connection you are left high and dry without your files. Fortunately for Drive power users, an interesting nugget of information dropped at the end of this week's D conference that just wrapped up, and from Google’s Senior Vice President of Chrome Sundar Pichai no less:

It's a natural evolution. Users like the familiarity. Sometimes wanting to be full-screen; if you're watching YouTube or Netflix, you want to be immersed. It's important to remember that we release a new version every six weeks; contrast that with Windows! Google Drive offline is coming five weeks from today.

"Five weeks from today." That's a pretty specific time-frame to just toss out off the top of your head. Currently, you can view Docs when you are offline but not edit them. It sounds like the team behind Drive has a little something up their sleeve, we'll just have to wait and see when they want to show what it is.

Via: Phone Arena

Google Holding Maps Event Next Week to Show Off "Upcoming Features"

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:20:46 +0000

Google pinged us this morning to let us know about a Google Maps press event that they are hosting next Wednesday. As you can see from the invite, they plan to show us the "Next Dimension" of Maps, but it's anyone's guess as to exactly what that means. Further details in the invite mention their "newest technology" and a sneak peak at features that will help people continue to get where they are going, both "physically and virtually":

...give you a behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision. We'll also demo some of the newest technology and provide a sneak peek at upcoming features that will help people get where they want to go – both physically and virtually.

The timing of this couldn't be better as Apple is holding their developer conference, WWDC, the following week. Rumors have pegged Apple as having created their own map offering to compete with Google's and that it would be unveiled during this conference. Any guesses on what could be new in Maps?

Ice Cream Sandwich for the XOOM LTE on Verizon Approved, Android 4.0.4 IMM76K is on the Way

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:01:51 +0000

The soak test invites that went out earlier in the week for owners of the XOOM 4G LTE on Verizon were indeed because of an imminent Ice Cream Sandwich launch. Big Red posted the support docs for the update today which is always a good sign that it will rollout within the next week or so. The build is exactly the same as what the Galaxy Nexus is receiving - Android 4.0.4 IMM76K. As you can see from the screenshot up top, Verizon wants you to know that ICS adds a bunch of new goodies (Folders, better notification management, etc.) that were not a part of Honeycomb. And not only will the XOOM now enjoy these new ICS features, but it appears as if device stability, network connectivity, and bug squashing were also a major focus with this update. The full changelog is below.

The update is around 107MB in size. More info.

Friday Poll: Favorite New Android Apps of the Last Month?

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:23:53 +0000

It has been a while since we last asked you to share some of the Android app gems that you discovered along the way, so let's get back on that train and do that today. Over the last few months, the stream of newly released quality Android apps seems to be as steady as ever. We now have apps like Instagram, Flipboard in beta, and a bunch of quad-core optimized games. Developers really seem to be accepting Android now, more than ever. So what has popped onto your radar as of late that we should all check out? For me personally, I've found myself using Pocket (formerly Read It Later) a lot since the rebranding, Flipboard for casual news reading, Alarm Clock Ultra because waking up in the morning should be fun, and Total Commander as my new file manager for its power and utilities. Any other suggestions?

An Interview with the Mobile Panda, @black_man_x

Ron — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:15:53 +0000

Droid Life is a site that was built on a passion for Android, especially its incarnation in the OG DROID. Back when I was still sporting the OG I remember coming across The Mobile Panda. Between blog posts and trolling podcasts, @black_man_x, as he's known on Twitter, used to drop hints about future products and help out regular users. I've always appreciated his perspective on mobile, so I thought our lovely community of readers would enjoy the chance to read more about the Panda's perspective on a variety of topics. Most readers know you for giving out advice and tips about Verizon devices and the occasional Panda poem. Why did you decide to engage with customers? In my past life alot of the information that I was seeing (in terms of the products and services that the nation’s largest carrier was providing) was in my opinion lacking. Loving the tech that was out there, I wanted to debate, talk, and rant with other lovers of mobile. The Panda was actually an idea from a friend of mine that understood that even Clark Kent needed to protect his paycheck. Being the Panda isn’t just one person I like to think of it as a mantle. Batman has his cowl and cape, pandas have our bamboo, Twitter, blogs, and forums to combat mobile injustice. Is Verizon still your carrier of choice? I have lines on most major carriers, except Sprint. My personal line is still on Verizon, but with Google Voice my number goes where I do and I suspend what I am not using at the time. As you can imagine, reconciling my phone bill is quite the exercise in math and paper management. What phone is your current daily driver? Currently I am using a GSM Galaxy Nexus on AT&T, but I have been showing the HTC ONE X a lot of love as well. The S3 is also on deck. I am currently debating if I want to pull the trigger on a Nokia Lumia 900; I am, after all, a lover of all mobile. How do you feel about manufacturer skins and customizations? Which do you like the most, and why? In the past it was needed, badly. If anyone remembers Windows Mobile you know that is how HTC got started. Sense (originally TouchFlo) was a godsend to those that wanted an easy to use experience from a device/OS that wasn't user friendly. Android was the same way: pick up a G1 and use it for ten minutes and you will beg for Touchwiz or Sense. The Android team has improved the UI and with ICS they're pushing the focus from function to form. In terms of skins, I think that HTC has the right idea. Why work so hard to skin and put your hooks into everything if the stock experience is already stellar? HTC has scaled back and pushed their focus to things like the camera and audio. With the new version of Touchwiz, Samsung is adding amazing services like S-Voice that take Android and build upon it. Moto... well they stumbled out the block a bit, but I think feedback on the ICS Blur experience will be positive. How do you think Google feels about manufacturer skins/customizations? Obviously without the manufacturers Android would not be the success it is today, but that doesn't mean Google likes skins or the delays in updates. As I said before, the Android experience is about the customer. When it comes to vendor customizations, based on sales they seem to love it. Sammy is the biggest phone company in the world with the S3 preorders reaching 10 million and HTC Sense devices like the ONE series are flying off the shelf. The Nexus or stock device types are there for the power users, but for Android to continue its growth and become the power that it is we need to capture the mind share and heart of the average consumer walking into their Verizon, AT&T or O2 store. HTC’s skin took a weather widget and made it an icon for their experience. A lot of people see that clock today either on a HTC device or a widget like Beautiful Widgets and say “hey is that an EVO?” That is the power of customized experience. As for delays in devices getting updated, consumers need to understand these are not simply "skins" like you would see with Launcher Pro, Nova, or other experiences in the Play Store. These are in every way custom devices running complex software on an Android base. To make a small change requires lots of work to ensure you don't break something. A lot of people wonder how ROM makers can get an ICS Sense ROM working before HTC, but they have never had to deal with Verizon's certification process. Google has been accused of straying from its mantra of Don't Do Evil. How do Googlers interpret that mantra? What does it mean for a company like Google to not do evil? That motto was built on the premise of a startup mind frame. As a now publicly traded company with commitments to shareholders and our partners, I am sure people understand that there are business choices made that may not be popular. I don’t make those choices, but I understand. Apple has some of the highest public ratings and their products make people happy. Heck, I watch their commercials and I want to call my mom and hug a tree, but ask a Foxconn worker two years ago what they thought of Apple (or better yet ask their spouse!). It’s all about prospective in the end. In the past I've suggested that Google should offer services and products for money instead of advertisements. What are your thoughts on offering products for money vs ads? Google's business model is built on ad services. While some users are concerned about how their data is used, I think the privacy standards recently clarified outline the company's stance in an easy to understand format. While the idea of paying for services is intriguing, I do not believe it would work. As history has shown, asking someone to pay for something that was free yesterday to protect a concept like user data that they do not understand fully only leads to confusion. Once you take the profit model out of Android development, what is a company like Google’s reason to continue to put resources and money into improving it? Eyeballs drive profits. Google's relationship with carriers has changed over time. What role do you think carriers should take in the mobile industry? I would like carriers to be a data pipe that fully embrace the ideals of net neutrality. Just give us the data and let us do what we like with it. I think that alot of people that say that really don’t understand what that would entail, though. As we approach using more and more valuable spectrum, we face ever rising data prices, caps and throttling. Paying 30 bucks a month and using 24 GB of high speed data may sound fun now, but wait till your data bill reflects the true cost. It won’t be pretty. With coverage becoming secondary to exclusive devices and services, it’s no longer about "Can you hear me now," but "Can I pay that bill now." I would be interested to see what T-Mobile and Sprint do with their upcoming LTE networks. It seems like every year the phone screens get bigger and bigger. Was the Dell Streak just before it's time? Why do you think manufacturers are making bigger phones? I once thought a 4.3 inch screen was way too big, yet I am currently using 4.65, 4.7 and 5.3 inch devices along with a 10.1 inch tablet! The Streak was truly before its time, but if anyone wants one I may throw mine on Swappa! I think that the push for bigger screens is due to people wanting to maximize the experiences that LTE and other 4G technologies enable like Netflix, Hulu and other video services. With the Note and the S Pen, Samsung truly changed what a large screen smartphone experience could be like. The phablet is a great alternative for those that want a cutting edge phone and don’t want to double dip on an iPad or Android tablet. The success of the Note shows that customers want it and we see others are following suit. John Gruber theorized that phone screens are bigger to accommodate the larger LTE chips and batteries. Is there any truth to that? In the past that was a bit of the reason. Early CDMA/LTE internals were a bit bulky, to say the least. The main reason was to highlight the things that LTE lets a customer do such as real video, real web browsing and Skype. All of those activities look better on a big honkin' screen. Hell, the EVO 4G came with a kickstand just in case anyone needed a hint! But with SOCs like the S4 and the upcoming Tegra3 with LTE, it’s clear that you can have 4G data, great battery life and a thin and light device. It’s just the nature of hardware improving. While there are some LTE phones like the RAZR MAXX and HTC One X that have good battery life, most phones still struggle. Is this a hardware or a software issue? The RAZR has a 3300 mAh battery. If you put that in any device it’s going to have great battery life. The S4 GSM /LTE SOC is an amazing chipset and very battery-friendly. As we see new devices using newer hardware along with operating systems that manage power consumption more effectively it will only get better. Apple released Siri as a beta last year and now Samsung has tried to create a competitor called S-Voice. In your opinion is this kind of voice automated personal assistant a real competitive feature or just a gimmic like 3D? Services like Siri and S-voice allow users to interact with the one device they use most in a more personal way. Anything that can get you to love your mobile device makes me a happy Panda. 3D just made my head hurt. I prefer my 3D in theaters or my TV, not on a device I look at hundreds of times a day. Google has struggled to get market share in the tablet space. Why do you think that is? In any new space there will be growing pains. With the success of the iPad it’s clear that consumers will buy a tablet if they are presented with an easy-to-use, familiar experience. Remember, there had been Windows tablets for years before the iPad existed. Apple did it right by encouraging creativity and that same comfortable user experience that made the iPhone an icon in the phone space. Honeycomb wasn’t that same experience; it was what I like to called the "old" Android. Fun and easy to use for the geeks, but not easy to pick up and play for regular people. Presented with an iPad next to a Xoom, 7 out of 10 average customers will be up and running with iPad in ten minutes. That same group would be trying to find the browser on the Xoom and looking for a menu option to show the menu. Hence, returns were high and customer frustration was higher. As ICS and the next versions of Android come to tablets, that ease-of-use factor will change. There is still a dearth of tablet app options in the Play Store. What can Google do to change that? Developer relations and conferences like the upcoming IO will highlight some of the powerful tools coming to Android as well as the gaining market share of the platform. As market share in the tablet market grows with devices on multiple hardware and price levels, I think that developers will see that being the one of the “must have” Android tablet apps instead of one of the sea of millions iPad apps is attractive and profitable. Do you see Google Glass as more of a hobby or part of the future of technology? Glasses or the technology and ideas that come from that will hopefully play a large part in the technology of the future. If it doesn’t then heck, maybe we can all get pairs for paintball, real life Call of Duty style. Why do you think Google is getting involved in seemingly random technologies like a self-driving car and glasses? They are not random. Projects like Glass and the car thing provide benefits that are at first apparent, but think about how a self-driving car will help auto makers design cars with better crash prevention, help my grandma get to the market, or just look cool. Or think about how a pair of glasses will help provide a world of data at the blink of an eye to a doctor in an ER? Thinking outside the box is what makes life fun. What do you think the future of computing looks like? Twenty years ago some of the technology we take for granted was thought impossible. I envision the line of what is considered mobile technology to be blurred beyond belief. Most people I know don’t have home phones because they only use a cell phone. As services such as mobile payments, NFC and WiFi-direct become common, companies like Apple, HTC, Samsung, Microsoft and even RIM will be able to give to users that Minority Report future all of us geeks dream of. I just hope I can see the second golden age of mobile. Of course I'm sure I will still be looking for a charger.

The interview now done a panda grows glum for all the answers are given, but IO awaits and Android’s next(us) fate will be revealed.

But a Panda has faith because Matias is great and bells and whistles will amaze.

Be it a tablet or Phablet you will see real magic of sweet dessert delights.

Against fruit that grows stale or Metro products that pale, just know the green guy will prevail.

For rabid are the fans from all carrier brands and countries all over the map

Because with growth like a rocket, any that knock it shall feel the fangs a Panda can bear…

Verizon's Viewdini Available Now, Because Tiered Data and Streaming Video Go So Well Together

Kellen — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:47:48 +0000

A week ago, Verizon introduced us to their latest video streaming portal called Viewdini. For 4G LTE customers, this app is essentially your one-stop shop for all things video-on-the-go. While away from a TV, Viewdini allows you to browse through content from all of your favorite spots including Netflix, Comcast XFINITY, Hulu Plus, TV networks etc. and then tells you if the content is free to consume or if it will cost you. You can then choose to watch it and the app will redirect you to the proper website or app for consumption. While I'll admit that the app looks nice and is easy to navigate through swiping gestures, doesn't this seem like a direct slap in the face to anyone on a tiered data plan? Streaming video is the #1 data crusher, so what better way to force you to that 2GB limit than by recommending you stream a bunch of content. /s. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlA-vB-cNXo[/youtube]

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012 Released Today on Android

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:07:27 +0000

Fans of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour golf series will find the 2012 edition of the game available on Android as of today. It's $4.99, let's you play as 8 different pros, features 20 mini-games, gives you the hottest PGA courses (aside from Augusta), and allows for friendly battles over WiFi. TW golf games are usually the best there are on consoles, but even I'll admit that I have yet to take one on through a mobile device. Should you take the plunge, be sure to let everyone know how it plays. Play Link ($4.99)

Motorola MotoActv Update 1.7.2 is Ready, Facebook and Twitter Integration Added

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 17:03:25 +0000

A new update has been made available today for owners of the Motorola MotoActv Fitness Watch. The update for those with the golf software is 1.7.2 and 1.7.3 for those without the golf goodness. So what's new? A bunch of stuff actually, including Facebook and Twitter integration.

Golf: New views and options (tee locations, putt distances, etc.)
More flexible workout planning
New heart rate choices for fitness zones
View Facebook and Twitter posts on the device
Better views of post-workout maps
Easier WiFi setup

To get the update, you will have to hook your device up to your PC and then let the magic happen. Definitely interested to see how this new Twitter and Facebook integration works. I guess that easier WiFi setup is going to come in handy.

Via: Motorola

N.O.V.A. 3 is Now Available on Android

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:41:50 +0000

N.O.V.A. 3, the newest member to Gameloft's increasingly popular first person shooter series, is available now on Android. With some of the more stunning graphics we have seen in a mobile game to date (at least in previews), this looks like another winner for one of mobile gaming's biggest players. The game itself runs $6.99, but before you attempt to buy, make sure that your device is compatible. I can tell you now that my Tegra 3-powered HTC One X has been left off of the list, yet devices like the Galaxy Nexus and DROID RAZR made the cut. Play Link ($6.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKlKaJnbFek[/youtube]

Pandora for Android Updated to be Compatible with "Upcoming Android OS"

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:44:53 +0000

After today's Pandora update, the app should now be compatible with an "upcoming Android OS." What exactly do they mean by that? Great question. With talk of the Nexus 7 tablet launching at Google I/O at the end of June along with the newest version of Android aka Jelly Bean, there is at least one answer to consider. And if they don't mean Jelly Bean, then what do they mean? Cheers Travis, Courtney and @ryan_cota!

AOKP Team Inches Closer to Swipe-able Widgets in Your Galaxy Nexus Nav Bar

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:32:52 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDghRI0ysq0[/youtube]

Who would have thought that when the Galaxy Nexus was announced with no hardware navigation keys, that devs would grab that idea and blaze these kinds of trails with it. Take the AOKP team for example, who has created a way to embed multiple widgets into the nav bar that can be accessed from any screen and are also swipe-able. From what we understand, this specific feature is not 100% ready for public release yet, but it certainly seems like they are getting close. Impressed? I am. Cheers Nick!

Continuity 2 Comes to Android, Sliding Tile Puzzlers Never Looked So Good

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 12:53:13 +0000

One of the more addicting puzzle games I have played in a while was released on Android today, called Continuity 2. It's a port of a Flash game that was uber popular and apparently won some indie game awards. All I know is that it looks beautiful, polished, and plays with the best of them. The idea is to get your little stick man to the red door in each level, but you need to collect coins and keys along the way. In order to do so, you have to use swiping gestures to get him to move and jump, however, the game becomes more difficult as you deal with each level's puzzle pieces. As you can see in the screenshot above, the game may have started me next to the red door, but I can't enter it until I have the key and all of those coins. In order to get them, some shifting must be done. As with any puzzler, the games gets gradually more difficult as you move along. Play Links: Paid ($0.99) | Free [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqkqHPs_22U[/youtube]

Google Translate Receives Visual Makeover, More Languages Added

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 12:08:47 +0000

Google Translate received an update yesterday afternoon that introduced a more ICS-inspired UI (meaning no menu button). It now matches up to the rest of Google's apps as far as looks, but the Translate team also tossed in more languages for your traveling needs. Have you had the opportunity to use this in the wild? I have yet to, however, running through an entire conversation with someone who doesn't speak English, and being able to understand each other thanks to this app sounds incredible. Play Link

Renaissance Blood THD Hits The Google Play Store, Tegra 3 Powers This Fun Rail-Shooter

Eric — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:55:37 +0000

We have sung the praises of the Tegra 3 quad-core chipset, and one of the biggest strengths of it is the muscle that it can put into mobile games. The latest game to take advantage of all this processing power is Renaissance Blood THD that just hit the Play Store today. The story sets you in times long ago, just after Leonardo Da Vinci has passed away, and you are scouring the ancient worlds trying to find the blueprints to his final machine.

You're decked out with a crossbow, with unlimited ammo, a hammer for smashing things and people and a gun (which is assumed Da Vinci made since guns weren't exactly around at this time period.) Once you know your mission, there are no shortage of baddies and bosses to mow down.

But there still remains the problem of on-screen controls. The game is relieved of some of the angst because since it is on-rails, you don't have to look around, the game does it for you. But even still, trying to aim under duress is still not a fun experience. The graphics are good, but don't think that these are on-par with an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. At it's best, the game looks like a PSP game, or an early 360 game if I'm being generous.

When you do get somewhat control of the shooting mechanics the game can get pretty intense but I found myself getting beat up repeatedly because my thumb was in the wrong place. The game overall is pretty fun, its easy to drop in and kill some people and then be on your way. I would recommend the game to anyone looking for a good shooter on the tablet because it's one of the best so far. But there is still lots of room for improvement. The game can be picked up for a pretty fair price of $3.99 in the Play Store.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xxR_jxAwGs[/youtube]

Play Link

Asus to Unveil Dual-booting Windows and Android Tablet at Computex?

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:28:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Asus teased their upcoming Computex appearance by talking about "next transformations" and showing what appeared to be the outline of a new tablet and keyboard dock combo on video. Today, two new teasers give us a better hint, one that leads us to believe they have developed some sort of dual-booting tablet that can run both Windows 8 and Android. As you'll see in the video below and the screenshot above, one water droplet is pulled into two, giving us logos for each separate OS. There have been rumors of dual-booting Windows and Android tablets floating about for the last few months, so this move by Asus is not all that surprising. We are just wondering if anyone is interested. With the tablet and keyboard dock, plus what we would assume would be high-end specs, you could really have an all-in-one device here. Android tablet for fun, Windows tablet for work-related stuff. Thoughts? [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR9_4fpkYig[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZv3Ejw_k40[/youtube] Via: Android and Me

Thursday Poll: Motorola Owners - Are You Using Smart Actions? Which Ones?

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 09:56:09 +0000

One of the top selling points for Motorola's current lineup of phones has been their Smart Actions app. For those not familiar, think of Smart Actions as an app that tries to help streamline your life, make tasks happen automatically, and potentially extend your battery life. In a lot of ways, it's like Taskr or Setting Profiles in that it allows you to set up profiles or activities that trigger actions on your phone. Leave home for work every day at 8AM? Smart Actions may recommend that you have it automatically turn off WiFi and launch Google Maps. When you arrive at work, Smart Actions could recognize the location and toggle WiFi back on help save battery while you are away from a charger. Make sense? We want to know if the Motorola users in the building are taking advantage of these though. Have you found any of the Smart Action recommendations to be helpful? Is your battery lasting longer? Is the app annoying? Answer the poll briefly, and then tell us which actions you have found to be most beneficial in the comments. [poll id="175"]

Download: Full Android 4.0.4 IMM76K Build for Galaxy Nexus, Flash Over Any ROM

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 08:56:49 +0000

The 4.0.4 update to the Galaxy Nexus is trickling out to users today, however, if you want to run it now and are rooted or running some other custom ROM and not on the upgrade path, we have a file that should get you back on track. Our buddy @P3droid sent over this full IMM76K ROM which is 100% stock, but has been given root/superuser. It includes the new radios, bootloader, and all of the other fun that Google included in 4.0.4, you just don't have to wait to get it. For those that are stock and waiting, remember that we have instructions with the official file for you here. Download: update_imm76k.zip Instructions:

*Rooted users only.

1. Download the file to your phone's storage. 2. Reboot into recovery and create a backup. 3. Wipe data and cache. (If on a custom ROM. If on an official build, no need to wipe.) 4. Flash the file that you downloaded from above. *Note - I have not personally tested this, so for those that do, be sure to let us know in the comments how the process goes. Cheers P3!

20 Reasons to Switch to Google+ [Infographic]

Kellen — Thu, 31 May 2012 07:53:18 +0000

Are you still looking for reasons to switch from Facebook over to Google+ for all your social networking needs? Maybe this infographic that lists out 20 reasons why G+ is doing things the right way, will get you to make the jump. Two things that I think are missing - 21. No Mafia Wars invite spam. 22. Less life sharing drama.

Via: Infographic Labs | Mashable

Galaxy Nexus 4.0.4 IMM76K Update Apparently Rolling Out in Small Batches

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:07:50 +0000

Yep, that is a screenshot of the 4.0.4 IMM76K update for the Galaxy Nexus that is apparently rolling out to a select group of users. Well, either a select group or in super small batches. We have a handful of readers who claim to have received the update, however, we keep checking with folks on Twitter and almost everyone is coming up empty. Keep on checkin'! Update: If you look through the comments, it certainly sounds like it is indeed rolling out to quite a few G-Nex owners. Settings>About phone>System updates! Update 5/31: The update is still rolling out in small batches from what we can tell. It's about 50/50 for users finding the update available in the comments. I hate to say "be patient" but that's about all we can say. Cheers Steve, Sean and Joseph!

Samsung 32GB Class 10 MicroSD Cards on eBay Deals for $29.99

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:36:56 +0000

If you are in the market for a new microSD card, consider the daily deal over at eBay right now that features Samsung's new 32GB Class 10 cards. While Android phones these days seem to be moving away from removable storage, you never know when you might need a speedy little guy like this to transfer files. For $29.99, this can be yours. (That's about $10 off Amazon's price.) Buy. Cheers Scott!

Google Voice Adds Option to Filter Restricted or Anonymous Callers

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:35:48 +0000

The Google Voice team announced today that they had created two new groups to help you deal with anonymous or restricted callers. The first group is your main group of contacts that you can set up and let run probably the same way you are today. The second group though, is where all of the fun happens. This would be the Anonymous Callers group. Since there are still people in this world that choose to hide their numbers when calling, you now have an option to battle them back. Through the Anonymous Callers group, you could say, set up a special voicemail that pops up after 1 ring and reads, "Yeah, your restricted number isn't fooling anyone, broseph. Rethink your spam, Bahamas trip scam strategy and hit me up when you leave 1997." See the power of this? Oh how I love me some Google Voice. Via: Google Voice

Dear Android App Developers, Can We Quit With the Menu Button Already and Adopt an Action Overflow?

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:50:16 +0000

You see that massive, ugly black bar across the bottom of my HTC One X? Yeah, that would be the menu button that Android app developers refuse to move away from even though the Android team announced back in January that the death of the menu button was happening. What they were hoping to accomplish with this move was a more consistent experience on Ice Cream Sandwich devices because going forward, Android was moving away from dedicated hardware menu buttons. Instead of coding your app to use a dedicated hardware menu button, they recommended that you take advantage of the action overflow capabilities in Android 4.0, which is essentially a menu button that is added to the app rather than one that is tied to a navigation button. If you do not code your app to use action overflow and instead tie it to a navigation button, you get the experience I have captured above if no menu button exists. Here are a few examples of apps still using the menu button, one being a Google app. And these aren't all of them either, Foursquare, Hootsuite, ESPN Scorecenter, Sonos, Amazon MP3, Huffington Post, LinkedIn, and so on all continue to use a dedicated menu button with their apps. The list is enormous, and as you can tell, we aren't talking about some tiny one-man operation here. These are the big boys that are failing to follow Android guidelines.

How should it work and why this move? Well, Google got half way there in their Reader app. As you can see from the screenie below and above left, the top right corner includes a 3-dotted button that is the action overflow area. When pressed, you get additional options that you would normally find when pressing a menu button. It makes sense to use this approach since ICS was built for multiple screens, some of which do not have hardware navigation buttons at all. If you code your app to use action overflow and it is tablet and phone compatible, you get the same experience on both. If you code it to use a menu button, depending on the phone and tablet that a person has, you may have two totally different experiences, which could be confusing to your users.

The reason I bring this up today is because we are seeing more and more phones launch without dedicated hardware menu buttons. The entire HTC One series along with the Incredible 4G LTE and EVO 4G LTE all do not have dedicated menu buttons and will have to experience the evil black bar. It's time that developers recognize this. Unfortunately, these companies all likely test their apps on a Galaxy Nexus which has the ability to add a menu button to the on-screen navigation area, so they probably think that nothing is wrong. The end of this issue is no where near completion, but you may want to start asking your favorite app devs to code their apps correctly. As devices continue to launch without dedicated menu buttons, you will soon understand the pain that some of us are experiencing on a daily basis.

Galaxy Nexus Accessories Now Available Through Google Play Store

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:56:58 +0000

Google announced this afternoon that they are going to sell more than just devices in the Google Play store. That's right, accessories will also be a part of the deal. For those that own a GSM or HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus, you can pick up the HDMI portrait desktop dock (our review), the landscape pogo dock (our review), or the 3-pin car mount for fairly reasonable prices. We have seen the pogo dock through Samsung being sold for as much as $90, yet Google is willing to go as low as $54. You'll notice at all of the product pages that these are likely not compatibile with the LTE Galaxy Nexus. Sorry, folks. Play Link (bottom left corner) Via: Google+ Cheers Keith, Mike, and Chris!

Deal Alert: DROID Bionic Lapdock Now Going for $50 Brand New at Verizon

Eric — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:50:28 +0000

It seems like the only time we bring up Motorola's Lapdocks these days is to tell you when they are on sale. Today is as close to free as you are going to get on these devices. Reports are filtering in that you can pick up a Bionic Lapdock for $50 brand new at Verizon. Other reports are that these are out-of-stock so if you have a Bionic it might be worth a call to your closest Verizon store to see if you can get in on the deal.

Via: Droid Forums

Cheers Greg!

Canadian Galaxy SIII Variants Official - LTE, 1.5GHz Dual-Core Snapdragon Processors and 2GB of RAM

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:02:52 +0000

That Japanese variant of the Galaxy SIII with 2GB of RAM wasn't a myth after all. Announced this afternoon, we have the Canadian GS3 variants that interestingly enough, also contain 2GB of RAM and will be available on June 20. One thing that may disappoint some of you is the fact that they will sport Qualcomm's dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor rather than Samsung's quad-core Exynos, but try not to let it get you too down. The S4 is a beast in its own right, loves LTE, and should give you some of the best battery life we have seen yet on a smartphone while continuing to power through all tasks. And again, 2GB of RAM here, folks. Now, what immediately came to my mind after hearing this is, "Umm hello, 2GB of RAM in the U.S. variants as well?" Thanks to this benchmark, we are pretty sure that Verizon's Galaxy SIII will also rock the Snapdragon S4 and a similar setup to these Canadian GS3s. Who's ready for some 2GB action?

The Samsung GALAXY S III provides Canadians with a more human smartphone experience

Designed for humans and inspired by nature, the Samsung GALAXY S III brings the best combination of power and performance to the Canadian marketplace MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Samsung Electronics Canada, today announces the models details and availability date of the much-anticipated GALAXY S III. Beginning June 20^th, the Samsung GALAXY S III will be available through leading Canadian wireless carriers and authorized national retailers.
"We are very excited to bring the highly anticipated GALAXY S III to Canadians so they can experience firsthand, the power, performance and passion that Samsung is known for," said Paul Brannen, Vice President, Enterprise Business Group, Samsung Canada. "This next generation of the GALAXY S series is sleek and stylish, and offers users features that promote sharing, and are intuitive and powerful, allowing Canadians to enjoy a more human experience with their smartphone."

Natural Interaction

Smart enough to detect face, voice and motions, the GALAXY S III adapts to the user, providing users an interface that is convenient and natural.

With the innovative 'Smart stay' feature, the GALAXY S III recognizes how the user is using their device such as, reading an e-book or browsing the web. By having the front camera identify eye motion the phone maintains a bright display for continued viewing pleasure.

The GALAXY S III features 'S Voice,' an advanced natural language user interface, to listen and respond to user commands. S Voice presents powerful functions in regards to device control and commands, such as allowing the user to play a favorite song, turn the volume up or down, send text messages and emails, organize schedules, or automatically launch the camera and capture a photo.

With 'Smart alert' the GALAXY S III will alert the user by catching any missed messages or calls with a vibration to notify missed statuses when picked up after being idle. If the user is messaging someone but decide to call them instead, they can simply lift phone to their ear and 'Direct call' will dial their number.

Easy and Instant Sharing

The Samsung GALAXY S III is more than a personal device that can be enjoyed by one user - it wants to share and experience smartphone benefits with family and friends, regardless of location with the following features:

With the new 'S Beam,' the GALAXY S III expands upon Android™ Beam™, allowing a 1GB movie file to be shared within three minutes and a 10MB music file within two seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone, even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.

The 'Buddy photo share' function also allows photos to be easily and simultaneously shared with all friends pictured in an image directly from the camera or the photo gallery.

'AllShare Play' can be used to instantly share any forms of files between GALAXY S III and tablet, PC, and televisions that are DLNA enabled, regardless of the distance between the devices.

The 'Group Cast' feature that allows users to share their screen among multiple friends on the same Wi-Fi network; users can comment and draw changes at the same time as co-workers- witnessing real-time sharing on individual devices.

The preloaded 'Dropbox' application provides an even more convenient sharing experience, supplying 50GB of free storage for two years for not just image and music files, but now also for video content. With the GALAXY S III files can also be instantly uploaded through data networks without requiring WiFi access.

Uncompromised Performance

With a 4.8" HD Super AMOLED display, the GALAXY S III offers a large and vivid viewing experience. Samsung Mobile's heritage Super AMOLED display even enhances to HD and 16:9 wider viewing angles. To ensure faster content sharing and connectivity, the GALAXY S III offers Wi-Fi Channel Bonding which doubles the Wi-Fi bandwidth.

The GALAXY S III not only presents features with enhanced usability, but also provides an ergonomic and comfortable experience through its human-centric design. Its comfortable grip, gentle curves, and organic form deliver a rich human-centric feel and design. Available in Pebble Blue and Marble White at launch, Samsung will introduce a variety of additional color options.

The GALAXY S III also sports a range of additional features that boost performance and the overall user experience in entirely new ways, with features such as:

'Pop up play,' users can play a video anywhere on their screen while simultaneously running other tasks, eliminating the need to close and restart videos when checking new emails or surfing the Web.

An 8MP camera features a zero-lag shutter speed that lets users capture moving objects easily without delay, with the'Burst shot' function that instantly captures twenty continuous shots, and the 'Best photo' feature that selects the best of eight photographs, the GALAXY S III ensures users a more enhanced and memorable camera experience.

HD video can be recorded even with the 1.9MP front-facing camera, which users can use to capture a video of themselves. An improved backside illumination sensor further helps to eliminate blur in photos that result from shaking, even under low light conditions.

With Samsung Hubs, users can continually refresh phone content through the 'Game Hub,' which provides access to numerous social games, while Video Hub, a new service offering to the Canadian marketplace, brings users high quality TV and movies for rent . Furthermore, Samsung Music Hub will offer a personal music streaming service.

The GALAXY S III will be available for purchase in Canada starting on June 20, 2012. Samsung is pleased to be working with all of the leading wireless providers in Canada, to give our customers a choice of service provider. The SGH-i747 variation of the GALAXY S III will be available from Bell Mobility, Virgin Mobile, SaskTel, TELUS and Rogers Wireless. The SGH-iT999 model will be available from Videotron, Wind and Mobilicity.

Additional Features Include:

Processor:

Snapdragon S4 Dual Core 1.5 GHz

Qualcomm MSM8960 Chipset

OS (Shipping): ICS 4.0.4

Data: LTE (SGH-i747 variation) and HSPA+ 42 (SGH-iT999 variation)

Memory: 2 GB RAM

Dimensions: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm

Weight: 133g

Memory: 16/32GB internal memory (SGH-i747)/ 16GB internal memory (SGH-iT999)

Expandable microSD up to 32GB

Display: 4.8 HD Super AMOLED 1280x720 (306ppi)

Connectivity: NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, MHL Video Out

Camera: 8MP Rear-facing, 1.9MP Front-facing

Battery: 2100 mAh

Other:

TouchWiz with Motion UX

S Beam

AllShare Play enhance functionality

MP3/ACC+/WAV audio player

DivX/Xvid/MP4/WMV/H.263/ H.264 Video Player

For pre-orders, specific pricing and details, please visit your nearest carrier or retailer. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com. In addition, you can find a product introduction video at http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxys3/media.html.
* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. ＊Android, Google, Android Beam, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads are trademarks of Google Inc.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Canada delivers unrivalled consumer experiences. Samsung enables Canadians to pursue their passions by offering abroad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, IT, telecommunications and home appliance products. The Canadian arm upholds Samsung's global mission to provide consumers with innovative digital convergence products that possess exceptional technology, quality, features, performance and value. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, Samsung has become one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. The company was ranked #17 in BusinessWeek/Interbrand "100 Best Global Brands" and was named as one of Fast Company's "50 Most Innovative Companies of 2011."

For more information, please visit www.samsung.ca.

Via: Newswire | MobileSyrup Cheers Shane!

Soak Test Invites Sent, Ice Cream Sandwich Finally Heading to the Verizon Motorola XOOM?

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:25:21 +0000

By now, we all should understand that the original Motorola XOOM that was sold to Verizon customers back in March as the first ever Honeycomb device was a beta product. Google admitted that Honeycomb was rushed and unfinished and the device lacked 4G LTE radios that would need to be added on later. It's been a rough ride to say the least. There may be a glimpse of hope on the horizon though, as Motorola Feedback Members who own the device are being invited to test an update in the near future. All we can think is, "This has to be Ice Cream Sandwich." What else could it possibly be at this point? We have seen the screenshots from Verizon's internal testing system, showing that Android 4.0 has been in testing and potentially ready for some time now. I'd say the day has finally come. And let's not forget that Motorola told us "Q2" for a rollout. According to the info we received, it doesn't matter if your XOOM has been upgraded with the LTE radio or is still on CDMA, the update should work anyway. Cheers M, S, T and J!

Flipboard Beta Released for Android, Download It Now

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:03:07 +0000

Ready to get your Flipboard on? One of the most popular iOS readers has made its way to Android in beta form this afternoon. Some of you may have been running the version that was pulled from the Galaxy SIII a few weeks ago, but this is the official beta version for most phones. The Flipboard has talked about doing this test on Android for some time, as they hope to make the experience as seamless and beautiful as it is on iOS. Let's see if they accomplished that goal. Download: Flipboard-1.8.4.apk Install as you would any other non-Play store app. Once it finishes downloading, tap on it to install. Be sure to provide them feedback at android-feedback@flipboard.com so that they can constantly improve the app. If you didn't sign up to test the app, be sure to do so here.

Gorilla Glass 2 Featured in the Samsung Galaxy SIII

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:50:31 +0000

Were you disappointed when Samsung mentioned that the Galaxy Nexus did not have Gorilla Glass, but some other "fortified" type of protective display product? You won't be with the Galaxy SIII as Corning has announced that their new Gorilla Glass 2 will be on the year's most anticipated Android device. This next-gen Gorilla Glass is 20% thinner than the previous version, yet equally as strong. Here is the statement from Corning:

We are pleased to offer our customers the thin elegance and refined style of the GALAXY S III using Corning Gorilla Glass 2. New Corning Gorilla Glass 2 is an ideal solution for Samsung’s high-quality smartphones, enabling a superior touch experience and a lightweight and slim design, with the damage and scratch resistance consumers have come to expect.

Gorilla Glass 2 demo from CES: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIee25JEW4[/youtube] Via: SammyHub

Evernote Launches "Hello," Helping You to Always Put a Name With a Face

Eric — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:10:28 +0000

Nothing is more awkward than the feeling that you've met someone before, but you just can't remember their name. The hugely popular note taking app, Evernote, is looking to help you with that with their new application "Hello." Instead of stacking your contacts in an alphabetical list like most phones, Hello looks to save your contacts under pictures, names and unique notes that make people memorable.

There are a lot of neat features with this application. When you make a new contact you can fill in information like what you were talking about when you met this person, who else you were with when you met this person and you can even hand the phone to them so they can take their own picture. You can pull from your current contact list and future upgrades will allow integration with other social networking sites to get even more information on each person.

The best part about this is that it all ties in with your existing Evernote account, storing all your information where you need it. The application is working to make remembering people in your phone more like you do in your mind. It's an interesting concept that will only get better the more you use it. Hello is live in the Play Store available for download now.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNW_bVocyBc&feature=plcp[/youtube]

Play Link

Via: Phandroid

HTC Devices Clear ITC Review, Released From Customs and Into the Wild

Eric — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:29:53 +0000

Apple tried to hold off HTC phones at customs for as long as they could but devices like the One X and the EVO 4G LTE are now shipping towards anxious customers. The fight over a certain patent seems to have settled with a workaround that HTC has provided and the company promises "future shipments should continue to enter the US" while saying they won't have any trouble meeting demand from here on out.

Via: The Verge

Google Maps Update Rolls Out, Includes "Local" Tab With Zagat Ratings

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 09:29:49 +0000

This morning, the Google+ team announced that they were including a new "Local" tab to help you discover hot spots around you or to read reviews of places that your friends had recently been. They mentioned Android integration in their announcement which appears to have come moments ago via a Google Maps update. If you cruise into the Play store, you should have the update available. After updating, you will find a new "Local" choice in the main menu drop down that takes you to a landing page to decide what it is you feel like searching for. From there you can check out local businesses, read reviews, and of course, see Zagat scores. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-CIKO2meLM[/youtube] Cheers Scott!

New Swiftkey Beta 3 Released with "Refined" Chrome Beta Experience, Improved Predictions and Gestures [Download]

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 09:00:26 +0000

Swiftkey Beta 3 received an update today for the world to test. Included in this latest build that was just posted to Twitter, users will notice improved predictions, better punctuation behavior, a refined Google Chrome experience (whatever that means), and more. At this point in the game, I'm finding it to be more and more difficult to even consider switching to another keyboard. Is anyone not using Swiftkey? Download: Swiftkey3_Beta.apk Install right over the top of your previous beta. Changes:

Improved prediction algorithms
Better, more consistent punctuation key behavior
Smarter Smart Space functionality (which will make it easier to enter email addresses etc)
A refined experience in Google Chrome Beta
Fixed missing predictions on the longpress of @ and .com
Improved gestures
Eliminated lag on letter pop-ups
Various other minor bug fixes and usability improvements

Via: Swiftkey [2]

Asus MeMo 370T Stops by the FCC, Is This Our Nexus 7 Tablet?

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 08:25:32 +0000

Ahh yes, the anticipation continues to build. After hearing rumors that Google and Asus' "Nexus" tablet would be unveiled at Google I/O next month, our excitement started to bubble. Then yesterday, a device produced by Asus with the name Nexus 7 and running Jelly Bean popped up at a benchmark site causing that glee to turn into a steady simmer. This morning, an FCC filing for the Asus MeMo Pad 370T surfaced, which you may remember as the $249 CES device that started this all, causing this whole Nexus tablet saga to go full rolling boil. I'd say that the stars are aligning quite nicely for Google and Asus to "wow" the world next month at I/O. Get your checkbooks ready. Via: FCC | Engadget

Google+ Local Arrives on Android - Find Reviews of Hot Spots, Reviewed by Friends

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 07:37:22 +0000

The Google+ team introduced a Local tab to the ever-growing social service this morning, bringing you search results for all of your soon-to-be-favorite hangouts. Using Zagat scores, you can discover new places around you or find the places that your friends have recently visited and reviewed. Android integration is supposed to be rolling out as well, however, we are not seeing it in our app just yet. The browser G+ Local page is live though, and can be visited here. Another solid addition to Google+, I'd say. Now, to find a way to get friends to switch over to it. Via: Google Blog

Verizon Confirms That the Galaxy Nexus 4.0.4 Update Will Arrive "Soon"

Kellen — Wed, 30 May 2012 06:52:10 +0000

Verizon pinged us early this morning to confirm that the Android 4.0.4 update for the Galaxy Nexus will arrive "soon." They didn't provide a specific date, but when Big Red acknowledges these things publicly, you can expect it to happen any day now. Couple this note with the fact that the support docs for the update went live yesterday and I'd say we might see the magic as soon as today. If you aren't interested in manually updating through our instructions, hang tight, and start checking into Settings>About phone>System updates on a regular basis.

ClipSync for Android Lets You Copy and Paste Between PC's and Smartphones Easily

Eric — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:45:06 +0000

We live in an age of the cloud, where if we have one thing on one device, we shall have it on all devices. ClipSync looks to take the age-old clipboard and move it into the cloud. The app involves running a client on your computer along with an application on your phone that sync together. Then once you have it set up, copying and pasting from one device to another has never been this interesting. For example, say you are on your computer and copied a URL or text message that you would like to have immediately on your phone. With ClipSync, the copied info from your computer's clipboard is made available to your phone. Open your phone, long press in a text box and paste. The app uses WiFi or LAN and as soon as you have it set up, using the app is seamless, but we should remind you that the app is still a work-in-progress. We tried installing it ourselves and had a little bit of difficulty, however, the awesome concept has nowhere to go but up. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIDr0X4iaDY[/youtube]

Google's Quad-core Tablet Outed as the "Nexus 7" Via Benchmark? Runs Android 4.1 aka Jelly Bean

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:59:54 +0000

We have essentially pencilled in a Nexus tablet debuting at Google I/O next month, but a benchmark that appeared over at Power Board today may have told us much more than we thought we knew. The Tegra 3 is there, but clocked at 1.3GHz. Asus is the manufacturer. The 768x1280 resolution simply screams 7" display. The name of "Nexus 7" also fits that bill. But what else do we have? Apparently via the app or website, we get some extra details that this benchmark page won't show you. The OS as "android," the model name as "Nexus 7," the hardware codename is "grouper," the Android build is JRN51B with the "J" signaling Jelly Bean, and the numbering scheme has been updated to Android 4.1.

"os": { "android": { "model": "Nexus 7", "hardware": "grouper", "manufacturer": "asus", "device": "grouper", "brand": "google", "display": "nakasif-userdebug 4.1 JRN51B 359483 dev-keys", "version_sdk": "4.1", "board": "grouper", "version_code": "1"v

So why are we believing this random benchmark? Everything seems to line up. Sure it could be some incredible work by a troll, but most trolls aren't this good. For those wondering, Google likes to name all of their phones as fish, such as "maguro" for the GSM Galaxy Nexus or "toro" for the LTE version. They also start Android builds with the first letter of the version of Android which we are seeing as a "J" here. For example, the new G-Nex ICS build is IMM76K for "Ice Cream Sandwich." Now we ask this - are you buying this bit of info? Did someone actually screw up and post an early benchmark that just outed Jelly Bean along with the Nexus 7 name? And seriously, is Jelly Bean really ready only 5 or so months after launch? With it being 4.1 and not 5.0, this would lead us to believe that JB is more of an incremental update and not such a massive change like ICS was. Via: Power Board | Android Police

Motorola Giving Mobile Makeovers Worth Up to $1,500, Wants to Hear Your Story

Eric — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:15:44 +0000

Motorola, fresh off being officially owned by Google, is looking to help businesses get on their feet in the mobile game with a new contest. If you are one of those that is always getting messages, emails and calls, and juggling calendar appointments, yet finds it hard to keep track of everything as you may not be "business ready," Motorola wants to hear about it.

To win, make a video, 30 seconds or less, saying why you need the "business ready" makeover and post it to their Facebook page and you're entered. They'll be picking 10 winners to set up with tablets and phones, namely a DROID RAZR MAXX, a XYBOARD 8.2 and even a laptop dock along with some other accessories. You could win up to $1,500 worth in prizes, so if you need a kickstart for your business, head over to their Facebook page now.

Motorola Mobility Launches the Business Ready Mobile Makeover Contest Ten lucky winners will receive a suite of new Business Ready mobile technology worth $1,500 from Motorola Mobility LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – May 29, 2012 – We know the type. Your desk is covered in paperwork, your calendar looks like a jigsaw puzzle and you can’t keep track of your to-do list to save your life. Well, today is your lucky day. Motorola Mobility, owned by Google, has launched its first-ever Business Ready Mobile Makeover contest and you could be one of the lucky ten who will receive $1,500 worth of Business Ready mobile technology that will help you get more out of your day. Not only will you win one of the latest and greatest smartphones from the company -- like a DROID RAZR MAXX, DROID 4, or ATRIX 2 – but also a DROID XYBOARD 8.2 tablet, Lapdock 100 and slew of other accessories that will help you stay productive and organized... whether at the office, on a business trip or camped out in a coffee shop. So how do you enter? Just tell us your story. Anyone 18 years old and over can submit a 30-second (or less) video explaining how Motorola Mobility can help you get more done in your day, both at work and on your own time. Two winners will be chosen each week for the next five weeks. Each winner will receive $1,500-worth of devices and accessories – and a state of productive, connected, organized bliss never experienced before! The contest begins, on May 29, 2012 and wraps up on July 2, 2012. Winners will be selected based on originality of their video, clear explanation of their need, and adherence to the contest theme. The Business Ready Mobile Makeover contest awards products from Motorola Mobility’s portfolio of Business Ready devices which empower you to be more productive and secure from home or on-the-go. Right out of the box, Business Ready devices easily connect to office productivity tools like email, calendar and contacts, work with corporate networks and uphold IT departments’ stringent security policies. With Motorola-specific tools like Smart Actions for establishing automatic time-saving and battery-saving settings based on where you are and MotoCast for accessing files saved on your work or home computers, Business Ready devices from Motorola Mobility are packed with productivity tools that will streamline each day. And thanks to Motorola Mobility’s MotoAssist IT service, transferring to a new Business Ready device is seamless. Just call up our experienced support team and let them get your work email and apps up and running – even if that means them calling your IT guy. To learn more about the Business Ready Mobile Makeover contest from Motorola Mobility, please visit Inside Motorola blog. About Motorola Mobility Motorola Mobility, owned by Google, fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people's lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE has a Minor Update Available as Build FD01

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:45:32 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE on Verizon has an update on the way as build FD01. It's minor and appears to include one enhancement - a better browsing experience when entering in new Internet addresses. A reader of ours has already received it, so if you own this Tab variant, be sure to jump into Settings and try to pull it.

The update is 26MB in size. More info. Cheers Jay!

Galaxy Nexus Update IMM76K Approved by Verizon and Ready to Rollout, No This is Not a Joke

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:03:58 +0000

Seriously, I do not even know what to say. But yes, the IMM76K Android 4.0.4 update for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Verizon has been approved. The support doc is live and that usually means that update will hit devices within a few days. This is the same update that leaked in early May, was then pulled briefly by Google, and then resurfaced last week. We were told that the update would finally start to rollout in small batches last week on the 22nd, but it appears now as if it will start at any moment. As a refresher, this update comes directly from Google, however, Verizon clearly was taking their sweet time signing off on it. As you can see from the changelog, they fixed a bunch of email and text issues, some calendar stuff, and hopefully, those pesky in-call audio bugs. If you would like to manually update today, you can check out this instructional post. The update is approximately 39MB in size. More info. Be sure to let us know the minute it pops up on your device!

The Droid Life Q&A Session: Volume 1

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:50:11 +0000

Over the weekend, one of our readers suggested that we try out a Q&A session type of thing here at Droid Life, so that the community can ask things directly to the DL team that they may be dying to get an answer to. And you know what? We loved the idea. As a site that prides itself on being driven by readers, we thought, "Why not give you all another opportunity to contribute or interact?" So here we go, with the first ever Droid Life Q&A Session, with hopes of it turning into a regular feature. How will this work? It's pretty simple really. Every couple of weeks, at the beginning of the week, we'll open up a post for you to ask whatever it is that you feel like asking of the Droid Life team. Ask what we ate for breakfast, what our favorite phone is, favorite city to visit, if we think you should upgrade now or later, who has the best and cheapest selection of unlocked phones, why my cats are so awesome, what ROM Tim is running, if antivirus apps are needed in Android, why Eric loves Buffalouie's in Bloomington, if Ron truly hates Android, or any other thing that you would like us to provide an answer to. We want it to be casual and fun and open to just about any subject. What about the answers? Once the post is live each week (like this one is now), hit up the comments with your questions, and then by Friday of that same week, we will hand select 10-20 of them and answer as best as we can. Ready? Ask away! *Note - If you see a question asked by someone else that you really like, be sure to upvote it. Questions with multi-votes are always a good sign of something important.

Faulty Pebble Blue Galaxy SIII Pictured, What the Heck is That White Stuff?

Tim — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:20:56 +0000

With Samsung stating that delivery of the Galaxy SIII in Pebble Blue would see a 2-3 week delay, the question lingered as to what exactly the problem was. As it turns out, a European site has already received their Pebble Blue SGSIII and knows exactly what the deal is. As pictured above and below, when viewed at certain angles, you can see a huge white or splashed liquid mark throughout the back of the device. What is it exactly? No idea, but I sure as heck wouldn't want it on my phone. I don't know whether to be concerned that Samsung is only now seeing this issue or that they're handling it so well and plan on completely re-manufacturing the device's backplates to make sure no one receives a faulty plate.

Via: Mobile Bulgaria

Chameleon Gives an Update Via Kickstarter, Shows Off Widgets and Smooth Layout

Eric — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:30:35 +0000

Chameleon has taken to the ever-present Kickstarter to get their project up and running, and has another update with how things are coming along to whet our appetites. These are the guys behind the Blackberry Playbook's UI and they are taking a different spin on Android tablets and their interfaces. Their latest video shows off the selection of their widgets across their easily dividable interface. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds can be added and moved around very easily, and look good while doing it. The project is still pretty far away from their goal on Kickstarter, but you can get the application itself for as low as $5, or more if you're looking to donate to the project.

Are you impressed with this new take on Android tablet interface?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlaYF_WPChA[/youtube]

Via: Kickstarter

Google Announces Next Step for the Chrome OS, the Samsung Chromebox

Tim — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:40:20 +0000

Today, Google unveiled the next generation of Chrome OS-based devices they have built with their partner Samsung. The new 550 series of Chromebooks are faster and built with portability in mind, while on the other hand, the Chromebox is exactly what a wired-in Chrome-lover would use as a permanent fixture either at the home or office. With Google's new Chrome UI, accessing the web, applications/games , and Drive files has never been easier. In accordance with this launch, Google is teaming up with Best Buy stores to display the new devices for people to have a first hand experience with the newly revamped OS. Need to get your hands on one today? You can pick up a new Chromebox today at Amazon for just $330. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLUPlTA9gsY[/youtube] Via: Google

A Simple Factory Reset Could Break Your Google Wallet Forever, Learn How to Safeguard Your Info

Eric — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:50:54 +0000

In the Android community, factory resets and phone wipes are almost second nature, even if you aren't a prolific ROM flasher. There are ways to get your information back onto your phone rather quickly after these wipes, but a security feature in Google Wallet leaves you with the potential of the application never working again after even a simple factory reset.

A new owner of an HTC EVO 4G LTE found that his Sense was crashing repeatedly, and making the phone unusable. So he factory reset the phone and found that the secure element inside his phone's NFC chip had been blown. At this point, Google Wallet and any other application that uses the secure element in the NFC chip is done, for good. A call to Google will only get the response that your warranty (if you have one) will replace the phone.

It should be noted that this problem isn't limited to the EVO 4G LTE either, the Galaxy Nexus can also fall prey to this feature. But there is a way to make sure your NFC isn't fried if you are planning on a new ROM sometime soon. Before doing a factory reset or wipe of any kind, users should go into Google Wallet, go into Settings and check the option of “Reset Google Wallet.” This deletes all the information and makes sure that the secure element doesn't trip itself when the phone is reset. What do you do if your secure element has already been fried? Well, if you don't have a backup made from before the wipe, you are pretty much out of luck. If you are lucky enough to have that backup, a restore will fix it and allow you to reset Google Wallet before flashing again.

The worst part about this whole thing is the lack of any kind of warning to users of Google Wallet. The feature has good intentions, protecting your sensitive Wallet data from would-be hackers, but when it goes wrong; it really goes wrong. In reality, it's just another growing pain for a still-young Google Wallet service. Hopefully Google sees the users that are affected by this and gives them a way to fix their phones. Any readers affected by this bug? How did you deal with it?

Via: Phandroid

CyanogenMod Reaches 2 Million Installs, Over 750 Different Devices Have Received the Love

Tim — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:00:01 +0000

Everyone's favorite custom ROM CyanogenMod, has officially hit two million installs. It seems like only a short time ago that everyone was excited about CM5 on the "OG" DROID and here we are in 2012 with CyanogenMod 9 ruling the world. For those curious, the stat tracker uses unique hardware ID's, so reflashing and reinstalling the ROM doesn't count towards that number. In the grand scheme of things, these numbers are quite small when considering how many Android devices are currently activated in the world. With daily activation numbers reaching 800,000+ a day, the total number looks to be around 375 million. Congrats to the Cyanogen Community and fingers crossed that it only keeps growing. Via: Android Police | CM Stats

Google Files Additional Project Glass Patents, Visual Augmentation Can See What You Miss

Eric — Tue, 29 May 2012 10:15:00 +0000

After going through the patent war over Android, Google is now being quick on the uptake with their snatching of patents towards their next big project; Project Glass. Recently, Google has submitted for a patent that allows the glasses to know what you are looking at and then provide neat little nuggets of information about what you're seeing. Included in the filing is the notion of a light-up frame that would point you in the direction of something interesting. Hopefully you can turn it off otherwise be blinded as you walk around throughout the day.

Google also has some interesting uses for this patent when we are looking at a digital display. The Glasses could see the page you are reading and then fish for more information deeper in the website that you haven't yet looked at; bringing up the most useful bits of info and showing it to you. All very interesting if it can be pulled off, but Google has the security of this patent down the road if they do get there.

Via: Engadget

Samsung's Music Hub Looks to Sync All Devices from Smartphones to Fridges

Tim — Tue, 29 May 2012 09:25:45 +0000

Samsung's newly announced goals for their Music Hub application are pretty ambitious. It will give users the ability to stream music over the Internet (like Pandora), control music from any part of the house (given you have the needed equipment) and of course, store all of your tunes in the Cloud that is even synced with iTunes. TJ Kang, SVP Media Services for Samsung set the record straight when it comes to their game plan for the competition:

We aren't about niches. We want to have the largest catalogue. We want to be bigger than Apple.

According to Mr. Kang, the application will come standard on all Samsung smartphone devices moving forward and they will bring the service to current devices such as the Galaxy SII and the Galaxy Note here in a short while. With apps such as Music Hub out there, would buying an Android-powered fridge to support such services be a cool idea? Via: Pocket Lint

Motorola Can Do Big Things With the DROID RAZR HD [Opinion]

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2012 08:35:31 +0000

I know what you are thinking, "What kind of crack are you smoking? You really think another locked down Motorola RAZR variant can help them crawl out of the Android gutter?" Yep, I actually do believe that, but only if some very specific things happen at launch. One of which we haven't seen in a long, long time from this company, but maybe will now that Google is in charge. Motorola has had a rough year and a half, but with the DROID RAZR HD, they have a chance to do some big things. Sure, the Galaxy SIII may be out before it and will gobble up all sorts of market share, however, this phone has a chance to be Moto's best in years if done right. Here are my thoughts.

Bootloader - Unlock It Already

We have probably talked more about unlocking bootloaders than any publication on the planet, but we are going deeper with our reasoning this time than just the regular fanboy, techie garbage. We actually believe that with this phone, if Moto decides to unlock it, that the world will care. You see, for 2 years now, we have talked nothing but negatively about Motorola phones because of Moto's incessant need to appeal to Verizon's "security" policies. However, with one little change, the world will have a field day talking about it, bringing their shiny new RAZR HD to the front of the field in a positive manner for the first time in a while. You see, everyone in the tech industry cares about bootloaders (or at least has to write about them), so if Moto (or Google) does the right thing this time around, it will be praised up and down. "The phone that finally brought about a change." And after that, the fanboys come in and buy it in waves. (If you do not believe that the dev community will flock to a Motorola device that is unlocked and on Verizon, then you don't read Droid Life enough.) The importance of this crowd, is that through them and then through sites like us, this phone lives beyond a simple release week. Rather than a brief mention about the day it becomes available and then here or there until it sees an update, it instead gets featured when it's rooted, when the first ROM is developed for it, when the first AOSP ROM is developed for it, when CyanogenMod is released for it, and so on and so forth. It continues to live in the spotlight for months, if not years just like the original Droid did and now phones like the Galaxy Nexus do. There are those out there that like to discount the dev community, rooting and ROMs, but their importance is as great as anyone's. It's time that everyone starts to realize it.

Battery - Better Toss in the 3300mAh Beast

This seems like a no-brainer, but if this phone doesn't come with the RAZR MAXX's 3300mAh battery, Motorola is making the biggest mistake of the last few years. The RAZR HD could essentially be a complete device as long as this battery is inside it. It will have an HD screen, a top-of-the-line processor, high-end camera, on-screen navigation keys, enough RAM, Ice Cream Sandwich, and 4G LTE. Unlock the bootloader and include a battery that lasts for days and you've sold me and who knows how many others on it. What else could you ask for?

HD - Sell That Non-PenTile Screen Like You Mean It

We took a look at the HD screens that Motorola is putting in their Chinese phones back at CES, and from what we can tell they are non-PenTile and gorgeous. With Samsung still using a PenTile display in the new S3, we want Motorola to tell people about it. Tell people that your screen is as clear, crisp, and natural as they come. It may seem like a silly spec to sell, but look at the selling power of a display in the iPhone and new iPad. People to this day cannot stop talking about the "retina" this and that.

Old - Be Your Old Self, People Want You Back

From what we can tell, people want more than anything to have the old Motorola back. And when we say "old" we are talking about the original DROID days - the glory days. Still to this day, people look back to that device as the one that got them started in this Android game and kept them in it. Motorola did everything right there. They pushed specs to their limits, left the device open to developers, and supported it like it was their first born child. Please Motorola, do that with the RAZR HD and you will have another winner. We want to love your products again, but we need you give us some love in return. Why is it so difficult to go with the formula that brought you out of the grave the first time? So I ask you DL Community, are you with me? If Motorola brings us back to the days of old, are you ready for it? Would you drop your current device for the RAZR HD?

Samsung: "Invented" Pebble Blue Color Slightly Delayed Due to Quality Standards

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2012 07:50:33 +0000

Samsung confirmed to UK retailer MobileFun that there is a 2-3 week delay for the Pebble Blue version of the Galaxy SIII, thanks to a need for it to meet the "highest internal quality standards." Because Sammie essentially invented the color Pebble Blue and a special hyper-glaze material to go over top of it, only a short supply will be made available for now:

Samsung’s Galaxy SIII Pebble Blue version comes with a newly invented blue colour and special hyper-glaze material. In order to meet the highest internal quality standards and to provide the best quality Galaxy SIII to customers, a short supply of Pebble Blue version is expected in some regions in the next 2-3 weeks. Samsung is working hard to ensure that customers will get the Pebble Blue coloured devices as soon as possible.

That's unfortunate, as the Pebble Blue version looks fantastic in person and is a nice contrast to the black and white phones we see time and time again. Hopefully they work out the quality issues and can start producing these at a high enough level for launches here in the States. They have a month to do it. Via: MobileFun

Samsung Galaxy SIII Launches Today in 28 Countries, U.S. by End of June?

Kellen — Tue, 29 May 2012 07:15:23 +0000

Today is officially Samsung Galaxy SIII day, well, for those of you that live in the UK, France, the Middle East, Africa and some other 28 countries, not including the United States. As one of the most hyped and talked about Android phones quite possibly ever, the GS3 has a lot to live up to. With its 4.8" HD screen, quad-core processor, long lasting battery, feature-packed version of TouchWiz, and ultra-fast camera, it looks like it may be capable of it. But what about the U.S., when will it launch here? We had heard June as possibility during the unveiling event for the device and an Samsung VP has echoed that this morning to Pocket-Lint saying, "Unlike previous product launches, the time lag will be much more compressed for the Galaxy S III. So I think it will be available more or less globally within a month of the European release." The press (roughly translated) is on board with that idea, mentioning that Samsung expects to be in 145 countries and on 296 carriers by July. We went hands-on with both the blue and white versions while at CTIA, so be sure to check that out and think about whether or not this device will be a part of your future. Via: Pocket-Lint

Android 4.0.4 Leaks for the LG Spectrum as Build VS920ZV7

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2012 13:51:59 +0000

The first Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.4) build for the LG Spectrum has been leaked this weekend over at XDA. The build number is VS920ZV7 (Android build IMM76D) which is only 1 build number higher than the last OTA update that the device received. It sort of seems unlikely that the Spectrum would see the jump to ICS so quickly after seeing a sizable Gingerbread update just over a week ago, however, we were promised "first half" of 2012 by LG and Verizon when the phone was announced at CES. That gives us a little over a month before we can start calling it delinquent. All of the files needed to update your Spectrum are available at the XDA link below. For the Galaxy Nexus fans keeping track, this would put the Spectrum ahead of you as well, in the Android build game. Via: XDA | Phandroid

DROID RAZR HD Shows Up in Cellebrite Systems as Model XT926

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2012 13:39:20 +0000

The DROID RAZR HD by Motorola is starting to appear in Cellebrite systems for 3rd party retailers, giving us at least some sort of a sign that the phone is still on the way. Previously codenamed the DROID Fighter, we thought that this phone would have been out by now (previous targeted release dates), but Verizon and Motorola seem to be taking their sweet time. Other than this being in Cellebrite systems, we can't take much else from it except the model number of XT926 which matches up to previous sightings. According to benchmarks, pictures of the phone, and other back alley rumors, we are expecting the RAZR HD to have around a 4.6" HD (720p) display, on-screen navigation keys, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 12 or 13MP camera, Ice Cream Sandwich, and 4G LTE. Think of it as the ultimate RAZR, assuming it has the MAXX's 3300mAh battery. I know that Motorola still gets plenty of hate from the developer community, but I've got to admit that I'm pretty excited about this device. After seeing what they have done to Blur and Android 4.0, and then imagining that with an HD screen, beast processor, top notch camera, and on-screen soft keys, how could you not be? Via: DroidRzr Cheers Eckdawg!

Verizon Hosting Dads and Grad Sale: $100 Off All 4G LTE Motorola Phones

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:52:32 +0000

Verizon is hosting a Dads and Grads sale for the next couple of weeks to celebrate the lives of recent graduates and the amazing fathers in our lives. Through this sale, you will find $100 off any 4G LTE Motorola phone, which includes both RAZRs ($99), the DROID 4 ($99) and the Bionic (free). You will also find other phones on the cheap or for free, but the Moto devices are the clear draw here. On a related note, one of our readers spotted the Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 32GB of storage for the same price as the 16GB model. If you are in the market for a tablet on contract, be sure to grab the 32GB for $429 and not the version with less storage.

Via: Verizon Cheers Charles!

Alarm Clock Ultra Takes Android Clock Apps to the Next Level

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:04:05 +0000

If you head into the Google Play store and search for "alarm clock" you will see thousands of results in return. Some of the apps are decent, but most are just copied versions of others with a slight tweak here or there. Rarely will you find one that stands out because of its feature set, so we wanted to point you in the direction of one in particular called Alarm Clock Ultra. This alarm clock app features stop watches and timers, puzzle solving for snoozing or dismissing, up-to-the-minute weather updates, an egg timer, quick nap modes, social media integration, 25+ relaxing sleep melodies, widgets and more. There are paid and free versions, but from what I can tell after a few minutes with it, the free version has most of the goodies you'll find in the paid version except with ads. If you were looking for the ultimate in alarm clocks, give this one a spin. Play Links: Paid ($2.99) | Free [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXH_uK-7Z9c[/youtube] Cheers Lowden!

LG Unveils World's First 5" 1080p Display With 440ppi for Smartphones

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2012 09:34:40 +0000

Are you ready to have a TV in your pocket? LG wants you to with their new 5" 1080p smartphone display that rocks a massive 440ppi. Announced this morning, this display has set a new bar for all display makers to try and hit. It seems like yesterday we were talking about the first sets of 720p devices and now we have to start thinking beyond that? We may all need a pair of glasses to read anything at a 1920x1080 resolution since even icons will look tiny, but how fun are the macro shots going to be? Tell me, do you want a resolution this high on your smartphone? Via: Pocket-Lint Cheers Stacey!

Asus Plans to Unveil "Next Transformations" at Computex Next Week, New Transformers Already Ready?

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2012 09:06:41 +0000

Computex, one of the major tech conventions, kicks off around June 5, but Asus is planning to unveil something before that and it will more than likely be some sort of new Transformer. The teaser video for it - which is the cheesiest thing on the planet - talks about multiple form factors, the changing of the cloud, and their "Next Transformations." We aren't exactly sure why we need yet another Transformer tablet/keyboard combo, but why not, right? Are we thinking a 7" version that is dock-able? Or is this another look at the Transformer TF700, which is Asus' take on a retina-type display? [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxlgR7j_8-g[/youtube] Cheers Jacob!

DROID Bionic Drops to Free From Verizon, Removed From DroidDoes.com

Kellen — Mon, 28 May 2012 01:09:16 +0000

The DROID Bionic has easily had one of the roughest lives of any Android smartphone. After debuting at CES in 2011 as one device, it was transformed over a 9 month period to become something else altogether. Once launched, it never stood a chance as it contained older and thicker tech than the phones that its creator, Motorola, had prepared for release only a few weeks later, leaving it dead in the water. Tonight's moves essentially show just that, as the device has had its price slashed to "Free" and has also been removed from DroidDoes.com. If there was ever a sign that a phone's life has come to an end, this would be it. Make way for the DROID Incredible 4G LTE and the RAZR HD.

Via: Verizon

Motorola Demos Ice Cream Sandwich for the DROID RAZR in Official Video Series, Watch Them All Here

Kellen — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:00:38 +0000

We know that Ice Cream Sandwich for the DROID RAZR will be here some time before the end of June (Q2) thanks to an updated timeline released by Motorola within the last week. What most of us don't know, unless we flashed one of the leaks, is exactly how Android 4.0 will look and act on the device now that Moto has added their Blur flair to it. In a series of videos released to their Japanese RAZR site, we get to see it all. We are talking Webtop 3.0, screenshots, the new lock screen, time lapse video, navigating around ICS, the browser, dialer, notifications, and more. Just know that some of these are in English while others are definitely in Japanese. You'll get the idea in all of them though. One thing even I have to admit is how nice of a job Motorola appears to have done with this. It definitely has their mark on it, but there is a lot of stock Android left in this build. Moto appears to have actually added useful features to this rather than trying to take it as far from the base of Android as they possibly could. Anyone else excited for the RAZR HD now?

Navigating Around Android 4.0:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDE56gDYb1o[/youtube]

Webtop 3.0 Basics:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISGAJzuAhqs[/youtube]

Lock and Home Screen:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz-XK34JJxY[/youtube]

Taking and Sharing Screenshots:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-sN9RaIhyc[/youtube]

Camera:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW3vQ8Zek7g[/youtube]

Face Unlock:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz1JwGCUvBg[/youtube]

Notification Window:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrHnVk4Mf9Y[/youtube]

Buttons and Icons:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQj9aiFUI40[/youtube]

Browser:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYiWwEf00aY[/youtube]

Dialer and Contacts:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIQHlyQeLfc[/youtube]

Placing Shortcuts and Widgets:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5LtYJQcnPM[/youtube]

More Widgets and Shortcuts:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALmYLNZkuOs[/youtube]

Folders:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5NoFXwZONM[/youtube]

Social Networking:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKtkyGNs2xc[/youtube]

Data Usage:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjd72cLkFfg[/youtube] Via: Motorola Cheers Guan!

This Week in the Life of Droid: 5/25/2012

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:12:02 +0000

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, we thought we would bring you this week's recap a bit early so that you can all get out and enjoy the time off. Be sure to remember the men and women who gave their lives for this country as that is the reason you get these extra couple of days off. After that, celebrate with friends and family, enjoy the sun and food, and do not drink and drive. End of lecture. :) Another solid week is in the books here at Droid Life as we head into a summer that should be a blast. We have Google I/O happening at the end of June, the Incredible 4G LTE any day now, the RAZR HD at some point, the Galaxy SIII potentially in a few weeks, and all sorts of Nexus tablet and Jelly Bean talk to stir up the fun. Until then, be sure to catch up on everything that happened this week, including ICS update schedules and the return of the 4.0.4 update for the Galaxy Nexus.

Again, be safe over the long weekend, but enjoy the heck out of it.

Week Three Contest: Win an Asus Transformer Pad Prize Bundle (Updated: Winner Picked!)

Tim — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:10:00 +0000

It's the final week of DL and NVIDIA's celebration of TegraZone's first birthday. The turnouts have been more than fantastic, so let's have one last hurrah! As a reminder, NVIDIA is also hosting their own separate giveaways over at TegraZone, so make sure you enter those for even more chances to win a brand new ASUS tablet and other cool prizes. Good luck to everybody.

Contest:

Update: Winner - Our winner is baldypal who enjoys playing "3 star level type games" on phones and "adventure and shoot'em up games" on tablets. He has been contacted and will receive his prize pack shortly. And with that, we wrap up this 3-week blitz of contests, powered by NVIDIA and Asus. Big shout out to both companies for providing so many amazing price packs. Be sure to check out the TegraZone if you haven't yet, for all your gaming needs. Prize - Running the latest Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the ASUS Transformer Pad (review here) is a value packed tablet that with multi-color style, and productivity with expandability when connected to the mobile dock. With a 1.2MP front and 8MP rear auto-focus camera with large F/2.2 aperture and exclusive office software, staying connected and productive has never been easier. Along with the tablet, you will also receive a matching lapdock, Jambox Speaker, and Logitech game controller. To enter - 1. Follow @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra on Twitter. 2. Tweet the following:

Win a Transformer Pad Prize Pack from @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra to celebrate TegraZone’s first birthday! – http://goo.gl/V3b1s #android

3. In the comments, tell us what your favorite type of game (FPS, RPG, etc) to play on your smartphone is. Entry period and Winner - The contest will run from the time of this posting until Friday (5/25/2012) at 3PM Pacific. At that time, a winner will be chosen from the comments and contacted via email. Make sure to use a valid email address with Disqus.

A huge thanks goes out to NVIDIA and ASUS for hosting the contest and putting up the prizes.

Galaxy Nexus POGO Dock is in Stock, Still Costs $90

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:45:28 +0000

The POGO landscape dock for the Galaxy Nexus is back in stock at Samsung's official store, for those interested in dropping a cool $90 for a nightstand mate. We reviewed this dock back in February when it first surfaced, so if you are in the market for a stand, we suggest you check it out. I will warn you that $90 is about $60 above what this dock is probably worth. It charges your phone using the 3-pin connector and that's about it. Buy [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-rNeUkvthQ[/youtube] Cheers garbagedick and Mike!

BlackBerry Messenger Not Coming to Android After All, Not Sure Anyone Cares Anymore

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:03:48 +0000

According to a report out of the Wall Street Journal, RIM is no longer looking to license its BlackBerry Messenger client to other platforms and will instead focus on creating additional features for it while pushing BlackBerry 10 and new devices. This move comes as somewhat of a shocker to many, as purported pictures of the service running on Android devices have appeared a couple of times now. There have also been countless rumors over the last year which suggested that RIM may try to leverage the popularity of the service to make some money for the company as their sales and market share continue to fall off cliffs. My thoughts? Who cares. RIM had a chance to port this service over to Android and iOS a couple of years ago when it actually was still popular, but failed to do so. It's just another sign of a company that may no longer be with us in a couple of years - one that has made the wrong move over and over again. Seriously ask yourself, would you all of a sudden switch your messaging life over to BBM should it launch on Android today? You have lived without it for years now, is it really an app that you need to survive? Had RIM made the move to license it back in 2009 when everyone was migrating from BlackBerry devices over to Android and iPhones, it would have been a big deal. Now, not so much. Via: WSJ

Comcast Releases XFINITY TV Player on Android, Watch Thousands of ON Demand Shows From Anywhere

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:32:06 +0000

Over the last year or so, Comcast released a couple of XFINITY apps that were nothing more than glorified TV guides or DVR managers. The one feature that would have actually made them useful on a regular basis, ON Demand streaming, was left out. That is until today. Comcast pushed the XFINITY TV Player app to the Play store, giving customers access to all of their favorite shows from anywhere in the world. It works over WiFi or a data connection, and does it flawlessly. I fired up the app for a few minutes and was watching old Eastbound & Down videos within seconds. Thanks, Comcast. Play Link

Samsung Galaxy SIII in Pebble Blue Delayed?

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:37:45 +0000

According to a handful of reports, the Pebble Blue version (pictured above) of the Samsung Galaxy SIII has been delayed due to manufacturing issues. Samsung has apparently run into either quality or production problems and may have had to adjust the product, causing them to be behind as launch day quickly approaches. With the launch of the device happening in a variety of countries next week, the white model is likely to be the only one available until Samsung can catch up on production. This is indeed unfortunate as the Pebble Blue version of this phone is by far the more appealing of the two (at least in our opinions). Its fake brushed metal look is quite beautiful as compared to the white, which we have seen time and time again on other Samsung products. We took the blue model for a spin back at CTIA, be sure to check it out.

Via: Tweakers | XDA | Android Community

Google Can Save Digital Newspapers and Magazines [Opinion]

Ron — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:20:33 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/5LOcUkm8m9w[/youtube] Listen to the article: [audio:http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Memo.mp3|titles=Memo] When Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPad it was hailed as a content consumption device. Most of the people that I know that own a tablet use it almost exclusively to consume content, not to create it. Despite the heavy emphasis on consumption, publishers have struggled to get smartphone and tablet owners to pay for content on their devices. This struggle between publishers and readers is as old as the Internet. The Internet set a new standard for content with most websites publishing articles for free with ads lining the sides of the website. Eventually publishers used paywalls to force readers to pay for a subscription or a one time fee to read an article in its entirety. Readers who had become accustomed to free content moved on to other sources or looked for ways to get the article for free. The iPad was supposed to be the medium with which publishers would be able to charge for content again, but as Jason Pontin of Technology Review explains, the cost of app development and limited reader response made the iPad an illegitimate messiah of publishing. Pontin concludes that since the iPad and Newsstand failed to attract subscribers, the web must be the future of publishing, not apps. I’m convinced that Pontin is wrong. Publishers made two vital errors with digital publishing: first, apps should not be treated as a magazine replacement and second, people shouldn’t be forced to pay for content that they don't want. If publishers and Google can work together to correct these errors, together they can save digital magazines and newspapers. From songs to films to writing, people have found a way to get digital content for free. All it takes is one pirate and a distribution network to distribute media freely. Despite so many options to steal material, content distribution sources like iTunes, rdio, Netflix, and Google Play have millions of users who pay for content. The problem isn’t that people don’t want to pay for content, but that people want to pay for good content in an attractive medium. Many publishers made the foolish mistake of thinking that people wanted digital content to be identical to a magazine. Sure, most tablets are roughly the size of a magazine, but that doesn’t mean that readers want to look at digital pages that were formatted for a magazine. Readers want the quality of magazine content in a new medium. Pontin mentions that various screen sizes, resolutions, and orientations made designing content for tablets and phones difficult. These issues should have been obvious from the start because tablets and smartphones aren’t magazines. If publishers want to control how the content looks then they should design the apps for certain form factors and restrict orientations. If they don't want to be that restrictive, they should design the content to be malleable to various form factors, orientations, and resolutions (like the web). Of course the larger issue facing publishers isn’t necessarily the medium, but how to get people to pay for content. Developing a way for readers to see content in a beautiful environment costs a lot of time and money, so publishers want to ensure that they’ll get a decent return on their investment. On the web this was solved with ads, but ads have a nasty tendency of becoming intrusive. Popup blockers have pushed advertisers to create ads that roll out on top of a website with hidden close buttons. Often these are impossible to close on a mobile device, making the content unreadable. Savvy readers might turn to an RSS reader or page saver like Instapaper, but most will probably just move on out of frustration. Apple tried to provide a unified solution for digital magazines and newspapers with Newsstand, but the lack of innovation in Newsstand led to its poor adoption. Every iOS user has probably opened Newsstand upon discovering that it cannot be hidden away into a folder. Perhaps Apple thought that being restrictive like that would encourage users to try out the app; I have a feeling it just turned users off. To make matters worse, once Newsstand is opened every paper and magazine is listed as free, but digging further reveals the same tired monthly subscription options that no one wants. This is where Google's new subscription option in the Play Store could save magazines and newspapers. The key to understanding how to get people to pay for content is to understand that people like choice. Though publishers want readers to purchase a subscription to a package of content (like music labels want listeners to buy whole albums), users don’t want to pay for content they don’t want. The web has conditioned users to expect an option to purchase individual pieces of content, not a whole package. People don’t visit websites to read every article, they visit them to read the articles that interest them. Like it or not, the web has spoiled users into believing that they deserve choice. Google is the company that built out the web for most people. Without Google Search, the Internet wouldn't be what it is today. Google Search allowed people to find what they wanted. Because Google has consistently been about offering its users choice, I think Google is best poised to talk publishers into rethinking subscriptions. If publishers were to accept the idea that people should only pay for what they want, the problem then becomes how to distribute and price individual articles. Apps like Readability have tried to help publishers by collecting subscription money from readers on behalf of the publishers. This idea isn’t a bad one, but I think users would be more comfortable paying for content through Google instead of through a third party app. Google should build in support for magazine and newspaper subscriptions in Google Current, but allow users to pay for individual articles as well as subscribe to whole magazines or newspapers. Google could still help publishers by offering free subscriptions that are subsidized by advertisements and paid subscriptions for a number of articles instead of whole newspapers or magazines so that readers have one place to go for reading instead of multiple websites or apps. Either way, publications would be getting paid money that they’re missing out on now. The web as we know it isn’t the future of publishing, but neither are individual apps for each publication. People are looking for content in apps because unlike the web, apps are designed from the ground up to work on mobile devices. The sooner publishers realize that the future is mobile and that people want personalized content, not generalized content, they sooner they’ll be able to put out a product that people want to pay for. If any company would rally behind the idea that users should only pay for what they want, I think it would be Google. Google partners with OEMs every year to ensure that there are a plethora of Android handsets to meet a wide variety of tastes and needs. Google built a search engine with the idea that free access to the information you want is a good thing. Google Plus was designed from the ground up to put you in control of what you share and who you share it with. In short, Google is a company that is all about giving its users what they want. It's that sort of attitude that can save magazines and newspapers.

Sony: Xperia PLAY Not Receiving Ice Cream Sandwich

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:37:52 +0000

Owners of the Sony Xperia PLAY across the globe, you will not be receiving the update to Ice Cream Sandwich. Sony confirmed in a blog post today that it would be difficult to update the device and keep a consistent and stable gaming experience. Part of their final decision was determined after they received feedback from the developer community who tested an ICS beta ROM. Sorry to spread bad news as we head into a holiday weekend. We have updated our official Ice Cream Sandwich Update List. Via: Sony Mobile

Photo Walk Featuring Project Glass Gives Us the Closest Look Yet at Google's Glasses

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:02:42 +0000

We have been following Project Glass as closely as we can after the Google X team introduced to the world back in early April. Since that first video of what it could look like surfaced, we have seen actual prototypes in the wild on some of our favorite tech characters. This week though, we received the most up-close and personal look yet, thanks to a photo walk that a group of Googlers went on. Rather than use cameras the entire time, each member of the posse was given a pair of Google Glasses to wear. As you can see from the pictures below, the prototypes are now coming in more than just that original black pair that we have seen a number of times. The photo walkers had blue and orange sets as well. Aside from colors, we have some close-ups of the mini screen which you can definitely spot things happening on as people peer into them. It's tough to make out what is there, but in multiple shots, we have screen action. Aside from that we have the picture directly below that shows them off-head, in all their glory. I see a microUSB port, a massive housing at the back-end for what must be the battery, and the fact that they are "Not FCC Approved." The last thing you'll notice in most of the shots is the dedicated camera button on the top of the glasses that everyone seems to be pushing. After all, this was a photo walk.

Gallery:

Video Sample (taken with the glasses):

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xySsOJ4smrs[/youtube] Via: Google+ [2]

Bump Adds Photo-to-Computer Sharing Abilities, Catches Our Attention For the First Time in Years

Kellen — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:13:07 +0000

I've got to be honest, this announcement that Bump can now share photos quickly with your computer caught me completely off guard. I had not heard anyone talk about Bump in what seems like years. What was once the talk of the app world thanks to its bumpy sharing capabilities, has been off of my radar for I don't even know how long. This new photo sharing feature though, just brought it back to my life in a huge way. To share photos instantly with any computer, you obviously need the Bump app, but from there, you simply need to open a browser to http://bu.mp, select photos to share, and then bump the space bar to make them available for download. Once connected to a computer, you can download the pictures instantly. It seems so simple, yet this is one of those features that I'm wondering how we lived without for so long. Play Link

Thursday Poll: Will You Buy a $199 Google Branded Tablet?

Kellen — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:06:47 +0000

Today's hottest topic has easily been the $199 Google tablet that will most likely be unveiled at Google I/O next month. We are expecting it to be built by Asus, powered by NVIDIA's quad-core Tegra 3 processor, measure in at around 7" on the display front, and be sold directly to customers through the Google Play store. It sounds like all sorts of win, however, we still want to know if the Android world is ready to take this step into the tablet realm. While $199 sounds like an amazing price point, there are some things you need to understand. You have to assume that this won't be anything close to the quality of an iPad or even Transformer Prime for that matter. NVIDIA has talked recently about their Project Kai which is a platform or package for companies to cheaply make semi-high end tablets using their quad-core processor. The catch here is that they will use cheaper RAM, probably less internal storage, and displays that are miles away from the new iPad's retina to keep costs down, similarly to what Amazon did with the Kindle Fire. Are you OK with that? I would assume that if you don't already own an iPad or other high-end tablet that this is definitely an option. It will be stock Android, tied directly to Google for updates (not carriers), and at a price that will be tough to beat. Are you in or out? We have kept the poll to a simple "Yes or no," but we would love to hear your reasoning in the comments. [poll id="174"]

Sick of Waiting for a 3-Pin Car Dock for the Galaxy Nexus? This IndieGoGo Project Might be Worth a Look

Kellen — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:43:15 +0000

The line of accessories for the Galaxy Nexus has been nothing short of a disappointment. At the unveiling of the device, we were introduced to this fancy 3-pin connector on the side which would allow it to have all sorts of fun with accessories when docked. Unfortunately for anyone that actually owns the device, those accessories are either still being produced, were scrapped altogether, priced so ridiculously high that only idiot editors would buy them, or were made so cheaply that they couldn't even take advantage of said pin connectors. Enter the amazing modder community that hangs out here at Droid Life. After growing impatient with the lack of a car dock that utilized his G-Nex to the fullest, one of our readers grew inspired by a previously featured DIY dock and decided to not only create one for himself, but help the community do something similar. How will he help all of us? Through an IndieGoGo project of course. From what we gather, his goal is to use the money made from backers of the project to purchase the parts needed at a bulk discount. From there, he will send out the kits and instructions for you to make car dock magic yourself. The process involves some handy work with a Dremel and a soldering iron, however, if that sounds like too much, you can donate more and this guy will build it all for you. If you are interested, watch hit up the source link below. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-iRU5QHHYU[/youtube] Via: IndieGogo Cheers Oliver and Curtis!

Google and Asus to Unveil Tegra 3 Powered Nexus Tablets at Google I/O?

Tim — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:30:25 +0000

The folks over at Techno Buffalo have learned from a "trusted source" that Google and Asus will in fact, be unveiling and distributing the new Nexus tablet at next month's Google I/O. On top of that shocker, the tablet is reported to be running NVIDIA's Tegra 3 chip, which would meet the Project Kai's standards for creating tablets that maintain powerful performance while meeting a competitive price point. It's beginning to look like everyone who was hoping this tab would sell for $200 at market will most likely have their dreams come true this summer. To top it off, as reported from the source, the tablet is rumored to come with Google's new Jelly Bean operating system which hasn't even received too much mainstream attention in 2012, seeing as how most Android devices are still running Gingerbread. Google I/O is literally a month away, so the wait is finally coming to an end. Via: Techno Buffalo

Cut the Rope Experiments for Android Updated, Brings Another 25 New Levels

Tim — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:10:55 +0000

Lovers of Om Nom can go into the Play Store and pick up the newly updated Cut the Rope Experiments application that includes the newest box called Handy Candy. It looks to bring some robotic-like gameplay, so I'm guessing it's going to kick butt. Anytime this game receives an update and I get to play with Om Nom some more, I automatically feel good during the day. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOOJz2UBmk[/youtube]

The Limb.al is Both USB Cable and Smartphone Stand, Available on KickStarter For a Few More Days

Kellen — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:44:05 +0000

You may be looking at the greatest microUSB cable ever invented (at least on video). It's called the Limb.al and is the latest KickStarter project to build up a ton of buzz across the web. As you can see from the image above, this bad boy is bendable yet sturdy, so that it can hold your device in almost any position. Using the Limb.al, your phone can float upright, face upside down, sideways, or even standing on your desk as a smartphone stand. And think, if you had a car USB charger, you could plug this in and have a car mount instantly. Who would have thought that a microUSB cable could be so much fun? This KickStarter project is set to be funded in 14 days, so if you want a Limb.al, you better act fairly fast. A cable for an Android phone will run you $17. Via: KickStarter Cheers kevlar!

Galaxy Nexus Receives Galaxy SIII Add-On Mod, Say Hello to TouchWiz and S-Voice

Tim — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:27:32 +0000

Been thinking about turning your Galaxy Nexus into a Galaxy SIII recently? Developers over at XDA are on a mission to do just that, and with the release of these overlay files, I think they have completed the task. Once you flash the add-on files, you will have the sounds, wallpapers, applications, and other tidbits that seperate the SGSIII from every other phone on the planet. You will be able to utilize S-Voice, S-Memos, and some other neat little things Samsung have developed. We made a quick walk through video to shortly show off the features, so check that out and if it looks like fun, follow the instructions down below to do the same.

Warning: For CyanogenMod 9 and AOKP users only!

Instructions for installation:

Download the add-on zip file and the launcher zip file and place them on your phone's storage.
Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery and immediately create a backup.
Wipe data/cache.
Install the add-on zip and then the launcher zip files.
Reboot and enjoy!

Walk through of the add-on: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2KGqc9XqU[/youtube] Via: XDA (2)

In-app Subscriptions Now a Part of Android via Google Play

Kellen — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:20:09 +0000

The Android team introduced subscription billing to the Google Play store today, giving developers another way to monetize their apps. Going forward, developers can build in interval payment systems for premium content, bundled in-app products, magazine subscriptions, etc. and have Google Play handle the entire process. As a consumer, this doesn't really affect you until one of your favorite app developers introduces some type of recurring product that they would like to charge you for. Via: Android Developers

IDC: Android Controls 59% of the World's Smartphone Market Share, iOS at a Distant 23%

Kellen — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:11:09 +0000

In the race for top smartphone operating system in the world, there is no competition - Android is king. According to the IDC, from Q1 2011 to Q1 2012, our favorite mobile OS went from owning 36% of the world's share to 59%. In that same span, iOS jumped from 18% to 23%, and the rest of the field tumbled. Blackberry dropped from 13% to 6%, Symbian from 26% to 7%, and so on. The IDC estimates that 89.9 million Android units shipped in Q1 of this year - Samsung accounted for roughly 45% of them. You can call it a race between two players, but truthfully, this is a one man show with a solid 2nd place competitor.

______________________________________________

Android- and iOS-Powered Smartphones Expand Their Share of the Market in the First Quarter, According to IDC
24 May 2012 FRAMINGHAM, Mass. May 24, 2012 – Smartphones powered by the Android and iOS mobile operating systems accounted for more than eight out of ten smartphones shipped in the first quarter of 2012 (1Q12). According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, the mobile operating systems held shares of 59.0% and 23.0% respectively of the 152.3 million smartphones shipped in 1Q12. During the first quarter of 2011, the two operating systems held a combined share of 54.4%. The share gains mean that Android and iOS have successfully distanced themselves from previous market leaders Symbian and BlackBerry, as well as Linux and Windows Phone 7/Windows Mobile. "The popularity of Android and iOS stems from a combination of factors that the competition has struggled to keep up with," said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Technology and Trends program. "Neither Android nor iOS were the first to market with some of these features, but the way they made the smartphone experience intuitive and seamless has quickly earned a massive following." "In order for operating system challengers to gain share, their creators and hardware partners need to secure developer loyalty," said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker program. "This is true because developer intentions or enthusiasm for a particular operating system is typically a leading indicator of hardware sales success." Operating System Highlights Android finished the quarter as the overall leader among the mobile operating systems, accounting for more than half of all smartphone shipments. In addition, Android boasted the longest list of smartphone vendor partners. Samsung was the largest contributor to Android's success, accounting for 45.4% of all Android-based smartphone shipments. But beyond Samsung was a mix of companies retrenching themselves or slowly growing their volumes. iOS recorded strong year-over-year growth with sustained demand for the iPhone 4S following the holiday quarter and the addition of numerous mobile operators offering the iPhone for the first time. Although end-user demand remains high, the iPhone's popularity brings additional operational pressures for mobile operators through subsidy and data revenue sharing policies. Symbian posted the largest year-over-year decline, a result driven by Nokia's transition to Windows Phone. But even as Symbian volumes have decreased, there continues to be demand for the OS from the most ardent of users. In addition, Nokia continues to support Symbian, as evidenced by the PureView initiative on the Nokia 808. Still, as Nokia emphasizes Windows Phone, IDC expects further declines for Symbian for the rest of this year. BlackBerry continued on its downward trajectory as demand for older BlackBerry devices decreased and the market awaits the official release of BB 10 smartphones later this year. In addition, many companies now permit users to bring their own smartphones, allowing competitor operating systems to take away from BlackBerry's market share. Although RIM has not officially released BB 10, initial glimpses of the platform have shown improvement. Linux maintained its small presence in the worldwide smartphone market, thanks in large part to Samsung's continued emphasis on bada. By the end of the quarter, Samsung accounted for 81.6% of all Linux-powered smartphones, a 3.6% share gain versus the prior-year period. Other vendors, meanwhile, have been experimenting with Android to drive volume. Still, Linux's fortunes are closely tied to Samsung's strategy, which already encompasses Android, Windows Phone, and later this year, Tizen. Windows Mobile/Windows Phone has yet to make significant inroads in the worldwide smartphone market, but 2012 should be considered a ramp-up year for Nokia and Microsoft to boost volumes. Until Nokia speeds the cadence of its smartphone releases or more vendors launch their own Windows Phone-powered smartphones, IDC anticipates slow growth for the operating system.

Via: IDC | Engadget

Game Developers Group Together for "Because We May" Promo, Slash Prices on Your Favorite Games

Tim — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:30:21 +0000

For one week, a team of game developers has collaborated to bring consumers some great titles at discounted prices. This team of smarties has created a website that lists out some of Android's (along with other platforms) more popular titles such as World of Goo, Shadowgun, Osmos HD, at discounted rates. Buying straight from the developer is a good way of supporting these guys/girls and letting them know that Android is undoubtedly the sweetest mobile platform around. Follow the link below to see if that game you've wanted really bad is finally on sale. Also note, that it's not just Android games being sold - there are apps available for iOS, Mac, and even Steam users. Winning much? Via: Because We May Cheers Adam!

Rumor: Google and Asus to Ship 600,000 Tablets Next Month?

Tim — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:31 +0000

According to the latest rumor out of DigiTimes, some higher-ups down the supply chain are outing Google and Asus to have about 600,000 tablets ship next month, with market availbility starting in July. Of course, Google or Asus won't comment on such speculation, but this could actually pan out. At the end of next month, Google I/O will be taking place and that would be the perfect venue to launch such a device. At last year's developer event, Google unveiled the special edition Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, which then went to market shortly thereafter. In the end, this is still a rumor and we're going to have to remain patient. Fingers crossed. Via: Pocket Now

Tegra 3 Quad-core and LTE are Finally Coming, NVIDIA's Icera 410 LTE Modem Approved by AT&T

Kellen — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:30:33 +0000

Today, NVIDIA announced that their Icera 410 LTE modem has been approved for use in tablets and clamshell devices on AT&T's network. While that does not mention smartphone use yet, this is a step towards LTE and Tegra 3 coming to the States in at least some form. As we have documented plenty of times, NVIDIA has been unable to pair its quad-core mobile processor with LTE because its biggest competitor (Qualcomm) is the only guy making LTE modems at this time and likely does not feel like sharing. With today's approval, this should bring NVIDIA up to speed in no time (assuming they get the smartphone approval too). Also of note, is the fact that this is a single multimode modem that houses LTE, HSPA+, 3G and 2G. So rather than the battery sucking powers of current dual-hardware LTE setups, this should help battery life immensely. Lastly, you are probably wondering, "What about Verizon? When will we see Tegra 3 and LTE on Big Red?" That, my friends, is a question that may have a dark answer. According to all things Icera, it doesn't appear as if NVIDIA's modems will have CDMA2000 support (Verizon's 3G network), so unless something changes drastically in the next few months, this may be an AT&T thing only for a while. I'll dig for confirmation on this. Update: NVIDIA has given us more details on how this could impact CDMA2000 networks (Verizon and Sprint). They made it clear that the Tegra 3 works with LTE modems from companies like Renenas, GCT, and ST Ericsson, so there is still a chance for LTE + Tegra 3 on Verizon. However, the Icera modem that gained AT&T approval today does not support CDMA2000.

NVIDIA Icera Modem Chipset Validated on AT&T LTE Network
SANTA CLARA, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 05/24/2012 -- NVIDIA today announced that the NVIDIA® Icera® 410 LTE multimode data modem chipset for tablets and clamshell devices has been tested and validated for operation on the AT&T 4G LTE network. AT&T qualification tests help ensure that product manufacturers can confidently select chipsets that integrate with connected devices and can quickly achieve final product qualification. "Validation with AT&T is an achievement that paves the way for NVIDIA Icera-powered LTE devices on the AT&T network through this year and next," said Stan Boland, senior vice president of Mobile Communications at NVIDIA. The NVIDIA Icera 410 LTE modem delivers lightning-fast web browsing, video streaming and multiplayer gaming to tablets and clamshell devices. It is the first Icera modem to implement 4G LTE in NVIDIA's software defined radio baseband processor. Together with its multimode radio transceiver, the chipset offers 4G LTE at category 2 data rates (up to 50 Mbps) as well as 4G HSPA+, 3G and 2G compatibility. Useful Links: http://www.nvidia.com/tegra http://www.nvidia.com/object/tegra-superchip.html http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvidia-icera-products.html About NVIDIA NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) awakened the world to computer graphics when it invented the GPU in 1999. Today, its processors power a broad range of products from smartphones to supercomputers. NVIDIA'smobile processors are used in cell phones, tablets and auto infotainment systems. PC gamers rely on GPUs to enjoy spectacularly immersive worlds. Professionals use them to create 3D graphics and visual effects in movies and to design everything from golf clubs to jumbo jets. And researchers utilize GPUs to advance the frontiers of science with high performance computing. The company has more than 5,000 patents issued, allowed or filed, including ones covering ideas essential to modern computing. For more information, see www.nvidia.com.

Google+ and Its Shiny New UI Arrives on Android, Starting Hangouts Also Made Incredible Easy

Kellen — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:01:19 +0000

Two things immediately come to mind when I look at this shiny new Google+: big ass images and incredibly easy Hangout starting. That's right, folks, the new Google+ update that was released to iOS a couple of weeks ago has finally arrived on Android. And damn does it look nice. The first thing you'll notice is the revamped Stream which includes, again, big ol' pictures. But more importantly, for navigation, you get a ribbon on the left side that features quick shortcuts to anything that you feel like accomplishing in G+ - Hangouts would be the new option to the party. Starting a video chat with multiple friends has never been this easy, has it? The Google+ team also tossed in some fun transitions as you scroll through your feeds, the ability to download pics as wallpapers, a chance to edit posts inline, and more. Go get it. Play Link Cheers Adam, Lewissd, Tio and Jeff!

Google Makes Galaxy Nexus IMM76K Download Available Again, Update Imminent?

Tim — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:27:18 +0000

At the beginning of the month, Google made the 4.0.4 update file for the Galaxy Nexus available for everyone to download. Unfortunately, Google must have jumped the gun, because just a short time after release the link was pulled and G-Nex owners were back in the dark with no word from either company. The link is now back in order which could mean our 4.0.4 update is finally on the way. If you're tired of waiting for Verizon to give you the OTA, head over to our previous post here and read the instructions on flashing this official zip file. Download link Cheers Jason!

Google Maps Car Involved in Accident, Investigating Should Be a Breeze

Tim — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:25:11 +0000

Oh no! It looks like one of the Google Maps cars was involved in a pretty bad accident. So far, there are no details as to what exactly happened, but we're hoping everyone is okay. Luckily for Google, figuring out what happened shouldn't be too difficult, seeing as how there are plenty of cameras on board that hopefully caught the footage. Have you ever seen one of the Google cars driving in your city?

Via: Gizmodo

Backup Tool Application Released for Android Open Kang Project Line of ROM's

Tim — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:50:05 +0000

Users of the Android Open Kang Project ROM can install an application from the Play Store that will backup almost every single AOKP setting you could imagine, making flashing and restoring ROMs as easy as 1,2,3. Users will need to be on the Milestone 5 build or newer in order for it to work, but Roman is looking to make more earlier builds supported. The application is two bucks, but you're directly supporting the developer, so show some love if you happen to run AOKP on any of your devices. Play Link Cheers Badz!

Amazon Wireless Offers the DROID 4 for a Penny, Rezound for $50, and DROID RAZR MAXX at $150

Tim — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:53 +0000

While supplies last, Amazon Wireless is hosting a deal on a few of Verizon's more popular smart devices. When signing up on a new two-year agreement, you can score the DROID 4 for just one cent, the Rezound for a not-so-bad $50, and the DROID RAZR MAXX for an even $150. Now that we know these phones are definitely receiving some Ice Cream Sandwich love sometime this year, buying these phones on contract shouldn't seem all that scary.

Motorola DROID 4 | HTC Rezound | DROID RAZR MAXX

Wednesday Poll: If There are 5 Nexus Devices This Winter, Who Should Make Them?

Kellen — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:23:54 +0000

A report out of the Wall Street Journal last week claimed that Google will potentially welcome in up to 5 "Nexus" or lead devices this winter to help launch Jelly Bean. Once launched, all of the devices will be sold directly to customers unlocked and off-contract (hopefully at reasonable prices too). It's just a rumor at this point, but it makes a heck of a lot of sense for Google to go this route. They are sick of carriers interfering with updates, release schedules, etc. and this would give them ultimate control. With that said, there has only be speculation at this point as to who will make what. Will we see 3 phones and 2 tablets? 4 phones and 1 tablet? All phones? Who will make them? Will HTC, Samsung, and Motorola produce the phones with Asus and Acer making the tablets? Maybe LG will get their first shot at a Nexus phone and Samsung on the tablet front? In today's poll, let's discuss it and sell each other on what combination we think would be the best. Go!

Verizon's LG Optimus LTE2 Appears Again, This Time at the GCF

Kellen — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:38:42 +0000

An LG device with the model number VS930 has been on our radar for a few weeks now, most likely as Verizon's version of the LG Optimus LTE2. The model number matches up to the naming scheme that Big Red has used in the past for LG phones - VS920 (Spectrum) and VS910 (Revolution). We also saw a benchmark for the device appear back in early April with Verizon tags all over it. Today, it popped up again, this time at the GCF (Global Certification Forum) with a bunch of global radios inside and not a mention of the CDMA or LTE bands we expect to see when the phone finds its way to the States. Our guess, is that most VZW phones going forward will have global roaming capabilities and that's what was being tested for here. For those not familiar, the Optimus LTE2 is LG's attempt at competing with Samsung and the Galaxy SIII. They even announced it to the world on the same day that the GS3 was unveiled, but looked to 1-up it by tossing in 2GB of RAM - a first for a smartphone. Other than the massive amounts of RAM, it should sport a 4.7" HD display, 2150mAh battery, on-board wireless charging, Ice Cream Sandwich, and a dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor. The look could change slightly when Verizon gets it, which we say because very few U.S. phones have a physical home button like you are seeing pictured above. We aren't exactly sure when the phone will be released, but LG was targeting mid-May for Korea. As you know by now, the U.S. market is much slower at releasing phones, so it wouldn't surprise us to see this phone be pushed to mid-Summer. Is there any way for LG to win you over? They seem to be the last resort for most of the DL community, but could the Optimus LTE2 be the one to make you tingle? Via: GCF | Blog of Mobile

Jury Finds that Android Does Not Infringe on Oracle Patents

Kellen — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:37:02 +0000

Chalk up another win for Google and Android. Today, the jury in what a judge called the "longest civil trial" he had been a part of, decided that Google did not infringe on Oracle's patents. This marks an end to a painful process that saw the likes of Andy Rubin and Larry Page take the stand to defend their use of Java in Android. Feel free to cheers your phone this afternoon at happy hour. Via: CNET Cheers duke69111!

NVIDIA Announces Kai Platform, the Basis for Building Quad-Core Tablets at $199

Tim — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:02:01 +0000

The star of the show at this year's CES was a 7" tablet that NVIDIA and Asus partnered to create which would meet a price point of just $250. What made it so desirable is that while meeting such a competitive price, it didn't sacrifice in the specs department. It had a low power consuming display and naturally, NVIDIA's quad-core Tegra 3 chip powered the internals. According to a semi-recent announcement from NVIDIA's VP, they have developed a platform called Kai which is not just hardware, but a platform at which other companies can accomplish the same thing. The goal is to be able to create a tablet more powerful than the Kindle Fire, but be sold at the same price. NVIDIA's VP said this on the announcement of Kai:

Our strategy on Android is simply to enable quad-core tablets running Android Ice Cream Sandwich to be developed and brought out to market at the $199 price point, and the way we do that is a platform we've developed called Kai. So this uses a lot of the secret sauce that's inside Tegra 3 to allow you to develop a tablet at a much lower cost, by using a lot of innovation that we've developed to reduce the power that's used by the display and use lower cost components within the tablet.

With signs of Google looking to produce a tablet along the same price point and power, could the Nexus tablet be based on the Kai platform and maybe feature a Tegra 3? It's a stretch, but it is starting to look like the Android tablet market is to become very exciting for consumers this summer. Via: The Verge

Infographic Shows Us How Confusing and Convoluted This Whole Patent War Is

Eric — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:35 +0000

This whole battle of tech intellectual property is getting, or has gotten, out of hand. It seems that every company that you know the name of is suing or is being sued for something that they have done. Most notably for readers of this site though, is the attack on Android from all sides. Visual.ly has massed together some of the numbers and has put their infographic spin on it, and the whole thing looks just as confusing as you would expect.

Laying it all out helps, but not much. Each company has different suits spiraling outwards in different directions and with different number of cases. The graph even accounts for how many patents are involved and which companies are suing each other. One side of the circle with some of the most traffic is Apple's corner whose lines can be traced to Samsung, HTC and Motorola. Don't forget, Microsoft is right in the thick of it as well.

The most recent effect we have seen of this patent battle was the stalling of HTC devices arriving from coming through customs due to an ITC investigation thanks to Apple. With Samsung and Apple agreeing to talk things over, if we see some agreement between them could we see a disarmament of patent wars?

Via: Phone Arena | Visual.ly

Rumor: Microsoft to Release Office for Android Tablets this November?

Tim — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:30:37 +0000

The newest rumor to begin circulating the Interwebz has Microsoft pegged to release their Office suite of apps for Android tablets this upcoming November. The rumor stems from the folks over at BGR, who say their source has seen it already running on an iPad, so who knows, maybe it could happen. For now, there are plenty of apps that take the place of viewing and editing Word and Excel documents, but it would nice to have an official MS licensed application. Would you buy it? Via: BGR

Samsung's Revamped Galaxy Note 10.1 Pictured, Features Quad-Core Chip and Slot for S-Pen

Tim — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:26:44 +0000

Attendees of MWC this year were lucky enough to get a sneak peak at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet. The device would come sold later this year with the S-Pen stylus and a dual-core 1.4GHz processor for all of your tablet needs. The only issue, is that the device didn't have a designated slot for the stylus, so losing the S-Pen could become an issue for owners down the road. Samsung probably received enough guff over the lack of thought in the design and decided to recreate the tablet with a slot just for the stylus. And to sweeten the deal, they even threw in a new quad-core chip. Here in the States, we're still waiting on a date and a pricing point for the newest addition to the Galaxy family, but once we hear one we'll let you know. Via: Android Police | Netbook News

Samsung Blocked the Leaked S Voice From Working Because It was a "Test Version"

Kellen — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:57:59 +0000

After the Galaxy SIII's S Voice leaked over the weekend, user experiences were quickly halted as the servers that powered the service seemed to have been shut down or blocked. Some guessed that Samsung was behind it and sure enough today, they admitted that they were. Their reasoning? Well, because that version was only a test build and they did not want the world to assume it was the final product:

An initial test version of S Voice which was found online has been blocked as Samsung Electronics does not want consumers to judge the quality of the voice feature based on a test version. When the product is launched, users of GALAXY S III will be able to fully experience S Voice.

I'd say that makes a lot of sense. Usually these leaked ROMs are indeed test builds, so it's hard to argue with that reasoning. Doesn't part of you think that they did it so that one of the exclusive features to the GS3 was preserved, though? Can't blame them for wanting that to happen either, especially knowing that the phone itself hasn't even been released yet. How has your experience been with S Voice? Game-changer or just another voice actions app? Via: The Verge

Mass Effect Infiltrator Hits the Play Store, Sci-Fi Shoot 'em Up at its Finest

Tim — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:27:17 +0000

EA has placed Mass Effect Infiltrator on the Google Play Store and it's another one of those must-have mobile shooter games. If you're big into Sci-Fi and over-the-shoulder or "third person" games, then this is going to make your fingers quite excited. And before anyone asks, yes the Galaxy Nexus is supported by the game. You play as rogue agent Randall Ezno who must take on an entire army of Cerebrus baddies. Oh, what fun you will have. The game does cost a hefty $7, but this game may just be worth it. If you try it out, let us know how you like it. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o-ZtIEJj1g[/youtube]

Video: Larry Page Rocks Google Glasses at Zeitgeist 2012, Says "Android is on Fire"

Tim — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:53:30 +0000

Recently at Zeitgeist 2012, Google CEO Larry Page gave a nice talk about Google, Android, and of course, those funky looking glasses he's sporting. Page said he was really happy to be wearing a working pair of Google Glasses and that there is still a lot of work to be done on Project Glass. To see Larry and the Glasses in action, check out the full video down below - it's actually quite the listen. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0WH-CoFwn4[/youtube] Via: Android Community

When is My Android Phone Getting Ice Cream Sandwich? [Verizon]

Kellen — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:25:34 +0000

With Motorola and HTC finally giving us semi-definitive timelines for Ice Cream Sandwich updates for their Verizon devices, we thought it was best to gather them all into one place to make it easy for you to keep track of. As we hear official word from other manufacturers, like Samsung or LG, we will update this post to reflect those changes. We will also be adding a sidebar shortcut to it, so that you can check on it frequently. Yeah, you may want to bookmark this one as we make the push into a summer filled with ICS.

HTC

Rezound: Update started rolling out August 2.
Thunderbolt: Update started rolling out February 5.
Rhyme: At this point, we have no idea.
Incredible 4G LTE: Already running Android 4.0+
Incredible 2: At this point, we have no idea.
Incredible: Not receiving Android 4.0

Motorola

RAZR: Update started rolling out June 22.
RAZR MAXX: Update started rolling out June 22.
DROID 4: Update started rolling out August 13.
Bionic: Update started rolling out October 18.
XOOM: Update started rolling out June 4.
XYBoard 8.2 and 10.1: Update for 10.1 started rolling out August 20. Update for 8.2 started September 28.
DROID 3: Not receiving Android 4.0
DROID X2: Not receiving Android 4.0
DROID X: Not receiving Android 4.0
DROID 2 (Global and R2-D2): Not receiving Android 4.0
DROID Pro: Not receiving Android 4.0
OG: Sorry, folks.

Samsung

Galaxy Nexus: Already running Android 4.0+
Galaxy Tab 10.1: Update started rolling out September 17.
Galaxy Tab 7.7: Update approved on October 5.
Charge: No time frame given - update doubtful*
Stratosphere: No time frame given - update doubtful*
Illusion: No time frame given - update doubtful*
Fascinate: No time frame given - update doubtful*

LG

Spectrum: Update started rolling out on October 19.
Lucid: Update starte rolling out on October 19.
Revolution: No time frame given - update doubtful***

Sony

Xperia PLAY: Not receiving Android 4.0

Pantech

Breakout: No information provided - update doubtful

Casio

G'Z0ne Commando: No information provided - update doubtful

Again, we will try to update this as we have more complete information including specific dates, so check back regularly. *The Charge, Stratosphere, Illusion and Fascinate are all essentially original Galaxy S devices, which we are not expecting to receive Android 4.0. Samsung could surprise us at some point in the future, but you probably don't want to get your hopes up. **When announced, Verizon made it clear that the LG Lucid was "Android 4.0 upgradeable" but would not provide a specific date or time frame. Verizon also announced that both the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 7.7 would receive the update - no time frame given. ***The LG Revolution is a first-gen LTE device with minimal specs. With LG not having the greatest track record when it comes to updates, we would be surprised if they took the time to update this phone to Android 4.0.

Bootloader Unlock Application Made Available for the Asus Transformer Pad

Tim — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:50:37 +0000

This only reaffirms that Asus is a true class act. Starting now, owners of the Transformer Pad TF300 can download a simple apk file from the Asus website and use it to unlock their tablet's bootloader. Of course, they warn you that by doing so, you void your warranty. Hey, that's the price people will pay to have freedom. Here's looking at you, "Googorola." Download here Via: Android Police

HTC Rezound to Receive Ice Cream Sandwich in June-July, Thunderbolt in July-August, Incredible 2 Status Up in the Air

Kellen — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:57:54 +0000

HTC posted a timeline for Ice Cream Sandwich rollouts some time over the last few days on their support pages and it includes more details than we have seen to date. The HTC Rezound and Rhyme will see Android 4.0 in either June or July, Thunderbolt in July or August, and the Incredible 2 is now up-in-the-air as to whether or not it will see it. Previously, the Incredible 2 was listed as a device on the upgrade list, so this is a new development. If you own one of HTC's tablets, you are stuck on Honeycomb. In this new support page, HTC mentions that all of these devices will see Sense 3.6 with Android 4.0.3 rather than the newly released Sense 4.0 that comes loaded on the HTC One Series. They claim that Sense 4.0 needs specific dedicated hardware which none of these older devices contains. They expect to finish rolling out ICS updates by the end of August.

Via: HTC Cheers Steve and Eric!

Verizon to Introduce Viewdini for 4G LTE Users, Stream Shows and Movies Like a Boss

Tim — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:35:27 +0000

Later this month, Verizon plans on launching a vid-centric application that will help users of their 4G LTE network stream all of the Hulu, Comcast Xfinity, and Netflix goodness their data plans will allow. The app aims to bring all of the major TV and Internet media providers into one centralized location for users to stream straight to their LTE capable device. As you can tell, this is going to be a very data intense application, so if you don't have an unlimited data plan, use caution when streaming those old episodes of Dexter.

Verizon Wireless Introduces Viewdini: Innovative Mobile Video Portal To Provide Quick And Easy Access To Content
Video from Leading Content Providers, Including Verizon FiOS, Comcast and Others, to Give Customers Choice of Entertainment on Mobile Devices 05/22/2012 BOSTON and BASKING RIDGE, NJ -- Verizon Wireless today introduced viewdini, an innovative portal that creates a new entertainment choice for consumers by making it simple to search and view movies, television shows, and other video on mobile devices. Viewdini leverages the power of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network, streamlining access to videos from a wide range of content providers, including cable operators, websites and other popular video sources. Comcast Xfinity®, Hulu Plus, mSpot and Netflix are among the participants at launch, with more including Verizon FiOS expected to be added soon. “Verizon Wireless has the network to deliver the video choices our customers want with the quality and speed customers demand,” said Dan Mead, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. “Working with a wide range of providers, we’re giving our customers a simple and intuitive way to find shows, movies and other videos from the sources they have relationships with and discover new sources of video as well.” Verizon Wireless made the announcement in Boston at The Cable Show 2012, the National Cable & Telecommunication Association annual conference. Verizon Wireless’ viewdini acts as a mobile video aggregator that makes it easy for users to search thousands of titles from some of the Web’s leading content providers like Netflix, Hulu Plus, mSpot, TV sites, movie studios, Comcast’s Xfinity TV, Verizon FiOS and cable operators. By simply searching for a title, topic, or star’s name, viewdini will let customers know which services have mobile video for streaming, and whether it is available at no additional charge, by subscription, to rent or for purchase. A simple click will also provide related content and information like cast and crew info and links to similar titles. Viewdini will be available to Verizon Wireless customers with 4G LTE Android™ devices later this month, with support for other operating systems expected to be added soon. The application can be downloaded from the Google Play store, and is free to customers.

Image via: AllThingsD

Motorola Adds "Global" Option in Latest DROID RAZR Ice Cream Sandwich Leak

Tim — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:45:44 +0000

Stemming from yesterday's report that Verizon does indeed have plans this summer to update the RAZR and RAZR MAXX, Rezound, and the DROID 4 to feature global capabilities, a reader running newly leaked Ice Cream Sandwich firmware on the RAZR has basically proved just that. From what we gather, when the device receives the official ICS OTA, it will bring along the global features. When exactly can we expect it? Well, according to Motorola's update timeline, we're looking at a very vague "Q2 of 2012." Cheers TC!

Verizon's Galaxy SIII Stops by Bluetooth SIG, How Soon Can We See It?

Kellen — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:10:22 +0000

The SCH-I535 aka the Samsung Galaxy SIII variant expected to launch with Verizon, cruised through Bluetooth SIG recently. While this doesn't necessarily mean that the phone is on the verge of a release, it's definitely a good sign of things to come. Bluetooth SIG is sort of a certification program for phones that include Bluetooth technology and is usually one of the items on a launch list that we like to see checked off. After watching the unveiling of the device in London a few weeks back, we were told that the device would launch overseas at the end of May and possibly in North America by June. With things like Bluetooth SIG appearances already happening, there is a chance that Samsung and the U.S. carriers could end up meeting that time frame. What do we know about Verizon's variant? Well, it should be incredibly similar to the international version of the phone (our hands-on), but instead of the quad-core Exynos processor, it will likely have a dual-core Snapdragon S4 to play nicely with LTE and because Samsung probably can't keep up with production of their quad-core chipsets. We still aren't sure if they will remove the physical home button and go with on-screen soft keys or all hardware keys, but a version of the GT-I9300 (international SGS3) has been on video a handful of times with on-screen keys, so it certainly seems like there is a version like that on the way. Whether you were blown away during its unveiling or not, there is no denying that this phone will be a massive global success. Via: Bluetooth SIG | Phandroid

Motorola Unveils a Handful of RAZR-esque Devices for China With On-screen Nav Keys, Potential RAZR HD Candidates

Kellen — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:22:32 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy SIII and its arrival in the U.S. is a huge deal, but for whatever reason, I get the feeling that everyone is also eagerly awaiting the DROID RAZR HD by Motorola. While most details have avoided us thus far, the original RAZR and RAZR MAXX have been big enough successes that an HD variant will likely draw in some long time Moto fans. Thanks to an event held by Motorola China, we have fresh pictures of 3 devices coming in June that give us a bit of an idea as to what we can expect with the RAZR HD here in the States. Currently codenamed the "DROID Fighter" and headed to Verizon, we have only seen one picture of the device at this point. It looks exactly like the phones you are seeing above though, with on-screen navigation keys, same RAZR styling, and Ice Cream Sandwich. The source that took these pictures did claim that these phones only have qHD screens, but that is sure to change when the phone arrives here or that "HD" tag on the end of its name won't make any sense. The thickness is right around 9mm, which would lead us to believe that Motorola is packing in its 3300mAh battery. Other than that, it's the same wide body, hump on the top, and kevlar backing. Is the RAZR HD your next phone?

Via: Mobile.163 Cheers kirabee!

Google Closes Motorola Acquisition, Sanjay Jha is Indeed Out as CEO

Kellen — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:34:37 +0000

With China giving their approval of Google's acquisition of Motorola over the weekend, both companies said it would be a matter of days before they closed. It took two, as they finalized the deal this morning. Google made sure to mention that Motorola will remain a separate company and that they will license Android, which will remain open. They also noted that Sanjay Jha will step down as CEO of Motorola and that Dennis Woodside, a senior VP at Google, will take his place as the new CEO of Motorola. This move was rumored all the way back in February. Jha will help as he can to ensure a smooth transition. For those concerned about Jha, know that he made $47 million last year and also plans to take home a massive check for stepping down, now that this deal has been completed. There were no immediate plans for change specifically noted in the press release this morning other than the fact that Woodside has brought on an all-star team of industry leaders to help the company going forward. Now that the deal is done, are you ready to see this merger "supercharge" Android?

Google Acquires Motorola Mobility
May 22, 2012 MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – May 22, 2012 – Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced today that the acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) has closed, with Google acquiring MMI for $40.00 per share in cash. The acquisition will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business. Sanjay Jha, who revived Motorola’s Mobile Devices business and led the company through this acquisition, has stepped down as CEO, although he will continue to work with Google to help ensure a smooth transition. Dennis Woodside, who has overseen integration planning for the acquisition and previously served as President of Google’s Americas region, has become CEO of Motorola Mobility. Larry Page, CEO of Google, said, “I’m happy to announce the deal has closed. Motorola is a great American tech company, with a track record of over 80 years of innovation. It’s a great time to be in the mobile business, and I’m confident that the team at Motorola will be creating the next generation of mobile devices that will improve lives for years to come. “Sanjay Jha, who was responsible for building the company and placing a big bet on Android, has stepped down as CEO. I would like to thank him for his efforts and am tremendously pleased that he will be working to ensure a smooth transition as long-time Googler Dennis Woodside takes over as CEO of Motorola Mobility. “I’ve known Dennis for nearly a decade, and he’s been phenomenal at building teams and delivering on some of Google’s biggest bets. Dennis has always been a committed partner to our customers and I know he will be an outstanding leader of Motorola--and he’s already off to great start with some very strong new hires for the Motorola team.” Dennis Woodside, CEO of Motorola Mobility, said: “Motorola literally invented the entire mobile industry with the first-ever commercial cell phone in 1983. Thirty years later, mobile devices are at the center of the computing revolution. “Our aim is simple: to focus Motorola Mobility’s remarkable talent on fewer, bigger bets, and create wonderful devices that are used by people around the world.” Dennis Woodside has hired a small number of leaders who will immediately join Motorola’s executive team, including Regina Dugan (former Director of DARPA), Mark Randall (former supply chain VP at Amazon and previously at Nokia), Vanessa Wittman (former CFO of Marsh & McLennan), Scott Sullivan (former head of HR at Visa and NVIDIA), and Gary Briggs (former Google VP of Consumer Marketing). In addition to these new leaders, many members of Motorola Mobility’s team will continue in their current roles: Iqbal Arshad (Product Development), Marshall Brown (Chief of Staff), Fei Liu (Mass Market Products), Dan Moloney (Home), Scott Offer (General Counsel), Mark Shockley (Sales), Mahesh Veerina (Software & Enterprise) and Jim Wicks (Consumer Experience Design). Woodside added: “Motorola Mobility has many outstanding leaders, including people who were behind the original RAZR in 2004 and recent successes like the Droid and RAZR MAXX. Our colleagues joining the team come from varied backgrounds, from DARPA to Amazon and NVIDIA, but they all share a track record of leading innovation at speed, and a great deal of excitement about the mission ahead.” About Dennis Woodside Dennis Woodside oversaw Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility, and is former President of Google’s Americas region. He has worked with partners, governments and advertisers in more than 30 countries. Most recently, Dennis was responsible for Google’s Sales & Operations in the Americas. In the U.S. alone, Dennis and his team drove revenue from $10.8 billion to $17.5 billion in under three years. He also was the lead business partner for Google’s advertising product development team, helping launch new ad products globally. Dennis started his career at the company spearheading investment across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He was responsible for the overall go-to-market, product offering and acquisition strategies in these markets, which boasted a 20-fold increase during his tenure. Revenues grew to over $2 billion. About Google Inc. Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

Amazon Appstore Update Includes Test Drive Feature - Instantly Try Apps From Your Phone Before Buying Them

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:38:58 +0000

According to the notes in the latest update for the Amazon Appstore that was released today, you can now "Test Drive" apps from directly within the Appstore rather than having to do it through a browser at Amazon.com. For those not familiar, "Test Drive" is a way for users of Amazon's store to check out apps before purchasing them to see if they indeed would like to purchase them. The on-app version is a "beta feature" that comes with Appstore version 2.6.53. Amazon is making it available to select devices at this time, but plans to roll it out to many more over the next few months. So far, I'm not seeing any Test Drive love on either the Galaxy Nexus or One X. ~~For whatever reason, I cannot get any phone to update to this new version. Should you find a way, be sure to let us know if the Test Drive feature works well or not~~. This could be worth giving Amazon another shot...well, maybe. Update: If you click on this link from your phone, it should download the latest version with Test Drive. Update 2: More info on Test Drive:

How do customers Test Drive your app? Customers click the “Test Drive” button on an app product page and in seconds, they can use their phone’s touch screen and accelerometer to control the app, simulating the experience of the app running on their phone. Test Drive provides customers with the experience of running an app for the first time, as if it were freshly installed. Customers can purchase or download the app at any point during the Test Drive experience. The Test Drive beta is available for free to customers who update to the latest release of Amazon Appstore for Android on their phone (version 2.6.53 or higher). Initially, Test Drive will be available on select phone models but over the coming months, we will roll it out to many more. When new phone models are supported, the Test Drive button will automatically appear on apps that are enabled for Test Drive. How does Test Drive work? Amazon brings the Test Drive experience to Amazon.com and Android phones using the massive server fleet that comprises the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), a web service that provides on-demand compute capacity in the cloud for developers. When customers click the Test Drive button, we launch a copy of the app on EC2. As customers interact with the app, we send those inputs over the phone’s WiFi Internet connection to the app running on Amazon EC2. Our servers then send the video and audio output from the app back to the customer’s computer or phone. All this happens in real time, allowing customers to explore the features of the app as if it were running locally on their mobile device.

Cheers Dustin and @expertontech!

ParanoidAndroid ROM for the Galaxy Nexus - Finding Middle Ground Between Tablet and Phone Ice Cream Sandwich Layouts

Tim — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:00:47 +0000

Developers are continuing to make the Galaxy Nexus a classy device for all users. Since Ice Cream Sandwich is an OS made to operate on both tablet and smartphone devices, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to toggle between whichever layout you want. Being an Android user, if you want your phone to have the look of a tablet, you better believe there's a mod out there to make that happen and ParanoidAndroid is just that. This isn't just some cheezy "tablet mode", where it puts the notification bar at the bottom, but it is the actual formatting (two column layout) that you would see on an Android tablet. It's a pretty unique experience and if you've been getting bored of the same old ICS look, then this is sure to give your phone a nice makeover. Download links and instructions for flashing can be found at the via link. Via: RootzWiki Cheers Jason!

Pre-ordered an HTC EVO 4G LTE? It Should Ship by May 24, Appears to Have Passed ITC Tests

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:34:25 +0000

The HTC EVO 4G LTE will ship to those that pre-ordered on May 24, according to Sprint. After being held up at customs by the ITC for patent reasons that involve Apple (of course), the device must have passed their tests and has been cleared for take off. Sprint is still not willing to give us an official launch date for the device in stores, but if pre-orders are shipping this Thursday, it shouldn't be too far off from that. If you haven't kept up with this saga, be sure to read our EVO 4G LTE review. Via: Sprint Cheers Sal!

Verizon: Updates to Add Global Capabilities to the RAZR, RAZR MAXX, Rezound and DROID 4 Coming This Summer

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:06:31 +0000

We first reported this news on Friday, but Verizon has confirmed today that the DROID RAZR, RAZR MAXX, HTC Rezound, and DROID 4 will all receive updates this summer to bring them global roaming capabilities. After the update is released, all 4 of these devices will have voice service in more than 220 countries and data in more than 205:

This summer, Verizon Wireless will be updating the following 4G LTE smartphones for global use. HTC Rezound DROID RAZR by Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola DROID 4 by Motorola Customers will see a notification on their device when the software update is available for their device. After the software update, customers will be able to take their smartphone overseas and use voice service in more than 220 countries and receive data in more than 205 countries.

No time frame other than "summer" was given, but with Ice Cream Sandwich updates on the way to all of the devices listed, we wouldn't be surprised if it was included with them. Plus, now that stores have been asked to print new display lists that reference these new global features, it can't be long.

Verizon Offers $40 Credit to Monthly Bill for New 4G LTE Device Buyers Through Amazon

Tim — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:24:10 +0000

Verizon is teaming up with Amazon Wireless to offer new customers a nice $40 credit to their monthly bill when they purchase a new 4G LTE capable device. When signing up for a new two year agreement and required data package, the $40 will be credited to your account within three months of purchase. Fine print reads as below:

Receive a $40 credit on your monthly bill from Verizon with purchase of a 4G phone. Offer is valid between midnight PDT May 21, 2012, through 11:59 p.m. PDT May 24, 2012. New 4G smartphone activations and upgrades are eligible, including existing customers with 4G smartphones. This offer is sponsored by Verizon and is valid in the United States. The credit will appear on your bill and may take three billing cycles to appear. Standard early-cancellation fee and other up-front and monthly charges and fees may apply.

Feel free to spin this into a way that shows your frustration with Verizon and their decision to end unlimited data for longtime customers. Not that we encourage it, but we know it's going to happen anyway. Via: Amazon Wireless, Android Police

Total Commander File Manager Leaves Testing, Officially Enters Google Play Store

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:20:01 +0000

Total Commander, one of the most powerful and popular Windows file managers has made its official arrival on Android. If you were looking for the ultimate tool to help you manage your phone, this would probably be it. It has a great top menu that allows you to quickly access pictures, SD card, root files, bookmarked items, etc. From there, you have all of the standard copy/paste/move functionality, zip or unzip, text editor, and search that you would find in normal file managers, yet this app just seems to do it so effortlessly. A 2-panel swiping lets you jump between top directories and your current directory location easily, there are plug-ins for FTP Clients and LAN support as well, plus more. Download Link (Free)

$75 Can Buy You Ice Cream Sandwich on a Stick, Take Android to Any Screen

Tim — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:55:42 +0000

Last week, we wrote up FXI's ICS-in-a-USB that was about to hit the market for a whopping $200. As soon as we published that, people started mentioning another option for Android lovers, which is called the MK802. For being such a small package, it comes packed with an 1GHz A-8 Cortex processor, 1080 video playback capabilities, 4GB of internal storage, and 512MB of RAM. With the Android-in-a-stick devices, you can take the mobile OS anywhere you go and plug it into a display that has an HDMI slot for working on the go, or even playing your favorite games. Due to being such a reasonable offering, the product is currently Sold Out online, but more units are expected back in stock in the beginning of June. Prepare your credit cards. Via: Phandroid

Download: Galaxy SIII Wallpapers, Clocks, Apps and Ringtones

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:22:34 +0000

With an entire Samsung Galaxy SIII ROM leaking over the weekend, including S Voice, it was only a matter of time before it was picked through. The wallpapers, clocks, random apps, ringtones, and other goodies from it are all available for you to download today. You may have to sift through the source link below to find them all, as some have been downloaded enough that the original links no longer work. Via: XDA

Asus Transformer Pad TF300 Receives Update to 9.4.3.29, Minor Bug Fixes and Other Tweaks

Tim — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:30:03 +0000

Owners of the Asus Transformer Pad can start manually pulling the newest firmware update to 9.4.3.29 if their tablets haven't automatically prompted them to do so. The update contains only a few bug fixes and updates to the camera and WiFi build numbers, so don't look for anything too special. If you've pulled the update and notice anything good, feel free to share it down below. Cheers Scott!

Galaxy Nexus 4.0.4 Update Arriving May 22?

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:52:26 +0000

Could this be the week? According to a handful of readers who either called into Verizon support within the last few days or entered a store looking for help, the Galaxy Nexus is scheduled to receive Android 4.0.4 tomorrow, May 22. One of our readers said that a VZW employee went as far as to show him her screen which mentioned the date specifically. Are we ready to fully buy into it happening? After seeing 3-4 months of delays and 2 leaks fly by without mention from Big Red, it's tough to even consider putting any money on this. However, we like to see information flow into our inbox in bunches and that has happened with this 5/22 date. Still take it lightly as these things change and depending on who at Verizon you talk to, you may get 5 different answers. This at least gives us a day to focus on for a brief minute. Cheers Bill, Derek and everyone else!

Motorola: Not Upgrading the DROID 3 and DROID X2 to ICS Because It Won't "Improve" Them

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:10:24 +0000

Late Friday afternoon, Motorola took to its blog to help clarify its reasoning behind the decision to not upgrade the DROID 3 and DROID X2 to Ice Cream Sandwich. This note came just hours after they released a new timeline for Android 4.0 updates, which as in the past, did not include either of them. It seemed odd knowing that both devices have dual-core processors, were released right around the middle of 2011, and for the most part, have above average specs, aside from a lack of 4G LTE and only 512MB of RAM. So what is the problem then? According to Motorola, ICS will not "improve" these phones enough for them to receive an upgrade:

You may be wondering why all devices aren’t being upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Here’s the deal. We work very closely with Google and cell phone carriers for every software update. And, obviously we want the new release to improve our devices. If we determine that can’t be done—well then, we’re not able to upgrade that particular device.

If we look at the actual timeline of updates, again, it does mention that all devices set to receive ICS have 1GB of RAM, so there is a good area to target since neither of these phones do. Using the word "improve" may not have been the best choice though, as we all know how much Android 4.0 improves everything about an Android phone. Choosing the politically correct or PR/vague response wasn't the best choice here. When it comes to updates, Motorola, you need to tell people exactly why without beating around the bush. Via: Motorola

Samsung May Have Blocked S Voice From Working, A Couple of Fixes Already Floating Around

Kellen — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:29:12 +0000

After enjoying Samsung's new S Voice service that had been pulled from the Galaxy SIII, users started to notice a network error appear often enough to assume that Samsung had blocked the service. If you were running into this issue and can't live without S Voice on your phone, there are a couple of fixes out there for you to try. The first is a new .apk file. Simply uninstall the old one and install this one instead. You may even be able to install this if you aren't rooted. If that doesn't work, there is another method that involves editing your build.prop to trick Samsung's servers. You can find those instructions at the source link below. Via: XDA Cheers Adam and Joey!

S Voice From the Galaxy SIII Ready For Download, We Take It For a Spin

Kellen — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:02:03 +0000

The S Voice app from the Galaxy SIII is available for any rooted device running Ice Cream Sandwich to try at this time, thanks to a leaked full ROM from yesterday. For those not familiar, this is Samsung's attempt to put a Siri-like voice-actions system on their newest flagship device. Does it live up to the hype as being better than Siri or is it just another player in the game that already has too many? Let's find out. First off, please remember that this version of S Voice is running on my GSM Galaxy Nexus, yet it isn't supposed to be. There are going to be bugs, especially when the app tries to pull from apps that do not exist on any phone that isn't running TouchWiz. So to be fair to the app and Samsung, don't take this all as the definitive guide or what you can fully expect when you get your hands on the Galaxy SIII in the next few weeks. Think of this as showing only part of the potential. Second, it's powered by Vlingo, which is a voice recognition service that is good on its own and is available in the app store today to everyone. So unless Samsung is using some super special custom version of Vlingo that can't be found anywhere, this could be nothing new.

Tests

With simple tasks like "What am I supposed to do, today?" and "What's the weather like?" the app returned exactly what I needed to see. It also works well for reminders, settings alarms, and any of the other items it recommends you try (from the command list). It's fairly fast at returning most results and even allows you to say "Hi Galaxy" to wake it up, making this a fully hands-free operation. As with any Android voice recognition app though, it starts to struggle when you try to get it to respond to things that aren't on its specific command list. I pulled directly from the most annoying commercial in history, aka the Zoe Deschanel spot that Apple is currently running, and it responded with some canned answer to my "Is that rain I hear?" question. It also force closed when I repeatedly tried to ask it to deliver me tomato soup. When I tried to get responses to things I actually care about on a daily basis, like sports scores from the night before, it came up empty. Now, this may be something that all voice recognition apps struggle with, but is simply another reason why I think these tools, including Siri, are toys at best.

If you need to add something to your calendar or quickly call someone, they all work wonderfully. If you want to actually get something done though or fully simplify your life, none of these apps seem to be able to do that, yet. Take for example the shots below where I asked it to open Evernote and turn off GPS. It wanted to web search for GPS and after confirming with me multiple times that I wanted it to open Evernote, it never actually opened Evernote. These could be bugs since again, it isn't supposed to be running on anything other than the Galaxy SIII, but seeing that it recognized my voice perfectly, I'm not sure what to think.

Feel free to take it for a spin and tell us what you think. It should work for any rooted device running Ice Cream Sandwich.

____________________________________

Update: Samsung has reportedly blocked this version from working. Here is an updated/fixed build. Download: S-Voice.apk

Instructions:

*Must be rooted.

1. Download the file from above to your phone. 2. Using something like Root Explorer, copy it into /system/app.

*You will need to Mount R/W first.

3. Once in there, change the permissions to RW-R-R.

4. Reboot your phone. 5. Once booted back up, head into Root Explorer - /system/app again. 6. Tap on S-Voice.apk and then install it. 7. Enjoy. Via: XDA [2] Cheers Inquizitor, Tim and everyone else!

China Finally Signs Off on Google's Acquisition of Motorola, Deal to Close Within a Week

Kellen — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:52:52 +0000

The final hurdle in Google's acquisition of Motorola has been jumped - China and its antitrust authorities signed off on the deal. Both the European Commission and U.S. Department of Justice signed off back in February, but for whatever reason, China needed more time. Thanks to this final approval, the deal is expected to close within the next week. What does this mean now? Well, probably not a whole lot in the short term. Google has continued to stand by their "Motorola is completely separate from Google" remarks, so for at least this year, we may not see anything change. Could Google eventually start to produce their own Motorola/Google branded products? Of course they could, but would that scare off many of their other partners in the Android ecosystem? Via: WSJ Cheers Scott!

Week Two Contest: Win an Asus Transformer Pad Prize Bundle to Celebrate TegraZone’s First Birthday (Updated: Winner Chosen)

Tim — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:45:29 +0000

It's week two of DL and NVIDIA's celebration of TegraZone's first birthday. We had a really awesome turn out last week, so let's keep the ball rolling and give everyone another shot at winning an awesome prize pack from NVIDIA and ASUS. As a reminder, NVIDIA is also hosting their own separate giveaways over at TegraZone, so make sure you enter those for even more chances to win a brand new ASUS tablet. After today's giveaway, you still have next week to win as well, so good luck to everybody.

Contest:

Winner - Our winner of week two is Aaryn Kruger who enjoys "staying connected with friends and family." Congratulations and thanks to everyone for entering! Don't forget, we have another prize pack to give away next Thursday at the same time. Prize - Running the latest Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the ASUS Transformer Pad (review here) is a value packed tablet that with multi-color style, and productivity with expandability when connected to the mobile dock. With a 1.2MP front and 8MP rear auto-focus camera with large F/2.2 aperture and exclusive office software, staying connected and productive has never been easier. Along with the tablet, you will also receive a matching lapdock, Jambox Speaker, and Logitech game controller. To enter - 1. ~~Follow @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra on Twitter.~~ ~~2. Tweet the following:~~
~~Win a Transformer Pad Prize Pack from @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra to celebrate TegraZone’s first birthday! – http://goo.gl/M3Kr1 #android~~
~~3. In the comments, tell us what the favorite thing to do with your smartphone is.~~ Entry period and Winner - The contest will run from the time of this posting until Friday (5/18/2012) at 3PM Pacific. At that time, a winner will be chosen from the comments and contacted via email. Make sure to use a valid email address with Disqus.

A huge thanks goes out to NVIDIA and ASUS for hosting the contest and putting up the prizes.

This Week in the Life of DROID: 5/18/2012

Tim — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:19 +0000

It wasn't a fun week for most Verizon customers, as Big Red is starting to get everyone comfortable with the idea of taking away unlimited data. They have mentioned that when the time gets closer, that they will lay the options out on the table for their customers to make sure they know exactly what they're getting themselves into if they choose to sign a new contract. We knew the day would come when they decided to stick us all on tiered data, but it still sucks.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Samsung Galaxy SIII Has Been Rooted.

Kellen — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:05:11 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy SIII has apparently been rooted by famed hacker Chainfire. As you know, the phone isn't even out yet, but this is good news for those planning to pick up the device in the coming weeks. He isn't able to release the "insecure" kernel yet as it may be traceable back to the source, so you'll just have to take his word for it. Knowing his track record with Samsung devices, that shouldn't be a problem. Obviously, this root method has been done to the international version of the phone and not the U.S. variants, since they haven't even been announced yet. When those do arrive though, we're sure someone will figure it out there as well. Via: XDA

Friday Poll: All Android or Do You Mix Up Platforms?

Kellen — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:23:24 +0000

(Feel free to click around the Lytro image if you are bored.)

This morning, our boy Ron wrote up his opinion on the "fanboy" situation that plagues almost every tech community. Whether you own an iOS or Android or Blackberry device, someone is bound to call you a fanboy because you chose one over the other. At one time, Apple users were pegged as being the worst fanboys, but since, it has grown to include other platforms as well. Hell, even in the Android game you are starting to see groups of users band together as "Nexus fanboys" and/or "Motorola fanboys." It really doesn't matter what piece of technology is in your hand or on your desk, someone is bound to have a problem with it and thus refer to you as biased or as a fanboy. But during his piece, Ron talked about removing the blinders and embracing "good" technology overall rather than siloing yourself into one platform or brand. I'll just say that as someone who runs an Android site and has dedicated his life to the platform, even I find myself branching out to other areas of tech until I find something I truly love. For example, my favorite tablet to this day is still probably the Blackberry Playbook. Had that sucker actually had an app ecosystem, I probably still be using it. On a computer level, brace yourself, I use an iMac and a Macbook Pro. I've been through every version of Windows since the early 90s and in the last year made the switch to OSX. So far, it has been a breath of fresh air. So I'm just curious, since I know that many of you own iPads and other non-Android products, what your mix of technology is. Windows or Mac? iPad or Android tablet? Anything else?

Verizon About to Turn the Rezound, DROID 4 and RAZR Into Global Devices?

Kellen — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:44 +0000

Back at CES, Verizon told us that select 4G LTE devices like the LG Spectrum and DROID 4 would eventually become "global" phones thanks to international radios embedded deep inside. According to our sources, there may be more than just those two devices and the change to make them global could be happening very soon. As you can see in the info sheet for the HTC Rezound that is on display, it has a new "global feature" on the way that will give it access to use in an additional 185 countries. They aren't stopping there though, as stores are being told to print out new info sheets for the RAZR and DROID 4 as well that include similar notes for global features. Your LTE smartphone will soon be a world traveler. Cheers ___!

Samsung Devices Account for 40% of Android Sales, Take in 9 Million Galaxy SIII Pre-orders

Tim — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:40:56 +0000

Popular device manufacturer Samsung is having a fantastic beginning to 2012, accounting for about 40% of all Android device sales. For comparison, other manufacturers such as Motorola and HTC could hardly account for 10% of devices sold. And to only re-affirm their mobile dominance, Samsung has given word that pre-orders for the Galaxy SIII have reached 9 million and counting. When can we say Moto has ever done something like that? The phone is to launch May 29 on one hundred different carriers across the globe and to meet such high demand, Samsung's factories are pumping out five million SGSIII's every month. Sammy has indicated that even with high production speeds, they still don't know if they'll be able to have a flawless rollout of the device. Needless to say, it's annoying that the US is still in the dark as to when and which carriers will receive the device. Hurry up and take my money, Samsung. Via: Information Week | eWeek

Motorola Updates Timeline for Ice Cream Sandwich Rollouts - DROID RAZR and MAXX in Q2, Bionic and Others in Q3

Kellen — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:48:56 +0000

Within the next month and a half, owners of the DROID RAZR, RAZR MAXX and XOOM 3G/4G will have official Ice Cream Sandwich on there devices, straight from Motorola. Their timeline for updates was updated this morning, finally putting dates on the U.S. variants of many of Moto's phones. The DROID Bionic, DROID 4, and XYBOARD tablets will all see updates by the end of Q3. This newly updated list also confirms that the DROID 3 and DROID X2 will remain on Android 2.3 for good. In other words, a couple of phones that have been around for less than a year are already done receiving support other than bug fixes. Start the countdown. Via: Motorola Cheers Captmilk, Mark and Kevin!

SonicShare for Android, Convenient File Sharing Between You and Friends

Tim — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:15:30 +0000

Sharing files and contacts has always been sort of an easy task for Android users. But can you believe it, SonicShare just made it easier. With Sonic, you don't need a WiFi connection, Bluetooth pairing, Cloud accounts, or anything. Simply choose which files (no format limitations) you want shared and send to your friend/partner who has the SonicShare app installed too. What makes it so easy is that all you need to do is pick a nickname and then that's it - no account setup or email address is needed. If you believe that sharing is caring, give it a try. Oh, did I mention it's free? Note: As a commentor pointed out, the service uploads your files to their servers, then pushes them to the other device. Once uploaded, they are then "deleted 15 minutes after initial upload." So, if you don't want your important files being tampered with, then you should use caution. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlYevL5Z7zY[/youtube]

Be a Fanboy of Good Technology [Opinion]

Ron — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:30:33 +0000

[audio:http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Be-a-Fanboy-of-Good-Technology.mp3|titles=Be-a-Fanboy-of-Good-Technology] To say that I love technology would be a bit of an understatement. These are all of the smartphones that I have owned or currently own: HTC Touch Pro2, HTC Droid Eris, Motorola Droid, Motorola Droid 2, iPhone 4, HTC Droid Incredible, iPhone 4S, Palm Pre 2, and HTC Trophy. One Windows Mobile phone, one Windows Phone 7 phone, four Android phones, two iOS phones, and one webOS phone. I grew up playing the NES, Sega Genesis, Gameboy, Playstation, Playstation 2, and now the Xbox 360. I’ve owned a Dell Dimension laptop, an iMac, a Dell Vostro 220, and an ASUS eeePC. At work I use a MacBook Pro running OS X on one desktop and Windows Server 2008 R2 on the other desktop. It’s not just that I own a smartphone or that I grew up with computers; I love technology. From the lists above you can also tell that I don’t just love a certain company, I love all sorts of technology. With my own hard earned money I’ve purchased expensive devices on and off contract. I work with Macs and PCs every day at work. I play casual games on my phone and heavier games on my Xbox, but every once in a while I think about breaking out the PS2 to relive the glory days of Cool Borders 2 with my brother or hogging the PS1 to play through Final Fantasy VIII (which is better than VII, of course). Having seen how much time and money I’ve invested into all sorts of technology, you can imagine how frustrating it is for someone to tell me that I don’t understand technology or that I’m a fanboy of one thing or another. Not only do I spend much of my free time writing about and playing with technology, but I make a living working on computers. Like every human I have preferences, but I’ve still worked with a variety of devices from sundry companies. I’ve had people assume that since I wrote something critical of Windows Phone then I must not have used any Windows Phone devices. Once I point out that I reviewed two different devices and own a Trophy they usually never reply. I’ve written articles that are critical of Android, so I’m accused of being an iOS fanboy. I've written articles here that are in defense of Android as a platform and still I'm told that I'm an idiot and a fanboy of Apple or Microsoft. I don’t mind if someone disagrees with me. That’s fine. What I hate is when someone calls me an idiot or a fanboy. I know a lot about technology. There are plenty of people who know more about technology than I do, but I’m no novice. More importantly, based on my purchase decisions it’s clear that I love all sorts of technology. I like how Joshua Topolsky put it on the 20th Vergecast:

There’s a guy in our chat saying, “You are Apple fanboys.” It’s like, in what way are we Apple fanboys? First off, why do I have to be a fanboy? This is what I can’t understand. You’re so freaking pedantic. Why do you have to be a fanboy if you use something? This computer is just a computer. It doesn’t say anything about me as a human being. And I don’t think that it does. I mean, I have a Galaxy Nexus in my pocket. I wish people could understand the words that we use, because you don’t know what a fanboy is. If you think I’m a fanboy, you don’t understand how to use words. And that is what’s so crazy to me. You know what? I am a fanboy. No, I am a fanboy. Everybody at The Verge is a fanboy. We’re fanboys of good [technology]. We like technology that works really well.

Five weeks later Josh again returned to the accusations that he and his staff were fanboys with a personal hatred of Microsoft, saying, “What I regret is people’s lack of subtlety. What I regret is the level of ignorance that exists on the Internet.” These words have haunted me. So many people have bought into the lie that if you like something about a product or use it, you must be a fanboy. So many people think that if I have an iPhone then I must love everything that Apple does. If I use Chrome then I must believe that Google offers the best products and ecosystem. If I like Outlook then I obviously can’t get along without Windows. In reality I love things about Microsoft, Google, and Apple, but I also really hate some of their products too. Like Josh said, too many people lack subtlety. Too many people think that they have to buy into everything that Google does if they get an Android phone. Even more disturbingly, some people become emotionally distraught and upset if someone criticizes the product they use. I’ve seen people react to criticism of a phone as though I’d murdered their dog or spit in their face. Those sorts of vitriolic reactions aren’t healthy. I know that this post won’t stop anything, but I hope it reminds people that everyone is different. We all have different preferences. Just because I criticize something about a product doesn’t mean that I’m trying to attack you or your preferences. You like your $200 Kindle Fire? Great. I think it’s a terrible product, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t great for you. It just means that I don’t like it, not that I murdered your family. We all have preferences and opinions, but if you can’t share them and discuss them civilly, please don’t talk to other humans. Recognize that just because someone uses a product, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re a human who might love some things about it and hate other things about it. There is subtlety in everyone’s choices and preferences. The sooner we realize that, the sooner we can engage in healthy debate and conversation. Here at Droid-Life we're a community of humans who love Android, but none of us love Android for the exact same reasons. At the same time many have issues with parts of Android. In the midst of our own community we don't all agree about what is the best thing about Android or the worst thing, because we're all different. Each of us has different needs and different desires. Each of us has different preferences. Don't buy into the idea that you have to like everything about a product or that your allegiance to one company and one ecosystem is necessarily a good thing. Google is a fantastic company, but that doesn't mean that they've figured everything out. The same can be said about Apple and Microsoft. Don't fall for the lie that you have to buy into one ecosystem and choose sides; you don't. Sure, choosing an ecosystem can influence the future of mobile, but it's not the only way. Most of us live in multiple ecosystems because no company can or should provide everything we need. Droid-Life's focus is on Android, but that doesn't mean we have to pick sides. Just because we love one thing doesn't mean we have to hate another. Recognize that everyone has different preferences and different needs. Acknowledge that it's okay if someone doesn't like the things that you like. If you're going to be a fanboy, be a fanboy of good technology.

New DROID Bionic Update Leaks - No, It's Still Not Ice Cream Sandwich

Kellen — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:49:38 +0000

Build 5.9.905 has leaked via "Cheesecake" for the DROID Bionic for those looking to stay current with test builds. It's definitely not Ice Cream Sandwich, keeping the Bionic as the only major Motorola phone of the last 6 or 7 months to have not seen an official Android 4.0 build leak. There is a chance that this .905 is final though, as soak test invites went out to owners of the device a few weeks ago. The previous leak was .904, so the minor jump in build makes it feel like they discovered a minor bug and made a fix. We are hearing that you can fastboot back to .902 after flashing this. In order to flash it though, you will need to be on stock .902. Via: Droid Forums Cheers Sam!

Hey Google Wallet, Why are You Asking For Root Access?

Kellen — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:55:00 +0000

Google Wallet received an update this week to make it ready for the launch of the EVO 4G LTE. But as owners of the Galaxy Nexus noticed through the Play Store that they could also update, they grew confused when they were prompted afterwards with the superuser request to give the app root access. We have heard from at least a dozen readers that the app now asks for root and have also seen at least a handful of forum threads throughout the Android world discussing it, yet no one knows why this app would be requesting it. To be honest, we also have no clue why this app would need this kind of access. In the past, after a "security" mishap that involved root access, Google decided that it wouldn't support rooted devices, so all we can think is that maybe this is a new way for them to verify? The odd thing is that users are reporting that the app still works whether you grant it access or not. Yeah, we're confused. Any help? Cheers Joshua and everyone else who sent this!

Infographic: The Fun Facts of Facebook

Tim — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:25:01 +0000

Whether you are a user of Facebook or not, it's always there and millions upon millions of people use it every single day. Starting tomorrow, Facebook will be sold on the open market for about $38 a share, bringing the totaled value of the company to a whopping $100 billion. Given the circumstance, we felt it was appropriate to share this graph with everyone that shows some interesting tid-bits about FB and just how much the almighty Mr. Zuckerburg is worth. For example, did you know that Mark makes about $67 every second totaling around $650K every week? Or what if Facebook was a country - with over 900 million users, FB would be the 3rd largest country in the world after China and India, basically crushing the US which is home to only 300+ million. In such a short amount time, this website has become an extremely strong force in today's society and it only looks to go up after the IPO. Do we have any potential share buyers among us?

Via: Techno Buffalo

Verizon Officially Clarifies the End of Unlimited Data One More Time - Echoes Our Thoughts From Earlier

Kellen — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:29:55 +0000

Verizon, in an attempt to officially clarify all things unlimited data vs. shared data tiers, has published another note and sent an email to the NY Times that should set the record straight. Let's just say that this note from Big Red is exactly what we already told you in our clarification post from earlier in the day. This was nice of them to settle it once and for all though. Well, for the most part.

As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been evaluating its pricing structure for some time. Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today. We are working on plans to provide customers with that option and will introduce new plans later this year. When the new options are introduced, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to our customers purchasing handsets and signing a new contract. Customers who choose to purchase phones at full retail price and are currently on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan. The same pricing and policies will apply to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones. We will share specific details of the plans well in advance of their introduction so customers will have time to evaluate the plans and make the best decisions for their wireless service. It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless.

The email in bullets:

Customers will not be automatically moved to new shared data plans. If a 3G or 4G smartphone customer is on an unlimited plan now and they do not want to change their plan, they will not have to do so.

When we introduce our new shared data plans, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to customers when purchasing handsets at discounted pricing.

Customers who purchase phones at full retail price and are on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan.

The same pricing and policies will be applied to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.

So just as we said earlier - this doesn't affect you if you are on a contract as of today or up until they launch shared data tiers. If you renew after shared plans go live though, and take on a discounted or subsidized phone, you will have to choose a shared data tier and come off of unlimited. If you want to continue on month-to-month after your contract is done with your same old phone and/or upgrade at full retail to a new one, you get to keep your current unlimited plan. Verizon can't void your current contract and push you into a tier, again, as we said earlier. The only thing this doesn't explain is how this will work when you have multiple lines and one of those lines takes on a new contract with a subsidized phone. Does that affect everyone on that account or not? There you have it, again. Via: Verizon | NY Times Cheers zepfloyd and James!

Temple Run Updated, Compatibility Issues Fixed For ICS Devices Along with Other Bugs

Tim — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:19:48 +0000

One of the world's more popular mobile games Temple Run, has received an update this afternoon. Inside the update are numerous bug fixes, along with some resolved compatibility issues for Android 4.0+ devices plus some other graphics-related problems for HDPI devices. All in all, it's a solid update and users should see the app run smoother than ever. Are you still enjoying this game or is it time for something new? Play Link

Google I/O Sessions Revealed - Yep, There is a Ton of Android Stuff

Kellen — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:45:16 +0000

Google's developer conference, better known as Google I/O, is just over a month away and the buzz is already starting to mount. To get us in the spirit (not that we weren't already), Google released the sessions list for all 3 days, and of course, the list includes a bunch of Android topics. There are least 15 Android-specific sessions going down, some of which include topics like smoothing UIs, bettering apps, a fireside chat with the Android team (always a must see), and how to market apps in Google Play. Other topics that may come out during keynotes or throughout the week would be the first look at Jelly Bean, the newly expanded Nexus program, more Google TV products, and maybe even advanced Android at Home projects. With Google adding on a 3rd day, it should be one hell of a week. Tickets may have sold out, but Tim and I will be on hand to bring it all to you. Also, don't forget that Google streams most of the action live these days, so you should be able to catch most of the fun via computer. Via: Google IO Cheers Scott!

Fully Deodexed GSM-based ROM Released for HTC Rezound, Goodbye Verizon

Tim — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:23 +0000

As we found back in January, the HTC Rezound's sneaky global radios were exposed by a user over at XDA. Now, a fully functional GSM ROM has been released for all HTC Rezound owners that want to take a leap to a different carrier. It's called the Venasaur, most likely because the developers are all about the 'evolution' of the device. The ROM comes with a ton of tweaks and hacks, other than just being able to use a T-Mobile or AT&T SIM on it. Download links and instructions are available if you follow the via link below. If this is the step you have thought about taking, do be careful while performing these advanced tasks. Via: XDA Cheers Patlex!

Thursday Poll: Bigger Deal - Unlimited Data or 4G LTE?

Kellen — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:20:50 +0000

With all of the talk about unlimited data plans over the last couple of days, we thought we'd throw a twist into the situation with a reader poll to see which is more valuable to the community. What if you had the choice between staying unlimited and on 3G or going onto a tier with 4G LTE? Would you give up the speed in order to be able to gobble up as much data as possible at a fixed rate or would you rather have the speed, but still have to monitor usage? [poll id="173"]

Samsung Begins to Mass Produce LPDDR2 Memory, Hoping 2GB of RAM Becomes Industry Standard by End of 2013

Tim — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:45:06 +0000

Detailed in a recent press release from Samsung, the tech-giant has begun heavily producing their LPDDR2 memory for smart devices. With the mass production and roll out, Sammy hopes to have 2GB of RAM the norm in devices by the end of 2013. With the actual LPDD2, devices can remain thin and users wont have to fear of any extra power consumption thanks to the heavy research Samsung has put into the chip. Yesterday, we mentioned that the Japanese version of the Galaxy SIII would sport 2G of RAM, instead of the normal 1GB smartphone owners are used to seeing. No word as to whether it is this exact chip in that variant, but let's just cross our fingers that the US can get some 2GB RAM love too this year.

Samsung Now Producing Industry's first Highest Density Mobile LPDDR2 Memory, Using 20nm-class Technology
SEOUL, Korea – May 17, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in advanced semiconductor technology solutions, announced today that it has begun producing the industry's first four gigabit (Gb), low power double-data-rate 2 (LPDDR2) memory using 20 nanometer (nm) class* technology. The mobile DRAM (dynamic random access memory) chip, which went into mass production last month, will help the market to deliver advanced devices that are faster, lighter and provide longer battery life than today's mobile devices. "Samsung began expanding the market for 4Gb DRAM last year with the first mass-produced 30nm-class DRAM, and now we are working on capturing most of the advanced memory market with our new 20nm-class 4Gb DRAM," said Wanhoon Hong, executive vice president, memory sales & marketing, Samsung Electronics. "In the second half of this year, we expect to strongly increase the portion of 20nm-class DRAM within our overall DRAM output to make the 4Gb DRAM line-up the mainstream product in DRAM production, and therefore keeping the leadership position in the premium market and strengthening the competitive edge." As large-screen tablets and smartphones equipped with quad-core CPUs lead rapid growth of the mobile market, there is greater demand for more energy-efficient and higher-capacity memory products that guarantee longer battery life, as well as faster processing speed. Samsung's 20nm-class 4Gb mobile DRAM represents the thinnest, highest-density, and highest-performance mobile memory, which enables ultra-slim mobile designs, as well as superior next-generation systems for both mobile manufacturers and enterprise solution providers. Furthermore, based on the 4Gb components, Samsung can deliver 2-Gigabyte (GB) solutions that boast razor-thin thickness of 0.8 millimeters (mm) , which stack four 4Gb LPDDR2 chips in a single LPDDR2 package. This new package is approximately 20 percent thinner than 2GB packages that stack four 30nm-class 4Gb LPDDR2 chips. Also, the new 2GB package can process data at up to 1,066 megabits per second (Mbps), while spending the same amount of power as that of a previous 30nm-class 2GB package. Benefits of the new 20nm-class 4Gb LPDDR2 will help speed up the growth of the 4Gb DRAM market. Samsung expects the newly introduced 20nm-class 4Gb LPDDR2 will rapidly replace 30nm-class 2Gb-based 1GB LPDDR2 that was in limited supply at the 0.8 mm thickness. Production of 20nm-class 4Gb LPDDR2 ensures Samsung the widest range of mobile DRAM products in the industry. This follows the company's previous achievement with 20nm-class DRAM, when it provided the industry's first 20nm-class 8GB DDR3 modules for notebook PCs in March. According to IHS iSuppli, shipments of 4Gb LPDDR2 will steadily increase, taking approximately 13 percent of total DRAM shipments in 2012, 49 percent in 2013 and 63 percent in 2014, with 4Gb DRAM becoming the mainstream chip in the DRAM market around the end of 2013. . For more information about Samsung Green memory, visit www.samsung.com/GreenMemory

Via: Engadget

Clarification: When Will You Be Forced Into Verizon's New Shared Data Tiers?

Kellen — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:15:39 +0000

Thoughout the last day, we noticed in the comments that there seems to be this belief that Verizon is going to forget that you signed a contract and simply force you immediately onto a shared data plan tier and off of your unlimited plan. That's just not the case, at least it shouldn't be, so we wanted to help clarify everything that went down yesterday, as best as we can. When VZW's CFO Fran "ShamWow" Shammo said that they would migrate unlimited customers to shared data tiers, he said some key words along the way. The most important were "as you come through an upgrade cycle" and "upgrade in the future." What he is saying, is that as you complete your current contract and then upgrade, that you won't have the option to keep your current plan. From what we assume, Verizon is moving from a singular model of per line or per customer data plans to a shared or account structure, so while we don't know the exact details of those plans, it sounds as if the only available plans in the future will be shared data. Whether you are by yourself or not, it will all just be one pool of data to pull from on your account. (That last part is me speculating of course.) Back to this "upgrade cycle" stuff though. When Verizon launches their shared data tiers this summer, they aren't going to force you immediately onto them. They, per your contract, have to wait until you upgrade to a new phone or renew to change your data or minute plan. While they plan to launch these new plans this summer, they won't affect you until your current contract runs out. For some of you, especially those that just bought a new phone within the last few months and signed a new contract, won't have to deal with shared data tiers for almost 2 years. (At least in theory and possibly, legally.) Shammo even said during his speech on generating revenues through this model, that it is going to take quite some time before everyone is on shared data tiers. We assume he mentioned that because of all of the current contract-locked subscribers they have. Again, you have a contract that Verizon can't simply void just to get you onto a new data structure. If they do, that usually means you have the option to opt-out and can then take your business elsewhere if you please. *Note - We see that some of you are wondering if this only applies to 3G customers or if it will affect 4G LTE customers too. It is my understanding that this is for everyone. Shammo specifically called out 3G to 4G customers because they likely have a ton of customers in that situation. I see no reason why Verizon would keep 4G customers separate from this new data structure. Most 4G customers just simply do not have contracts that are ending any time soon. The only tricky situation here is how they plan to deal with accounts that have multiple lines that have contracts ending at different times. Say you have a line that's contract ends in September, but your main line's doesn't until next February. If you sign a new deal in September on that separate line, how will its data package work and how will it affect the rest of your lines? We should know shortly. To recap, what we are trying to say is that shared data tiers shouldn't be of concern until your current contract runs out. Verizon will launch them this summer, but as long as you are under 2-year agreement with them, you shouldn't care until that agreement is over. Now, keep in mind that this is all information based off of years of contracts and policy changes with Verizon. Big Red could always change it up, void all of your contracts, force you onto tiers, and create a giant whirlwind of destruction. That all just seems far too unlikely though.

Project Glass to Incorporate the Use of Gesture-Based Magic Rings?

Tim — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:33:42 +0000

According to a new detailed report from Patent Bolt, Google has recently been hard at work coming up with ways to revolutionize the future of mobile technology. Google's vision of the mobile future could possibly sit with Project Glass, and they are coming up with even more ways to make it an out of this world experience. The newest design details depict a Ring, which serves as a marker for the Google Glasses. With the glasses and ring, Google describes the user controlling actions with a complete library of gestures and movements.

Off the top of our heads, we can think of a few fun actions we could perform with tech like this. You could swipe your hand from left to right and music starts playing or say you're looking at a document - you could swipe up and it will upload the file to your Drive account. Maybe you could even write on top of the document with your finger, like a sketch application. The uses could be really interesting, but for now, this is still in the conceptual stage. A guy can dream though, right? Via: Patent Bolt

Verizon Statement on Unlimited Data: Will Let You Know of Policy Changes When We Get Closer to Shared Data

Kellen — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:50:18 +0000

After yesterday's announcement by Verizon CFO Fran Shammo that unlimited data plans would soon be a thing of the past, VZW spokesperson Brenda Raney has released a statement for the company. In it, she doesn't talk about the end of unlimited data directly, but instead mentions that if policy changes are to happen when shared data plans roll out, that customers will be informed ahead of time so that they can evaluate their choices:

As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been evaluating its data pricing structure for some time. Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today. We are working on plans to provide customers with that option later this year. We will share specific details of the plans and any related policy changes well in advance of their introduction, so customers will have time to evaluate their choices and make the best decisions for their wireless service. It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless.

I'll let you decipher that. Via: Verizon Cheers Cory!

Chameleon For Android Tablets Isn't New, But You Can Back It on Kickstarter and Get It Early

Kellen — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:08:35 +0000

A newish tablet UI called Chameleon, that we first reported back in mid-March, is now seeking backers via Kickstarter. The tablet UI was once just a side project, but after receiving enough feedback during their initial preview, they decided to make it come to life, hence the need for funding. If you are not familiar with Chameleon, think of it as a living set of tablet screens. It can adjust based on data connection, location, time of day, etc. But rather than just being a blank slate of emptiness (aka normal Android tablets), it can be customized using live tiles with weather, Twitter, photos, Gmail, calendars, and more. Using gestures, you can swipe around to activate functions, flip home screens or launch into your app drawer. It really is quite the interesting take on a tablet UI, and one that we fully support as a team that tends to get bored with the stock Android tablet experience. So, why the Kickstarter? Again, they need to funding to make it happen. If you support them, they will give you early access to it before being published to the Google Play store. It will cost you $5 to get in on that, but if previous UI overhauls are any indication on price, this thing could sell for much more. Via: Kickstarter

Daily Steals Hosting "Last Call" Sale on Motorola XOOM WiFi, Grab it for Only $240

Tim — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:45:59 +0000

The popular deals-site Daily Steals, is looking to clear out their inventory of Motorola 32GB XOOM WiFi tablets with their newest "Last Call" sale. The tabs only run $240, but are factory re-certified and come with a 90 day warranty for anyone who is wary of buying "used" tech items. As we always say, the XOOM is the OG Android tablet -being the first pure Google Experience tab on the market, the XOOM has a very healthy developer community and is also kept up quite well by Google themselves. For this price, I don't think you're going to see a better deal. Via: Daily Steals Cheers Justin!

OpenSignalMaps Reports on the Best Part of Android - How Many Choices in Devices You Have

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:45:54 +0000

See what I did there? While the rest of the world is spouting off in their best Honey Badger voice, "Oh my gosh, the Android is just sooo fragmented," I took the other route. OpenSignalMaps posted this report that shows off the thousands of different devices that have downloaded and installed their app. They even used the words "fragmented" in their findings, however, I'm just not buying the idea that having multiple devices available is a sign of fragmentation. I look at it as choice. Oh who am I kidding, I'm really just sick of every non-Android site with nothing to write about, finding another reason to bring up "fragmentation." The platform seems to be doing just fine if you look at every market share analytics report over the last 2 years. Again, I'm over it. But hey, check out these neat charts! Samsung clearly has taken over the world of Android. HTC is a distant second. Verizon is the top carrier. ZTE somehow is smacking T-Mobile in the face. And AT&T is no where to be found. If you hit up the source link, you can actually hover over each of those tiny boxes and it will tell you which phone, carrier or manufacturer it is. Have fun!

Via: OpenSignalMaps

George Clooney Kicks It With a Galaxy Nexus in New Commercial

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:50 +0000

What, you didn't have your celebrity Android fix for the day? Well, here you go. George Clooney was in Malibu this week filming a smartphone commercial and just so happened to have a Galaxy Nexus on him. We are going to go ahead and assume it wasn't a commercial for the G-Nex since they blacked out the Samsung logo on it, but thought we'd share anyway. I wonder if it's running 4.0.4? AOKP maybe? LTE or unlocked? How does George roll? Now, back to the NBA Playoffs or a beer or kimchi tacos or your son's baseball game or whatever it was you were doing for the evening.

Via: DailyMail Cheers trevor!

Schemer: Google's Least Known App Looks to Help You Accomplish Big Things

Eric — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:25:06 +0000

If you search apps made by Google on the Play Store you'll get some pretty big hits: Gmail, Google Search, Maps and Youtube are all prominently displayed on the front page. Second page brings you apps like Google+, Play Music and Google Voice which are all still part of Google's large portfolio of well-used apps. If you head over to the last page you'll see an app named "Schemer" buried in with the barely installed apps that Google has made. You would never know it unless you looked, but Schemer is Google's attempt to get you up off the couch and living your dreams. Google even looks to be putting as much time into it as they are on Google+.

So what exactly is this mustachioed app hidden in the back pages of Google's portfolio? Think of Pintrest, Foursquare and Google+ all rolled into one service designed to help you find things to do, and then do them. "Whatever schemes strike your fancy, collect them on Schemer and then take them with you using our mobile app."

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evV9e8Ldq6o&list=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DevV9e8Ldq6o&list=UUZxEBx2HUzw3iB8_teYRmCg&index=0&feature=plcp[/youtube]

Schemer links directly with your Google+ profile and integrates tightly with your circles and your friends who have you in a circle. Whenever you put a scheme up your sleeve, all of your friends can see it, and can consequently add it to theirs as well. Once you have some schemes, the app monitors where you are, what time it is and if there is anything close that can help you achieve that scheme and lets you know where and how to do it.

While the app seems to be a little barebones now, it definitely has the polish that you expect from Google on their applications. Finding and exploring things to do is easy to do through the app. There are only a few drawbacks to the overall experience. Most of the time, schemes are created without any explanation. So say I wanted to "Hike to the Hollywood Sign," there might not be any information on where or how to actually do that, leaving you with a goal and no instructions. But this can be fixed with more people and more interaction between schemes. If you're saying to yourself "another social network is not what I need," this doesn't really have the depth that a Google+ or Facebook does. It's more of a Bucket List for the web, interactive and helpful when you need it.

Where does Schemer head in the future? In it's present state, it doesn't seem to be going very far, but there is one thing that I think Google is planning on using it for: Google Assistant. Think about it, with Schemer at Google Assistant's back, you can ask it "How do I drive down Route 66?" and using a scheme that someone has created, the application can point you in that direction based off of what other people have done, not just a search engine result. Saying "I want to lose 10 pounds" will bring up a result with tips and tricks and the closest gym location to your position that someone has already loaded into a scheme. While this seems nice, it's just wishful thinking at this point.

Google is definitely trying something interesting with Schemer, rolling a lot of different services all into one application. It's interesting that they're keeping it on the back burner quite literally, but it's worth a try. It helps on those weekends where you have nothing planned and you are wondering what there is to do around town, in the end all Schemer wants is for you to "start doing more awesome stuff."

Play Link

Samsung's Japanese Variant of the Galaxy SIII to Sport 2GB of RAM?

Tim — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:45:35 +0000

According to literature from Samsung and Japanese carrier DoCoMo, the Galaxy SIII that will be made available to Japanese consumers will sport a full 2GB of RAM compared to the single gig that international and US buyers will see. Like the Americas though, the Japanese model will sport a Snapdragon S4 processor instead of Samsung's new quad-core Exynos chip. If this bump in specs is true, it will be interesting to see how all of these SGSIII devices compare benchmark-wise when all of the mobile sites start getting their hands on them. Although the true question may be, why the heck do they get 2GB of RAM and we don't? Via: Unwired View | Pocket Now

Machinarium Hits Google Play Store, Offers Challenging Puzzles and Unique Style

Eric — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:10:40 +0000

Machinarium hit the Play Store the other day and is a fantastic little game that you might overlook, just like the game's main character. That little guy is Josef and all he wants is to do is save his robot girlfriend from the city. You take control of this guy and solve your way through puzzles along the way. Josef can extend upwards and shrink down to get to places that he couldn't get before to help him nab pieces to move onto the next area.

The game is quite fun and some of the levels will keep you scratching your head for a while, but never so much as to frustrate you. Machinarium won many awards as an Indie game on other platforms and it aims to do the same on Android. It'll cost you $3.99 in the Play Store, but if you're looking for a fun and challenging game look no further.

Play Link

You Should Be Scared of Verizon's Shared Data Plans [Opinion]

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:25:51 +0000

Verizon's CFO Fran Shammo spoke at the JP Morgan Media and Telecom conference this morning, providing further detail on their plans for shared or family data tiers. During his conversation, he mentioned the end of grandfathered unlimited data plans, but before that he talked specifically about these shared tiers. While he didn't go into detail on how they would be priced or structured as far as data amounts go, he did say that Verizon will have no problem making money off of them in the very near future. Here is the quote:

We want the connections to come in and the way we've designed our plan, this plan is built on tiers. And as we look at the future growth of LTE consumption because of the speeds and video consumption and consumption of other end-to-end type devices, it's going to be more important that people will start to upgrade in the tiers as they start to really realize the benefits of the LTE network. So two things here. One is, revenue will continue to grow as we get into data shared plans and people start to connect more devices (as my pad example). And then over the future time, as they add more devices, they are going to have to buy up in tiers. So again you will see the revenue increase there. The way we designed this, we really shouldn't see a short term decline.

[audio:http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120516_114900.mp3|titles=20120516_114900] As I'm listening to him say all of this, my jaw slowly dropped to my desk and remained there for a few minutes. Investors and shareholders are probably ecstatic that Shammo feels this way, however, what about us, the consumer? To me at least, all I took from this conversation was that these tiers have been researched and built so perfectly, that you and I will be forced to purchase up in them. There will be a base of sorts that your family can nibble on, but as we continue to realize how powerful LTE is and decide that we want to connect more and more devices to it, that we will also be forced to pay more and more. These weren't created to make your life simple, although that may be one of the selling points. No, these were created with the idea that as data consumption grows, you won't have a choice but to pay more to get more data to use. Welcome to the future of mobile data. Look, again, I get that this is a business for Verizon and they need to make money. But with that said, the upgrade fees, online bill pay fees, ending of "New Every Two" deals, removal of 1-year contracts, and of course unlimited data have become a bit much. The scary thing is, that Verizon won't be the only one to make this move. You can jump ship if you don't like it, but don't expect that your next carrier will avoid the shared data model for long. Verizon didn't create this as a test, they created it to be the future. I guess there hasn't been a better time to upgrade.

Do This Now: Google Music May Be Allowing More Deauthorizations Even If You Ran Out (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:47:48 +0000

If you are out of deauthorizations in Google Music this morning, check again. We are hearing from a handful of users that Google may have opened it back up for the time being. Previously, users were only allowed to deauthorize 4 devices per year, but at this moment, it appears as if you can jump in and deauthorize as many as you'd like. Update: By the way, Google released this statement yesterday after this all went down:

Yesterday we made a change to our device policy for music on Google Play. Any user can associate up to 10 devices to his or her account. Once you have connected 10 devices, you may add a new device only by deauthorizing an existing one from your account, and you may do this up to four times per year. We limit the number of times you can swap out new devices at the request of some of our music partners in an effort to limit abuse. We understand this has caused some issues for users who often deauthorize and reauthorize the same device, and we are currently re-implementing the solution in a way that works for our users and music partners. We apologize for any inconvenience and will update this page as new changes are made.

Let us know how it goes! Cheers Will!

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II Released to Play Store, Looking Better Than Ever

Tim — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:20:34 +0000

When I was growing up, Sonic the Hedgehog for the SEGA Genesis (16-bit if you care to know) was all the rage at my house. My older brother would allow me to watch him play it for hours and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes I was lucky enough to play it myself, but I wasn't all that good at that age. Sonic is one of the most popular game characters of all time, ranking up there with Zelda and even Mario. With 80 million copies of the games sold, SEGA continues to keep his legacy alive with this newest addition, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II. When played on a Tegra 3-powered device, the game looks fantastic and performs like a well caffeinated circus monkey. The only drawback I had with the actual gameplay is the slow controllability you have over your character. When you press either left or right on the screen, Sonic sort of takes a second to start moving. If you're underwater, running out of air and you hear that five second countdown music, you're basically screwed. Although, if you happen to be a passionate mobile gamer and make use of a Bluetooth controller, you'll be just fine.

For die hard Sonic and SEGA lovers, this game is going to make you feel right at home. The levels are long, just the right amount of challenging, and it looks superb. The game costs a whopping $7 in the Play Store though, so that alone may stop people from giving it a try. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq-VFj6YpBA[/youtube]

LG Revolution Update VS910ZV9 is Ready, Fixes Security Holes and Mentions Remote Diagnostics Again

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:45:41 +0000

The LG Revolution on Verizon has an update on the way as build VZ910ZV9. Through the update, LG has patched a security hole, improved the phone application, and fixed some text message issues. More importantly though, Verizon mentioned their new "Remote Diagnostics" customer service tool again that has raised a few eyebrows in its short life. It first debuted on the Revolution back in March, so it is sort of odd to see them bring it up again here. We aren't sure if they are improving it or making it as public as possible as to not freak out Revolution owners. Probably the latter. For those not familiar, this new Remote Diagnostics tool allows customer service agents to remotely access your phone when you call into them looking for help. They can't do it unless you give them approval, but in a time where privacy is brought up on the daily, you can imagine how most of us feel about this tool being installed on our phones without our consent. Until we see an opt-in to even have it installed, we aren't going to be friends. The update is 20.9MB in size. More info.

Verizon CFO: Unlimited Data Plans Going Away, All Users Pushed Onto Shared Data

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:03:18 +0000

During the JP Morgan Media and Telecom conference, Verizon's CFO Fran "ShamWow" Shammo dropped a bomb that most of you are not going to be a fan of. During his talk, he mentioned that unlimited data plans will go away completely when the company introduces shared data plans this summer. He talked about everyone's next upgrade cycle and how at that time, users will be forced into shared data tiers and off of the unlimited plans that you have come to love. He mentioned specifically that 3G users on unlimited data will indeed have to go into a shared plan once they upgrade to a 4G phone, but in the quote we have below, it sounds like it is going beyond that. Here is the quote from the conference:

LTE is our anchor point for data share. So as you come through an upgrade cycle and you upgrade in the future, you will have to go onto a data share plan. And moving away from, if you will, the unlimited world and moving everyone into a tiered structure/data share type plan. So when you think about our 3G base, a lot of our 3G base is unlimited. As they start migrating to 4G they will have to come off of unlimited and go into the data share plan. And that's beneficial for us for many reason, obviously.

[audio:http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120516_113054.mp3|titles=20120516_113054] Many of you are currently "grandfathered" into unlimited data and cherish that status as if it were your own child, so this move is going to be one that won't be taken kindly. In the quote above, Shammo does mention that eventually, "everyone" will be on a share, but for now, it seems like just 3G customers who are forced into upgrading to 4G phones. The scariest part is the mention of your next upgrade cycle, which for many of you, isn't all that far off. Update: This whole conversation with Shammo at the JP Morgan conference is fascinating. He really opened up and talked about their plans to make more and more money off of tiered data plans. They have set them up so that as consumers realize the power of LTE and use it more, that they will have to keep buying up in tiers. Also, as families add more devices over time, they will again have to buy up in tiers. While I understand this is a business and Verizon needs to continue to find ways to increase revenues, this is like a slap in the face to its customers. As if we all aren't paying enough already, the way shared data plans are set up (according to Shammo), is to get you to continue to spend more and more money on data. Welcome to the future, folks. Here is the audio: [audio:http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120516_114900.mp3|titles=20120516_114900] Update: Shared some of my own thoughts here. Thoughts? Via: Verizon | Fierce Wireless Cheers Tyler, Mo, and Mike!

Asus Eee Pad Transformer 9.2.1.24 Update Rolling Out, Bug Fixes and Face Unlock Included

Tim — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:50:17 +0000

Asus is continuing their excellent service record for "OG" Eee Pad Transformer owners with a new firmware update. The newest update will bring you up to build number 9.2.1.24-20120503 and has a few needed bug fixes and added features. For starters, Transformer owners really wanted Face Unlock, a popular feature from Ice Cream Sandwich, which is now baked into the tablet. Go download the update and tell us if you can spot any other noteworthy features or fixes. Cheers Jose and Mahers!

There is Future Nexus Hope: Verizon's LTE SIM FAQ Talks of Activating "Any 4G LTE Device" Not Purchased Through Them

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:19:30 +0000

Yesterday's biggest topic was the report that pegged Google as opening up the "Nexus" or lead device game to multiple manufacturers at a time. The plan, according to reports, is to have up to 5 devices (both tablets and phones) ready for the launch of Jelly Bean around Thanksgiving. When ready, they would sell these devices as "unlocked" directly to consumers through the Google Play store, similarly to what they are doing with the Galaxy Nexus today. As soon as that report surfaced though, people started asking questions. The most important was probably, "Will Verizon ever see another Nexus?" Since all currently available unlocked devices run on GSM networks and Big Red uses CDMA, it's a fair question. However, we brought up the idea that LTE is another animal altogether since we are seeing global LTE networks rollout that all use SIM cards for activation. Theoretically, you could buy another LTE device from another carrier and then drop in a Verizon LTE card and have data service, assuming it ran on the same 700MHz band and frequency. Again, theoretically. Thanks to a reader who pointed out the quote that is embedded above, it looks like VZW is actually willing to let this happen. Pulled straight from their 4G SIM support docs page, you can see that "Yes" it is possible to activate a 4G LTE device not purchased from Verizon. However, they claim that it has to be "certified" by them. So what does that mean? Your guess is as good as anyone's. What we do know is that Verizon has already said that AT&T LTE phones, while running on the 700MHz band, actually run at a different frequency than their phones, so you couldn't bring one over and activate it. Hold off on that AT&T One X purchase for a minute. As far as future Nexus devices go, you have to expect that some (if not all) of this winter's batch will have LTE chips inside. If those fit Verizon's needs or not will be the question with a million dollar answer. In the mean time, we'll see if Verizon will help clarify what it means to be "certified" for their network. *Note - As a handful of readers pointed out in the comments, Verizon still uses CDMA for voice, so until we get VoLTE (voice over LTE), your phone wouldn't have the ability to place calls. Well, you could use Skype or some other data-centric voice service, but that's not optimal. It's almost like this 4G SIM FAQ is Verizon's way of preparing for the future. Via: Verizon Support Cheers Kris!

LG Officially Launches Optimus 3.0 UI for Ice Cream Sandwich, Their Classiest Skin Yet

Tim — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:43:48 +0000

Last week at CTIA, Kellex had time to go hands-on with LG's new Optimus 3.0 user interface on the Optimus 4X HD which is a new toned down, yet feature-rich version of their Android skin. LG explains that with 3.0, they were looking to be less intrusive, while still being able to bring functionality and ease of use to LG device owners. Surprisingly enough, Kellex actually gave the new UI high marks and said it was a much needed improvement over previous versions. For vanilla Android purists, this next quote from LG's CEO of Mobile Communications may sicken you:

With smartphone hardware becoming more and more similar, it’s important for manufacturers to differentiate their products from the competition through the user interface.

From what we have seen and readers have expressed, LG has done anything but stay up-to-par with the competition hardware wise. It's interesting to see them pay so much attention to the UI when people have been calling for better hardware designs. Down below is the full list of additional features LG has baked into the new interface.

The ability to unlock the phone by dragging anywhere on the screen.
New Pattern Lock that allows users to preset the most frequently used function, such as the camera, which automatically opens once the phone is unlocked.
A simpler version of Optimus UI 3.0 for new smartphone users which organizes the main applications so that they are the easiest to access.
A new Voice Shutter that allows users to capture photos using only voice commands.
A special camera feature that enables users to pick up the best shot among multiple images including the moment just before the shutter button is depressed.
An Icon Customizer that provides an additional level of personalization by allowing users to set their own photos as icons and shortcut images.
The addition of a Download category to the menu for easier organization.

Quick First Look at the UI on the LG Optimus 4X HD: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly4AtDcKfSg[/youtube] Via: LG

Apple Patent Halts HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE Shipments Onto US Soil, Trade Commission Begins Investigation

Tim — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:05:13 +0000

When you look through your message inbox and come across a phone number, your smartphone automatically turns those digits into a shortcut to the dialer. It's a feature that we know is there, yet we most likely take it for granted since it has become the norm for our devices. Well, maybe not anymore. Yesterday, shipments into the United States of HTC's One X and EVO 4G LTE have been indefinitely held up by the International Trade Commission to undergo inspection. Last December, the ITC ruled that HTC was violating the aforementioned patent which is owned by Apple and issued a "limited exclusion order" which went in effect April 19, making the import of devices using the patent prohibited. Due to this investigation, HTC has issued a delay in the US release of these devices on both Sprint and AT&T, who currently list the device as "Out of Stock." Sprint is still taking pre-orders for a launch that was intended for this Friday. According to new reports from the WSJ, HTC has said to have worked around the patent, but the ITC will still need to carry out their inspections. Unfortunately, as far as the public knows, there is no time frame set for when that will be concluded. Via: The Verge | WSJ

DROID 4 Users Find the Device's First Official Ice Cream Sandwich Build in Testing

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:26:27 +0000

Were you worried after purchasing your DROID 4 that it may not see an Ice Cream Sandwich update for some time? You were not alone, however, today's finding of an official Android 4.0.4 build for the device is great news. Pulled via "Cheesecake," this comes straight from Motorola and is more than likely the newest test build available. Actually, this is the first ICS test build for the phone, but this at least lets us know that Moto is hard at work on getting the latest version of Android to the D4. If you would like to upgrade to this on your DROID 4, you can, but know that this will likely take you off of the upgrade path and could leave you on it permanently. As many of you know, Motorola phones and leaked test builds don't always play nice with previously leaked fastboot files. Trying to return to Gingerbread could result in a bricked phone. Voodoo RootKeeper is also reportedly not keeping root. Proceed with caution. On a related note, we should point out that the DROID Bionic is now the last major Moto phone without a leaked official ICS build. We were told that it will receive it at some point, but with RAZR and D4 builds in the wild, I think it's safe to say that the Bionic will not be first. Via: DroidForums Cheers Jason!

Google Music Only Allows You to Deauthorize Four Devices Per Year (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:53:04 +0000

It's tough to tell exactly when this change happened, but Google is now only allowing you to "Deauthorize" 4 devices per year in Google Music. What does it mean to "Deauthorize," you ask? Since Google Music gives you the opportunity to attach up to 10 devices to your account, there may be a time when you reach that limit and need to remove one so that you can attach another. In order to add new devices once you have reached that limit, Google asks that you "Deauthorize" one. For most users, this limit of 4 deauthorizations may never be an issue. However, for those that handle dozens of new devices throughout a year (like silly writers) or who flash ROM after ROM, this limit could be bothersome down the road. For ROM addicts, Google Music handles each ROM differently. At times, it will simply re-register your device as the same device, but in some cases, it thinks your new ROM is a new device, thus adding another to your list of the 10 available. Starting to see the problem? Throughout the rest of 2012, you are going to have to be careful each time you flash a new ROM, to make sure it isn't taking up another spot on your list. If it does, those 4 that you can "Deauthorize" may be gone before you know it. To be fair to Google and the music industry, this move probably makes sense. If they allow you to "Deauthorize" at will, you and your friends could essentially share the same music collection forever. Headed to a party, but don't have Billy Joe's hot 100 collection? All you have to do is add his Google account to your phone, and authorize his Music account onto your device for the night. You could then download his entire collection if you'd like, making this an even stickier situation. Not sure how Google can remedy this, but for now, we just recommend that you keep an eye on that list. Update: Google has apparently opened this back up for the time being. If you head into your Google Music accounts again, you should be able to deauthorize as many devices as you'd like. Via: Google Music Cheers Shawn and everyone else!

Evernote Receives Major Makeover, ICS Theming and Lots of Awesome Included

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:57:39 +0000

Evernote has always been one of the top Android apps, but today's update took it over the top. A new UI with panel swiping and easier navigation made this not just a "must have" but a "if you don't have this, you are completely silly" type of app for Android users. The search functionality is as good as it gets, the tagging and organizational abilities are something all apps should build from, and the fact that their dev team is staying current with Ice Cream Sandwich is worth an applause. Grab the file from the Play Store link below, but be sure to watch the video as well if you are new to Evernote. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag_IGEgAa9M[/youtube]

Some Thoughts on Google Selling Multiple Lead Devices to Avoid Carriers

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:48:13 +0000

The big news of the day (other than Tim now joining me at Google I/O), is the WSJ report that talks of Google including multiple partners in their "Nexus" or lead device program. Their goal is to sell unsubsidized phones (full retail) directly through the Google Play Store to partially remove carriers from the situation. Now, people that buy these phones would obviously have to purchase a plan from a carrier, but there wouldn't be contracts and you would be free to use your phone on the carrier of your choice, assuming their network supports it. After this news broke, I asked for you to react in the comments. While reading through those reactions, I noticed some of the same points or questions being made over and over and wanted to attempt to address them here. Jump below to see what we're thinking over here at DL.

Would anyone pay for full priced phones?

This is the big one. People like getting deals, or better yet, they like buying phones at $200 rather than at $649. Subsidies by carriers allow this to happen, but what I would bring up is the idea that we all need to fundamentally rethink the way we value smartphones. People buy computers every couple of years for $600-$2000, yet they hesitate to spend more than $200 on a smartphone. Why is that? Good question, especially knowing that you use your smartphone a whole heck of a lot more than a computer. Why would you be willing to spend more on a computer, TV, or other electronic and not the piece of equipment that you spend your entire day with? You also have to look at what Google is doing in the Play Store right now with the Galaxy Nexus. You can pick one up today for $399, which is only $100 more than what Verizon sold you the same phone for on contract (well, up until last week's price drop to $199). I wouldn't be surprised if Google tried to do this with all 5 of the devices that they plan to sell this Fall. This company isn't stupid, people. They know that $600 phones aren't flying off the shelves unless they are subsidized. But if they place them in the middle somewhere, and sell them to you as "contract free," it could work. And speaking of contracts, carriers are giving you this supposed $450 discount in order to lock up your business for a full 2 years. If you buy off contract, there is no locking up. You are free to roam to whichever carrier has the better deal, better service, and better product, whenever you please, assuming your phone has the radios to support that network. So again, I understand the idea that people want things to be cheap, but if Google meets us half way and we start training ourselves to put more worth into a smartphone as the most used tool in our daily lives, this is magic in the making.

What would carriers think?

This I don't think anyone knows. Google tried this approach with the Nexus One and failed miserably, so I can't imagine they are all shaking in their boots. However, if you create multiple devices at reasonable unsubsidized prices, this could piss off some carriers. They make their money by locking you into contracts for 2 years at a time. If they lose that power and people start wandering around by themselves with freedom, how would they react? This is just me throwing out random ideas, but what is to stop them from changing up their structure to make it more expensive for those who purchase phones directly to connect to their network? I don't know if it's legal or possible, but what would happen if we had three types of smartphone plans: contract, off-contract, and prepaid? Right now, you can take an unlocked phone into AT&T and get the same price plan (minutes and data) without signing a contract (month-to-month) as someone that signed up for one.

Will Verizon ever get another Nexus device?

This is a tough one to answer. If we look at the direct sell model that Google is contemplating, I almost can't imagine that they will or could in this sense. Unlocked phones and Verizon haven't been used in the same sentence ever to my knowledge, mostly thanks to their CDMA network which isn't accessed using SIM cards. Plus, since GSM tends to be the global standard these days, and one that Google supports officially through AOSP, it would be surprising to see anything with a CDMA radio in it available in the Play Store. We could still see carrier-tied Nexus devices, however, this just seems like Google has had enough with them and is moving back into their own phone selling business. Now with that said, Verizon wants to have LTE everywhere that they have 3G by the end of 2013 or so. If that were to be the case, it would seem like an LTE-only phone would be an option. At that point, we would simply have to hope for an unlocked LTE-only device that included Verizon's 700MHz frequency for quick SIM card swappage. Why is it that I feel like they won't let that happen either? What other thoughts are you having?

WSJ: Google to Open Nexus Program to Multiple Manufacturers at a Time, Sell Directly Through Google Play Store

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:24:13 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reported this afternoon that Google may give multiple (5 to be exact) smartphone and tablet manufacturers early access to the latest builds of Android for lead devices, and then sell those directly to consumers through the Play Store. The plan, according to this report, is to have these 5 devices ready by the time Jelly Bean is launched around Thanksgiving. As you all know, in the past, Google has hand-selected one partner to release new versions of Android each year, a program better know as the "Nexus" program. This would be a drastic change from that, but I'm having trouble trying to find a reason why it doesn't sound like the most amazing change ever. In recent weeks, Google began to sell the Galaxy Nexus directly to consumers through the Play Store, a move they had not done since the original Nexus One. Along with this move came a dedicated "Devices" page in the store which most of us assumed would mean more devices in the future, possibly tablets. The sources that spoke to the WSJ mentioned that this would give Google "more control over the apps that run on smartphones and tablets powered by Android, thus reducing the influence of wireless carriers over such devices." Nice timing, right? I just got done voicing my frustrations over a similar matter, where carriers are slowing the update process, something that should also be fixed with more "lead" or "Nexus" type devices around. So in theory, we could see stock Android devices built by Samsung, Motorola, Asus, HTC, and more, all running the newest version of the OS, and available at the same time on the Google Play Store - sold to you directly without a contract. Tell me your thoughts... Update: I've added some of my own thoughts at this post. Via: WSJ

Nova Launcher and WidgetLocker Updates Introduce Unread Counts, Other Goodies Too

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:08:09 +0000

Nova Launcher and WidgetLocker received updates today to include support for "unread counts" on icons for Gmail, SMS, missed calls, Google Talk, etc. TeslaCoil, the makers of these two, created an app that works with them called TeslaUnread that allows your most commonly used apps to show unread counts from your home screen or lock screen. The app has to be used with either Nova or WidgetLocker in order to work, but it's free, so you shouldn't mind having to install it. As you can see in the photo above, it even works with custom icon packs. Along with the support for TeslaUnread, the Nova update included new gestures, reverse wallpaper scrolling, support for GO Launcher icon packs, and a bunch of other fun things. Play Links: Nova Launcher | WidgetLocker | TeslaUnread

Five Months Ago Today the Galaxy Nexus was Released on Verizon, It Hasn't Been Updated Since

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:02 +0000

If anyone told you back on December 15, the day the Galaxy Nexus was released on Verizon, that it wouldn't receive another update for at least 5 months, would you have believed them? I wouldn't have. But that's where we stand now that it is May 15. The G-Nex, as we like to call it around these parts, was bumped up to Android 4.0.2 on release day and hasn't budged since. Two different and "official" Android 4.0.4 updates have leaked, along with an Android engineer pointing out that carriers may be to blame for the slowness, but none of it matters. Here we are with a "Nexus" that feels more like a skinned mess of a phone at times, supported directly from an OEM or better yet, the carrier. Is this a Nexus? Yeah, it essentially is. However, if your definition is that a Nexus should receive timely (or before anyone else) updates and be supported by AOSP "officially" from Google, then the line has been blurred. Who is to blame for the lack of support? Your finger can be pointed in a variety of directions. The Android team has been able to push updates to every other Nexus on the planet other than the Verizon variant of the G-Nex, so I think you have one option there. Verizon's call centers (at least according to our readers), tend to point out that the update is coming from Samsung, so there is another culprit. And Samsung, well, they shouldn't have anything to do with it since Google is producing the fully-stock software. At this point, I don't care who is to blame. It's beyond all of that nonsense now. The problem here is that stock Android 4.0.2 is garbage. Hell, even Google knew that, having announced the day that the Verizon Nexus was released that Android 4.0.3 would be the new starting point. Dating all the way back to my week at CES, I can tell you that this software should have probably never been released to the public. My phone would reboot at least a dozen times a day while completing a normal task, the battery life was horrific, and at times, the mic would cut out during calls. And yes, I know that custom ROMs are all the rage. I'm a part of that crowd. Love me a good ROM. However, not everyone bought this phone to make it their own custom Android playground. They bought it because it was stock Android, with zero bloatware (OK, almost zero), and most importantly, for the fact that it should receive updates more frequently than any other phone. So much for that last part.

Brand New Firefox Beta Released on Android, Say Hello to a New UI and Flash Support

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:40:42 +0000

Every time Mozilla announces that a new Firefox beta has been released (this time to the Play Store), a part of me hopes that it is nothing short of awesome. And not that I'm all that willing to give up on Chrome, but competition is good and having used Firefox on a PC for so long before Chrome became such a powerhouse, it would be nice to see it carve out a niche on mobile as well. Then I install it and always immediately say, "Ugh." Such is the case again today with the latest beta that introduces a new UI and Flash support. The changelog got me excited, especially with the "user interface has been completely re-designed." Unfortunately, the good news seems to stop there. It's still buggy, clunky, and freezes up during the simplest of tasks. Once you get it rollin', it can open pages fairly fast, but the way multi-touch and scrolling work are odd enough to give you a headache. The Flash support is welcomed though. I guess I'll just have to wait for the next release. Play Link Via: Mozilla

Songify Released for Android, Time to Quit Your Day Job and Become an Auto-Tuned Pop Star

Tim — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:13 +0000

If you happen to be familiar with YouTube personalities and the world of Internet memes, then you most likely have knowledge of the Double Rainbow song and the Bed Intruder. The people behind the auto-tuned remixes of these classics are the Gregory Brothers and they have hired Smule to create the Songify application. With Songify, all the user has to do is talk normally into the mic. Once you record the audio, the app then processes the file through auto-tune software, puts it on a backing track and voilà - instant hit single. The app comes with only a few tracks and users need to buy additional songs. It is just like the T-Pain application which is highly successful on iOS, but never made its way to Android. It's a really fun app and it's nice that people don't need to be self-conscience about their singing if they want to use it. Go have some fun and let us know what you think down below. As an added bonus, I have added my favorite video by them down below. Play Link Can't Hug Every Cat: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP4NMoJcFd4[/youtube]

FXI Cotton Candy ICS-in-a-USB-Thumb Drive Almost Ready for Worldwide Primetime, Android on Any PC for Only $199

Eric — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:25:56 +0000

We have covered the FXI Cotton Candy before, the Android thumb drive that allows you to virtualize our favorite OS on any computer that you want. Since we have heard from them, they've been getting their ducks in order, and now the little USB-drive-that-could is ready to launch by the end of this month, in Scandinavia. And while FXI is promising Android 4.0 pre-installed on this device by launch, the demo that Engadget was shown was still running Gingerbread. Either way, the stick has enough specs to run either smoothly.

This little thumb drive is more than meets the eye, packing a 1.2GHz ARM Cortex A9 processor alongside a monster quad-core Mali-400MP GPU. There is 1GB of RAM inside but for other storage than that you will have to turn to use the microSD card slot on the side. On one end of the stick a USB 2.0 connector lets you connect to your PC of choice but the other end features a full HDMI connector that is ready for 1080p output. All in all, this little thumb drive is pretty snazzy, let's hope that it comes to the States soon enough. At the price of $199, what would you use this for?

Via: Engadget

Chrome With Tab Sync for Desktops Leaves Beta, Why Would You Use Another Browser?

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:51:28 +0000

Back in early April, Chrome beta for desktops received the ability to sync tabs throughout all of your other Chrome experiences. It was essentially the same sync feature that the Android version of the browser had at launch, but this would complete the syncing experience. Today, this same syncing feature was released to the non-beta or stable Chrome for desktops. If you don't see the option after signing into Chrome, Google has said that it make take a few weeks before it is active on everyone's browser.

What exactly is tab syncing? Think about this - you are just about to leave work, yet couldn't find the time to finish the video that a friend sent over. Once you get home, you can retrieve that and any other tab that you had open through your home PC's Chrome thanks to tab syncing. Better yet, you could start reading an article on the cab ride to the airport via phone and then finish it through your laptop while waiting to board. Again, all you have to do is sign-in to Chrome on all of your Chrome browsers and the magic will happen when you open a new tab. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WCASaYzUYs[/youtube] Via: Chrome Blog Cheers Scott!

Reminder: Verizon Lights Up 28 New LTE Markets and Expands in 11 Others on May 17

Tim — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:30:27 +0000

As a reminder, this Thursday on May 17, Big Red is to introduce 4G LTE to a large handful of new markets and expand its already existing network in others. If you live in or around one of the cities listed below, then you will notice a big difference in data speeds starting this Thursday. Introduction cities:

Lake Charles, La.
Hyannis/Mid-Cape, Mass.
Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, Mich.
Biloxi/Gulfport/Pascagoula and Oxford, Miss.
Atlantic City/Toms River, N.J.
Dickinson and Williston, N.D.
Ashtabula, Bucyrus and Defiance, Ohio
Eugene/Springfield, Ore.
Lancaster, New Castle, Northern Cambria County, Oil City/Franklin, Somerset and York, Pa.
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Mitchell, S.D.
Paris, Texas
Burlington/Northern, Vt.
Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Martinsville and Staunton/Waynesboro, Va.
Sheridan, Wyo.

Cities to receive expansion:

Denver, Colorado
Dover, Deleware
Fort Myers and Lakeland, Florida
Hagerstown, Maryland
Eerie, Pennsylvania
Canton, Ohio
Lima, Ohio
Mansfield, Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
Youngstown/Warren, Ohio

Sometimes, folks see their cities get lit up before the official date, so if you're waiting patiently, maybe you will get lucky. Enjoy the 4G LTE.

At Time of Release, Google Glasses May Not Be the Full Augmented UI We See in Promos

Tim — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:40:48 +0000

According to CNET, who had a recent meeting with Google+ chief Vic Gundotra, the interface that ships with Google Glasses may not be exactly what people would expect after watching their promo videos. In a comment from a Google spokesperson, they mentioned that it is still too early to know exactly what to expect:

It's still too early to know what the functions and UI will be, it's the simple interactions that are making people the most excited.

We can take this as Project Glass still has a long ways to go and that most likely, Google I/O attendees shouldn't expect to have a pair of Glasses in their goodie bags. Below we have the video they are referencing if you haven't seen it. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6W4CCU9M4[/youtube] Via: CNET

Isis Mobile Wallet Announces First Batch of Merchants for Austin and Salt Lake City Launches

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:04:40 +0000

Isis Mobile Wallet will launch this summer in two test cities: Austin, TX and Salt Lake City, Utah. When that happens, owners of NFC-enabled phones in those cities will have "hundreds" of merchants to choose from that will take advantage of this new mobile payment option. As a service backed by Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, Isis is going to be the payment option of the future - today's released list is evidence of that. Here is the list of merchants:

National: Aéropostale, The Coca-Cola Company, Champs Sports, Dillard’s, Foot Locker, Jamba Juice and Macy’s. Austin: 34^th Street Café, ABC Home & Commercial Services, Austin Diamond District, Ben White Florist, Book People, Brodie Park Market, Chez Remy La Sandwicherie, Dogadillo, DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks, Downtown Burgers, Elbe Body, Iron Works, milk + honey spa, Rosemary’s Catering, Round Rock Express, Texenza Coffee, Touch of Sass, Twin Liquors and University Co-Op. Salt Lake City: Barbacoa Mexican Grill, Bohme, Cactus and Tropicals, Caputo’s, Deseret Book, Eborn Books, Great Harvest Bread Company, JMR, Lola Bella, Maverik, McKay Diamonds, Mini’s Cupcakes, Oakridge Country Club – private club for members, PGi Services, Salt Lake Running Company, Sugar House Coffee, Supersonic Car Wash, Utah Transit Authority, Utah Woolen Mills, Weller Book Works, Zagg and The Larry H. Miller Group, including All-Star Catering, Energy Solutions Arena, Fanzz, Larry H. Miller Megaplex, Larry H. Miller Automotive, Miller Motorsports Park, Salt Lake Bees, Spring Mobile Ballpark and Utah Jazz.

As you can see, Google Wallet has quite the battle on its hands and Isis hasn't even launched yet. And let's not forget that Isis already has partnerships in place with all of the major credit card companies, not just MasterCard. Isis will also partner closely with merchants to offer discount and loyalty programs. Ready for Isis? It certainly seems like it is going to be our option, thanks to carrier downplaying of Wallet. Via: Isis

LG Spectrum Update to VS920V6 is Rolling Out Now

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:18:23 +0000

The 127MB (VS920ZV6) update for the LG Spectrum that we found out about last week has started to roll out to all users this morning. If you have not been prompted to update yet, simply head into Settings>About phone>Software updates and pull it yourself. It may not be Ice Cream Sandwich, but LG sure packed in the bug fixes, app updates, and enhancements. You can read all about it here. Cheers Travis and Dana!

Samsung Galaxy SIII User Manual Available For Download

Kellen — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:33:24 +0000

When we got our hands on the Samsung Galaxy SIII last week at CTIA, we came away impressed with all of the software tweaks that were made to take it beyond just an impressive hardware device. While many of us hate the look of TouchWiz, it's hard to deny that Samsung isn't trying to pack it full of industry leading features. To get a better look at those ahead of launch, the 180-page user guide for the device has been released, detailing almost all of them. You will find more info on gestures, S Voice, S Beam, new camera software, and more. Via: Samsung [Download] Cheers Scott!

Acer Iconia A510 Review

Eric — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:07 +0000

It seems like every few months there is a new Android tablet coming out with a little bit better specs than the tablet before it. It may seem like that because it's true, which makes it very difficult for people to decide when to jump into the Android tablet game and at what price. While they may not be one of the big names in Android like Samsung or ASUS, Acer's Iconia Tab A510 is looking to be your high-end Android tablet at the low-end price. The question is, does it deliver?

The Good:

Speed: With every tablet or phone that we have tested that features NVIDIA's Tegra 3 quad-core chipset, this has been at the top of our list. Acer has crammed that beast of a CPU into this tablet and boy does it fly. We have gone into the Tegra 3 in-depth many times before though so I will keep this brief, but on the A510 it made me comment to Tim while I was reviewing it: "This is how Android should run." That being said, under heavy use like streaming video or gaming, the Tegra 3 lets you know exactly where it sits by heating up the underside of the tablet, but still runs smoothly.
Battery: Every tablet should have a battery as big, or last as long as the A510 does. Acer didn't pack a 9,800mAh battery in this thing for nothing. When I first unboxed the tablet, it had 65% of a charge. It lasted a full two days (pictured below) with heavy use before I decided that I should plug it back in. The weight of the tablet suffers slightly from this power pack but even then, it still only weighs in at 1.9lbs, only .6lbs more than the Transformer Pad TF300. Seeing this kind of longevity from a quad-core device is surprising and refreshing.

Build: Buyers who obsess with the thinnest and lightest devices need not apply to the A510, but Acer has made a tablet that packs a lot of battery and still is easy on the hands. The backside of the device is covered in a soft plastic covered in dots for added grip to guard against unwanted drops. The top and bottom of the tablet have soft curves to them and make sure that you don't get the dreaded "tablet hand" during use. The only complaint here is the right and left sides of the tablet are fairly cornered off in comparison to everything else. Overall the tablet feels very sturdy and comfortable in-hand. Oh, and you get the Olympic symbol slapped on the back as well. Do you need it? Not necessarily. Does it take anything away from the tablet? Not at all.

Specs: For $450 you are getting a tablet packed with specs that can rival anything on the market today. First off we have the aforementioned Tegra 3 quad-core processor, and that is backed up with 1GB of RAM on-board. 32GB of storage is already included and Acer went with a 5MP camera on the back for good measure. There is a microSD card slot on the side and a micro HDMI port as well, great for playing games on your big-screen TV. The A510 has all the specs to do whatever you need it to.
Ice Cream Sandwich: What else can we say about Android 4.0 that we already haven't said before? 4.0.3 comes pre-loaded on this tablet as compared to the other Iconia Tabs who had to wait for an update. The marriage of ICS and Tegra 3 is just something you have to feel to see.
Custom Android Skin: I know what you're thinking, because I felt the same way when I heard that Acer had a skin on top of ICS, but bear with me here; it isn't terrible. To call it a skin in the first place is a bit of a misnomer, as far as skins like TouchWiz go Acer's modifications are extremely light and for the most part: useful. The star of the show is Acer's uninstallable ring that hangs out in ICS's action bar that when clicked allows you shortcuts to apps and websites that you can choose. Other than that it's almost stock ICS.

Screen: The A510 is rocking a 1280 x 800 TFT LCD screen on the front of the device. While it may not be anything ground breaking on the display front, the display looks good overall. You have to really search for an angle where the color is affected. Colors are bright and vibrant and the display seems to work well with the Tegra 3 being the powerhouse behind it.

The Not-so-Good:

Camera: You would have to expect this one, tablet cameras are just generally pretty bad and the A510 is no better. It has the same 5MP camera that was featured on the earlier A200 models and the pictures do the camera no favors. The tablet is capable of shooting 1080p video but video quality seems less than stellar. Let's just say you won't be buying the A510 for the camera, but then again who is buying tablets for the camera?

Weight: This is a very small gripe, but at this point I am nitpicking to try and find things wrong with this tablet. In the days of "thinner is better" this tablet packs on a little more weight than it's brethren. It makes holding it for extended periods of time noticeable but as mentioned before, the extra weight is justified in the battery.
Proprietary Charger: One thing I noticed was that the charger for this tablet was a special cable, longer than a microUSB. The interesting part is that the tablet works with microUSB to connect to a computer. Why not just use the microUSB as a charger?

Gallery:

The Verdict:

Coming from the grandfather of all Android tablets, the Motorola XOOM, I was skeptical whether or not I would enjoy my time with the Acer Iconia Tab A510. Long story short: I really did. Sure it may not be the flashiest name or brand in the game right now, but if you are looking for an Android tablet that will do what you want it to, and do it for a long time the A510 is definitely something to look to. Because of their similar specs and pricing, the A510 and the Transformer Pad TF300 are going to be compared. The Tegra 3 is a fantastic piece of hardware that makes both of these tablets really sing. For the specs that the A510 has and the price point of only $450, Acer seems to have hit a sweet spot for performance and affordability. Anyone looking to get their first Android tablet would do well to choose the Acer Iconia A510.

HTC EVO 4G LTE Review

Kellen — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:05:18 +0000

The HTC EVO 4G LTE is the latest in one of Android's most iconic brands to emerge on Sprint. Coming this Friday (May 18) to a store near you, there probably won't be another device this good on America's third largest carrier for some time. With that said, how do we really feel about this phone? As a variation of HTC's One X (unofficially), it has all of the internals to be the best in the business, but to us, internals are only half the battle. And in the case of the EVO 4G LTE, it may be losing that other battle - the battle of design, feel, and network.

Overall Thoughts:

Rather than put you through another full review of a One X-variant, we will simply refer you to both of our previous One X reviews (AT&T version | Unlocked version) if you are looking for camera samples, battery life numbers, Sense 4.0 overviews, and display chatter. The AT&T version is going to match up more closely to the EVO 4G LTE because of its processor and "LTE," but both are good reads if you want to know everything there is to know about HTC's flagship line of phones. And the reason we are skipping all of the general review jargon is because the internals of the phones are essentially identical. The EVO 4G LTE has the same amazing 4.7" Super LCD2 display, top notch 8MP rear F2.0 camera with HTC's ImageSense, impressive 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor (AT&T One X), 1GB of RAM, NFC, and Ice Cream Sandwich. Where the EVO differs is in battery size, jumping to 2000mAh. It also has 16GB of internal storage, but can be expanded via microSD card, unlike any of the One X variants. It definitely has a couple of advantages there. After you get out of the geeky, tech stuff though, it comes down to the look and feel of the phone, along with the network that it can connect to. I'll go into this more throughout the video, but to be perfectly honest, I have to say that this phone took some risks in the design department and I'm not sure it came out ahead of the class. There are a variety of colors and finishes and metals that from a first impression standpoint, are not good. In hand, there are sharp metal edges thanks to a wrap-around band, a glossy plastic top that is never fingerprint-free, and a mostly useless dedicated camera button. The top lock switch feels squishy, the volume rocker sticky, and the rest of it is too confusing to comment on. HTC knocked it out of the park, walk-off style, with the design of the One X. With the EVO 4G LTE, it looks like an overweight middle reliever that just took a come-backer to the jugular. As far as the network goes, know that while this is called the EVO "4G LTE" that owners of the phone won't have LTE coverage for some time. Sprint is launching their first batch of LTE networks at some point in the near future ("mid-Summer 2012"), probably in Kansas City initially, but the rest of the country may not see it for a while (as in years). Sprint is behind when it comes to having a next-gen network, so be aware. While owners of the AT&T One X may not have LTE everywhere, they at least can fall back on HSPA+ which is no slouch. Sprint EVO users will fall all the way back to snailish 3G. There is no WiMax fallback.

Quick Review:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsZyPFnrm3s[/youtube]

Verdict:

This phone, for the most part, is a great phone. The screen, processor, speed, performance, camera tech, NFC, and all of that fun are as good as it gets. The problem here comes down to design choices and network. For me personally, I couldn't run faster from this device thanks to its looks and the fact that if I bought it, I would be stuck on Sprint's 3G for the foreseeable future. However, for those that love Sprint and have made it this long without LTE, then there is no other choice. The Galaxy Nexus is the EVO 4G LTE's only competitor on the network, and it's at least a level or two below it. Like I said in the beginning, there are two battles that have to be won to compete with the best of them in today's market - design/feel/network and then all of the techie stuff. On the tech front, the EVO matches the best of them. It's the design/feel/network side that is of concern. If you can get over that, by all means, buy this phone and enjoy the hell out of it.

Gallery:

Facebook to Resize Photos Shared on Mobile News Feeds

Tim — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:32:30 +0000

Starting today, Facebook is going to start rolling out a much more photo-centric mobile look for users. If you glance at your feed in the next few days, you'll begin to be greeted by much bigger image thumbnails than what we're used to, so for all you photo lovers, this is awesome. In fact, photos will now be a complete 3x larger in the mobile app and on the mobile site. Whoa. Via: Facebook

Incredible 4G LTE Will Launch With a $50 Rebate

Kellen — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:05:22 +0000

Verizon announced the DROID Incredible 4G LTE last week, but for whatever reason, wasn't ready to tell us when it would be available for purchase. We have been told by sources that it could show up either this Thursday (May 17) or during the last week of the month. Pricing, we were told weeks ago that it would come in around $149 after rebate, and at least half of that has been confirmed to us today. As you can see in the shot above, the Incredible 4G LTE is highlighted with a $50 rebate next to it. No full price to confirm just yet, but we really are fairly certain that it will come in around the $149 mark. Cheers ___!

Samsung Exynos 5250 Spotted in Google Git Repository, Are They Collaborating Again on the Next Nexus?

Kellen — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:46:58 +0000

Developers who follow Google's back-end work religiously noticed within the last few days, that edits were made to their Git repository which included references to Samsung's Exynos 5250 dual-core chipset. That would be the Cortex A15 based processor with the Mali T-604 GPU inside, aka the SoC that we are all hoping would end up in the Galaxy SIII (Exynos 4412 with Cortex A9s and a Mali 400 GPU). Assuming it comes loaded into a device this year, we aren't sure any other processor will touch it. More importantly though, people have started to ask one very complex question, "Does this mean Samsung and Google have partnered up to produce the next Nexus, again?" I'd say that's still anyone's guess, but if this Git repository is indeed Google's, then this could be our first hint at that happening (at least on the processor front). One thing to keep in mind is that Exynos and Samsung Mobile are separate from each other. So Google could use an Exynos chipset in something, but that doesn't mean that Samsung is making the phone too. After all, the Galaxy Nexus had an OMAP4460 chipset made by Texas Instruments inside, but of course, was made by Sammie on the outside. What's interesting is that a 1280x800 resolution was spotted, a resolution normally seen on tablets, well, aside from the Galaxy Note. So then one has to ask, is this the "Nexus" Tablet or what we refer to as the Google Play Tablet? Asus was thought to have been pegged as the maker of that device, but as you all know, their cheap $249 slate that was on display at CES was powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 3. Maybe Google decided they weren't interested in powering that little guy with an NVIDIA processor and switched it up on the inside? If that's the case, wouldn't the price then be driven up by a brand new processor like the Exynos 5250 and defeat the purpose of it? Or again, this could be a big ol' phone that we won't see it until the end of the year when normal Nexus phones roll out. So many questions. What do you guys make of all of this? Tablet or phone? Sign of things to come or not? Developers, weigh in. Via: SamMobile

Video: UK Retailer Goes Hands-On with Upcoming Samsung Galaxy SIII Accessories

Tim — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:40:43 +0000

When Samsung announced the Galaxy SIII, they assured us that we would see a ton of accessories become available for the device, some of which would be available later rather than sooner. Retailers over in the UK are receiving their shipments in and one has taken to the web with three videos of the phone's flip case, stylus, and dock. If this phone is in your future, then you may want to start familiarizing yourself with its extensive list of goodies. Dock: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6RMv1AWKcE[/youtube] Flip Case: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXYpfb12rNY[/youtube] Stylus: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruq-XCobiWQ[/youtube] Via: Android Community

Even With That Crappy Name, I Want the Asus Padfone

Kellen — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:50:11 +0000

I've never actually touched the device, yet I'm enamored with it. I'm talking about the Asus Padfone. Aside from its ridiculous and silly name, this could be the perfect device. Or at the vary least, the beginning stages or blueprint for the perfect device(s). Not familiar with it? Watch the video below and then come back to us. Why do I want the Asus Padfone so badly? Well first off, I'll admit that tablets are just not my thing. I can't find a place for them in my life even with as many times as I have tried nor do I want to shell out for the next barebones Android slate that will be upstaged in a month. However! If I could have a cheap shell of a tablet that I could simply snap my every day phone into, that's a win. See, one of the problems with having a tablet and a phone separately, is that you sort of have two different lives. Cloud services have helped this a tad, but for the most part you have photos on one and not the other, some apps here but not there, text messages over there yet not here, and so on. If you could take your phone that has it all though, and simply dock it into a tablet shell, you just solved the problem, didn't you? Second, it has top of the line specs: 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, 4.3" qHD display, 16/32/64GB of storage, 8MP F2.2 camera, and runs Android 4.0. The battery inside the phone itself is only 1520mAh, but you get another 6600mAh out of the tablet dock which Asus claims will give you up to 66 hours of life. Think about that for a second. Third, how cool is that pen that allows you to answer calls while in tablet mode? Phone docked and can't get to it while it rings? If you have their little pen with microphone and speaker, and you can take the call through it. Lastly (and probably most importantly), let's not forget that while docked, the tablet would be able to use the data plan that your phone is already attached to, leaving you with a mobile phone and tablet experience on the go. No tethering involved, no separate data package for 4G on the tablet - nope, this is an all in one data machine. Well, assuming carriers don't try to stop this action in fear that it may take off and continue to ruin their already incredibly low and embarrassing tablet sales numbers. To me, this really is an amazing creation by Asus, maybe their best yet. They took Ice Cream Sandwich, the first version of Android to connect both phones and tablets, and then showed exactly what that means. As a phone, you get the phone version of Android 4.0. When docked, it automatically flips to the tablet UI version of it. It's brilliant. Now, if only we could get Asus to announce some sort of global rollout. We thought April for select countries, but it's now mid-May and we are without it, even after seeing unboxings within the last week. From what we know, the word "LTE" has never been attached to it, so this may be another device that you can only get Stateside by ordering overseas and importing. Do you share my enthusiasm for the Padfone? Is it too gimmicky? Is the name an automatic killer? [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gjxrjKzfr0[/youtube]

Samsung Galaxy SIII Battery Put to the Test, Surprisingly Good Numbers For Such a Large Display

Kellen — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:00:30 +0000

The folks at GSMArena apparently got a hold of a Samsung Galaxy SIII (our hands-on) for a long enough period of time that they could perform some thorough battery tests. They tested talk time, web browsing life, and how long it could last while playing video continuously. With a 2100mAh battery, this is one of the bigger stock batteries we have seen in some time, so how did it fare? According to their numbers, it lasted for 10:20 during the talk time test, coming in 4th behind the RAZR MAXX, Galaxy Note , and the Samsung Wave 3. It beat out the iPhone 4S, HTC One series and every other phone in the world aside from those other 3 mentioned. In the web browsing test, the Galaxy SIII lasted for 5:17, which is pretty middle of the road. However, in the video playback test, it came in at 10:01, which is 2nd only to the RAZR MAXX, a device that has a much larger battery. Not bad, right? Let's not forget that this isn't LTE, which is battery killer #1. When we see U.S. variants with LTE radios inside, these may look a whole lot different. I think we were praying for some sort of a battery miracle where the phone would last for 3 days on a charge, but unfortunately for this world, that won't be happening any time soon. Companies continue to produce better and better displays and supreme smartphone cameras, yet no one can figure out a new battery breakthrough. Via: GSMArena

Motorola XOOM 4G Receives CyanogenMod 9 Nightly Goodness, Sayonara Honeycomb

Tim — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:30:47 +0000

Recently, the CyanogenMod team released CM9 nightlies for the Motorola XOOM 4G. For owners of the world's first 4G LTE tablet, this may come as a huge upgrade, seeing as how Verizon is still having troubles pushing the official Ice Cream Sandwich update to your device. CM9 will bring ICS, a ton of customizable options, and the relief that your device will finally receive the updates and developer support it so deserves. In order to flash CM9, you will need to have unlocked your bootloader (adb knowledge required) and rooted your tablet. From there, it is as simple as just flashing a zip file. For those of you who are daring enough to take the leap into the custom ROM world with the XOOM 4G, follow the rabbit hole down below at the via link. Via: CyanogenMod Cheers Nathan!

Verizon Continues New Feel-Good DROID Theme in Latest Commercial, Pimps Partnership With Color for Facebook

Kellen — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:38 +0000

To celebrate the $100 price drop of the DROID RAZR MAXX, Verizon has released a second commercial that falls into this happier "DROID" theme that was introduced a couple of weeks back. Gone are the robots, loud voices, and explosions - in are ways a DROID-branded phone can make your life easier. In this latest spot, Verizon is highlighting their new Color for Facebook app, which allows you to stream video in real-time to your Facebook wall. As seen here, a team's coach is giving his final speech only minutes removed from winning a championship. Thanks to Color, a player was able to stream the entire thing for the world to see. There are tears involved, thoughts of Hoosiers, and me wondering how many lawsuits this will spark over the next 2 years. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPQYj205_as[/youtube]

DROID RAZR MAXX Drops to $199 From Verizon

Kellen — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:24:20 +0000

At the end of last week, we were tipped to a possible $100-off deal from Verizon for the DROID RAZR MAXX, which normally runs $299 on contract. As of today, that deal is in place online and in stores for those looking to make 3300mAh of battery juice a part of their daily ritual. Not a bad price for 4G LTE, top-end specs, and the best battery in the business. You can read our review of the MAXX here. And we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't throw out the idea that normally when we see price drops like this, that new phones tend to be around the corner. That would be me referring to the RAZR HD and not the Incredible 4G LTE. Is it time to clear house and welcome in Motorola's next big thing? It would be about time. Via: Verizon

Verizon's Galaxy SIII Appears in Benchmark, Looks Again Like a Snapdragon S4

Kellen — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:56:11 +0000

A device by the model number SCH-I535, which has been rumored to be tied to Verizon's Samsung Galaxy SIII, appeared in a Nenmark benchmark last night. Nothing in the benchmark itself should surprise you, but if it's the real deal, it confirms that Big Red's version will not rock out with a quad-core Exynos processor and will instead use Qualcomm's dual-core and LTE-friendly Snapdragon S4. The "Adreno 225" GPU and CPU info of 1.5GHz are the clues here. Other than that, we can see that it runs Android 4.0.4, has a 720p HD resolution, and says "Verizon" as the carrier. Still no word on a release, but June popped up as a potential timeframe for the U.S. carriers during Samsung's unveiling of the device. Via: Nenamark | Blog of Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Launches in the United States Starting May 13

Tim — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is now officially set to take place in the US starting May 13 at merchants such as Amazon and Best Buy. The Galaxy Tab 2 pricing will start at $399 for a 16GB and WiFi model, with no real jump in specs over the original Galaxy Tab. It has the same slim design and a dual-core chip running Ice Cream Sandwich. Sammy also took this time to announce the US launch of their new Galaxy Player 4.2 which will sell for $200.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2™ 10.1 and 4.2 Galaxy Player™ to be available for purchase nationwide this weekend
Samsung Electronics America Inc., today announces that its newest additions to the Galaxy Family, Galaxy Tab 2™ 10.1 and Galaxy Player™ 4.2, will be available for purchase nationwide beginning Sunday, May 13. The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 will be available for $399.99 SRP, and the Player 4.2 will sell for $199.99 SRP. These complement the already available Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and Galaxy Player 3.6. Retailers carrying the devices include Amazon, Best Buy, hhgregg, Tiger Direct, WalMart, Office Depot and others. (Not all models available from all retailers). For additional retail outlet availability, visit http://www.samsung.com Key highlights include Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Control, Watch and Share Your TV Content · The perfect TV companion, use your Tab as a universal remote, multitask on the web while watching and wirelessly stream the live feed from your TV to your Tab. Your Movies, Videos and Games Will Come Alive · Everything's more exciting on a bigger screen. Browse the web, explore over 450,000 apps from Google Play and Samsung Apps, and access thousands of TV shows and movies via WiFi. Built to Power Your Entertainment · A big 10.1" entertainment machine The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is powered by Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, a dual-core processor with a microSD™ card slot and more. Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2 Listen to your favorite music on the go · Get instant access to your music with WiFi; as simple as drag and play. Personalize your player. So many options to make it your own · Discover a large collection of apps to customize your player. One single device for all your entertainment needs · The Galaxy Player 4.2 includes premium EA games. Experience seamless multimedia playback and much more!

Seraku Shows Off Smart Mirror That's Android Infused, Let's Hope It Doesn't Take Pictures of Our Bedhead

Eric — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:10:22 +0000

A company named Seraku showed off a mirror recently, that through a series of hookups, connects to an Android tablet and then projects an interface onto the reflective surface of the mirror. Plus, so you don't smudge up the nice clean glass with your greasy hands, the mirror uses RF proximity sensors to react to your touch without needing to contact the glass.

The display can show weather, sports scores, and even the temperature and force of the faucet that it's working above. It looks pretty nifty and would be a great way to start the day if you are constantly plugged in. Seraku says the product isn't near being commercially ready yet, but when it gets closer, they see them as being useful for news reading in hair salons and barbershops. There are much more fun applications of this that people can probably think of, so let's hope we see them around in more places as soon as possible.

Via: The Verge

Turntable.fm App Released for Android, DJ Your Own Station and Share Music

Tim — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:20:10 +0000

Users of Turntable.fm can let out shrieks of joy today, as an Android application for the music sharing site has gone live in the Play Store. For those new to Turntable.fm (I am a total noob), rooms are created with up to 5 DJ's. DJ's have the power to choose which music is played and the songs can be either liked or lamed by listeners. If a song reaches a certain amount of lames, the song is skipped. Music stations are created from almost every genre of music you can imagine so you're sure to find something that will suit your tastes. If you can't find one you like, you can create your own. It's a neat take on music sharing and is an excellent alternative to sites like Pandora, since you can discuss the music with fellow listeners in a comment section. Let us know what you think. Play Link Via: Android Police

Samsung Sticks with PenTile on the Galaxy SIII to Increase Life Span of Display

Eric — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:30:26 +0000

Our frustrations with the Pentile matrix on mobile phone screens have been well documented here at DL. When we heard that the Galaxy SIII was not getting the bump up to the Super AMOLED Plus screen, and they chose to instead stick to the screen that used Pentile we were a little confused. Samsung has spoken on the issue however and said it was because the Pentile increases the life of your display's screen. Even though the Galaxy SII and the Galaxy Note have ~~AMOLED Plus~~ (whoops!) different AMOLED screens, Samsung explained that the blue subpixels in those matrices degrade faster than their red and green brethren. This doesn't happen in the Pentile this doesn't happen as quickly, and Samsung wants to keep your screen bright and vibrant for at least 18 months. You shouldn't notice much of a difference between a Galaxy Nexus' screen and the new SIII. Is the longevity of your screen a good trade-off for the quality? Via: Engadget | Mobile Burn

LG "Eclipse 4G LTE" Superphone Headed For Sprint With Crazy Specs, Would You Want This on Verizon?

Eric — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:40:52 +0000

The word "Superphone" gets tossed around a lot these days whenever a company releases a flagship handset that they want to brand themselves off of. In this case, LG's yet-to-be-announced phone certainly sounds power packed so far. Officially the name is LG LS970, but the site that found this beast is calling it the "Eclipse 4G LTE", and notes that it's headed for Sprint. Where it gets interesting is underneath the hood, the phone is said to be packing a Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz alongside an Adreno 320 GPU, and 2GB of RAM to top things off. You're even looking at a 13MP camera on the back of the device as well. Woah. Currently, all S4 processors are integrated with a radio but the set-up in the Eclipse is one that Qualcomm has only yet demoed in tablets. This setup is going to allow this phone VoLTE (voice-over-LTE) capabilities if or when it hits Sprint, meaning you can talk on the phone and surf the web at the same time. This seems to certainly be the powerhouse in the waiting, but it's unlikely that we will see this anytime soon. Would this phone coming to Verizon change your opinion about LG? Via: The Verge

Week One Contest: Win an Asus Transformer Pad Prize Bundle to Celebrate TegraZone's One Year Anniversary (Update: Winner Picked)

Tim — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:20:45 +0000

To celebrate TegraZone's first birthday, NVIDIA have partnered with DL to give away a Transformer Pad prize bundle once a week, for three weeks. The bundle includes a brand-spanking new Asus Transformer Pad with matching keyboard dock, a Logitech game controller, and a Jambox Speaker box to get the greatest mobile gaming experience one can get. So, are you ready to win it?

Winner:

Our winner is Holly B, who happens to love "Where's My Water?" Congratulations and thanks to the 1,400+ entries!

Contest:

Prize - Running the latest Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the ASUS Transformer Pad (review here) is a value packed tablet that with multi-color style, and productivity with expandability when connected to the mobile dock. With a 1.2MP front and 8MP rear auto-focus camera with large F/2.2 aperture and exclusive office software, staying connected and productive has never been easier. Along with the tablet, you will also receive a matching lapdock, Jambox Speaker, and Logitech game controller. To enter - 1. ~~Follow @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra on Twitter.~~ ~~2. Tweet the following:~~
~~Win a Transformer Pad Prize Pack from @droid_life and @NVIDIATegra to celebrate TegraZone's first birthday! – http://goo.gl/fUPs0 #android~~
~~3. In the comments, tell us what your favorite mobile game is.~~ Entry period and Winner - The contest will run from the time of this posting until Friday (5/11/2012) at 12PM Pacific. At that time, a winner will be chosen from the comments and contacted via email. Make sure to use a valid email address with Disqus.

A huge thanks goes out to NVIDIA and ASUS for hosting the contest and putting up the prizes.

Verizon to Light Up Even More East Coast Markets With Their 4G LTE on May 17

Tim — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:50:18 +0000

A few days ago, Verizon announced a slew of new 4G LTE markets that were either just lit up or would be seeing the 4G LTE goodness on May 17. Yesterday, Big Red announced even more markets that would have their switches flipped on starting mid-next week and they are as follows:

30 "communities" in Vermont
Jersey Shore and surrounding areas
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
Cape Cod
Long Island
Delaware beach communities
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Ocean City, Maryland
Virginia Beach

We noticed that many people were concerned about their coastal cities not receiving the love from Verizon's 4G, so this should certainly make lots of you happy on the East Coast. Via: Verizon

Android is Google's Weapon in the Ecosystem War [Opinion]

Ron — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:46 +0000

The battle to dominate the mobile market has never been about smartphones. Android, iOS, and Windows Phone are attempts to use the most personal computers ever made to lock users into one ecosystem. Google is using Android, an open ecosystem, to lock users into Google apps and services. Google recognized the future of computing was moving towards mobile after the release of the iPhone. Before the iPhone no one envisioned mobile as being anything more than Windows laptops with rotating, resistive touchscreens and Blackberry-like phones. The iPhone and iPad revolutionized the way we interact with mobile devices, for better or worse. Ever since then Apple, Google, and Microsoft have been waging a war over ecosystems. Microsoft decidedly won the desktop battle, but Apple made a huge comeback in mobile with the iPhone and the iPad. All three companies are using phones and tablets as the next battle in the war to win users over to ther ecosystem. Each company provides services and products to try to meet every need of their users. Below are some of the services and products that Apple, Google, and Microsoft offer: Search: Google Search, Bing, Siri Social: Google Plus, Facebook (Microsoft has heavily invested in FB), Twitter (iOS and OS X Mountain Lion have deep Twitter integration) Email: iCloud, Gmail/Google Apps, Hotmail/Office 365 Browser: Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari Desktop: Chrome OS, OS X, Windows Books: Google eBooks, Nook (Microsoft just invested heavily in Nook), iBooks Entertainment: Google Play, iTunes, Zune TV: Apple TV, Google TV, Xbox 360 Productivity: Microsoft Office, Google Drive, iWork Storage: Google Drive, iCloud, SkyDrive Mobile: Android, iOS, Windows Phone Each company has products in nearly every category that consumers and professionals use. From music to productivity to search to books, each company has a solution that they believe is the best for consumers and professionals. Many of these services and products are available on each company's platforms, but they usually only work best on each company's own platform. Android, iOS, and Windows Phone are nothing more than attempts to increase market share in each company's ecosystem. Apple has often been accused of misunderstanding the Internet, but I think what was perceived as misunderstanding was really simply a vastly different vision of what the Internet should look like. Apple thinks that the Internet should be divided into apps instead of tabs. Apple believes that users should let Apple make decisions about how they see and process information. Apple has severely limited Safari on iOS for this reason - they want users to access data and information through apps, not a browser. Apple believes that this way of accessing the Internet makes it cleaner, safer, and more profitable. Microsoft is the wealthy incumbent. Having won the first battle, Microsoft slowed its innovation, giving companies like Apple and Google the opportunity to define and then dominate the next battle. Microsoft has a history of making products that are cheap, but good enough for most people to use. Windows and Office are classic example of this strategy, and it has worked on the desktop. In mobile, however, cheap and decent isn't good enough. Phones have becomes the most personal computers we have ever seen. They are with us all the time and store some of the most personal information we have. Windows Mobile was a failure because Microsoft failed to realize how important mobile would be. In the last five years we've seen a massive shift towards mobile computing becoming the dominant platform. For many things desktops and laptops are still superior, but mobile devices are becomin better adapted to the traditional tasks demanded of desktop computers. As a result of this shift, Microsoft is getting crushed in mobile with Google and Apple controlling a space that Microsoft should have dominated. Bill Gates was raving about tablet computers far before anyone else saw the vision, but Microsoft continued to miss the mark by simply trying to recreate Windows on a smaller screen. Windows Phone and Windows 8 are massive jumps in a totally new direction and Microsoft is betting a lot with its latest vision of mobile computing. It has the services that people need, but it needs to have the consumer facing products that people want. Mixrosoft's vision is similar to Apple's in that they want to control the experience, but Microsoft is risking loosing enterprise, its bread as butter, by changing the way that Windows works so dramatically. Microsoft is trapped between consumer demands for something new and enterprise demands for a consistent product with legacy support. Finally, Google believes that for better or worse, computing should be a totally open platform that is "free" for anyone to use. For the cost of targetted ads, Google wants to provide every service possible. Sure, there are some things that ads can't buy, like apps or media, but Google wants to provide the services for freemium. Google's vision of computing is essentially a cross between Microsoft's and Apple's. Google has a closed ecosystem in terms of the Play Store and Google apps, but in terms of what you can do there are no limits. Android on phones is similar to iOS in its app-centric approach, but apps like the browser don't suffer from limitations like a lack of Flash support or the inability to download files. Android on tablets, on the other hand, follows Microsoft's approach in that it feels and acts more like a desktop computer than a mobile one. Choosing Google, in short, means that you support an open web and an open ecosystem. Unlike Apple, Google has no desire to control how you use their services. Unlike Microsoft, Google doesn't make good-enough products and services in terms of usability. While Google still struggles with design for some of its products (Gmail still looks like it was made in 1997), its products just work. Office 365 may compare in terms of the products it offers, but they don't work as well as Google's services. Apple offers iCloud to store data, but unlike Google, Apple limits what apps can use that data. Supporting Google means supporting computing that lets you do whatever you want with your data on services that work well. Sometimes people get emotional in the comments about Google and Android. Often I think this is just an emotional reaction to someone criticizing a product that people like, but I think there is something more to it than that. Apple, Google, and Microsoft have extremely different views of the future. Choosing between Apple, Google, and Microsoft is going to become increasingly difficult for users as each company tries to lock users into their services. The phone you choose, and therefore the ecosystem you support, may have a bearing on what the future of computing looks like.

LG Spectrum Set to Receive Major Update to VS920V6, Still Isn't Ice Cream Sandwich

Kellen — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:07:29 +0000

A new update as VS920V6 is primed and ready to be rolled out to the LG Spectrum on Verizon. According to the changelog, it appears to be pretty major yet somehow is not Ice Cream Sandwich. After updating though, users will find calendar improvements, Google as the default search, new Google apps (Play, YouTube, Gmail, and Talk), and a whole bunch of bloatware. Your version of Android will be 2.3.6. Typically when we see these changelogs go live, you can expect the update to be made available shortly thereafter. Check out the full list below.

The update is 127MB in size. More info.

Google Play Store Updated to Version 3.5.19, Available for Download

Tim — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:30:10 +0000

Google pushed out a new version of the Play Store to devices yesterday numbered 3.5.19. No word on what changes are inside, but if your device hasn't received the newest version yet, you can download it right below. To install, simply download the apk and install as you would any other 3rd party application. If you spot any differences in the new version, be sure to let us know down below. Download: GooglePlayStore3.5.19.apk Via: Phandroid

Skyvi for Android, Another Siri Knock Off that Actually Works Properly?

Tim — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:40:58 +0000

There is no shortage of Siri wannabes in the Play Store, but it is a change to see one that has great ratings and actually works as intended. With Skyvi, you can handle the main tasks that one would usually use Siri for - such as checking local weather, texting friends, and getting directions. The app was pushed to Play sometime earlier this year and we're bummed that we are only just now hearing about it. For folks who are still looking for their very own Android personal assistant that talks to you in a sexy computerized voice, give Skyvi a go and let us know how you think it compares to other Siri competitors for Android. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wsWieCUUR4[/youtube] Cheers Justin!

Step 1	Step 2
Monthly Line Access (per device)	Shared Minutes	Shared Messages	Shared Data	Monthly Account Access (shared with up to 10 devices)
Smartphones - $40Basic Phone -30Jetpacks/USBs/Notebooks/Netbooks - $20Tablets - $10	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 GB	$50
	Unlimited	Unlimited	2 GB	$60
	Unlimited	Unlimited	4 GB	$70
	Unlimited	Unlimited	6 GB	$80
	Unlimited	Unlimited	8 GB	$90
	Unlimited	Unlimited	10 GB	$100