Droid Life

Microsoft SkyDrive App Coming Soon to Android

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:26:41 +0000

The Microsoft SkyDrive team announced today that they have built an Android app which will be available in the coming weeks. After releasing a newly revamped web version of SkyDrive, along with new Windows and OSX clients, they mentioned that this new Android app will allow users to "browse your SkyDrive, upload files to SkyDrive, as well as share SkyDrive files with “Send a link.” You'll also be able to open SkyDrive files from other apps, as well as upload, save, and share to SkyDrive from other apps." For those not familiar with SkyDrive, simply think of it as a cloud storage service similar to Google Drive or Dropbox, but built by Microsoft.

Here are a couple of screenshots from the app:

A look at the new web SkyDrive:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaWw0zLT67E[/youtube]

Via: Inside SkyDrive

Verizon Discontinued Mobile IM App on August 1 for All Smartphones

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:57:38 +0000

When the DROID RAZR was updated to Ice Cream Sandwich, Verizon notified customers via text that their Mobile IM app was no longer supported in Android 4.0 and that it would be removed. It doesn't stop there, though. That means that any Verizon smartphone running ICS will not have a Mobile IM app, including the HTC Rezound and DROID 4. August 1 was actually the deadline for support to end, however, we haven't heard yet if the app still works on devices not running ICS. We have a feeling that it doesn't.

If your IM app is dead, and you used it, feel free to jump into the Play store and check out apps like IM+ as replacements.

Via: Verizon Cheers Mike!

This New Official Android Neon Lamp is Awesome

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:05:23 +0000

Ultimate Android collectors, this new neon Android lamp in the official Google store is your next purchase. What better way to light up your night life than with your favorite mascot? As the product description states, you can "start the party early" with this little guy. It might be a solo party filled with Mountain Dew Code Red, the Android SDK and an IRC ROM channel, but hey, to each his own, right? Buy. ($36.40 + shipping) Cheers Scott!

How to: Sideload an Application on Android [Beginners' Guide]

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:40:11 +0000

One of the fantastic aspects and bonuses of Android is the ability to "side-load" or install 3rd party aplications that are not from Google Play or the Amazon Appstore. Apps can be side-loaded from Gmail, your SD Card, or your Internet browser once the app is downloaded. Android devices do not come with this function enabled automatically, but it must be turned on by the device's owner. Doing so is as easy as just pressing a few buttons so let's get to it.

Warning: Side-loading applications can be dangerous to your device. If you install a malicious application, it can hi-jack your data and share it with untrustworthy people. Instances of this are uncommon, but the risk is still there. Always download applications from trusted sources. And no, we do not condone application piracy. Please support hard working developers by buying their apps from Google Play.

Setting up side-loading:

1. Open the Settings menu on your device.

Press the Menu button and then Settings. On some devices without a Menu button, you can pull down your Notification menu and select the Settings icon.

2. Under "Personal", open the "Security" settings menu. 3. Where it says "Unknown Sources," check the box.

A warning pop-up will make sure you're sure that you want to allow for this. As a reminder, installing apps from bad sources is never a good idea. Only install applications from a trusted source to make sure your data remains secure.

4. Select "OK." You are now ready to install 3rd party applications on your Android device.

Side-loading an application:

To test out side-loading, let's try downloading an APK file and installing it on your device. The application will be the official Jelly Bean wallpaper pack that some of you will enjoy. 1. Click this link in your phone's web browser. 2. After downloading, click on the file name in your notification bar. 3. A page asking to "Install" or "Cancel" will appear. 4. Select "Install." You now have side-loading up and running. Enjoy. *Android Beginners Guide is a way for people new to Android to get to learn how Android works. We will be posting many tips and tricks on how to optimize your usage of the Android operating system.

PSA: Android Team Doesn't Want Your Cross-Platform Apps Looking Like iOS or Windows Phone

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:00:22 +0000

If you haven't cruised over to the Android Developers site in a while, I recommend that you do, as it has been completely overhauled and includes all sorts of fun information. The site is much more beautifully designed now, easy to navigate, and should help all developers create more fantastic Android apps going forward. But even if you aren't a developer, you are bound to learn something about Android that you didn't previously know. With that said, we couldn't help but get a laugh out of the "Pure Android" page at the bottom of the "Patterns" column in the "Design" section of the site. The focus is on making Android apps look nothing like their cross-platform counterparts. It's an entire section dedicated to helping developers create apps that fit the Android platform, rather than being exact copies of their versions for iOS or Windows Phone. It's funny because many of these design tips have been brought up in the ongoing battle between Samsung and Apple. Take the icon sets for example. Google is reminding developers that there is a specific set of icons that they should be using when developing apps for Android. While it may be easier to create one app design for all platforms, it can lead to an inconsistent experience as each OS behaves differently. Now, that doesn't mean that they want apps that look absolutely nothing like an app from another OS. In fact, they still want your branding to be front a center, however, they don't want you to carry over rounded buttons, bottom fixed action bars, labeled back buttons, etc. All jokes aside, if developers do follow these guidelines, it will lead to a much more consistent experience on Android, something we have begged for.

Via: Android Developers Cheers E!

[Humor] Google Play's Top 10 Most Expensive Applications

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:20:46 +0000

For fun, we set out to search for Google Play's most expensive applications. The task was easier than we had initially thought it would be, but surprisingly, the apps turned out to be completely ridiculous and mostly a waste of time for buyers. Except for one publisher who has a large portfolio of both educational and uber expensive applications that would be used by medical students, the rest of Google Play's priciest is just a random list off "Show off your cash" apps that would only be purchased by someone who had an IQ of less than zero. Unfortunately for humor's sake, the limit on the price of Android apps is only $200.

Top 10 Most Expensive:

1. Davis's Drug Guide ($49.95) 2. Merck Manual Suite + Drugs ($79.95) 3. 5-Minute Clinical Consult ($99.95) 4. I'm Rich!! - White Diamond ($130.00) 5. I'm FU**ING Rich ($132.64) 6. Anesthesia Central ($149.95) 7. Medicine Central ($159.95) 8. I'm Rich Man ($199.99) 9. Most Expensive Japanese App ($200.00) 10. Most Expensive App ($200.00)

Honorable Mention:

On the other side of the coin though is iOS's most expensive application called VIP Black. The application runs a whopping $1000, but actually serves as a functional service and people buy it! Wth VIP Black, users can order private transportation such as helicopters and jets, special dining offers, and more. Feel free to check it out yourself here. In conclusion, the more expensive they get, more than likely equals how useless they actually are.

Playstation Mobile Means New Games, Only if Your Device is Playstation Certified

Eric — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:50:57 +0000

Remember the Xperia PLAY? The slider with the gaming controls underneath that was supposed to usher in a new hybrid of mobile phones and mobile gaming, but didn't do too well. That device was the beginning of Playstation Certification, which means that Playstation gives (usually Sony) devices the OK to have Playstation games run on them. In their press conference today at Gamescom, Sony announced that Playstation Mobile is making a push for "bite-sized" games coming to phones and tablets sometime soon.

There were other interesting announcements during this conference, including the fact that if you make a purchase through Playstation Mobile, that game will be available on your PS Vita, your phone and your tablet with only that one purchase. Sony also announced that ASUS and Wikipad are now Playstation Certified partners, meaning you might be able to get some nice games on your Transformers.

Do these new announcements make you wish that your device was Playstation Certified?

Via: The Verge

Cheers Nick S!

Reminder: New Installs of Adobe Flash to be Blocked Starting Tomorrow

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:15:51 +0000

Tomorrow is the day that Adobe marked as the beginning of the end for Flash on Android. Starting tomorrow, updates of Flash from Google Play will be limited to those who already have it installed on their device. Meaning, no fresh installs - only updates. Development of mobile Flash for Android was killed off in November, but the software has seen updates from time to time for security fixes. As mentioned plenty of times previously, the newest version of Android is unsupported by Flash, so many users out there basically have no use for the application. If you're running a device that does allow for the install of Flash, you may want to install it today before it's gone for good. R.I.P. Flash.

Nanosaur 2 for Android, an Armored Dinosaur on a Mission to Save a Species

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:35:37 +0000

Throw science and your basic concept of reality out the door with Nanosaur 2. It's the future and it looks like Dinosaurs have come back into existence. But this time, things are different. Dinosaurs are now in charge of Earth and have even designed plasma cannons and the ability to time travel. Their purpose is easy to understand, save the ancient dinosaurs. Equipping one of their own with a jetpack, armor, and weapons, it is sent back in time to collect eggs and destroy evil dinosaur machine things. Yes, the plot is stupid, but the gameplay is awesome. Using your phone, you swoop and dive around a huge landscape avoiding trees and other animals. Blast your way through baddies and save your race from total extinction. The game is $2, but it's so worth it. Play Link ($1.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6F_akRntTM[/youtube] Cheers Ben Martel!

Google's New Patent Lets You Talk into Any End of the Phone You Want

Eric — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:10:51 +0000

When Google launched Honeycomb, one of the selling points was that the action bar was always at the bottom of the tablet, where you needed it, no matter how you turned the device. With smartphone and tablet designs today looking pretty similar from any direction you look at it, telling which way is up might be a little difficult, but Google's newest patent looks to help you with that problem.

The patent shows a phone with a microphone and speaker installed into each end of the device, and when the time comes to actually use your phone as a phone, the device will tell which end is up, and activate the speaker and microphone accordingly. It's an interesting patent that could lead to even more interesting phone designs. Time will only tell though if Google actually puts the IP to any use.

Via: Engadget

Gamestop Offering PowerUp Members $20 off on New Transformer TF300T

Eric — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:40:40 +0000

It's no secret that Gamestop is trying to get in on the tablet gaming scene, they were actually one of the first retail stores to start selling the Nexus 7. The retail gaming giant is looking to throw their PowerUp reward members a deal, albeit a small one, on the ASUS Transformer Pad TF300.

Gamestop is offering $20 off the $399.99 price tag of the 32GB version of the Transformer as long as you are a PowerUp reward member. The tablet comes pre-loaded with 5 games including Shadowgun, Sonic CD and Riptide, three pretty big Android games. The deal only lasts through August 19 so if you are looking to get in on the Android tablet game with this deal, you don't have long to decide.

Buy

Pebble Shows Off Watch UI Progress in Latest Video

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:18:27 +0000

The Pebble E-paper watch was the talk of the town back in April as it crushed every Kickstarter record known to man. As an affordable "smart watch," it claimed it could do all sorts of magic, thanks to an e-paper display that can last up to 7 days. It also has much of the same functionality that you will find in the MotoActv or Sony Smartwatch, except that at $115, it comes in at a fraction of the price. In a recent update to the project, the Pebble team apologized for their last update, which briefly mentioned a delay in manufacturing (September is no longer happening), but to help make up for it, released this video that shows some UI elements. You can see that this is definitely still a work-in-progress. Emulators for real time developing have been created, however, they still have a ways to go before this thing is going to be ready for shipping. With said, I'm really liking the minimal styling that this e-paper display presents.

EA Games' Download Portal Origin Coming to Android in the Near Future

Eric — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:45:31 +0000

EA announced at the recent GamesCon press conference that they are going to bring their Origin game download portal to Android, expanding its reach from the PC. Origin is similar to Steam where games are downloaded directly from a web portal to the device, and EA thinks they have a big enough fan base to sell their games through their own service. Currently Star Wars: The Old Republic and Battlefield 3 are some of the top games being sold through Origin.

If Origin does come to Android, all of the EA Games in the Play Store now would probably disappear, and from then on out only be sold through the Origin application. A tentative February 2013 date was thrown out but they were not very firm on that. EA doesn't have the best reputation in the Android community as of late, would you buy any games through Origin on your phone or tablet?

Via: The Verge

Samsung Looks to Render Apple Patent Useless with Mitsubishi's Diamond Touch

Tim — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:08:18 +0000

As we live out our day to day lives, Samsung and Apple have been at each other's throats for the past few weeks in court, and the trial is beginning to finally wrap up. With things looking slightly in favor of Apple, Samsung presented evidence yesterday afternoon that could be their saving grace. Samsung's lawyers had just finished questioning their second defense witness, a Mr. Adam Bogue who is a Mitsubishi engineer. According to Bogue, he demoed a piece of hardware called Diamond Touch to Apple engineers in 2003 which allowed users to shrink and expand images by grabbing and dragging their virtual corners. In essence, this is pinch-to-zoom as we know it today. Samsung's case to the jury is that how can they be found guilty of copying patented technology when said technology shouldn't have been granted a patent in the first place. Amazingly enough, Apple's cross-examination of the witness yielded even crazier results. When asked who owns the Diamond Touch today, Bogue replied with "Quinn Emanuel." Quinn, being the law firm that is presently representing Samsung in the trial, begins to wheel out the actual Diamond Touch model into the courtroom. Can Diamond Touch help Samsung prove that Apple shouldn't hold their patents in the first place, there by saving Sammy's butt? After a couple more days of proceedings, it's going to be up to a jury to decide. Below is a video of Diamond Touch in action almost 10 years ago, well before the iPhone was released with its patented technology. As described in the info of the video, it's "not just multi-touch, it's multi-user-touch." [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwRjb4fNWAI[/youtube] Via: BGR, Fortune

Motorola: Ice Cream Sandwich Rolling Out Now to the DROID 4 "in Phases"

Kellen — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:52:19 +0000

Yesterday, Verizon officially approved the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the DROID 4. Hours after posting the support docs for the update, the soak test for the device went live, a sign that normally means a public push is a few days away. Well, Motorola wasn't interested in waiting any longer and decided to start pushing the update to non-soak testers yesterday evening. It doesn't sound like the update is available to be pulled by all at this time, however, there are tricks you can do to see if you can trick it. In the past, users have had success by clearing Google Services Framework in their Apps manager. Via: Twitter Cheers jbartcaps!

Quick Look: Portenzo Custom BookCase for Nexus 7

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:30:39 +0000

Portenzo hit us up a couple of weeks ago to see if we were interested in checking out the Nexus 7 BookCase that they had created. At first, we hesitated because typically, we see readers who care more for softer feels and portability in a case, but then we learned that these are custom, hand made in the U.S. with incredibly high quality materials and had to give them a try. We also know that they are popular in the uber-competitive iPad case business. So here we are, with 2 custom Nexus 7 BookCases from Portenzo.

What is a Portenzo BookCase?

A BookCase from Portenzo is exactly what it sounds like it would be. It's a case for the Nexus 7, but rather than being a soft TPU or pliable leather, it's hard, just like a hardcover book would be. It offers ultimate protection, but carries an appeal that fashionistas would love thanks to a number of customizable options.

Customize

The big selling point here is the fact that you get to customize the case to be the color scheme of your dreams. Whether you want a faux leather feel or a canvas cover, you have up to 8 color choices on the outside. From there, you get to choose from 9 different interior colors along with magnet and strap options. Lastly, you can tell Portenzo to turn the back of the case into an Intellistand to make video watching all the more comfortable.

Materials

The Portenzo team hand makes their cases using "tried and true methods of old world book binding" with materials like American maple as a base. They include auto sleep/wake functionality free of charge, an Audio-Flow sound chamber to improve your audio experience, and then all of the other add-ons you chose during checkout.

Overall

I really like the craftsmanship with the Portenzo BookCase. You can tell the minute you pick it up that these are well made with quality goods. The Nexus 7 fits in tightly after a few presses and has all of its ports and mics semi-exposed. It's a bit difficult to tap the power and volume switches, but the auto sleep/wake eliminates half of that problem. The different color schemes that you can create are pretty fun, especially knowing that your case is essentially a one of a kind. I also like the fact that these are made right here in the States. At almost $40, I'd call that a reasonable price, knowing that you are getting a product of this caliber. Buy ($39.95)

Gallery:

Samsung Hinting at Possible Galaxy Note-like Device Coming to Verizon?

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:02:08 +0000

After a vocal Samsung supporter took to their Facebook page to see whatever happened to a possible Galaxy Note release on Verizon, Samsung's Relations team had an interesting answer for him. Instead of saying that nothing was coming for Verizon customers or completely ignoring his inquiry altogether, Samsung mentions they have nothing to "announce just yet." We can't help but feel that this response could hint at something to come. They go on to say that Mr. Williams should check back when they have more info. Could it be the Galaxy Note 2 that is to be announced at this year's IFA? Something else? Or this could be another "Whoopsie!" by another PR rep on an OEM social network page. Come on, Samsung. Don't tease. Via: Facebook Cheers Phil!

Factory Re-Certified Motorola XOOM WiFi Just $230 Through Daily Steals

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:28:32 +0000

The one and only Motorola XOOM WiFi tablet is on sale through Daily Steals for $230. The tablet is factory re-certified, but at this price, it might be perfect for those wishing Google would release a 10-inch Nexus tablet. Since the XOOM WiFi has received Jelly Bean, it is still the only 10-inch tablet in the world running an official Jelly Bean build from Google. Awesome, right? Long live the XOOM. Buy. Cheers Inspector Butters and Cory!

Video: HTC Rezound Apparently Inspires Flash Mobs

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:54:32 +0000

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

The HTC Rezound and its Beats Audio enhancements take over the streets of NYC in this latest commercial from Verizon. Flash mob!

Tip: Copy, Cut, Paste Icons in Jelly Bean and Ice Cream Sandwich [Beginners' Guide]

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:38:00 +0000

With the introduction of Ice Cream Sandwich (followed by Jelly Bean), Google implemented new icons through their Holo theme and Action Bar to represent the cut, copy, select all, and paste features inside an email, text message/box, or basically anywhere that you would need to perform one of these actions. With proper research into the issue, a user could find out what these new icons mean, but if you're new to the Android OS, it could be confusing and intimidating at first. It also doesn't help that you may see them in an Action Bar at the top of one app and then the bottom of the next app. In some places you will even see the OS spell out "SELECT ALL" or '"PASTE," yet use icons for each in another. Either way, this is what they stand for.

Copy: The icon on the far left is "Copy." Cut: Second to far left is "Cut." Paste: In the middle is "Paste." Select all: The dotted box with four filled in boxes inside second to right is "Select all." Share: On far right we have the "Share" button. Pro tip: Long pressing on any action bar icon will help to identify them by popping up a text bar describing the action. Hopefully this will spare you some confusion in the future when you're trying to edit some documents. *Android Beginners Guide is a way for people new to Android to get to learn how Android works. We will be posting many tips and tricks on how to optimize your usage of the Android operating system.

Monday Poll: Motorola Made Nexus or Unlock Bootloaders on Older Phones?

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:06:40 +0000

We learned this morning that big changes are about to take place at Motorola over the next year. First, they cut most of their VPs, will cut around 4,000 jobs globally, move out of unprofitable countries, and create fewer phones overall, choosing to focus instead on higher-end models. I think it's safe to say that most of us are dying for a Motorola Nexus device to be among those select few, but what about the rest of them? Say the RAZR HD comes fully loaded with a locked up bootloader and we never see a Nexus? Our poll today has to do with this topic. Since changes are in store, many of you are probably wondering if that means a new approach to device security, aka unsigned bootloaders. So we ask, which one is more important to you, a Motorola-made Nexus or for them to unlock bootloaders on the rest of their phones? [poll id="195"]

Epic Meal Time for Android, the Sauce Boss Doing What He Does Best

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:10:17 +0000

Making their way from YouTube onto Android comes junk food connoisseurs the Epic Meal Time crew. Taking the essential ingredients/humor from the web and then layering on the bacon strips and pouring Jack Daniels whiskey makes for one heck-of-a tasty game. The goal is simple - feed Harley aka the "Sauce Boss" as much fatty foods and bacon strips as possible without letting him die from vegetable overdose. The game is a $1 and there is also some in-app purchases for upgrades to the game, but I don't think you need to buy anything to enjoy feeding him junk food. Think of it as Fruit Ninja minus the fruit and chopping. It's Bacon Ninja.

Dripping dat chocolate sauce...

Play Link ($0.99) Warning: Vulgar Language. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F1_04GLrPs[/youtube]

LG Optimus Vu Launching on Verizon This Quarter

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:25:57 +0000

In a round about way, LG announced last night that the Optimus Vu with 4G LTE will launch on Verizon this quarter. Their press release didn't actually mention Big Red by name, but they said that the device will launch in the United States during the third quarter of this year. Since we have already seen an Optimus Vu variant cruise through the FCC with Verizon branding and 4G LTE radios, along with a set of in-the-wild photos of one, it's safe to assume that it was indeed Big Red that they were referring to. The only thing we need to know now is what the price will be. This may be a 5" device with solid specs, but it's such a niche product with the most random of display ratios, that I can't imagine anyone is going to flock to this. In my opinion, the Vu should launch at no more than $149 on contract, maybe even at $99, however, I'd be surprised if it's less than $200. We spent some time with it in May at CTIA and came away completely unimpressed. Take a look below:

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

Does this phone interest any of you? Via: UnwiredView | LG

Mapsaurus for Android, Creatively Helping You Find New Apps That Rock

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:00:01 +0000

A new application called Mapsaurus is a great way for users to find new apps that they may enjoy, based on the apps they already have installed. For example, I clicked on my favorite wallpaper app (Pattrn) and it brought up four other apps that it thinks I would like. From there, you can hit each individual suggested app and see four more suggestions for that app, creating a huge app tree. You can search based on your already installed apps or you can choose from fun categories, like Play Zombie Games or Get Better Battery Life. If you've been needing some sweet new apps, check it out. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lerwdIuHZ2E[/youtube]

RailMate for Android is Like a Police Scanner for Transit

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:30:33 +0000

An app called RailMate was released to the Play store over the weekend, giving frequent transit travelers a way to check their normal routes for transit officers, police officers, rail staff, and dangerous commuters. You can filter results by the train you normally take or train stop that you usually jump on at. You can view distances between alerts using GPS and vote on posts for accuracy. Also, be aware that posts are deleted every 24 hours so that you will only see the most current alert info. In a way, this reminds me of the police scanner and alert apps that have grown in popularity over the years. Like those apps, this will need participation in order for it to be effective. It's completely user-driven, so unless other users are setting alerts, this app will be useless. Play Link

Google Set to Acquire Frommers, Looks to Bolster Travel Portfolio

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:06:38 +0000

In a report from the WSJ, it looks like Google is ready to purchase the travel publication Frommer's for an undisclosed amount of money. With no details from Google yet, it is suggested that the acquisition is to mainly bolster their already impressive travel portfolio and will tie in nicely with their recent purchase of Zagat and ITA. A Google spokesperson commented that until the operations are combined, there is no telling whether they will continue to publish the Frommer's guidebooks on paper or completely online. What we can be sure of though, is that Google Maps and search results will most likely see more Frommer's information popping up in there soon. Via: WSJ

Ice Cream Sandwich Update Rolls Out to Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi Owners

Tim — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 08:45:28 +0000

It may not have happened within the month Samsung had mentioned in June, but this morning, owners of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 are waking up to see an update prompt for Ice Cream Sandwich. Why can't every morning be like that? The update will place users at the Android 4.0.4 marker and weighs in at a healthy 254MB. Enjoy ICS, Tab owners. Cheers Michael and JlMclain!

DROID 4 Ice Cream Sandwich Update Approved by Verizon, Here is the Full Change List

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 08:03:09 +0000

Verizon has approved the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the DROID 4 this morning. A soak test for the update was announced last week, but we have yet to hear if it actually rolled out to any participants. What we do know, is that when Big Red approves something like this, it usually starts to appear on devices within a week. Aside from the benefits that come with Android 4.0, you will notice better quality pictures, improved gallery performance, global roaming capabilities, less force closes and restarts, and Verizon's Remote Diagnostics tool. Update: The soak test for the device is arriving today. Assuming that goes well, it should be only a matter of days before the public gets it. The build number is 6.16.217. The Android version is 4.0.4. The update is 364MB in size. A full change list is below.

More info.

HTC Rezound Receiving Another Major Update, Should Include Global Roaming

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:48:56 +0000

Since Ice Cream Sandwich arrived for the HTC Rezound without global roaming, a feature Verizon told us was coming "this summer," we were starting to wonder if it would ever arrive. As of last night, Rezound owners at various forums started receiving a notification for an update that appears to include the global roaming feature. The update itself is 103.7MB in size, signaling a substantial update. The version of Android is stil 4.0.3 and Sense version 3.6, but the software build number has jumped all the way up to 4.03.605.1. We haven't heard from Verizon yet about this update, so until we see info from them, it's tough to tell when this thing may be rolling out. Some are reporting that it is rolling out now, but our inbox isn't flooded with successful upgrades like it normally would be if this sucker had gone public. Feel free to jump into Settings>About phone>Software update to check, though. Let us know! If you would like to grab the file right now, hit up the source link below. Via: XDA Cheers Sina and everyone else!

Motorola to Cut 20% of Workforce - Pulling Out of Struggling Markets, Will Produce Just a Few High-end Phones

Kellen — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:13:47 +0000

Now that the newly Google-powered leadership team has settled into their Motorola digs, it's time for cuts and a re-focus. According to Dennis Woodside, the new CEO of Motorola, there will be a 20% cut in their global work force, one third of which will be right here in the U.S. A third of their global offices will be closed, many from unprofitable countries. They will also focus on making fewer phones, but ones that are high-end and include unique features to help them stand out from the crowd. This move really isn't all that surprising, as Motorola has been unprofitable in 14 of their last 16 quarters. Under previous leadership, aka Sanjay Jha, the company was nothing short of a mess. They introduced products to the market that were DOA, cheaply made, and in groups that essentially flooded the game. Over the next year, there will only be a few phones made, in an attempt to return Moto to the "cool" group. After cutting some 40% of VPs, they brought in a special group of innovators who fall under the title "Advanced Technology and Projects." This group has one goal - to create the next big thing, but they only have a short amount of time to do so. If they aren't pushing innovation forward, then the next group will replace them. And, there you have it, folks. Big changes happening at Motorola. Hopefully this means a new lease on life, one that includes phones we can all gather around, once again. Via: NYTimes Cheers GunHao and TB!

Rumor: Motorola Releasing DROID RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD in October?

Kellen — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:43:17 +0000

According to a rumor out of a site called Hot Hardware, a "very reliable source" has indicated to them that Motorola is going to release both a DROID RAZR HD and a RAZR MAXX HD, but not until October. Their source was not able to confirm any specs, but Motorola employees have done a marvelous job of providing us with those through image hosting and benchmark sites. The FCC filing for the phone gave us some goods too, like the 2530mAh battery it will hold. This person with knowledge of the situation also mentioned that the launch could depend on how many regular RAZR and RAZR MAXX devices they sell leading into the fall season. That seems a bit odd, especially since that build is almost a year old, which is an eternity in the Android game. All I have to say, is that Motorola would be committing 2012 suicide if they wait until October to release this phone. We all know that Apple is going to drop a new iPhone on us in September, so if you want to make a splash and sell some units as an OEM, you better get whatever it is you've got out the door before that happens. And I don't mean the week before, I mean like next week. I'm also not sure that I'm fully buying into there being a RAZR MAXX HD, but then again, that beautiful 3300mAh battery that was tucked in the original RAZR MAXX is missing from the RAZR HD. Since massive battery life has been the number 1 selling point for the MAXX, we shouldn't be surprised if Motorola does have a second model in their bag of tricks. Thoughts? Via: Hot Hardware Cheers Scott and Michael!

This Week in the Life of DROID: 8/10/2012

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:15:10 +0000

This week marked a fun time for Android gamers, as the OUYA gaming system went up for pre-order and multiple upcoming game trailers were released. On top of the games, the Galaxy S3 and the iPhone 4S went though the most scientific scratch test to date and we also began our new Android Beginners' Guide for those who are just making their way over to the Android platform. Here are the week's highlights if you missed any of them.

Have a great weekend, everybody! P.S. There's supposed to be an amazing meteor shower this weekend, be sure to try and catch it. :)

Google's Benefit Plan Includes "Death Benefits" - Die and Your Family Will be Taken Care of for Years

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:35:17 +0000

This may not be directly Android-related, but I found it interesting enough to share with those of you that may not have seen it. A report out of Forbes, talks about a special perk that you qualify for if you work at Google - death benefits. Chief People Officer Laszlo Bock talked about how they may "sound ridiculous" and that there is "no benefit to Google," but that is not the point. During death, families experience one of the harshest times of their lives and Google wants to help the families of their employees deal with it. So what are the "death benefits" that you get as a Google employee? Well first off, there doesn't seem to be a tenure requirement, so that means almost all of their employees should qualify. Should you pass on though, during your time as an employee, Google will pay 50% of your salary for 10 years to your family. Your stocks will also be vested immediately and each of your children (assuming you have some) will receive $1,000 per month until they are 19 (or 23 if going to school full-time). Bock talked about statistics that show improving employee performance when you have incredible benefits packages, however, they offer death benefits "simply because it's the right thing to do." Props, Google. Via: Forbes

Google Celebrates the Phonograph's Birth, Fifty Classic Albums Selling for Just $3

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:09:21 +0000

To celebrate the birth of the phonograph, Google is hosting a sale on fifty albums that have shaped music throughout the years. For example, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Bob Marley's Legend, and even Licensed to Ill from the Beastie Boys are up from grabs at just $3. It's a pretty ridiculous list of awesome music, so go grab some rockin' tunes and get your weekend kicked off in the right way. Play Link Cheers T!

DROID RAZR Available From Amazon for 1 Cent on Upgrades, New Accounts and Lines

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:08:09 +0000

Amazon pinged us this afternoon to let us know that the DROID RAZR (16GB) is on sale for $0.01 or 1 penny. If you have an upgrade available, this includes you as well. New customers, upgrades, and added lines are all included in this promo, something rarely seen except on special occasions. While this phone may not include the 3300mAh battery of its younger brother, the RAZR MAXX, it is still one of the better phones on Verizon to this day. It also has a sizable developer community that grows by the day. Amazon Links: DROID RAZR ($0.01) | RAZR MAXX ($99) | Galaxy S3 16GB ($149)

How to: Use Jelly Bean's Sound Search [Beginners' Guide]

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:40:12 +0000

With the release of the Jelly Bean operating system, it brought many new features for Android users to take advantage of. One of new features is called Sound Search. Sound Search can be directly compared to other applications like Shazam and SoundHound, the main difference being that Google's Sound Search utilizes their own servers to recognize the music and then direct you to Google Play to purchase the song. Google created a Sound Search widget that you can easily place on any homescreen for you to find out what that certain song is. Let's go ahead and set it up.

First, you will need to place the widget on a homescreen. To do this, follow these directions.

Setting up the widget:

1. Open the app drawer. In the top left you will see two sections. One for "Apps" and one for "Widgets." 2. Hit "Widgets." 3. Scroll to the right until you find Google's Sound Search widget. 4. Long press on the widget to place it on a homescreen. You have now successfully enabled the Sound Search widget.

Using Sound Search:

Using Sound Search is just as easy as setting it up. Follow these directions to use Sound Search properly. 1. While the song is being played, tap on the Sound Search widget. 2. Place your device close to the speaker to make sure the device can hear the song/audio being played. 3. After a few seconds, if the song is recognized by Google, album art and the song's title will be displayed. 4. Along with this information is a price for the song on Google Play, followed by a refresh button for you to identify a new song. 5. To purchase the song, click on the price tag and you will be directed to Google Play to buy the song or the entire album. *Android Beginners Guide is a way for people new to Android to get to learn how Android works. We will be posting many tips and tricks on how to optimize your usage of the Android operating system.

WatchESPN App on Android Finally Adds Comcast Support

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:55:26 +0000

When ESPN first launched their WatchESPN app on Android, I'll admit that I was excited. As a Comcast customer though, that excited quickly turned into, "Oh sure, no love for Comcast customers. Why should I be surprised at that?" Now, more than a year later, Comcast and ESPN have finally come to some agreement to allow Comcast customers to take advantage of streaming ESPN content on the go. Thanks, guys! (In the most sarcastic of ways.)

Play Link

Custom ROM Friday: BAMF Paradigm for Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:35:58 +0000

It's an appreciated change of pace when a team of developers can simply state their goal. Over on the BAMF site, the developers intro the Paradigm ROM with, "When we set out to build this ROM, we wanted to keep the feel as stock as possible while adding as much functionality as possible. The primary concern was always stability and user experience." That's what a flasher likes to hear. From my short time with the ROM on my own Galaxy Nexus, I have found it to be a fantastic example of pure AOSP with the perfect mix of customizable options and system optimizations. With the added features ranging from custom pulldown bar features and widgets to added wallpapers, you get the sense that this won't be the ordinary custom ROM with insane theme options or any other bloat. It's pure and fast Android. Instructions for installation:

Download the BAMF ROM zip and partnered Gapps zip files.
Place on your device's storage.
Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery.
Create a nandroid backup.
Locate the ROM zip and install.
Locate the Gapps zip and install.
Wipe data/cache.
Reboot.

If you have any questions or concerns, let us know down below. Via: Team BAMF

World's First Drag Race Scratch Test Takes Place - Galaxy S3 Vs. iPhone 4S

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:45:17 +0000

If you don't mind some extreme shaky-hands syndrome camera work and a guy being overly dramatic about what is to take place, then watch this video immediately. What takes place is the world's first official drag race scratch test between the iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy SIII. The results may shock you. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK318yBOvjw[/youtube] And there you have it. History has just been made. Via: Phandroid

DROID Charge Minor Update to FP5 Finally Ready, Again?

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:57:34 +0000

Just over a week ago, Verizon posted a support document, suggesting that a new update as build FP5 was ready for the DROID Charge. Shortly after posting, they pulled the document, replacing it with the previous FP1 update list. We aren't sure if that meant that the update wasn't ready or if some other issue arose. What we do know, is that the changelog looks massive, but it's identical to the FP1 list. This should be nothing more than a bug fixer. Charge owners, if you see an update, be sure to let us know. More info.

Google Makes Mobile Search from Phones and Tablets Interactive and Content Rich

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:50:06 +0000

Google is rolling out more interactive search results on mobile phones and tablets. For example, when searching for math answers like I have done above, instead of just giving you the answer, Google Search displays an entire calculator for you to edit the equation to what you need. Bossy. Other inquiries that will see this Google Now card-esque makeover are Stocks, Flights, Currency Conversion, Holidays, Unit Conversion, and Dictionary Definitions. Another example, when checking a flight status, Google will display a progress bar with a little plane icon for you to visually see how far along the flight is. It will move further towards the right as it approaches its final destination. The roll out has started today, so go check out the updates on your phone or tablet inside a web browser. Just another reason why Google kicks butt. Via: Inside Search

HTC: Thunderbolt Ice Cream Sandwich Update Still Should be Done by End of August

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:12:37 +0000

According to HTC's Facebook page, the Thunderbolt is still on schedule to receive its Ice Cream Sandwich update by the end of August (this month). They told us back in May that we should expect it in either July or August and are sticking to their guns. Other than the Thunderbolt, the Rhyme should see it as well, unless something has changed since we last heard from HTC. The Incredible 2 is apparently still questionable. Via: Facebook | HTCSource

Minecraft Pocket Edition for Android Updated, New Mobs and a Bow to Slay Them With

Tim — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:47:45 +0000

Last night, Minecraft Pocket Edition for Android was updated. In terms of updates, it's pretty decent and brings some new mobs and a means to destroy them. In the caves and outside at night, you will find skeletons and spiders trying to ruin your fun, but Mojang has added in bows and arrows for you to defend yourself. Along with that excitement, the game should see better brightness, decay time for items has been extended to five minutes, and now the hotbar has six slots on all devices. Minecraft was a pretty big deal when it was first released, but is anyone still playing it on their mobile? Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Z9oKTzzrM[/youtube] Cheers Justin!

Samsung and Apple Device Sales Figures Outed in Court, Surprise at the Top for Samsung

Kellen — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:16:17 +0000

The ongoing court battle between Samsung and Apple has been nothing short of entertaining, no matter what side you are cheering for. It's playing out almost like a bad John Grisham novel turned over-the-top Tom Cruise flick. We have seen denied evidence go public, matching icon sets revealed, emails from head honchos that paint a bad picture, and 100+ page comparison documents filled with all sorts of potentially harmful evidence. Today, we get even more goods in the form of sales charts of devices sold for both Samsung and Apple in the U.S. over the last few years. For Samsung, it's a smartphone sales chart from 2010 through Q2 2012. For Apple, it's numbers dating back to 2007, when the first iPhone was created. One thing is clear here: Apple sells an ungodly amount of smartphones and iPads. Samsung on the other hand, sells a lot of phones, but they have a long way to go before they are going to catch up to Apple here in the States. From 2010 to Q2 of this year, Samsung sold 21.25 million smartphones (excluding the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Nexus), while Apple sold 66.52 million iPhones during that same time. Can you guess Samsung's number 1 selling phone during that time period? Epic 4G Touch? DROID Charge? Captivate? Nope, none of those. The Samsung Galaxy Prevail, a Boost Mobile phone, came out on top at the 2.25 million mark. Thoughts?

Samsung numbers:

Apple numbers:

Via: AllThingsD

OTA Update Center Allows Custom ROM Developers to Push OTA Updates to Users

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:00:20 +0000

The perfect service for ROM developers was announced this morning. The service is called OTA Update Center and allows for developers to host their ROM's on the site's servers, which can allow for the pushing of OTA updates to end-users. What makes it different from applications like ROM Manager is that it takes a lot of the legwork out of pushing updates to users. The user has an application that talks to the service's servers which will let the device know that it is up to date. As for when we can see it, it's going to be all up to the developers to implement it into their ROM's. If you want to see an OTA feature introduced into your ROM, get a hold your developers and request it. As a bonus, it's a free service. OTA Update Center Via: XDA Cheers Nick!

Box Update for Android Brings Copy/Move and Multi-Select

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:30:21 +0000

My personal favorite cloud storage service, Box, received an update on Android this afternoon that introduced multi-selection of folders and files, plus the ability to copy and move them. In order to activate this new functionality, all you have to do is long press on the first folder or file that you would like copied or moved, and a column filled with check boxes will slide out from the left side. From there, tap away on boxes to select other files and folders. The icons on the bottom will let you move, copy or delete. Have you chosen Box as your many cloud storage service, or are you too invested in Dropbox? Play Link

Verizon Leads Industry in Customer Loyalty for 9th Consecutive Quarter

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:00:11 +0000

For the 9th consecutive quarter, Verizon leads the industry in customer loyalty. According to postpaid "churn" numbers, no other U.S. carrier kept customers any better than Big Red. Can't say I'm surprised by this news. After all, Verizon does have the largest 4G LTE network in the land, one that is expanding almost exponentially these days. They also still have one of the largest 3G networks around and customer care that is rivaled by few. While we tend to offer up our salty opinions on their new fees, Share Everything plans, and elmination of some of our favorite programs, it's hard to argue with the phone lineup, coverage, and overall quality of Verizon's service package. For those new to the word "churn," think of it as the percentage of customers who leave carriers in a given period.

VERIZON WIRELESS TOPS INDUSTRY IN CUSTOMER LOYALTY
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – For the ninth consecutive quarter, Verizon Wireless leads the industry in customer loyalty among U.S. wireless customers with postpaid contracts. With postpaid churn (turnover) of 0.84 percent, the company reported the lowest customer churn rate of any of the nation’s major wireless providers in the second quarter of 2012. Churn is a critical measure of customer loyalty, representing the percentage of customers who leave their wireless providers in a given period. Postpaid contract customers represent the largest customer base for the major wireless companies; Verizon Wireless reported 88.8 million retail postpaid customers out of a total of 94.2 million retail customers in the second quarter of 2012, which ended June 30. Second-quarter financial performance announcements by the nation’s major wireless companies – the latest was released today – included the following postpaid customer churn rates, based on averages for the quarter:

Carrier

Retail Postpaid Churn

Verizon Wireless

0.84%

Carrier X

0.97%

Carrier Y

1.79%

Carrier Z

2.10%

Verizon Wireless leads the way with the nation’s largest 4G LTE network, covering nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population; an extensive lineup of 4G LTE-enabled devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S^® III andDROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC; as well as HomeFusion Broadband℠, which provides high-speed, in-home Internet access via the company’s 4G LTE network. Additionally, customers can learn the ins and outs of their favorite wireless devices by taking advantage of free Wireless Workshops, offered in-store and online, as part of Verizon Wireless’ award-winning customer care. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $70 billion since it was formed – more than $6 billion on average every year – to increase coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, go to www.verizonwireless.com, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 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.

Dead Zebra's Series 03 Android Minis Coming Q3, Features Ball Jointed Arms

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:25:51 +0000

After what was going to be a "late July" release, we have learned this afternoon that we can expect the Series 3 Android minis to begin shipping out in Q3 instead. Due to some production holdups, the minis team fell a little behind, but ensures customers that the minis are now ready and shipments will begin in the new Q3 time frame. As for what Series 3 will bring in terms of improvements, these little guys will feature ball joint arms, for not only rotating up and down, but sideways as well allowing for a greater range of motion. Featured above and below is Pandroid, who will be making his first appearance in the upcoming Series 3 pack.

Excited? We are. Via: Dyzplastic

How to: Set an Android Live Wallpaper [Beginners' Guide]

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:48:08 +0000

One of the many desirable aspects of the Android operating system is the ability to customize the look of your device to however you see fit. One of the easier ways to do this is by applying what is called a "live wallpaper." A live wallpaper is an animated image that takes the place of a stagnant image on your homescreen. Some live wallpapers are interactive and react to certain gestures or motions on the device. They are easily set, just like a normal wallpaper, but depending on the live wallpaper, you can spend hours customizing them. Here is how you set one up.

Standard Method:

1. On any homescreen, place a finger on the display and long press. 2. From the menu that pops up, select "Wallpapers." 3. From here, select "Live Wallpapers." 4. Here you will see a list of the live wallpapers that are installed on your device. 5. After selecting one, you can preview what your device will look like while the live wallpaper is applied. 6. If you like what you see, hit "Set Wallpaper."

Alternative Method:

1. First, head into the Settings menu of your device.

*Press the Menu button and then Settings. On some devices without a Menu button, you can pull down your Notification menu and select the Settings icon.

2. From there, select "Display." 3. Under Display, you will see an option for "Wallpaper." Select it. 4. From here, select "Live Wallpapers" which will pop up the list of your installed live wallpapers. 5. From there, follow Steps 5 and 6 on the Standard Method.

Installing live wallpapers from Google Play:

Getting more live wallpapers onto your Android device is easy. If the ones pre-installed don't interest you, there are thousands that can be downloaded directly from the Google Play store.

1. Open Google Play. 2. Open the search bar that appears on top. 3. Type in the words "live wallpaper" then hit "Enter." 4. Your screen will be populated by a never ending list of free and paid for live wallpapers that you can install. 5. Once you find one you like, install it to your device. 6. Once installed, follow the directions starting from Step 1 in the Standard Method above. Having troubles finding one you like? We have plenty of great examples in our live wallpaper section. *Android Beginners Guide is a way for people new to Android to get to learn how Android works. We will be posting many tips and tricks on how to optimize your usage of the Android operating system.

Big Four U.S. Carriers Along With Google and Isis Form Mobile Payments Committee

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:18:24 +0000

Ready for mobile payment systems to take off and become a major part of your life? If today's newly formed Mobile Payments Committee can come together and establish policy and develop a business strategy for the industry, you should start to prepare yourselves for them to be. According to a report out of VentureBeat, the four major U.S. carriers - Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T - have joined together, along with Google, Isis, Paypal, Verifone, and Intuit, to create the previously mentioned MPC. This doesn't mean for a second that Google Wallet is all of a sudden going to be available on all carriers, but it does mean that key players in the industry are starting to realize that they can't do this alone. With the help of each other, they can establish business relationships that will drive the mobile payment industry forward, work with policy makers to set up industry standards, and most importantly, teach consumers about the benefits of paying with phones. I just hope this committee actually does something, unlike the Android Alliance. Mobile payments have been around for far too long to not have become mainstream yet. Let's do it, MPC. Via: VentureBeat | The Verge Cheers tjrulz!

Video: Developers Working to Port DOOM 3 to Android, Slowly

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:00:22 +0000

It may be nowhere close to completion, but it's awesome to see a small group of developers working to bring ID Software's DOOM 3 to Android. In the video, we definitely see the game boot up, but the lead developer says movement of the character is still yet to be implemented. Looks like there's a way to go, folks. For anyone else that had troubles playing this game alone in the dark (I vaguely remember being frustrated by lighting issues), I am very excited to maybe see this get booted up on my Nexus 7 some day or another. Let's go, devs! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alh10DWRu5E[/youtube]

Gameloft's Kingdoms & Lords Hits Android, Think Medieval Times SimCity and Warcraft Combined (Updated)

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:30:03 +0000

It's a day of trailers, as Gameloft has published yet another teaser for their upcoming Kingdoms & Lords title. From what we can gather in the trailer, your goal is to take control of an entire kingdom and build it from the ground up. Once you have built your city, you must then create an army to battle against the Dark King. Each battle looks to be turn based and troops can be upgraded by using magic cards. Besides the battles looking a bit corny, the animations and actual cities look very pleasing to the eye. Holding to true Gameloft form, it is marked as "coming soon." Update: Thanks to a friend, we now know that it is already live on Google Play! Pick it up here. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNXVYfj1sOE[/youtube]

LTE-Enabled ASUS Transformer TF300 Coming to Germany, Will the States See it?

Eric — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:00:50 +0000

A report from Germany has an interesting bit of information regarding a new ASUS model for the Transformer lineup of tablets. The TF300 is said to be getting an LTE-equipped model that will launch sometime within August under the model number the TF300TL. The documents have the tablet priced starting at €529, which would equate to around $650 here in the States.

One interesting question we are left with is why not put this LTE radio in the TF700 Infinity series that ASUS has moved onto? The new Infinity tablet with the beautiful 1920×1200 display would be much more enticing with LTE than the TF300. The other question is whether or not we will ever see the LTE ASUS tablet Stateside? It would be merging one of the favorite tablet manufacturers and the speed of LTE.

Would you be interested?

Via: Phandroid

Question of the Day: What's Your Current Custom ROM Setup?

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:12:27 +0000

With the choices for custom ROM builds seemingly never ending and constantly evolving thanks to the release of new Android OS versions, a reader wrote in hoping we could get the community's feedback as to which ones are their favorites and are currently being run on their phones. We have asked this question before, but it has been a while and we've seen the launch of many new ROM's thanks to Jelly Bean's debut. With the larger names being in the mainstream such as CyanogenMod, AOKP, Bugless Beast, and others, it can be hard for someone new to the game to know which ones to try out first. To help with this, we want to see your current custom ROM setup in the comments down below. For example, I am currently using the HTC One X with an Android 4.1.1 AOSP build called Endeavoru. On my Galaxy Nexus, I am running an AOKP build that I just can't get enough of. Now it's your turn. Let us know which phone you're using and which custom ROM you're running. Feel free to give a link to the ROM for others to try out. Cheers Chris!

CyanogenMod 9 Stable to be Released Tonight, Then It's on to CM10

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:43:56 +0000

After months of hard work, the CyanogenMod team will release CM9 as an officially stable build, tonight. Even with CM10 work on the rise, they didn't want to see all of the time spent on CM9 to go unfinished, thus the reason for still releasing it. Going forward though, only bug fixes will be addressed, meaning, your time with CM and Ice Cream Sandwich together will likely be limited as CM10 inches closer to a stable release. A stable build for the GSM Galaxy Nexus (maguro) has already been released, even though it wasn't supposed to have been. If you have that device, feel free to grab it here. Owners of other devices, your love will come tonight. As an outsider looking in, I can't help but give props to the CM team for finishing this even though it's built off of Ice Cream Sandwich. They spent countless months working on this and their work deserves to be praised. Via: CyanogenMod Cheers RandomEncount3r and Jul!

Samsung to Release Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition Bundle for $250 at Best Buy

Eric — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:30:49 +0000

If you are looking to buy an Android tablet right now, it's hard to over look ASUS. Whether it be the Nexus 7 or the higher priced Transformer Infinity, they are on top of the Android tablet game. Although, if you are a sucker for a good deal, you might want to check out the bundle that Samsung and Best Buy have put together which is to arrive in stores around August 19.

For $250 you can have the 8GB 7" version of the Galaxy Tab 2, along with a keyboard dock and a USB connector. Not a bad bundle if you consider that keyboards for tablets usually run anywhere from $30-$50 by themselves.

Wouldn't it be nice to see a huge price war between tablet OEM's at around $200?

Via: Engadget

Google Translate Receives Update, Translate Straight from Your Camera Shots

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:56:57 +0000

Google Translate received a major update today, which was teased previously at Google I/O. Starting today, users can take a snapshot of a foreign language and have the app translate the words straight from the picture. Once you take a photo, simply highlight the text area you want translated with your finger. Perfect for the next time you take out that certain someone to a fancy French restaurant. Along with that main feature, they have also added instant translation results, ability to choose dialect preferences, and Japanese handwriting will now recognize multiple characters at once. Quite an impressive update for the hard workers at Google. Changelog:

Use camera to take a picture and brush text to translate (available on Android 2.3 and above).
Get instant translation results as you type.
Choose dialect preference for speech input.
Japanese handwriting now recognizes multiple characters at once.
Added access network state permission to check network availability when sending requests.

Play Link Cheers Micheal!

OUYA Gaming Console Now Up for Pre-Order, $109 with Expected Shipments Starting Next April

Eric — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:30:43 +0000

The Kickstarter for OUYA, the Android-powered gaming console, officially ended last night with a final total of money raised somewhere near $8.5 million. Dang. If somehow you missed out on backing this Tegra 3 powered game console, you can now pre-order a device from OUYA themselves starting today.

If you are in the United States, $109 will get you a console and a controller, which includes all the shipping costs. If you are elsewhere, tack on an extra $10 and you will be all set. OUYA definitely has the right vision in taking on the established console giants, but it remains to be seen whether the devices will get out the door quickly enough to still be relevant.

Would you take this console over the next generation Xbox or PlayStation?

Pre-Order

Ubuntu for Android Gets Shown Off and Detailed, We Want This as Soon as Possible

Eric — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:28:32 +0000

Up until now, we have only heard rumors and seen still pictures of what Ubuntu running on an Android device will look like. Today however, a video has surfaced of the service up and running and it is exciting to see. It was promised that Ubuntu for Android "transforms your high-end phone into your productive desktop, whenever you need it." While you might be skeptical at that claim, after watching the video your opinion might change.

Unfortunately, the video is in Portugese because this was being shown at a tech conference in Brazil, but you do get a good idea of how the system works just by watching. Plugging the phone into the dock launches the Ubuntu system, which runs parallel to Android. It is not emulated by any means and gets to use all the power your phone has to offer. This means that system features like notifications can be swapped between Ubuntu and Android seamlessly. It makes Motorola's Webtop system look silly.

Unfortunately, the caveat of this new development is that Ubuntu needs access to each phone's drivers which means that OEMs like Samsung, Motorola and HTC would have to be interested in this to get it running at the speed that it should. Once that happens though, Ubuntu will give a new meaning to the Android phone dock.

Does this excite you? Would you use your phone as a desktop if it ran this smoothly?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6_Oo-lKVUM[/youtube]

Via: Unixmen

Cheers Dominick!

Verizon Lights Up a Ton of New 4G LTE Markets, Expands in Plenty More

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:00:49 +0000

Verizon continues to impress with the non-stop roll out of their 4G LTE network. Just last month, they deployed 4G LTE to 33 new markets and expanded in 32 others. This month, they're keeping that momentum going and look to blanket America with more than 400 LTE markets by the end of this calendar year. This may be the biggest list we've seen yet, but it also includes a lot of cities that have already had 4G LTE. They are included because a lot of their surrounding areas are now seeing the coverage as well thanks to the deployment of additional cell sites. Have fun finding your hometown.

Expanding Markets:

Areas of Des Moines, IA
Charleston, West Virginia
Cincinnati, OH
Las Cruses, NM
Pahrump, NV
Boulder City, NV
Glendale, NV
Laughlin, NV
Chattanooga, Tenn
Greenville, SC
Carbondale, Illinois
Cordele, GA
Fort Valley, GA
Hawkinsville, GA
Dublin, GA
Macon, GA
Garden City, KS
Reading, PA
Bitterroot Valley, Montana
Twin Falls, Idaho
Hoxie, KS
Redding, CT

New Markets:

Greater Mankato Area, MN
Charolottesville, VA
Boonville and Rocheport, Missouri
Bismarck-Mandan, N.D
Kennebunk, Maine
Thomasville, GA
Minot, N.D
Grand Forks, N.D
St. George, Utah
Chillicothe, Ohio
Houghton (Upper Peninsula), Michigan
White Sands, NM
Silver City, NM
Deming, NM
Lordsburg, NM
Salina, KS
Redding, CA
Anderson, CA
Palo Cedro, CA
Red Bluff, CA
Vina, CA
Corning, CA
Santa Barbara Area, CA
Gahanna, OH
Joplin and Carthage, Missouri
Longview and Kelso, Washington
Russell And Rush Center, Kansas
Waycross, Georgia
Valdosta, Georgia
Topeka, Kansas

Most of the above listed cities have either already gone live or can expect to see their 4G LTE logos light up some time this month. Enjoy the speed, folks.

Gameloft's Unreal-Powered Wild Blood Trailer Hits the Web, Looks Pretty Epic

Tim — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:20:18 +0000

Last week, Gameloft posted artwork to tease their newest upcoming game that is powered by the Unreal Engine. Today, they have released an official teaser trailer and have given us a title - Wild Blood. While the trailer takes us through some nice looking scenery, we get to see what this game is going to be all about, which is monsters. Lots of monsters. Gameloft states that the game is "coming soon." [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=625fWeApKGc[/youtube]

Verizon's Galaxy S3 Can Globally Roam With a Bit of Hackery

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:00:55 +0000

If you are heading overseas with your brand new Samsung Galaxy S3 on Verizon, but don't have time to wait for Big Red to turn it into a global beast, you do not need to stress. According to an intense set of instructions put together by an XDA member, the device can be set up to roam globally already, as long as you are willing to work for it. There are essentially 4 sets of instructions in this guide. The first is a preliminary set that involves rooting your device, installing a custom recovery, a bunch of apps, and then some APN work to get you prepared for travel. The second set walks you through the steps needed to jump from LTE to GSM once you get to your foreign destination. The third set takes you back to Verizon's LTE for when you return home. And finally, the fourth set of instructions teaches you how to get back to normal should everything completely fail. Again, this is intense, but if you are traveling abroad and need your phone, this is your chance to make it happen today. Via: XDA Cheers Scott!

A.I. Type Keyboard Celebrates 1 Million Installs With 60% Deal and New Version

Kellen — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 08:25:47 +0000

Does everyone remember A.I. Type keyboard? The keyboard that functions a lot like Swiftkey, with its predicting, learning, and correcting, is now 60% off ($1.99) thanks to its install total eclipsing the 1 million mark. There was once a time when A.I Type was all the rage, especially because of its theme capabilities, but that damn Swiftkey is just too good to not use on a daily basis. With that said, the makers of it are doing their best to innovate and improve. Along with this price reduction, they plan to release a new version that contains a handful of goodies that may actually interest you. The list looks like this:

A 5th row of keys, numeric by default, which can be switched with a single click to arrow keys and undo and redo buttons, or symbol keys. It can be toggled on\off easily by sliding up on the keyboard.

Introducing the highly anticipated ICS voice to text functionality which can be used directly from within the keyboard.

Launching the new EZReader Theme Pack. It's specially designed for visually impaired or low vision people. It includes big buttons with a very large, clear, easily readable font, high contrast, comfortable color scheme, clean look, and it reads the words aloud as you type. And it’s now available for free.

Other improvements - auto-corrected words are now previewed on the space-bar, shift+delete which deletes characters after the cursor, support for new languages including Korean, improvement of the one-click resize functionality, a fast delete function that speeds up as you delete, and major improvements in performance and memory usage to make it run faster and smoother.

If that sounds like gravy, think about jumping on it before the price pops back up. There is also a free version that you can try as well, to decide if A.I. Type is for you. Play Link ($1.99)

HTC G1 Never Says Die, CM10 Up and Running on the First Android Phone

Eric — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 08:04:26 +0000

In the latest episode of "This phone has Jelly Bean before my phone?" we have the HTC G1, otherwise known as the HTC Dream. The first widely available Android device now has a (semi) working port of CyanogenMod 10 that has been shoehorned into the aging phone. Developers have gotten together and made a pre-alpha for the phone that is available for download now, but the build is extremely rough around the edges.

As you will see in the video below, the overall performance of the build is sluggish at best. Combine that with the fact that cell data is not functional and a list of other bugs makes this hard to get crazy about, but the fact that the latest version of Android has been brought to the oldest Android phone is exciting.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Md9b6XbVtQ[/youtube]

Via: XDA

Cheers David!

Q2: Android Accounts for 68% of World's Smartphone Shipments

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:23:01 +0000

According to a new report from the IDC, iOS and Android accounted for 85% of all smartphones shipped during Q2, which is a phenomenal percentage. To no surprise, Samsung accounted for about 44% of all Android smartphones shipped and actually totaled in more combined product sold than the next 7 Android OEM's combined. Do work, Samsung. In total, Android accounted for 68% of all smartphones shipped globally while iOS held a mere 17%. As with any major release from Apple, those numbers are sure to get a nice boost as they prepare to launch their newest iPhone next month. On a sadder note, while Android numbers grow bigger and healthier, it means that Windows and BlackBerry are not sharing the same success, accounting for just 4.8% and 3.5% of all shipments during the second quarter of 2012. Ouch. Stay strong, Bugdroid. Stay strong. Via: BGR

How to: Turn on Wi-Fi on an Android Device [Beginners' Guide]

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:55:36 +0000

You just got your new Android smartphone home and are ready to connect to your home network, but how do you do it? It's pretty simple really and can be accomplished with the touch of a few buttons.

Standard Method:

1. First, head into the Settings menu of your device.

*Press the Menu button and then Settings. On some devices without a Menu button, you can pull down your Notification menu and select the Settings icon.

2. From there, the top option you will see under "Wireless & Networks" is Wi-Fi. 3. Select Wi-Fi and turn the toggle or button to "On." 4. The device will display all of the networks in range. 5. When you see your home network's name, select it, enter your password and hit "Connect." 6. You are now connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Alternative Methods:

For future usage, Android comes with a Power Control widget that can be placed on a homescreen and is a much quicker method for toggling Wi-Fi on and off. To add the widget, long-press the desired homescreen and an options menu will appear. Select "Widgets" and scroll down the list until you see "Power Control." You have now added the Power Control widget to your homescreen. If your device is running Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean, the widgets menu can be accessed by opening your app drawer and scrolling all the way to the right or hitting "Widgets." By hitting the Wi-Fi icon on the Power Control widget, it will toggle your Wi-Fi connection on and off without forcing you to go into the Settings menu. On some devices, the Power Control is accessible through the pulldown notification bar on the top of your display. *Android Beginners Guide is a way for people new to Android to get to learn how Android works. We will be posting many tips and tricks on how to optimize your usage of the Android operating system.

iOS to Get Advanced Google Voice Search in Coming Days, Still Nothing for Android Users Below Jelly Bean

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:29:30 +0000

Google announced today that they are planning to release a new Google Search app for iOS that carries the advanced voice tech used (our first look) in the current build built into Jelly Bean (Android 4.1). While this is great news for iOS users, we can't help but ask, "What about everyone else with an Android device that isn't yet running Jelly Bean?" We don't have an answer to that question at all, and that's unfortunate. You would think that Google would take care of their own before moving onto another platform, but then again, as a search company, it makes sense for them to expand to such a massive platform. But then again, again, the advanced Voice Search in Jelly Bean was one of the major selling points for people to consider over an iOS device. To make matters worse, this new iOS Voice Search appears to be ever-so-slightly improved even over the build you and I are running on the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7. When you watch the video below, you'll see it return results with voice for questions like "movies playing in Cape Cod" and "I need a mechanic," two things that the current Android version won't do. Now, those additions are likely easy for Google to implement, plus they also aren't in the beautiful card style that we get from Google Now. It is still a bit unfortunate that devices running Ice Cream Sandwich are being left out, though. After all, in most people's minds, Jelly Bean is only a slightly upgraded version of ICS. So who knows when the rest of the Android universe will see the new Google Voice Search. I can't imagine it's that far off. In fact, I wouldn't be all that surprised if it showed up in the next week with even better functionality than what you are seeing here in the iOS version. That of course, is speculation.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cZ4mdrlWYM[/youtube]

Via: Google

GameKlip for Smartphones - Turn Your Mobile Device into a Real Gaming Machine

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:48:23 +0000

If you're like me, you can't help but get annoyed with some of the on-screen controls that mobile games deploy. They're cramped and just plain suck in most cases. Unfortunately, game developers don't have a choice, but we as consumers most certainly do. Say "Hello" to GameKlip. If you own one of the supported devices (SGSIII, One X, Galaxy Nexus, etc.) that can connect to a Dualshock 3 Bluetooth controller, then this little holster is a money maker. Once connected to your device and controller, it makes mobile games a much less aggravating pastime. Games such as GTAIII and Dead Trigger can be accomplished with ease without your fingers being in the way of that huge display. Each clip, depending on which option you want, starts at just $15. You can check them out on the GameKlip website down below. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wiek3pgBxqk[/youtube] Via: GameKlip

$240 NFC Keyboard with Non-Rechargeable Battery is Neat, but Not Practical

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:00:27 +0000

We love to see new and innovative products reach the market. The above NFC-powered keyboard for smartphones looks great and works well, yet could win awards for being completely ridiculous. For roughly $240, the silicone-made keyboard pairs with a partner app on your phone, then takes no further setting up. Simply place your device on the pad and start hammering away on that email or message. The issue, is that the keyboard's battery is neither rechargeable or replaceable. Once its life span of 18 months (eight hours a day) has come to an end, it's time for it to hit the garbage can. So, why did they do this? No clue, but it would immediately turn me off from forking over that kind of dough when the pre-installed keyboard works just fine in most cases. What do you think? Is it awesome or a total waste of money? [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8CWUv1lH64[/youtube] Via: Engadget

Why It Matters That Samsung Copied Apple [Opinion]

Ron — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:15:46 +0000

Samsung copied Apple. There really isn't another way to put it. Samsung didn't copy Apple in every conceivable way, but when you compare several of their phones to the iPhone, it's clear that Samsung wanted their hardware and software to resemble that of Apple's iPhone. It's easy for Android supporters to want to defend Samsung, but the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of Apple's argument: Samsung realized that it needed to copy Apple to get ahead in the smartphone space. In terms of what this means for the lawsuit seems trivial, but there are deeper issues at stake. How did Samsung copying Apple damage the Android ecosystem as a whole and why should you care? Since the release of the original Galaxy S back in 2010, Samsung began a steady climb to become the dominant Android manufacturer in terms of both tablets and smartphones. Prior to the Galaxy S, Samsung had touted phones like the original Galaxy (running Android 1.6) and before then the Omnia line of phones running Windows Mobile. Like HTC, Samsung began developing their custom skin, TouchWiz, on Windows Mobile before hitting their stride by skinning Android. It is important to remember that in the early days of Android, there were not a lot of differences between Android and Windows Mobile. Both operating systems were designed to compete with Blackberry OS, Palm OS, and Symbian, not iOS. Towards the end of Windows Mobile's life, companies like Samsung and HTC made Windows Mobile usable with TouchFlo UI (later renamed Sense) and TouchWiz. Because Android was not designed to compete with a touch-only operating system, Android manufacturers used skins to make Android more competitive. For example, while the original Droid could not originally pinch-to-zoom, the Droid Eris and Droid Incredible were able to because of Sense (at least in the browser; Google apps like Maps weren't able to use pinch-to-zoom until Google updated them). In the midst of Apple's market disruptions, customers were looking for a more modern smartphone than Microsoft or Blackberry had to offer. They turned to manufacturers like HTC and Samsung to provide a skinned Android experience more like the experience afforded by the iPhone. Manufacturers correctly assessed that Android's early incarnations were not as polished as they should have been to compete with iOS, so they skinned them to improve the experience. HTC had partnered with Google to make the first flagship Android phones (the G1, the Magic, and the Nexus One), making it the most prominent Android manufacturer in the early days of Android. Other manufacturers wanted to get ahead. As OEMs realized that Android was the way to go (especially since Microsoft's upcoming OS would not allow the manufacturer customizations that OEMs had pured millions of dollars into developing), they began to push more of their efforts into customizing Android. Samsung was able to jump ahead of everyone with the release of the Galaxy S, the successor to the less-than-impressive Galaxy. The Galaxy S had a lot of things going for it. It featured a 1 GHz processor, a Super AMOLED display, a 5 MP camera, and perhaps most importantly, was available on all four major carriers in the US by September of 2010. At the time, the iPhone was still only available on AT&T in the United States. Following the release of the Galaxy S, Samsung began their steady climb to become the only profitable Android manufacturer in the world. The question is, what did Samsung do that HTC, Motorola, and others didn't? The answer is simple: Samsung copied Apple while manufacturers like Motorla and HTC differentiated their software. The evidence has always been clear. A quick comparison between the Galaxy S and the iPhone 3G/3GS reveal many similarities between the design of the bezel to the color and look of many TouchWiz icons. To make matters worse, the trial between Samsung and Apple has revealed several internal Samsung documents that specifically state that Samsung was trying to copy Apple. As supporters of Android, we shouldn't care if one manufacturer fairs better than another; after all, competition spurs innovation. We should care, however, if a manufacturer steals ideas from a competitor to get ahead of everyone else instead of innovating on their own. If you look at Samsung's Omnia line and first Galaxy device, it's clear that Samsung was further behind in the game than Motorola or HTC. Look at Motorola and HTC devices in the era of the iPhone 3G onward. There is a clear design aesthetic that Motorola and HTC have been pursuing. When you see a Motorola or a Samsung phone today, the design is iconic of each company. While Motorola and HTC may have taken some inspiration from Apple initially (especially HTC), both companies differentiated their software and eventually came into their own hardware design language. Motorola phones usually feature striking edges, tough materials, and blocky software design while HTC phones have curved edges and polished, flashy software. There is a clear path of design aesthetic from the Droid to the RAZR. The same can be said of HTC's designs from the Nexus One onward (the G1 and the Magic still looked like Windows Mobile devices in my opinion). Samsung's devices, on the other hand, take a dramatic shift from the Galaxy S onward in terms of software and hardware mimicking the iPhone. Maybe Samsung got ahead because consumers saw their phones as close enough to an iPhone. Maybe Samsung got ahead because they stole hardware design and software ideas from Apple so they didn't have to put in as much time and effort as other OEMs did in developing their own ideas. Regardless of the specific reason, it is clear that Samsung not only stole ideas from Apple to get ahead, but that it worked. More importantly, because it worked, the Android ecosystem as a whole has suffered and manufacturers that would have probably thrived through their own innovations are instead losing money every quarter. I have no doubt that companies like Motorola and HTC would be doing much better had Samsung decided to compete by actually innovating instead of lazily stealing ideas from Apple to get ahead. Apple surprised the world with the iPhone. Everyone knew that it would take time for the competition to catch up and then really compete, but Samsung took the lazy route and copied Apple instead of innovating. Obviously Samsung didn't copy everything from Apple, but their own documents make it clear that their intent was to copy enough from Apple to get ahead. This sort of problem can't be solved in the courts. Samsung has built up a brand and a reputation that, based on Galaxy S III sales, will be difficult to tarnish. The reality is, most people won't care that Samsung copied Apple, but they should. Real innovators like HTC and Motorola would undoubtedly be doing better in the market, and therefore have more resources to keep innovating. Google can't buy all the OEMs that fail, and even if they could, that wouldn't right Samsung's wrong. The Android ecosystem has been forever damaged by Samsung's callous laziness. Samsung's brazen copying of the iPhone didn't hurt Apple nearly as much as it hurt other Android OEMs. Hopefully OEMs like Motorola and HTC are able to out-innovate the competition even more to ensure their success in the market.

Lookout Introduces Newly Redesigned Mobile Web Application - Losing your Phone Doesn't Have to be Stressful

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:34:56 +0000

Uh oh, you've lost your phone and aren't near a computer to help you locate it. No worries, you have Lookout installed and your friend has a smartphone too. With Lookout's newly redesigned mobile web application, finding your device at the Starbucks you left it at is now even easier than it was before. With the new mobile web-based app, you can view your backed up contacts, locate your device's location through Google Maps, and if you're a premium user, remotely wipe and lock your device so no creepers can look through your goods. The redesign has already rolled out, so go check it out at the Lookout website on your phone and make yourself comfortable. Lookout also plans to roll out even more features for the redesign so stay tuned. Via: Lookout

Walmart Selling T-Mobile Galaxy Note for $349 Off-Contract, Steal of the Century? (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:58:42 +0000

We aren't sure if this is an error or simply the greatest deal of the year in mobile. Walmart, through their online wireless store, is selling the brand new T-Mobile Galaxy Note for $349 off-contract. You can grab it for free with a contract, but at $349, it's only $100 more than T-Mobile is selling it for on-contract. Sites like Wirefly, who normally discount devices like these to death, still have it listed as $229 on-contract. Update: This was clearly an error. The device is no longer listed with Walmart at all. In fact, the link below now directs to some cheap Prism phone. If you are out of contract and thinking about T-Mobile, this wouldn't be a bad choice. Grab yourself an off-contract Note and sign-up for a prepaid plan. Tough to beat that idea. Via: Walmart | TmoNews Cheers Scott!

Reminder: Verizon has Mega Share Everything Plans, Ranging From 12GB to 30GB

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:35:15 +0000

Reports are floating around the web today, suggesting that Verizon has had a set of super secret Share Everything tiers for the mega-data hogs out there that they aren't promoting. The fact is, that these plans have been there since day 1, Big Red has just limited their visibility to make life simpler for those switching to these new shared plans. While DL readers have known about these plans for some time now (we even listed them in our AT&T comparison), we thought it was a good opportunity to remind you about them. For those on Share Everything that imagine a time where 10GB of data at $100 is not enough, don't worry, Verizon has more tiers for you to entertain. The next plan after 10GB is 12GB and will run you $110. The chart above details the rest, but as you can tell, there is even a 30GB plan for $200 in case you and your family plans on getting really wild some month. I would assume that Big Red may even go above and beyond 30GB if you need them to. To our Share Everything readers, I ask you, how are you liking your plan? Satisfied with tiers, pricing, etc.?

Nikon Coolpix S800 to be Their First Android Powered Camera, Sports Gingerbread and 3.5" OLED Display

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:05:14 +0000

According to Nikon Rumors, Nikon is said to be prepping for their announcement of the company's first Android-powered camera, the Nikon S800. The camera is part of their point-and-shoot range so don't expect the specs to blow your mind. As for what is known, we are looking at a 25-250mm lens, 3.5-inch OLED display, and built-in GPS and WiFi connectivity. In terms of Android, Gingerbread is said to be the OS of choice, but much isn't known about any type of skin that will go on top. As a cherry on top, the device is said to be able to access Google Play for the downloading of applications that will add camera features. Nikon's announcement is rumored for sometime late this month. Excited? Via: Phandroid, Nikon Rumors

Video: Samsung's VP of Electronics Sends a Video Message to the Haters [Humor]

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:35:50 +0000

Samsung continues to fight the uphill battle of claiming they did not copy any of Apple's iPhone technology or design. It may be a struggle, but their Vice President of Electronics has taken to the interwebz to set the record straight for all of the misinformed out there. Long live the memory of Stefan Jobes! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YciM_54HzZk[/youtube] Cheers Jacob and Team Coco!

New ClockworkMod Recovery Can Create Flashable Update.zip Files of ROMs

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:00:06 +0000

A new feature was teased for ClockworkMod Recovery 6 last night, one that will allow users to quickly create update.zip or image .zip files of ROMs to be shared with friends or the community. If you are running a new ROM and have made your own tweaks to /system or the boot/kernel, you can quickly turn it into a shareable ROM. And don't worry, this doesn't touch your /data or /cache, so no personal information will be included. This new CWM isn't out yet, but should be in the next couple of days. Via: Google+ Cheers Scott!

Nova Launcher Updated to Beta 3, Merges with the Jelly Bean Hotness

Tim — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:22:14 +0000

Last night, the Nova Launcher beta received an updated to version 1.3 beta 3, which merges the already speedy launcher with the Jelly Bean base. A couple of the features that the Jelly Bean stock launcher has brought to the table is the ability to automatically move icons and widgets when placing something new on a homescreen, along with the ability of re-sizing widgets automatically. You'll notice some slight speed and performance enhancements which is always something to be happy about. If you're running the market version of Nova, go into Nova Settings and hit "check for updates." In the top right you will see the three dot settings button - select that then choose the beta option. The new application will download and you can simply install over the current Nova and you won't lose any settings. Play Link Cheers Adam!

New Verizon Galaxy S3 Root Tool Brings Root, Recovery and Will Unroot You if Need be

Kellen — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 07:49:49 +0000

The first root method that was released for Verizon's version of the Galaxy S3 was to say the least, not optimal. The second version was much less intrusive, however, it required adb and a bunch of manual work that we know many of you are not fans of. So for those that have been putting off rooting because neither of these methods were easy enough, your option is now available. A new 1-click tool has been created by XDA member AdamOutler, that will give you root, a custom recovery, boot into Download and Recovery modes, and unroot your device should you need to. The tool was released yesterday, so feel free to give it a few test runs and provide feedback to its creator. Via: Download Link | XDA Cheers Kevin!

MetroPCS Launches World's First VoLTE Network and Smartphone, Take That Big Four!

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:06:01 +0000

The world's first "commercially available" Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) network launched today, but it wasn't from a carrier that you would have expected to be first. MetroPCS takes the cake this time around, something they should actually be proud of. VoLTE is a data service that will transform the industry once it is widely adopted. Current carrier networks that have 4G LTE capabilities still rely on CDMA or GSM to handle their voice calls and texting, but with VoLTE, data takes care of it all. Call quality and stability should be greatly improved once you have the entire process handled by data. We would assume that battery life on devices will also become much more efficient with there being no need to power a second 3G or 2G radio, however, devices of that nature may still be a ways out. Along with this announcement of the first VoLTE network, MetroPCS is also announcing the first phone to take advantage of it, the LG Connect 4G. Fun news, right? Once Verizon covers the country in 4G LTE over the next year, you can imagine that they will start to ready VoLTE service of their own. They have reportedly begun testing in a couple of markets and have said that they could start rolling it out in 2013 to the public. By the end of 2013, they may even offer VoLTE-only devices.

MetroPCS Launches World's First Commercially Available Voice Over LTE Service and VoLTE-Capable 4G LTE Smartphone
DALLAS, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) today reached another innovation milestone by announcing the world's first commercial launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, availability of the world's first VoLTE-capable handsets and the first sale of a VoLTE-capable handset at one of the company's Dallas/Fort Worth store locations. MetroPCS is selling the new VoLTE-capable LG Connect 4G Android™ smartphone at select U.S. stores and will continue to roll out VoLTE services and phones in the coming weeks. "Being the first operator globally to reach this industry first speaks volumes about our company's innovative spirit and passion to achieve goals that we believe will have long-term benefit for our customers and for the company," said Roger Linquist, chairman and chief executive officer of MetroPCS. "The initial move to LTE and this move to VoLTE allow us to achieve significant spectral efficiencies and will increase network capacity so that we can enhance the 4G LTE experience that our customers have today at a tremendous value. VoLTE also provides a foundational capability for future Rich Communication Services (RCS), which we plan to launch later this year." The addition of VoLTE capabilities to MetroPCS' 4G LTE handsets will be transparent to consumers as they continue to enjoy all the voice and 4G LTE data services with which they are already familiar. Calls to and from the handset will use VoLTE, regardless of the handset or network used on the other end of the call. MetroPCS was the first U.S. carrier to deploy a commercial 4G LTE network in September 2010 and has since built out its 4G LTE network to cover roughly 90 percent of its CDMA footprint. About MetroPCS Communications, Inc. Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) is a provider of no annual contract, unlimited wireless communications service for a flat rate. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With Metro USA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their service in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of June 30, 2012, MetroPCS had approximately 9.3 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.

How To: Set up Google's Two-Step Authenticator Application

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:30:15 +0000

With the story of the Wired writer who had his entire digital life wiped out this weekend by hackers taking center stage this week, we figured now would be a good time to make sure all of you are taking the proper steps to ensure your online safety. Google's two step authentication process has been public for some time, but is only just now starting to see wider use. Sometimes, it takes an event such as the one that happened to poor Mat Honan for people to realize that their digital lives could use a bit more security.

1. What is two-step authentication?

In this context, Google Authenticator works as a second line of defense if your account is compromised. When setup of Authenticator is complete, you log in to your account as you normally would, but much like you would see on a banking website, there is an additional step for signing in. A numerical authentication code is messaged to the mobile device tied to your account for entering, which will then allow you to gain access to your account. The authentication code is never the same twice, which ensures for a more secure experience for users.

2. Setting up Google Authenticator.

Setting up Authenticator isn't the easiest process, especially if you have multiple devices on a single account. First, you must enable the feature in your Google account under the "Security" option. Once enabled, you set it up to send a six digit code for authentication purposes to your cell phone. Select your main phone's number and not a Google Voice number that is tied to your account. Once you have paired both your 2-step authentication and your smartphone, you can then start adding your other Android devices and also download the Authenticator app from Google Play, which does not need a data connection to create your codes for logging in. After these steps, it will ask you to mark the computer you're signing up on as a "trusted computer," meaning it won't ask you to verify log ins from that computer except for every 30 days or sometimes longer. At this point, you're at the landing page for all of your two-step settings. From this page and this page alone, you can change individual application access, add or remove trusted computers, and add more backup phones.

Once you're done adding your backup devices and you have optionally printed out your manual backup codes (for safe keeping), you're pretty much good to go. I had to re-log into my Google Account on my phone and have a code handy for accessing, but after that, it seems to be doing its job. Play Link Note: For habitual ROM flashers that wipe their data every week or so, this may not be a fun process. When logging into your Google account at the setup screens, make sure to have authentication codes and a computer handy. If you run out of manual codes from your account's dashboard, you can have them generate more codes. We wouldn't want you to be locked out of your device. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMabEyrtPRg[/youtube]

You can Make Nandroid Backups Without Having to Reboot to Recovery, Thanks to New Backup Service

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:07:44 +0000

A new service has been created that allows you to create full nandroid backups without ever having to boot into recovery or reboot your phone. The developer is calling it Online Nandroid Backup, but the name is a bit confusing, since you aren't storing the backups "online" per se. In fact, you are still storing them on your device, you are just doing it with your phone up and running or "online." Confusion squashed? Good. So how does this work? Well, here is the setup that ONB's creator suggests:

Requirements 1. Rooted android phone 2. A terminal emulator installed on phone 3. Busybox 4. A working CWM based recovery installed 5. Some patience Installation 1. Download and copy zip file to SD card 2. Reboot into recovery 3. Choose install zip from SD card, select zip and flash . 4. Reboot! Usage 1. Open terminal emulator 2. Type su to obtain root 3. Type onandroid 4. Wait and watch

And some example backup types:

I have yet to try it myself, but you can bet that I will be shortly. Nothing in the ROM game is more frustrating to me than having to reboot into recovery, wait for a full backup to be created before flashing a ROM. Depending on your device or version of CWM, it could be 20 minutes before your phone is ever booted up again. We're talking a potential for missed calls, texts, and other important happenings. As of today, those things are all a part of the past. Give it a spin and let us know what you think. Full support at the source link below. Via: XDA Cheers Aravind and Paul (from yesterday)!

This Email From Samsung's Mobile President About the iPhone is Embarrassing

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:45:48 +0000

The court battle between Apple and Samsung that has been going on now for a couple of weeks, is one of the more entertaining tech trials we have seen in some time. There have been leaked documents that were refused in court leading to judge scoldings, icon sets from Samsung that clearly a show a deep resemblance to those created by the company suing them, and now this story today. According to a document obtained by AllThingsD, Samsung's mobile leader JK Shin, likens the difference between Apple's iPhone UX and Samsung's (at the time) to "Heaven and Earth," following up by calling it a "crisis of design." Here is the exact quote:

“Influential figures outside the company come across the iPhone, and they point out that ‘Samsung is dozing off.’ All this time we’ve been paying all our attention to Nokia, and concentrated our efforts on things like Folder, Bar, Slide,” Shin wrote. “Yet when our UX is compared to the unexpected competitor Apple’s iPhone, the difference is truly that of Heaven and Earth. It’s a crisis of design.”

Followed by one that calls the iPhone UX, the "standard":

“When everybody (both consumers and the industry) talk about UX, they weigh it against the iPhone. The iPhone has become the standard. That’s how things are already.”

He then trashes their own Samsung Omnia, talking about how difficult it is to use in comparison:

“Do you know how difficult the Omnia is to use? When you compare the 2007 version of the iPhone with our current Omnia, can you honestly say the Omnia is better? If you compare the UX with the iPhone, it’s a difference between Heaven and Earth.”

Now, these quotes and this email do not prove that Samsung "slavishly copied" everything that Apple has done with the iPhone, but after seeing enough of the comparison photos floating around from the trial, this certainly isn't helping the situation. Samsung will downplay it as they should, however, this whole picture doesn't seem to be getting any prettier. Trying to prove that your rectangle was copied by another rectangle is one thing to argue about, stuff like this is simply embarrassing. One thing you have to give Samsung props for, is that they realized how awful their phones once were and did whatever they could to improve upon them. They certainly did improve as they are the global leader in mobile. Whether or not they did completely copy all things Apple is up to the judge to decide. If I were them, I'd be thinking about that jump to the top, which may include a $2.5 billion price tag. Via: AllThingsD

Google Maps Adds Live Traffic Support for Additional 130 Cities Across America

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:15:10 +0000

Google announced that it is to bring live and typical traffic support to roughly 130 smaller cities across America through Google Maps. In addition, they are also including even further support for areas in China, Brazil, Canada, and many other countries. Google didn't post a list of every supported area, but did give this chart that shows traffic lights at every area that allows for the coverage. Thanks, Google.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_spamQ2_qTc[/youtube] Via: Google Lat Long Blog

Google Now Tip: Change Your Home Setting Easily Through Google Maps or Latitude

Eric — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:44:19 +0000

One of the ~~creepiest~~ coolest features of Google Now is the fact that over time it will automatically learn where your place of residence is. When it senses when you are away from there, it will give you directions and a time getting back. It can be fairly useful once Google Now learns, but waiting for it to teach itself takes long for some. Luckily, Google has provided a few ways to automatically set these locations for you using Google Maps and Latitude.

The first way of manually assigning these locations is through the desktop version of Google Maps. If you login to your browser and fire up Maps you should see a "My Places" button in the sidebar on the left:

Click "My Places".
Select "All" if it isn't already clicked.
"Home" and "Work" should be the first two selectable buttons.
Select the drop down button on the right-hand side and select "Edit."
Enter the address of your choice.

The second way can be done through a phone or a tablet with the Google Latitude application on it:

Open Latitude and tap on your icon (not the arrow).
Tap on the balloon that appears with your name.
Tap "Location history."
Touch the menu button in the bottom right corner.
Choose either to change your home or work locations.
Input each address, and press "Save."

It may take a few minutes for Google to refresh the information before it starts showing up in your Google Now card, but now you'll have your phone telling you when to leave for work based on traffic and how long your drive home is going to take. How much do you use Google Now in your everyday life?

Nexus 7 8GB Marked as "Coming Soon" in Google Play - Sold Out Maybe? (Update: They're Back!)

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:05:21 +0000

As of today, the 8GB version of the Nexus 7 is now marked as "coming soon" in the Google Play store. We've seen this once before earlier with the 16GB version that was unavailable for about two weeks, but this is the first time we've had the notion that Google may be temporarily sold out of the 8GB variant. Either way, the 16GB version is available for shipping within 3-5 days so if you need a Nexus 7 today, that is your only option. ~~We'll see how long this unavailability lasts~~... Update: Well, it looks as though Google didn't waste any time in restocking their e-shelves with the 8GB version of the Nexus 7. They are back in stock and selling at the same $200 price. Nice to know we aren't going to see a rehash of the mishap with the 16GB version as we did earlier last month. Play Link

Why Should Companies Like Motorola and Verizon Allow You to Unlock Bootloaders?

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:50:28 +0000

Bootloaders will likely forever be a hot topic around the Android community, unless of course, we get some government ruling that forces carriers and device manufacturers to stop locking them. As many of you know, there are a few key players in the locked bootloader game that have their reasons for doing so. While most of us will never agree with the idea that unlocking a bootloader and throwing on custom software is going to ruin the network experience for others, it's a conversation that probably has no positive outcome for us. Or does it? In the past, we have shared some thought on why carriers and OEMs should unlock bootloaders, but we have never done an official post surrounding the topic. The idea comes from a reddit user who claims to be interning at a "Fortune 500 company who makes phones" and that locks bootloaders. He is hoping to gather legitimate reasons from the Android community, so that he can step up to his bosses and lay the smackdown. Whether or not an intern can come close to making a difference on the bootloader front is debatable, but we like the idea of approaching bootloader unlock talk in a more formal matter. So today, let's do that. Let us talk about reasons why companies like Motorola, Verizon, HTC (some times), and others, should allow for phones to remain unlockable. Share your thoughts, express yourselves, and try to convince the industry that a bootloader is not the problem they should be worrying about. I'll start it off by tossing out this idea - if network experience is one of the major reasons for trying to keep a phone locked down, why get an exclusive on the Galaxy Nexus? As a device that only comes one way, unlockable, I can't imagine a phone that could potentially do more damage to a network, assuming custom software can even do such a thing.

Android Build JRO03L ROM Released for Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE and Nexus 7

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:49:00 +0000

After hitting the AOSP servers, Android build JRO03L of Jelly Bean has already been turned into a custom ROM that is ready for flashing on the VZW Galaxy Nexus and Google's Nexus 7 tablet. It's still Android 4.1.1 and there is no official changelog that we've seen yet. If you're in a flashing mood, simply download this file and flash through ClockworkMod. A wipe is recommended if coming from anything else. Download: JRO03L for Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE | Nexus 7 Via: XDA Cheers Isaac!

Jelly Bean Build JRO03H Released for Rooted Verizon Motorola XOOM 4G LTE Owners

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:12:26 +0000

The owner of a developer edition of Verizon's Motorola XOOM 4G LTE has been pushed the official Jelly Bean update and has decided to make it available for all. The large file is flashed through ClockworkMod Recovery so having a rooted XOOM is a must. The zip is a nandroid backup, so essentially this is exactly what happened when the GSM Galaxy Nexus was pushed Jelly Bean, which was then ported to every other device in existence.

Proceed at your own risk. You must be rooted and running ClockworkMod Recovery for this to work.

Instructions to flash:

Download the JB.RAR file.
Extract contents and place under the "/clockworkmod/backup/" directory on your device's storage.
In ClockworkMod, locate the "2012-08-02.23.36.52" file in the backup menu of CWM.
Hit "restore."
Reboot and enjoy.

There you go. Official Jelly Bean on your Motorola XOOM 4G LTE. If you have any questions or run into issues, let us know and we'll try to field them. If you have questions regarding the build, you can find more information in the original thread by following the via. Via: XDA

Google Now Available for Huge List of Supported Devices Through Flashable Zips

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:24:44 +0000

A series of flashable zip files have been released that will bring Google Now to a large list of supported Ice Cream Sandwich devices. If your device is rooted, running ClockworkMod Recovery and is not already being powered by Jelly Bean, then this is for you. The process is simple - just download a zip (there are online/offline dictation versions) and flash through recovery. Easy, right? Once installed, you'll be able to access the cards and ask it all of the silly questions you can think of. To see if you own a supported device, check the list under ARMv7. To download the zips, check the original thread here. Via: XDA Cheers HolyGrail!

Toshiba Thrive Receives 4.0.4. Ice Cream Sandwich, Praise Xenu

Tim — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:32:21 +0000

Toshiba is finally getting around to pushing out Ice Cream Sandwich to Toshiba Thrive owners. After a delay which turned an eta of "end of Spring" to "early Fall," Thrive owners were left in the cold as to when they could expect their ICS goodness. According to an official forum post, along with the update, there is some audio/video enhancements, improved signal strength, and improved camera functions. Thrive owners, if you haven't pulled that update yet, go get it! Cheers Drew, Nathan, Scott!

OUYA and XBMC Get Together For Tailored Experience When the Console Launches

Eric — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:00:08 +0000

The OUYA project, born of Kickstarter, is a home run so far, and even calling it that might be an understatement. Every big Android project or developer seems to be hopping on the bandwagon with the game console and the latest development team would be the people behind XBMC. The popular media application has come from Mac, Linux and Windows and now to Android, giving users one place to view all their media. With the news today, XBMC looks to invade your living room through the OUYA console.

Even though XBMC for Android still isn't quite official, the company promises that the code is going to be merged into the master line soon, and that the application will work well on the OUYA platform. Android developers seem to be working hard to make this new device much more than just a video game console. 2 days left to back OUYA, are you going to jump in before it closes?

Via: Engadget

Motorola to Unveil 4G LTE Smartphone This Friday Via Facebook, is It the RAZR HD? (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:33:12 +0000

Late last night, Motorola posted the first clue of many that will lead up to the unveiling of a smartphone. According to a post on their Facebook page, they plan to give a new clue each day this week until the "big reveal on Friday." The first clue, if you didn't' catch it, outs that the phone will "have the power of 4G LTE." With the Atrix HD and Photon Q already announced, what else could it be? The only phone of Motorola's on anyone's radar these days that hasn't been unveiled, would be the DROID RAZR HD. I guess you could also take this new "game" as something to get people to interact on Moto's Facebook page, rather than them actually announcing a new phone. As in, they could give off clues for 5 days to a phone that has already been released (RAZR, RAZR MAXX, Photon Q, or Atrix HD), hoping that you stick around for 5 days to comment and "like" things on their page. We could get to Friday and the "big reveal" could be, "Great job, you guessed the Photon Q!" Update: Just as we speculated above, Motorola is not going to announce a new phone, but are simply playing a game. TechRadar was able to chat with a Moto spokesperson who said that this game is about "current" smartphones available, not a new one. Again, a new clue will be dropped each day, so stay close to Moto's Facebook page to find out. Via: Facebook

ESPN Fantasy Football App Updated for 2012 Season

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:23:42 +0000

Wow, fantasy football season about to begin? That sure came up quick. If you have already joined leagues on ESPN or are planning to, the ESPN Fantasy Football app is your best friend, especially now that it has been updated for the 2012 season. With this sucker on your phone, you really don't even need to visit the web interface for your league, as it is about as fully featured as you'll find. The massive ad at the bottom is a bit much, but the app is free. How many leagues have you joined/created already? Did you realize that the first preseason game was last night? And in case you were wondering, we will be doing another elimination group. Play Link

Asus Execs Dive Into the Making of the Nexus 7

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:57:32 +0000

When Asus unveiled a nameless 7" quad-core powered tablet at CES this past January that would retail for $249, they not only caught our attention, but more importantly, Google's. According to a handful of Asus execs that sat down with Forbes, a meeting with Google after showing off their cheap tablet design is what kick-started a 4-month whirlwind project that eventually became the Nexus 7. According to Benjamin Yeh, the head of Asus UK, there was team and engineer swapping from both companies, supply chain partners contacted, and a massive group effort to get the job done in such a short amount of time.

Our top executives met Google’s top executives at CES to talk about opportunities and how they saw the future market. That’s when we came up with the idea of the Google Nexus 7 by Asus. That was in January, and mass production started in May. So, that was four months. For a mass-market device, from concept to mass production, we’re talking about six to twelve months. Six months is very tight. Immediately, we sent a complete design team to Mountain View, to work with Google. Google also sent seven engineers to Asus to work on the project as well. So, that’s what we had in the design team – and then there were our partners in the supply chain – key components and so on. Everyone was excited about the concept, but we needed to work together to get it through the supply chain. And it wasn’t just Asus and Google who were excited – our suppliers were too. Everyone wanted to be part of the game!

Once the hardware and software was starting to come together, both Asus and Google looked for ways to improve it even more. How good would a 7" device be if it weighed as much as a brick and was as thick as textbook? In order to keep both of those specs down, they created a new LCD design called Asus TruVivid, that involves less glass, to not only make for a thinner device, but to improve the user experience as well. Yeh explains:

The device had to be thin and light, with a weight under 340 grams. So to get that lightness, normally the CPU would be small [low-powered]. But to get media playback, and particularly high definition media, the processor has to be powerful. The strong CPU in a very small space is difficult. And also the screen: you want it to be very responsive and also to have multitouch . So normally the LCD should be thick. So, for the LCD module, we used a special design, which we called Asus TruVivid. That is actually two technologies together – the first is a one-glass solution, and the second is lamination. The traditional way to make a tablet touchscreen actually uses four pieces of glass. You have the LCD back panel, then the back glass and front glass, with the liquid crystal in the middle. On top of the front glass you have the touch sensor glass. And then on top of the sensor glass you have the protective glass. So with the one glass solution, we put together the protective glass and the sensor glass. So the sensor is just a film attached to the glass, to make it thinner. And that also makes it lighter.

Yeh also talked about optimizing for extended battery life without tossing in a massive battery. Thanks to the Tegra 3 quad-core processor and all sorts of software tweaks, the Nexus 7 rates at around 9.5 hours on a single charge. In the end, Asus, Google and their supply chain partners created a device from concept to final product in about 4 months. The normal time frame for a device like this would be closer to 12 months - 6 months would really be pushing it. So not only did they create our favorite Android tablet to date (our review), but they did it in record time. Via: Forbes

Sign-Up for Serve by American Express and Receive $25 to Spend

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:01:21 +0000

Back in August 2011, Verizon and Serve (an American Express payment system), announced a partnership of sorts that confused us at the time. With Verizon and other carriers putting together an NFC payment system, we weren't really sure why they would want to partner up with another payment service. We're still confused, but the partnership received a kick start today when Verizon posted up a deal on their Facebook page. The deal is, if you sign-up for Serve and deposit $25, American Express will match and deposit another $25 into your account. "What is Serve?" you ask? Think of it like PayPal. Actually, there is no better way to describe it than by thinking of PayPal. It's a money locker that can be loaded by attaching bank accounts and debit and credit cards. You can make payments online with it, but Serve will also send you a card to be used to make purchases in stores. The other money-centric task you can accomplish has to do with sending and receiving money from friends, again, just like you would with Paypal. So why should you sign up? Well, to get the $25 that will be matched once you deposit your own $25. Otherwise, I'm not sure. Sign-up | Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zd1B-88OaU[/youtube] Via: Facebook Cheers to everyone who sent this!

Monday Poll: HTC 5-inch Superphone or Galaxy Note 2?

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:23:29 +0000

Now, I know we don't have many details for the new Galaxy Note 2, but we essentially know all there is to know about HTC's upcoming superphone, codenamed "dlx." Thanks to a GLBenchmark that we first reported over a month ago, this phone will sport a new Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, a 1080p display, on-screen navigation keys, and run on Verizon's 4G LTE network. The Note 2, will more than likely have a 720p display, the quad-core Exynos chipset found in the new Galaxy Note 10.1, and probably ship globally. The HTC phone is rumored to carry a 5" screen, while the Note 2's could jump up to 5.5". The Note 2 will be unveiled at IFA in Germany on August 29, while the HTC dlx could show up in September or October. In their current states, both run Ice Cream Sandwich, however, that could change by the time they hit store shelves. After seeing the success of the original Note, I think it's safe to say that massive phone-tablet combo phones are a hit. If you had a choice, which would it be? [poll id="194"]

HTC Sense 4.1 Reportedly Leaks in New ROM, We Look for Changes

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:37 +0000

A new HTC ONE X ROM was released over the weekend at XDA, one that was significant because it was said to be based off of a new Sense 4.1 RUU. To this point, Sense 4.0 is the most current version of HTC's custom Android skin, so naturally, we took this 4.1 ROM for a spin to look for changes. Without spoiling too much, I'll just say that there aren't many changes. However, this could be an early Sense 4.1 that doesn't have all of the goodies that HTC plans to introduce or it wasn't meant to be massive and is simply a performance enhancer. I'm thinking the latter.

New Quick Settings Panel

When I first picked up the One X, with its Sense 4.0, I was disappointed to see that HTC had removed the "Quick Settings" panel from the notifications pulldown menu. Quick access to WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and brightness have always been my favorite add-ons for custom skins. Why they removed it is beyond me, but in this Sense 4.1-built ROM, a full "Quick Settings" panel is back. There is a chance that this was thrown in by the ROM developer, but it looks too polished to be. If this is indeed included in Sense 4.1, this is the best new feature.

App Switcher Button Re-mapping

HTC was trying to do the right thing when they removed the menu button on the One X, but unfortunately for them, app developers have not followed suit. For those that own one of their new devices, you are likely familiar with the awful black bar menu button that takes up screen space in apps that have not adopted the new menu system that Google recommended. In order to fix this issues themselves, HTC has started to push an update that allows for re-mapping of the task switcher button. This is not necessarily a Sense 4.1 feature, but it is included in this new build. As you can see from the screenshot, you have 3 options to set for this button.

Performance

This could be from the ROM, but those that have flashed it are claiming that the new Sense 4.1 on top of Android 4.0.4 has been given a performance boost. As seen in the Quadrant benchmark above, the score is more than 500 points higher than what we received when we first benchmarked the device.

Browser Tabs Button

The stock browser now includes a dedicated button for Tab toggling. In Sense 4.0, you had to hit menu to get into your Tabs section, but now, it sits on its own next to the menu button.

Camera and 3D Animations

The early reports about this 4.1 ROM claimed that the camera software now had a quick toggle to switch between front and rear cameras. I'm not finding that. In my experience, you still have to go into Settings and then manually switch. The picture above is proof of that. The other tip that early flashers were suggesting, had to do with 3D animations in the app drawer, claiming they were gone. Sorry to disappoint everyone, but they are still there in all their glory. When jumping between All, Frequent, and Downloads, a nasty and slow 3D animation still rolls across your screen. There aren't 3D transitions in the app pages themselves, but there never were to begin with.

Wrap-up

And that's pretty much it. Like I said, this is likely more of a performance enhancer than anything else. From what I can tell, the reports of missing 3D animations and new camera toggles are wrong, but that there may be a big boost in system performance. I can't say that I have noticed an incredibly speedier device after flashing this, though. I would expect that when HTC finishes this up, it will be all minor tweaks like I have shown here and not much else.

Transformers Battle Cards Game Coming to Android, to be Made Available in September

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:00:04 +0000

Mobile game studio ngmoco has given a few details on an upcoming title they are working on based on Transformers. The game will be in battle card style similar to that of the popular Rage of Bahamut title that can already be found on Google Play. You can choose to play as the Autobots or the Decepticons in a series of campaign missions, leveling up your character's stats, and then going up against real opponents on line through your mobile device to battle it out. Unfortunately, there is no trailer or screenshots yet, so we have no idea what the game will look like in terms of animation or live-action look. All we can hope is that it doesn't do the series as much as an injustice as Shia LaBeouf did. Shame, Shia. Via: GamesRadar, IGN Cheers EvanTheGamer!

Custom Kernels Make Their Way to the DROID RAZR Thanks to Kexec

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:23:00 +0000

DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX owners, full custom ROMs will soon be in your future, thanks to @dhacker29, @hashcodeof, and @therealjonpry. Using the kexec method that has become famous on older Motorola phones and now the Galaxy S3, custom kernels are now an option. Well, once they are built by the ever-growing RAZR dev-community. This also means that you will see full and official CyanogenMod builds, something that should excite many of you. As of today, it doesn't appear as if there is a public way for you to test custom kernels or find ROMs that have them, but it likely won't be long. Via: Twitter Cheers Jeremy and Brandon!

Google's BugDroid has the Chance to be a LEGO Product, it Just Needs Your Support

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:49:55 +0000

A very creative person over at LEGO's CUUSOO site, has posted a project that simply warms our hearts. Through the LEGO Digital Design site, GLHTurbo was able to order the parts needed, then create a strikingly awesome looking Bugdroid character. "I did some searching and couldn't find any really good Android Lego builds so I decided to build one myself," he explained on the project's homepage. The CUUSOO site is for individuals to post their ideas that they think LEGO should mass produce. If a project gains enough supporters (like Kickstarter minus the money), then the company green lights it. According to the creator, it took 205 bricks (with custom Android paint) costing about $30 to build in total. Completely worth it. To support the project and to make sure LEGO sees it, all you have to do is create an account or sign in using Facebook and explain how much you would pay and how many you would buy. It's not a commitment to buy, but it gives the company an idea if it would be successful for them or not.

Would you buy one of these adorable Bugdroid kits if they were made available to the masses? Via: LEGO Cheers Bryan!

Jelly Bean for Verizon's XOOM 4G LTE Shows Up for at Least One Lucky Customer

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:52:19 +0000

When Motorola announced that the WiFi-only version of the Motorola XOOM was receiving Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.1), we sort of assumed that it would be a while before the 4G LTE version were to see it. After all, it has only been on Ice Cream Sandwich since late June, and knowing that Verizon tends to take their time when readying/approving updates for devices, we figured it could be a couple of months. According to one of our readers though, his 4G LTE XOOM received Jelly Bean over the weekend. The build number is the newest, JRO03H, and you can see from the baseband and his notification tray that this is indeed the Verizon variant. In the screenshots below, he also has Google Now pulled up, an Android 4.1 feature, showing off his local weather. We aren't sure if this means that Verizon is ready to give this update the green light or if this lucky reader of ours simply got in on a test push that wasn't supposed to be made public. Either way, this is a good sign for the few of us rockin' a carrier-branded XOOM.

Cheers Daniel!

AT&T's Mobile Share Plans Go Live August 23

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:00:10 +0000

The date has been set for AT&T's Mobile Share plans. On August 23, customers will be able to choose from a new Mobile Share plan, to keep their current plan, or to change to one of AT&T's existing plans. For now, there will be no forcing new customers onto the Share plans, even when upgrading to a new phone. They have six options in total for "data bucket" sizes at 1GB going all the way up to 20GB. To see our current rundown of Shared Data on both, Verizon and AT&T, check out our post here. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAkXnecQ2HQ[/youtube] Via: AT&T

DROID 4 Soak Test Set to Begin, More Than Likely Ice Cream Sandwich

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:21:02 +0000

We are hearing reports from readers, suggesting that Motorola is inviting DROID 4 owners to participate in a new software update soak test. No indication has been given that this will be Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), but at this point, we would be pretty surprised if it wasn't. Motorola previously told us to expect it in Q3, and since we are sitting in the middle of the quarter, now would be the time to start testing it in preparation for rollout. This morning, we also spent a minute cruising around Motorola D4 forums and found an "ICS Waiting Room" thread. In that thread within the last week, Moto Forums' manager Matt, stopped by to remind everyone with a DROID 4 to be sure they have opted-in to the Motorola Feedback Network, the group that sends out invites and allows you to test new software. Could there be a bigger hint? Cheers J!

HTC's 5-inch 1080p Smartphone Rumors Pop Up Again, Could Launch in September on Verizon

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:00:44 +0000

Remember the HTC device with the 5" 1080p display (1794x1080) and Snapdragon S4 Pro processor that we first uncovered in a benchmark? According to DigiTimes, it could arrive as early as September or October. Their sources reference the same display resolution that we saw from that benchmark, and also match up to a late-Q3 release timeframe that was talked about back in April. If you were looking for the next step towards the ultimate "super phone," this would be it. If we go back and look at the benchmark for it, you'll see scores that no other phone can even come close to. If it truly is running Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, it'll have the new Adreno 320 GPU inside, and essentially torch any other 2012 device. We also know from that benchmark that the device is headed to Verizon, as Big Red's name was splashed all over the system information that was captured. The current codename for the device is "dlx" and will undoubtedly run on their 4G LTE network. With the Galaxy Note 2 on the verge of being announced, which will reign supreme? Unless Samsung has a few tricks up their sleeves, like a 1080p display and a newer quad-core chip than what's currently available, I'm not sure even it can stop this new HTC device. I know that the Galaxy S3 just came out, but how can you not feel a little warm and fuzzy inside when thinking about this phone? Via: DigiTimes | BGR

Samsung Rolling Out Jelly Bean to the Galaxy SIII Starting in Q3?

Tim — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:35:49 +0000

According to the insiders of SamMobile, Samsung plans to roll out Jelly Bean to their top tier of devices starting sometime between this quarter and Q4 of this year. As per their report, the Galaxy S3 would be the first to see the update and testing is already underway. If everything goes according to plan, we could expect the push sometime around this quarter. As for the Galaxy S2, Note, and Note 2, they can expect to see a possible Jelly Bean update sometime in Q4. As is the nature of rumors and insiders, Samsung has neither confirmed nor denied these reports. A winter release would make plenty of sense for JB to arrive for the Galaxy S3, given they have plenty of time to work the kinks out and so they can update their TouchWiz skin accordingly. Ready to leave Ice Cream Sandwich in the dust? Via: SamMobile

Samsung Relaunches the Galaxy Note 10.1 With Quad-core Processor and 2GB RAM, Arriving This Month

Kellen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:03:05 +0000

Samsung announced this morning that the Galaxy Note 10.1 is finally ready to arrive, only this time it has been beefed up with a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. This tablet was originally announced back at MWC in February, but for whatever reason, Samsung decided that it needed to upgrade it in several areas in order for it to make a splash. We aren't sure if the jump from dual-core to quad-core along with doubling of RAM is going to do that. To be fair, they also upgraded the rear camera to 5MP. The device runs Ice Cream Sandwich with Samsung's TouchWiz UI, and includes most of the selling features that were attached to the Galaxy S3, like Smart Stay, new AllShare Play, Pop-Up Play, etc. The new Note 10.1 should arrive in Korea, Germany, the US and the UK, any day now. The rollout to the rest of the world will happen gradually after that. No pricing information was announced today. After the break, you'll find official specs, gallery, and an intro video.

Specs:

Gallery:

Video Overview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbgBxr4H59A[/youtube]

Samsung Inspires a Culture of Active Content Creation, Productivity, and Learning
August 6, 2012
Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 becomes available globally starting in August
SEOUL, August 6, 2012 - Samsung announced today the launch of GALAXY Note 10.1, an extension of the GALAXY Note category. GALAXY Note 10.1 is outfitted with the functionality and precision of a pen and paper on a 10.1-inch large display, providing endless possibilities to elevate a user’s creativity, productivity and learning abilities. Featuring an intuitive user experience and armed with a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM for enhanced performance, GALAXY Note 10.1 is designed to simplify idea capture, information access, and multi-tasking, making each easier and faster. GALAXY Note 10.1 allows users to express their ideas naturally and efficiently. “GALAXY Note 10.1 further demonstrates Samsung’s dedication to delivering products that offer a complete mobile experience for creating personalized and expressive content,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “History has shown that taking notes, capturing ideas immediately, and sketching to realize them is the most personal and natural way to be more productive and creative. The advanced technology and features included in GALAXY Note 10.1 give users the power to produce, create and customize communications.” GALAXY Note 10.1 incorporates key intuitive features and capabilities such as side-by-side multitasking with the device’s Multiscreen feature on a 10.1-inch large screen; Samsung’s unique S Pen experiences including a variety of S Note templates and productive tools (Shape Match and Formula Match); Learning Hub for accessing educational curricula (Learning Hub is currently available in Korea, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China and Singapore, and will gradually roll-out to other global markets) and Adobe’s premium creative application Photoshop® Touch. True Multi-Tasking with Multiscreen Feature With GALAXY Note 10.1’s Multiscreen feature, users can effortlessly utilize two different applications side-by-side simultaneously for true and easy multitasking. Users can view Web pages or videos, or launch other applications while writing or sketching ideas with the S Pen on the other half of the screen. Furthermore, users can freely capture and crop images, and paste them onto the other screen to make personal notes and enhance their creativity, productivity and learning abilities. The Multiscreen feature increases productivity and efficiency while users are enjoying multimedia content. GALAXY Note 10.1 brings a new culture of creation through the user’s own notes, and enables an entirely new experience to improve productivity and enjoyment. S Pen & S Note for Personalized and Organized Note-taking Featuring its advanced 6.5mm S Pen, GALAXY Note 10.1 is optimized for the creation of personalized and expressive content in the most natural and intuitive way. The S Pen’s feel and functionality are specifically designed for an optimal experience on the 10.1-inch screen. The S Pen is embedded directly in the device and, when removed, automatically launches specially-optimized applications, including S Note, S Planner, Crayon physics, Adobe® Photoshop® Touch, and Polaris Office. Alternatively, users can easily set their preferred application to be launched instantly. For example, S Note can be launched instantly when a user takes the S Pen out from the device. Users can also tap the screen twice while pressing the S Pen button for quick S Note access via the S Note-dedicated widget, which can be easily moved anywhere on the display, never hindering or obstructing creativity or productivity. The S Note is a unique tool that gives users the ability to combine notes and sketches with other digital content in ready-to-use templates. The Shape Match and Formula Match features help correct and digitize geometric shapes and solve numeric formulas hand-written with the S Pen. The S Note is also integrated with knowledge search engines so that users can search for content, obtain information, and easily drag and drop content onto S Notes without having to switch between screens. Exclusively pre-loaded on GALAXY Note 10.1, the Adobe® Photoshop® Touch application allows users to professionally edit photos with the ease and precision of the S Pen. Active Learning Experience GALAXY Note 10.1 is an ideal learning tool that allows users to take notes directly on an eTextbook while watching lectures, or research the Web while writing an essay at the same time. Samsung’s Learning Hub service is optimized for GALAXY Note 10.1, allowing users to access extensive multimedia educational content for all ages. The content includes eTextbooks, video lectures, interactive coaching and much more, and can be shared with multiple Samsung devices. Furthermore, Learning Hub features a learning management system that provides schedule and performance management tools for users of all age-groups to enjoy learning at their own pace. In Korea, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China and Singapore, Learning Hub service is available at the time of the launch of GALAXY Note 10.1. Learning Hub will be downloadable via Samsung Apps in more than 20 countries by the end of 2012. Superior Hardware Performance GALAXY Note 10.1 is designed with advanced hardware technology, including a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of internal RAM. Seamless multi-tasking, high-standard graphics, and blazing-fast performance without any lag are essential features of GALAXY Note 10.1. The device also includes a 5-megapixel main camera and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. Several other features have been added to GALAXY Note 10.1 including Smart Stay, which tracks the user’s eyes to ensure that the screen is always on while being looked at, and Pop Up Play, which allows the user to watch a video anywhere on their screen while simultaneously running other tasks. With AllShare® Play, users can share content with a large group in real-time by connecting GALAXY Note 10.1 to Samsung HD TVs, mobile tablets, laptops, and other consumer electronic devices on the same network. With AllShare Group Cast, users can also share and collaborate on documents, presentations, or images without loading the files separately. GALAXY Note 10.1 comes in three connectivity options: a WiFi-only version, a WiFi-and-3G HSPA-Plus connectivity version at launch, and a WiFi-and-LTE version later this year. GALAXY Note 10.1 is available in Korea, Germany, the US and the UK while it will gradually roll-out to other global markets starting in August. 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.

Samsung Upgrade Wants to Give You Money for That Old Phone, As Long as You're Upgrading to Samsung

Eric — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 13:06:18 +0000

Since our poll yesterday showed that many of you have upgraded recently to the Verizon version of the Samsung Galaxy SIII you might be interested in this bit of news. Samsung took to their Facebook page to announce Samsung Upgrade, a service that will give you a few dollars for sending in your old phone that you may not be using anymore. As long as you have purchased, or plan on purchasing, a Galaxy SIII, a Galaxy Note or the still good Galaxy SII, Samsung will give you some cash for sticking with them.

The process does sound a little sketchy, after sending your phone in when you have your new device, Samsung will send you a check back in the mail for the quote that they gave you on the website. Nevertheless, if you have a phone sitting around unused this may entice you a bit. Here are a few numbers from phones that we know some of our readers have lying around:

OG DROID - $0 (thanks Samsung)
DROID 2/Global - $20
DROID 3 - $60
DROID 4 - $165
BIONIC - $85
RAZR - $140
RAZR MAXX - $200
DROID X - $20
DROID X2 - $45
Galaxy Nexus - $130
DROID Charge - $50
Thunderbolt - $40
Incredible - $35
Incredible 2 - $75
Lucid - $100
iPhone 4S 16GB - $210

Here's where it gets interesting for people who have upgrade to the SIII lately. On the homepage of their application, it says "If you've already purchased a new Samsung smartphone, have the proof of purchase handy." This sounds like Samsung is willing to work with people who have already adopted the SIII as their new phone. We know that smartphones usually get handed down to the next generation after upgrades in this community, but if you have a few unused phones lying around and plan on upgrading, or have upgraded already: why not give it a look? Would you rather sell them to Samsung on or a site like Swappa.com? Via: Facebook

This Week in the Life of DROID: 8/3/2012

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:30:41 +0000

Can you believe it's already August? This year is flying by so far and there's still a lot of Android awesomeness on the horizon. As far as device releases, it's been a pretty dreadful this summer, but Jelly Bean and Ice Cream Sandwich will certainly coast us into Fall and the Winter lineup of devices that will be released in the coming months. As for this week, we saw the HTC Rezound finally receive its much deserved ICS update, Google Wallet received the update it desperately needed to be relevant, and we posted plenty of leaked images of the RAZR HD. Here are the highlights of this week's happenings.

Have a fantastic weekend, everybody!

Google Listen Discontinued Because You Have Other Options

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:42:13 +0000

Today, Google announced that Google Listen has been discontinued. Since the Google Play store is such a robust market for podcast apps, they would rather you take advantage of the "wide variety" that are available. If you already have it installed, they want you to know that after November 1, the search functionality on it will be killed off.

We launched Google Listen through Google Labs in August 2009, to give people a way to discover and listen to podcasts. However, with Google Play, people now have access to a wider variety of podcast apps, so we’ve discontinued Listen. People who have already installed the app can still use it, but after November 1, podcast search won’t function. You can access your podcast subscriptions in Google Reader in the “Listen Subscriptions” folder and download them from the Import/Export tab.

Any Google Listen users around? Do people still listen to podcasts? Via: Google

Friday Poll: You Current Phone is?

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:35:19 +0000

Since our last "Current Phone" poll, almost 9 months ago, we have seen a number of impressive devices land on U.S. soil. HTC launched the One Series and the Incredible 4G LTE, Samsung gave us the Galaxy S3, and Motorola...well, they haven't done much. But there is a good chance that many of you switched to something since last December, so we wanted to ask again. I get the feeling that the Galaxy Nexus is going to dominate this, and that's not a bad thing. It's tough to go wrong with stock Android. I'm just curious to see if the Galaxy S3 made a dent in that group of the DL community. *We couldn't include every phone on the planet here, so we went with the most popular of the last year. If your phone isn't listed, be sure to vote for "Other" and then tell us in the comments which phone that is. [poll id="193"]

Reminder: Limited Edition DL Tees and Zip Hoodies Available for 3 More Days

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:10:40 +0000

As we head into the weekend, we wanted to remind you that our newest limited edition Droid Life t-shirt and hoodie is available, one that we are calling "Community." As with any "limited" product, it won't be available forever. You have until Sunday at midnight to get your orders in before this one is gone forever. The design is based off of Experimental Jetset's "John, Paul, Ringo & George" shirt, one that helped launch a global craze in t-shirt making.

T-Shirt

The t-shirt is 100% cotton American Apparel in black, with soft-hand ink in Android green. Sizing ranges from Small - 3XL for men and Small - 2XL for women. If you don't want black you can email Dion and get it made in Asphalt. Buy. ($17 + $5 shipping)

Zip Hoodie

For the first tim ever we are going with a zip-up hoodie. The front features a Droid Life logo in Android green and white. The back contains the "Community" design in the same green used on the t-shirt. Sizing is unisex and runs Small - 3XL. Buy. ($27 + $8 shipping) *Once orders close on Sunday, the shirts will be printed and begin shipping on Tuesday, 8/7.

Perfectly Clear for Android, Automatic Image Correction for Dummies

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:15:52 +0000

Taking pictures with your phone or tablet can be pretty weak sauce at times. You'll take a shot thinking you nailed it, later finding out it's dull, poorly lighted, or a number of other things that could go wrong. With Perfectly Clear for Android, no more worries. The same powerful auto correction software that has been industry leading on PC's for years is now available for your mobile device. The app has a very crisp and easy to navigate interface. Simply take or choose a picture from your gallery and the app basically does the work for you. You can also go in and fine tweak each individual setting such as the lighting, tint, color saturation, etc. The app is listed at an introductory price of just $0.99, which is a steal compared to some other high grade photo editing apps out there. Give it a try and let us know what you think. Play Link

n7player Hits 1 Million Downloads in the Play Store, Celebrates with Premium Version for only $.99

Eric — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:35:24 +0000

Who doesn't love a good deal on a cool application as a great way to end the week? n7player, a really slick music application that we have covered before, has hit 1 million downloads in the Play Store and decided to celebrate with a sale. The application itself is free, but the premium unlock download is only $.99 instead of the $3 it usually is.

Just a reminder, this application works with music stored on your internal storage or SDcard, so do not look for Google Music support here. If you have that music though, check out this application and its unique and slick user interface. The sale lasts until August 10, so give this application a look.

n7player | n7player unlocker

Call of Duty Black Ops Zombies Lands on Android!

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:00:14 +0000

Well, today just took a turn for the kick ass and righteous. Glu Mobile, publisher of many other popular game titles on Android have released Call of Duty Black Ops Zombies to Google Play. The game features the maps and weapons that made it such a huge success among console gamers such as Kino Der Toten and Ascension. Before you make a mess of yourself though, know that the game has been released for support of only Sony Xperia devices for the next 30 days. Once that period of time is over, everyone else can also enjoy the zombie slaying for a hefty $7. Play Link ($6.99)

Google Wallet Installable on All of Verizon's NFC Phones, Getting It to Work Another Story

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:25:20 +0000

After the FCC ruled that Verizon could no longer block tethering apps, as it violated the "C Block rules" attached to their purchase of the C-Block spectrum that their 4G LTE network now runs on, we wondered if other non-tethering apps would be a included in the deal. From what we're hearing, it does apply to other apps, specifically Google Wallet. As you know from numerous reports in the past, Verizon was blocking Google Wallet from their NFC-equipped phones because the app was "different" than normal apps. But after after the FCC ruling was handed out, and Google released the new cloud-powered version of Wallet, it suddenly became available to all of Big Red's NFC-equipped devices, including the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S3, and Incredible 4G LTE. If you cruise into the Google Play store today, and search for "Google Wallet," you likely won't find it for whatever reason. However, if you click the new direct link to the app on either your phone or web browser, you can install the app to your device. Here is the direct link. Once installed, it seems to still be blocked on the Galaxy S3 and Incredible 4G LTE from working, giving off a "Unfortunately, Google Wallet is not yet available for your device or mobile network," message. If you own a Galaxy Nexus, there is a pretty good chance that it will actually work, whether you are rooted or not. Results seem to be hit or miss for many, so all we can do is recommend that you give it a shot. Remember, you have to go through the direct link we provided above.

Let us know in the comments if you are having any success. Cheers VZW Tipster and everyone else who sent this!

EA Games and Firemonkey Bringing Real Racing 3 to Android, Fasten your Seat Belts

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:00:49 +0000

Start up your engines race fans, EA Games is teaming up with Firemonkey to bring Real Racing 3 to mobile devices. If you're a fan of more realistic racing situations and not all of that silly drag racing nitrous oxide tough-guy stuff, then this is more up your alley. With developers bringing real cars with real specs and real tracks with real racers to the same game, this is going to be a mobile racing experience like no other. Release is set for later this year, but until then, enjoy the trailer. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmkYHZpel3Y[/youtube] Via: Droid Gamers

Wireless Charging Stations for Galaxy SIII Arriving at Verizon Stores?

Eric — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:20:49 +0000

ZENS may have plans to launch their own third party wireless charging station for the Galaxy SIII sometime soon, but Samsung seems to be on top of their accessories as well. A tipster sent these photos over to Phone Arena and showed that Verizon and Samsung are working towards getting their own chargers ready for primetime.

The anonymous tipster says the charging dock itself was supposed to be listed at $70, but is going to be marked down to $50 instead when they hit the sales floor. The problem is, you need to buy a new back for the phone so that it will work with the station, and the new back for the phone will run you $39 according to the source. $89 before tax to get rid of wires with your Galaxy SIII. ZENS' kit is supposed to be around $80, which one are you going to choose?

Via: Phone Arena

Apex Launcher Beta Updated to Jelly Bean Base, Brings the Speed and Customizations

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:45:13 +0000

Apex Launcher lovers can pick up the newest beta build that was released yesterday. Inside is a load of new stuff and the entire app has been rebuilt on top of the Jelly Bean base code. You will notice speed increases across the launcher and many other features that JB brought like widgets auto-moving when placing them on homescreens and auto-resizing when there's no more space available. You can take a peak at the full changelog down below. v1.3.0beta1 (Aug 1, 2012) Rebuilt based on Android 4.1.1 Launcher, lots of JellyBean goodness:

When placing widgets on the screen, everything else automatically moves to make room
When they are too big, widgets resize on their own to fit on the homescreen
Quickly remove apps/widgets by flinging them to the edge of the homescreen
Major performance boost for homescreen and drawer
New app enter/exit animations (JB only)
Switched to phone layout on 7" tablets (e.g., Nexus 7)
Added background for widgets in the drawer
Fixed icon ordering bug within folders

Other improvements and bugfixes:

Unlimited drawer tabs and new drawer management UI (pro)
Improved drawer tab switching for vertical drawers (pro)
Fixed Play Store widgets on JellyBean
Fixed paid theme (icon pack) issue on JellyBean
Lots of other improvements and enhancements
Updated translations

Download: Apex Beta APK Via: XDA Cheers Eric!

Samsung Confirms Galaxy Note Successor to be Unveiled on August 29 at IFA

Tim — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:10:38 +0000

Nope, the picture above is not the Galaxy Note 2, but according to reports from Reuters, Samsung has indeed confirmed that they will be unveiling the above device's successor at this month's IFA2012 Unpacked event in Germany. There was no elaboration from the Samsung rep as for what kind of specs we can expect, but from what is floating around the web, we're expecting a 5.5" unbreakable display, the new quad-core Exynos chip, and shipment with Ice Cream Sandwich. As you might have already guessed, we'll definitely have a live blog or some type of special post for when the announcement takes place later this month. Time to hypebeast! Via: Reuters

32GB Sony Tablet S Plus Cradle Available From Woot for $260 [Deal]

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 08:36:52 +0000

After you pick up your OG DROID from Daily Steals for $70, you may want to think about adding a tablet to the party. Woot is currently selling the Sony Tablet S, a beautifully designed Tegra 2 tablet, for $259.99, a package that includes a cradle. With its 9.4" display (1280x800), dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, dual cameras, and expandable storage, this has always been one of the more appealing tablets in our eyes, it just didn't get much play. Sony is currently charging over $400 for this version, not including the $20 cradle. From what we can tell, this is in "new" condition and is not refurbished. Via: Woot Cheers Seth!

Flashback Friday: OG DROID Available From Daily Steals for $70

Kellen — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 08:08:29 +0000

Not a bad way to kick off a Friday. The original "OG" Motorola DROID can be picked up today from Daily Steals in brand new packaging for $69.99. Seriously, the listing says that it is "new" and not refurbished. That means you have less than 13 hours to buy one, so that you can frame it and put it on display for the world to see. After all, this is the device that put Android on the map in a major way. With an epic marketing campaign and top-of-the-line specs for its time, there is no other device in the history of this operating system that has made such an impact.

Via: Daily Steals Cheers Robert!

Video: First Look at Chameleon for Android

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:56:26 +0000

Chameleon for Android, a Kickstarter funded tablet home replacement app, has entered into its beta stage, which means that the 7,000 people that pre-ordered it will soon get an invite to start testing. Others have been hand-selected to test the app, a group that we were lucky enough to be a part of. As is customary around these parts, we like to take apps that have generated a substantial amount of buzz for a test drive to see if they can live up to the hype. While this is still beta, the Chameleon team is confident enough in it to at least let people start to play with it. It's definitely feeling good, aside from a couple of minor bugs that shouldn't be hard to fix. The quickness is there, the few widgets that are available look good enough, and some of the features like the scrollable app dock at the bottom are solid features. We are seeing some limitations as far as widgets, wallpapers and folders go, however, the only direction for Chameleon to go from here is up. There is definitely potential to be reached. Since this is a beta, this would be the time to start requesting features and reporting bugs. To give you our first impressions on it, we tossed together this video.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMIEw3mjkAY[/youtube]

Chameleon Launcher Beta Begins to Roll Out - Another Month Until Official Launch, Already Looks Great

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:01:10 +0000

Beta downloads for the Chameleon launcher are beginning to roll out to Kickstarter backers and Beta testers. We've had hands-on for about 10 minutes now and so far, it's pretty fantastic. It is minimal, smooth, and offers exactly what we wanted - quick access to news, emails, and social media. Word is that the team is "still a month out" from an official launch, but we can already tell they're pretty close to a final product. We will go through the app thoroughly and will come back soon with a full overview of this new launcher. For those who pre-ordered or are part of the Beta, you can access the Beta site down below and also download your beta copy of the app on the Google Play store. Chameleon Beta Site | Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoO8hVKDjY[/youtube]

Tip: Google's Device Art Generator is a Great Way to Show Off Home Screens

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:13:19 +0000

Yesterday, the Android frame generator graduated into official status and is now known as the Device Art Generator. It's a tool for app developers to use when taking screenshots of their apps and then displaying them in a visually pleasing manner. As of today, you can only display your screenshots in Nexus devices, but we get the feeling that there will be many more on the way. After all, sites like MyColorScreen have figured out how to use almost any device on the planet in theirs, so you can imagine that Google will work in something as well. For most of us, this tool will only come in handy when we want to display our own screenshots for the world to see on a personal level, rather than through the Play store. But what I'm envisioning, is our next "Show Off Your Home Screens Day!" post, filled with nothing but beautiful Device Art Generator pics. To run it for yourself, head over to the DAG, and drop a screenshot of yours onto the device of your choice. Afterwards, click on it and then save the image file to your PC. From there, feel free to upload it to your favorite image hosting site, and paste the URL in our comments so that we can see your creations. Knowing that most of you still rock out with a G-Nex, you probably won't mind the lack of non-Nexus devices. Tim's Pro tip: You can also use this app, which has frames for the Galaxy S3 as an option. Via: Google+

ZENS to Launch Wireless Charging Dock for Samsung Galaxy S3 in September

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:52:21 +0000

Wouldn't it be nice to not have to worry about losing your charging cables? That's the future ZENS hopes to create with the introduction of their wireless charging kit for the Samsung Galaxy SIII. With this kit, you receive a new backplate for your SGSIII which will enable partnering with the dock which goes right on your desk or wherever else you want to put it. No special batteries needed or added bulk to the device to make it work. It's not available quite yet, but ZENS says market availability should begin in September. Price is expected to be about $80. Sound like a good deal? Via: Zens

Slices for Twitter - Making Streams More Manageable, Live Events Easier to Follow, and Favorite Topics Accessible

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:56:43 +0000

The OneLouder Apps team introduced a new Twitter client today, called Slices for Twitter. After seeing success with their other social apps like TweetCaster and BaconReader, they decided that your Twitter experience could be even simpler or more involved, depending on how you want to approach it. Slices is for both beginner and advanced users who want to easily discover likable new content, browse the Twitter world by category (live events, celebs, music, etc.), bookmark favorite accounts, and synchronize it all between web and mobile device. Here are the major selling features in a bit more detail:

Twitter Directory– Slices is the only Twitter app with the “Explore” Twitter directory. With 21 browsable, searchable categories, finding people and lists to follow is astonishingly easy and fun.
Live Events – Only Slices has Live Event streams, making it easy to follow live events on Twitter. Each stream displays a feed of tweets from the “right” people for today’s events, like sports, music, TV shows, and more.
Timeline Slicer– Another exclusive feature, Timeline Slicer helps users organize their timelines into “Slices”. These are mini-feeds that users define, letting them read what they want, when they want it.
Bookmarks – Though a familiar concept to anyone who browses the web, Slices is the first Twitter app with bookmarks. Just like on a web browser, users can bookmark favorite Twitter accounts or lists for easy access.
Mobile-to-Web – Slices automatically synchronizes between mobile devices and the Slices website. No more struggles to find one’s place in the Timeline, or re-reading notifications of messages/mentions.

If you still aren't exactly sure how this app works, I'd highly recommend that you watch the video below. The app, which may be useful for beginners too, can really be taken advantage of by Twitter power users. You can customize your stream, follow the most current events, and of course, continue your conversations through a beautiful UI. This is one of the better Twitter apps that we have seen in a while. It's not trying to be just another Holo-themed, panel-ish Twitter feed. The app is free in the Play store, but you can upgrade for $4.99 to the ad-free version. Play Link

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXwCnE_4r1c[/youtube]

Multiple User Code Introduced in Jelly Bean Actually Working With a Few Tweaks

Eric — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:27:14 +0000

Through some digging in the Jelly Bean code, a few developers have found that there is a whole framework in place for multiple users to be introduced into Android sometime in the near future. Much like a PC, if enabled, the tablet or phone would ask you to sign into a profile and then log you into that user profile with those settings assigned to that specific person. Different accounts, apps and pretty much everything about the phone can be changed with this framework, and it's in the code now, but not quite finished. However, with some tweaks through adb it can be turned on.

There isn't much functionality, but it is a proof of concept on how close Google is to finishing this new feature of Android. CyanogenMod has had profiles for a long time now but it seems Google is looking to do it themselves. Are you excited to see this feature sometime down the road?

Via: XDA

Gameloft Teases Their First Android Game Built With Unreal Game Engine

Eric — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:40:02 +0000

In the video game world, the Unreal Engine is one of the most widely used and popular game engines ever produced. It has powered many games that you have no doubt played: Bioshock, Gears of War 1-3, Mass Effect 1-3 and pretty much any Tom Clancy game that you can think of. It's an extremely versatile and powerful engine that has gone through many iterations, and they are using that power behind their newest game.

Gameloft posted the picture above to their Facebook page with the teaser "The story of Gameloft's 1st Unreal Game will soon be revealed, the hint is hidden in the artwork above, can you find it?" You can then vote to unlock the teaser trailer on Youtube or the whole piece of artwork on their Facebook page. The emblem on the sword brings no games to mind so it remains to be seen if this is a game series that already exists. Can you find the clue? Let us know in the comments if you figure it out.

Via: Facebook

FYI: Rezound ICS Update Arrives as Two Separate Updates

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:23:46 +0000

If you have yet to receive the official Ice Cream Sandwich update on your HTC Rezound, we wanted to let you know that the update will actually arrive in two parts. The first is a 7.1MB file that is used to "prepare" your device to receive Android 4.0. The second, is 299MB in size, and is the actual ICS update. When you see the first small one, try to contain yourself - there is one more to follow before your device leaves Gingerbread for good. To see the full changelog, be sure to check out this post. Cheers Reece, Ryan and everyone who sent this!

Samsung Begins Mass Production of Industry's Fastest NAND Storage for Smartphones and Tablets

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:33:44 +0000

Today, Samsung announced that they have begun production of the industry's fastest embedded NAND storage. The production model name is the eMMC Pro Class 1500 and will come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB size options delivering read speeds of up to 140MBps and write speeds of an equally impressive 50MBps. Based on Samsung's testing, in comparison to previous eMMC offerings, it is four times faster in random reading and writing - processing up to 3500/1500 IOPS (inputs and outputs per second). The benefits from speeds like these will most definitely be noticed in system-wide applications such as the galleries, file browsers, HD video and 3D recording, high-performance mobile games, and things of that nature. Samsung did not mention specifics for when we can see these in devices, but with volume production taking place already, our guess is by the end of this year or maybe sooner. Via: Samsung Tomorrow

DROID RAZR HD Appears in All Its Glory Thanks to Another Forum Leak

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:42:46 +0000

One day after the international RAZR HD appeared over at XDA, the U.S. version, better known as the DROID RAZR HD, has appeared via Droid Forums. We now have a confirmation on the name, thanks to a picture of the phone's About screen - not that we were questioning it to begin with, since Motorola employees gave that up long ago. We also get a look at the backside, which is full-on kevlar, and in my opinion, much more appealing than the backside that we saw on the international version. If you thought for a second that this wasn't coming to Verizon, the 4G LTE logo on the backside along with "Verizon" being mentioned in the system version should help ease your mind there. On-screen navigation keys are present. The "HD" in the name clearly means the resolution of the device, so we will likely see a similar 720p Colorboost display to the one included in the Atrix HD. Other than that, we can see that the phone is running Android 4.0.4, matches the code name "Vanquish" that we have seen through benchmarks and on other devices, and could be here in a matter of weeks now that it has cruised through the FCC. Speaking of the FCC, there is a better-than-average chance that this will have a 2530mAh battery. While that may seem a bit smaller than the 3300mAh behemoth that sits inside the RAZR MAXX, it's still substantially larger than most phones. Looking at this photo of the phone, it appears as if they also managed to keep it very thin. Couple that with the 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor that we have seen in benchmarks, and this should easily last you a day, possibly more.

So, is this your next phone? Via: DroidForums Cheers Scott!

Introducing the New Limited Edition Droid Life Tees and Zip Hoodies, All About "Community"

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:13:15 +0000

Today, we are pleased to introduce the newest limited edition Droid Life gear. In the past, we let you choose from either a hoodie or a t-shirt, however, we are bringing you both options today as we are that pleased with this design. As usual, it doesn't have an official name, but we are leaning towards this being the "Community" shirt. No word better describes the group of people that amass here every day at Droid Life. If you are confused by the design, we'll have to point you in the direction of the John, Paul, Ringo, & George shirt that Experimental Jetset did a few years back. The shirt was wildly popular, helping kick off a wave of ideas for t-shirt makers across the globe. The four terms we have chosen not only symbolize the current state of Android tech, but they really do reference the lives that we all have invested in. Android at the top as the star of the show, Jelly Bean as the newest version of it, Community to show our respect to you, and Droid Life because through this medium, we have been given the opportunity to bring it all together. Again, we couldn't be more pleased with the design, the black, and the first ever DL zip hoodie. We hope you enjoy. As of this moment, you have 4 days to order before it is gone forever.

T-Shirt

The t-shirt is made up of a 100% cotton American Apparel tee in black. The graphic is printed with soft-hand ink in Android green. If you haven't owned an American Apparel cotton t-shirt before, let me just tell you, that you are missing out. They do make some of the finer cotton products around. Plus, who doesn't need a new black tee in their wardrobe? Sizes for men range from small through 3XL. Sizes for women range from small through 2XL. If you are not interested in black and want the same design on an Asphalt color shirt, please email Dion. Buy. ($17 + $5 shipping)

Zip Hoodie

For the first time ever, we are doing a zip hoodie. In the past, it was all about the pullover, but the zip hoodie is much more functional, especially for those of us that spend more than 30 seconds on our hair in the morning. On the front, we have a simple Droid Life logo in 2-color (yes, men, we skipped the pink this time). On the back, you will find the "Community" design in the same Android green as the t-shirt. The sweatshirt itself is a black Tultex 80% cotton, 20% poly fleece with the zip front, so it should be extra comfy. Sizing is unisex, ranging from small to 3XL. Buy. ($27 + $8 shipping)

Orders and Shipping

Since this is an exclusive and limited edition, you only have from today through Sunday (8/5) at midnight Pacific to order. After that, this design is gone forever. Once we close up shop on orders, the shirts will be printed and start shipping out on Tuesday (8/7). Both the t-shirt and zip hoodie are available at the Andy Limited store.

Samsung Sending Out Invitations for IFA 2012 - On August 29, Magic is Going Down

Tim — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:55:34 +0000

Invitations for this year's IFA Unpacked Event by Samsung are rolling out to members of the press and tech community. The event takes place on August 29 at the Tempordrom in the city of Berlin, Germany. The web is abuzz with what we can expect from Samsung this year and fingers, or should I say magic wand, is pointing to a Galaxy Note 2. Rumored specs on the device so far suggest that it contains the new quad-core Exynos processor clocked at 1.6GHz, 4G LTE connectivity, and sports a 5.5" display at 720p. As we get closer to August 29, we can hope to hear more official details of what we can expect from Sammy. As for what we hope to see, I wouldn't mind catching a glimpse of the 11.8" tablet with the specs that were released in court showing a resolution of 2560 x 1600 at 256ppi. What would you like to see from Samsung this year? Via: SamMobile

Google Releases New Jelly Bean Binaries for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, Most Other Nexus Devices Too

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:26:47 +0000

Who knew that normal, everyday Android users would care about things like binaries? Well, we do when it has to do with our beloved Galaxy Nexus running on Verizon's network. As you may remember, the VZW G-Nex once had its "officially supported in AOSP" tag removed over binaries, so when they first returned shortly after Google I/O, we all celebrated a bit. As of last night, new binaries were added to support the latest Android 4.1.1 build, JRO03H. Sound familiar? That's the same build that the XOOM WiFi was updated to last week. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean that we are moments away from an OTA update, but it's a good sign that things are still moving in the right direction. After all, Verizon still has to approve the Jelly Bean update, something that could take a while if we base the situation off of the last update. On a related note, the 4.1.1 binaries for almost all other Nexus devices were posted last night as well, including the Nexus S 4G on Sprint. *Note - The Sprint Galaxy Nexus has been left out of the fun. Apologies. Via: Google Cheers Tim!

Android OS Distribution Numbers Updated - Jelly Bean Debuts, Ice Cream Sandwich Starts to Take Over

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 07:44:40 +0000

It's the first week of the month, and what does that mean? Android OS distribution numbers are released for all of the "fragmentation" arguers to have a field day with! This month we get to see the debut of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) on the chart at 0.8%, something that I'm sure Apple will use in a big bold slide during their iPhone 5 announcement. Then again, their adoption rate is always flawed since they update their devices and hack out all of the newly announced features that apparently can't run on older hardware, but I digress. So what do we have here? Ice Cream Sandwich is up to 15.9%, a solid 5% jump in a month's time. You can probably attribute the increase to devices like the DROID RAZR and XOOM receiving the update over the last month. Now that the Rezound, EVO 3D, and others are in the process of receiving it as well, that number will only jump even higher over the next few weeks. Numbers for Froyo and Gingerbread are all decreasing. There you have it, the August 2012 Android OS distribution numbers. Which percentage are you included in? Via: Android

HTC Rezound Ice Cream Sandwich Update Approved and Ready to Roll Out

Kellen — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:31:34 +0000

Well, we had heard whispers of an OTA update for the HTC Rezound starting to roll out last night, and sure enough, Verizon has published the documents that prove we were right. Ice Cream Sandwich is ready and should be headed to your device any day now. In fact, some of our readers have already received it. So you know, these updates tend to start popping up on devices in small batches for the first few days as tests before becoming available to everyone. HTC told us that this sucker would be ready before the end of July, a date they will end up two days late on. Still, not bad. From what we can tell, this update was ready over a month ago anyway and was simply awaiting final approval. Plus, they were clearly working on a handful of devices including the EVO 3D. The final build number is 3.14.605.12 710RD. The version of Android is 4.0.3. It's Sense 3.6, not the 4.0 that you will find on the Incredible 4G LTE and entire One Series, but it should still be a major improvement thanks to it being atop Ice Cream Sandwich. At 299MB in size, this one is going to take a minute or two to download. Also, be sure you have plenty of battery. To find out all of the dirty details, we have included all 3 pages of support docs for you above and below.

More info.

Quick Look: Spigen Illuzion and Neo Hybrid Cases for the Galaxy S3 [Contest Too] (Update: Winners Picked)

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:55:39 +0000

Cases, cases and more cases. Seems like we have already covered a ton of Galaxy S3 cases over the last few weeks, but there are always more to show you (and giveaway). Today, we have two new ones from Spigen SGP, the Neo Hybrid and the Illuzion. One is a two piece standard back cover case, while the other is similar to flip cases, but with a snap and a really good fit and feel.

Neo Hybrid

The Neo Hybrid Galaxy S3 case is a two part case, TPU and polycarbonate, that when applied fits extra tight onto a device. The first application is the softer TPU backing that is then locked into place by the outer polycarbonate frame. In the pictures I have posted, the grey part would be the soft TPU piece, with the "Sparkling" blue being the frame. The case itself was a little finicky to put together on the device, but once I did, it held the phone well. All ports are exposed, plus you have coverings for your lock and volume switches. There are 8 color options: Sparkling Blue (pictured), Dazzling Orange, Shining Grass, Lightning Yellow, Infinity White, Jade Blue, Rubine Red, and Reventon Yellow. The last four are only available for pre-order, however, we have the Infinity White case to giveaway today. The bonus here is that Spigen has tossed in one of their Ultra Nano Clear screen protectors. So while the $26.99 price tag may seem a bit high, you do get the $14 screen protector in the package. I wouldn't call this my favorite case ever, but if you need a soft feel, protection, a snazzy colorway, and a screen protector, it's not a bad option. Buy.

Illuzion

The Illuzion flip case is probably one of my favorite flip cases thus far. It's faux leather, but it feels great in hand. The size of it compared to other flip cases feels optimal, it has a latch that actually snaps into place, and it holds up to 3 cards in its door. All ports are exposed, so you won't have any issues charging or snapping pictures. One of the coolest features is the way Spigen chose to have your device held in place. They actually used one of their Ultra Thin Air cases (which we'll review later), so the device fits incredibly well and doesn't feel like it's sliding around - something we have experienced with other flip cases. The Illuzion case comes in 4 colors: Mandarine Rosa (pictured), Golden Mocah, Lemon Indigo, and Mandarine Black. We have all four of these to give away today. At $32.99, the price is about where it should be. You are buying quality, a pretty color scheme, and an Ultra Thin Air case wrapped into one package. Buy.

________________________________________________

Contest

Update: We have picked our six winners. Go check your inbox! As always, after reviewing cases, we like to reward readers. So today, we have two (2) Neo Hybrid cases and four (4) Illuzion cases to give away. Thanks to Samsung and their one Galaxy S3 size fits all approach to this year's device of the year, these will fit your GS3 no matter what carrier it's on. Rules: 1. ~~In the comments, tell us what the favorite feature of your Galaxy S3 is.~~ ~~2. Then tell us which case of the colors listed below, that you would be honored to win:~~
Neo Hybrid colors: Infinity White (picture) or Sparkling Blue Illuzion colors: Mandarine Rosa, Golden Mocah, Lemon Indigo, and Mandarine Black.
3. Tomorrow (8/2) at 12:00 Pacific, we will randomly choose winners from the comments.

Gmail for Android Updated - Improved 7" Device Support, Bug Fixes and Other Improvements

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:58:12 +0000

Google pushed an update out to Gmail today which includes a few bug fixes along with some added support for Nexus 7 owners. The changelog for apps like this are never very descriptive, so it's hard to say exactly which bugs were fixed or improvements were added, but what we do know is that there still is no pinch-to-zoom feature. Come on, Google. We're waiting. :) Changelog:

Android 4.0 (ICS) and up:

Improved 7" support:

Bug fixes and performance improvements

Android 2.2 and up:

New Labels API for 3rd-party app developers

Performance improvements

Play Link

Motorola XOOM Speaker Dock on Woot for Just $20

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:08:12 +0000

If you still don't own an official speaker dock from Motorola for your XOOM tablet, then this is the time to do it. For just $20, you can pick up the black classy dock for your 10.1" slate that runs the almighty Jelly Bean (if you own the WiFi version). We can't see it becoming much cheaper than this until the day they start just giving them away, so if you've been looking, here you go. Buy. Cheers Jeremy!

RAZR HD Pictures Posted by XDA Member, Appears to be an International Variant

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:38:08 +0000

A device that most are expecting to be called the RAZR HD at launch, thanks to countless Motorola employees who post info to public sites, has appeared over at XDA this afternoon in a variety of pics. In the "About phone" screen pictured below, I would say that this must be some sort of an international variant of the phone, rather than the one we saw pass through the FCC on its way to Verizon, last week. If you look closely, you can see that it was made for Vodafone. We do think that both this and the FCC-approved Verizon version are very similar though, since they both have close model numbers of XT925 and XT926. We should also note that the code name of "Vanquish" is included, something we have seen attached to the Big Red version in a benchmark. Over the years, we have seen Motorola release U.S. versions of phones under the DROID brand as exclusives with Verizon and then follow-up with GSM versions sans DROID tags. The RAZR, original DROID, and DROID X are all examples. It wouldn't surprise us at all to see a DROID version launch here, followed by an international version shortly thereafter. So what else do we know about this international device from Motorola? Well, the XDA member claims that it's from a friend whose friend works as an engineer for Motorola. He doesn't appear to know many specs, but did mention that the camera is 8MP, rather than the 13MP shooter that has been rumored a time or two before. You can also see that on-screen soft keys are present, much like we saw on the Atrix HD (unboxing and first look).

So, what are your thoughts? If this ends up being a twin of a Verizon phone, is it your next? Via: XDA Cheers Scott!

Google Launches Official Android Blog Because You Asked for More Android Coverage

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:41:53 +0000

The Google Mobile blog is no more. (Tears!) According to their Twitter account and the post we have referenced below, they are handing everything Android over to an official Android blog (also listed below). This is one of those sites that should be in your feed reader if you consider yourself an Android guru or fanatic. Well, we'll always bring news to you as it breaks, but if you want it immediately, add their feed. Via: Google Mobile | Android Blog

Google+ Partners With NFL for Live Fantasy Football Draft Hangouts

Eric — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:26:44 +0000

The time is almost here ladies and gentlemen. The return of the NFL season in the coming weeks also means that Fantasy Football season is starting as well. With Fantasy Football however, you are not always in the same room with the rest of your team owners during drafts or on Sundays, so Google+ and the NFL itself have gotten together to bring the ~~hate~~ love to everyone in your league, no matter where you are. NFL.com has added hangout buttons to most of their fantasy pages, including the draft and game centers, so you can be with your friends even when they aren't in the room. Google also said they are cranking up the maximum number of hangout viewers from 10 to 12 since most leagues go up to 12 users. This is a great use of Hangouts which are one of Google+'s biggest selling points. Do you use NFL for your fantasy league? And if so are you going to be using this feature to ~~gloat~~ celebrate your victories over your friends? Via: Google Cheers Scott!

Google Wallet Update Allows You to Add Any Credit or Debit Card (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:42:03 +0000

Google announced this morning that Google Wallet will now accept any debit or credit card to be used when making mobile payments, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Their approach has changed, meaning they now store your cards on secure Google servers, rather than in the secure element of your phone. This should speed up the process for banks to make their cards available to the service. Along with this massive change, they are also allowing you to remotely lock your Wallet app on a stolen or lost device. You can visit the online Google Wallet site which should list out your active devices. Once disabled, the device can no longer make purchases or participate in transactions.

When you first login to the new app, it should ask if you would like it to import your stored cards that are currently used through your Wallet account in Google Play. From what we can tell, this move still hasn't made the app available to Verizon phones. Update: If you cruise into the comments, you will likely find the .apk to download directly to your Verizon NFC-enabled phone. Play Link

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

Via: Google Commerce

Samsung's Smart Stay Software Ported, Released on Google Play for All

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:49:45 +0000

With the release of Samsung's Galaxy SIII, they brought loads of new software goodies to the world. One of the more well-known features is called Smart Stay. The software utilizes the front-facing camera to detect whether or not the user is reading something and will not dim the display if so. Pretty neat. Well, a developer over at XDA felt that not only SGSIII owners should be able to benefit from this and decided to make a replica of the software. The app is called Smart Stay EX and is now available on Google Play. There is a lite version and a pro version, with the pro version offering a few more options for users such as low light support and the ability to toggle system notifications. If you've been hoping to see Smart Stay on your Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 7, here is your chance. To see if you device is compatible, try out the Lite version first and check the list of working and non-working devices here. Play Link: Smart Stay Ex ($1.03) | Smart Stay Ex Lite (Free) Cheers Ben!

Root Explorer Updated - Holo Theme Added, Fixed Jelly Bean and VZW Galaxy S3 Crashes

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:48:28 +0000

One of the old standard root applications from the beginning of time, Root Explorer, received its first decent update in some time today. A new Holo-inspired theme is included, along with crash fixes for Jelly Bean devices and the Verizon Galaxy S3. This new update also allows device files to be listed and create shortcuts for files and folders. Still using Root Explorer or have you found a new root file manager? Play Link Cheers Scott!

Nexus 7 Accessories to Soon Hit the Web - Includes Bluetooth Keyboard Dock, Folio Case and Rotating Stand (Updated)

Tim — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:59:00 +0000

Update: These aren't official and the site that posted them was essentially lying. The accessories are actually from a company called Hip Street. The only official gear for your Nexus 7 is the stuff that leaked earlier in the week. Well, now that we all have our Nexus 7 tablets, what else is left that we need? Oh, that's right - accessories! The folks over at Mobile Fun have received details on five accessories that are said to be produced by Asus and that will go on sale through their site in the near future. The products include a folio case, rotating stand, Bluetooth keyboard docking station and case, film screen protector, and a standard stand case.

These may not look as cool as the pogo dock or some of the other accessories we saw leaked earlier this week, but these will surely be popular with buyers since we've heard many asking when they could expect to see a keyboard dock for all of their important emails and document editing. As soon as these hit the stores, we'll let you know. Planning to pick some up? Which one?

Google Play Developer Program Policy Receives Update - See Ya Shady Ads, Spam and Deceptive Apps

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:13:27 +0000

Last night, the Google Play notified us that the Developer Program Policy received a sizable overhaul, outlining a future for Android and apps that looks much more polished and a lot less "spammy." The email provided four bullet points for topics that garnered the most attention, and are as follows:

We’ve added clearer details to the payment policy, and guidelines on how we will handle cancellations in our new subscription billing feature
We are restricting the use of names or icons confusingly similar to existing system apps in order to reduce user confusion
We are providing more detail on the kinds of dangerous products that are not allowed on Google Play. For example, apps that disclose personal information without authorization are not allowed.
We are giving more examples of practices that violate the spam policy.

If we dive into the policy a bit deeper to see some of these changes, I have a feeling that you will enjoy what they have to say. Let's start first with their stance on spam, spam apps, and anything that takes away from the "great user experience" in Google Play.

Spam and Placement in the Store
Developers are important partners in maintaining a great user experience on Google Play.

Do not post repetitive content.

Product descriptions should not be misleading or loaded with keywords in an attempt to manipulate ranking or relevancy in the Store’s search results.

Developers also should not attempt to change the placement of any Product in the Store by rating an application multiple times, or by offering incentives to users to rate an application with higher or lower ratings.

Apps that are created by an automated tool or wizard service must not be submitted to Google Play by the operator of that service on behalf of other persons.

Do not post an app where the primary functionality is to:

Drive affiliate traffic to a website or

Provide a webview of a website not owned or administered by you (unless you have permission from the website owner/administrator to do so)

Do not send SMS, email, or other messages on behalf of the user without providing the user with the ability to confirm content and intended recipient.

No more repetitive content, misleading product descriptions, or affiliate garbage? Yessir. They also mention that apps are not allowed to send texts or emails on a user's behalf, and that apps which are created by an automated tool, can no longer be submitted by that same tool. That means it will become much more difficult for massive spam app uploads to happen, as owners of the app will have to upload them by hand. Next up, is probably the section you care most about: advertising.

Ad Policy The policy below covers all ads that are implemented in and bundled with apps. These rules are important in maintaining a positive experience for everyone using Android apps from Google Play. Be sure to check back from time to time, as these policies may change.

Developer Terms apply to the entire user experience of your application/extension Please be aware that Google’s Developer Distribution Agreement and Developer Program Policies(together, “Developer Terms”) apply to each application (“app”) as well as any ads or third-party libraries bundled or made available through the app. Offer your users a consistent, policy compliant, and well communicated user experience.In general, ads are considered part of your app for purposes of content review and compliance with the Developer Terms. Therefore all of the policies, including those concerning illegal activities, violence, sexually explicit content, and privacy violations, apply. Please take care to use advertising which does not violate these policies.Ads which are inconsistent with the app’s content rating also violate our Developer Terms.

Ads Context It must be clear to the user which app each ad is associated with or implemented in. Ads must not make changes to the functioning of the user’s device outside the ad by doing things such as installing shortcuts, bookmarks or icons or changing default settings without the user’s knowledge and consent. If an ad makes such changes it must be clear to the user which app has made the change and the user must be able to reverse the change easily, by either adjusting the settings on the device, advertising preferences in the app, or uninstalling the app altogether.
Ads must not simulate or impersonate system notifications or warnings.

Ad Walls Forcing the user to click on ads or submit personal information for advertising purposes in order to fully use an app provides a poor user experience and is prohibited. Users must be able to dismiss the ad without penalty.

Interfering with Third-party Ads and Websites Ads associated with your app must not interfere with any ads on a third-party application.

The highlights here happen mostly in section 2. At the bottom, you can see that ads cannot "simulate or impersonate system notifications" any longer. It's unclear if notification-style ads will be banned completely or if that just means they have to be colorful and clearly marked as ads (probably the latter). Still, trickery is no longer allowed. We also like the new stance on not allowing apps to simply install shortcuts, bookmarks, icons, or the changing of default settings without letting a user know. How many times have you installed an app and found some new shortcut for an app that you had never purchased before, sitting on your home screen? Overall, these changes seem to make the Google Play store come off as much more professional and a little less wild than it had been in the past. It's almost hard to image a life without spam, isn't it? It's almost upon us. Feel free to read the full program policy here.

A Few Jelly Bean Tips and Tricks to Use With Your Nexus 7

Kellen — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:48:24 +0000

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

Google's journey to show new Nexus 7 owners the basics continues on this morning with a few Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) tips and tricks. None of this is highly advanced, but they have taken a minute to highlight face unlock, Google Now, Google Play widgets, and the amazing new notification system. If you want to see the entire list of goodies inside Jelly Bean, you'll have to hit up this post.

Ultimate Rotation Control is Your Ticket to Auto-Rotating Nexus 7 Home Screens

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:20:39 +0000

One issue for some, if you can even call it that, with the Nexus 7 and other newly introduced Android devices, is the lack of an auto-rotate option on home screens. While these devices rotate just fine while in an app, there are those that strongly wish to see them also rotate for landscape fun before launching into apps and other activities. Enter Ultimate Rotation Control, an app that has exploded in popularity over the last week thanks to the launching of the Nexus 7. In fact, if you cruise through the comments, you'll notice that the majority mention Google's new affordable slate. So what can you do with URC? Well, it's pretty simple. Install it, find it in your app drawer (called "Rotate") and launch it. Once launched for the first time, you'll find it active in your notification area as an ongoing notification. You can manually toggle rotations from any screen, allow the system to take back control, or lock an orientation in place. The coolest feature may be the per app control you have, which allows you to specify an orientation for each of your apps, should you find some extra time on your hands. It certainly works as advertised. The app is free in the Google Play store for 7 days. Once the 7-day trial ends, you can purchase it for $2.99. Play Link

Cheers Caleb!

How can Google Improve the Nexus Q to Get You to Buy One?

Tim — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:49:32 +0000

With Google announcing that retail release of the Nexus Q has been put on hold, we would actually like to thank them for this decision. We've had our Q's since May of this year and personally, I've used mine about 5 times in total. Each of these times were just to show it off to friends, which was then followed by the question, "What does it do?" Well, it doesn't really do much at all actually. Google, being the type of business they are, have seemingly realized this and are now going to give the Nexus Q some added features which will then make it more of an easy sale than just being a black orb that lights up and streams your Play content for $300. So, what should they add to the Q to make it more interesting to consumers? We would like to think that everyone's first inclination would be apps - we want applications on this thing. Throw in access to Google Play and add a user interface that will allow us to cut through the b.s. leading us straight to the goods such as Netflix and other applications we would want to access on our living room's HDTV. Sure, that's a fantastic thought, but then we're just paying for a "Made in the U.S.A." Google TV set-top box. Why would anyone want to pay an extra $200 for this? Long story short, I don't think the masses would. What do you think Google can add or change about the Nexus Q to make you want to buy it? Will they lower the price upon completion of the new software or could they just add the ability to install apps? For right now, it's hard to see a positive outcome for this piece of hardware that was originally produced with very few useful purposes to consumers. I hope Google can prove me wrong.

Google Teaches New Nexus 7 Users How to Use Google Now

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:55:47 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovQ2BuTJUjc[/youtube]

Google's video tutorial series for the Nexus 7 continues on with a quick look at what we think is Jelly Bean's top feature, Google Now. On the N7's big beautiful 7" display, you can ask that Google Now track your favorite sports teams, show the weather in your current location, tell you directions and the time it will take to arrive at your next appointment, and always have the quickest route home just a fingertip's click away.

JRummy's ROM Toolbox on Sale Today Only for $3, Use Your Savings to Enter the Toolbox Galaxy S3 Giveaway

Eric — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Our good buddy JRummy's, great application, ROM Toolbox is on sale today, 40% off for the price of $2.99. The list of features in this app is huge, but a few big ones are worth mentioning - Create, manage and restore nandroid backups, restore from CWR backups, a root file browser, and there is an Ad Blocker in there as well. There is a free version of the app if you want to check it out, but with the huge list of abilities packed into one application, why not spend the money if you want complete control over your rooted phone?

If you do purchase the Pro version of Toolbox, you can enter into the giveaway (ends tonight) where winners will get their choice of a Galaxy SIII or another phone that they really want. On top of that, "$50-$100 of Android accessories" will be awarded to winners of the giveaway as well. ROM Toolbox is a great app for frequent flashers, so potential buyers should jump on it before it goes back to its much higher price tag.

Play Link: ROM Toolbox Lite | ROM Toolbox Pro

Google Delays Consumer Release of Nexus Q, Rewards Pre-orders With a Free One

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:14:27 +0000

According to an email that just arrived in a couple of our readers' inboxes, Google has decided to delay the consumer launch of the Nexus Q. After hearing initial feedback from users, they have decided to postpone launch while they work on making it even better. In the mean time, they plan to send free Nexus Qs to those that pre-ordered. Talk about a deal, right? While we do not know how they plan to improve the product, we can guess that they will focus on its limited abilities. The idea of the Q is quite brilliant, but it needs a much broader range of functionality. Maybe we'll finally get more services and some sort of a UI. This is exciting news. Here is the email:

We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order. When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better. To thank you for your early interest, we'd like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only. Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships. The Nexus Q Team

We should also note that the Play store listing for the Nexus Q has changed to "This device is not for sale at this time." Cheers Alcaron, Jerry and Ryan!

Republic Wireless Moves into Second Testing Phase, Motorola DEFY XT the New Phone of the Wireless Revolution

Eric — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:50:46 +0000

If you haven't heard, there is a company out there trying to wage war against "Big Cell" and its name is Republic Wireless. The company's philosophy is based around mobile phones that run off of WiFi calling more than network signal, this has allowed them to work out a $20 per month plan that they have been running for a few months now. The service is still in beta testing, but Republic is releasing the second phone in it's line up, the Motorola DEFY XT.

The rugged phone has a 3.7" screen with a fairly measly 854 x 540 display, 1GHz processor, 5MP camera and Gorilla Glass. The whole phone has been IP67 rated against water and solid particles so you can take it anywhere. For the early adopters that still have the LG Optimus, the phone only costs $149, for people just now signing up the price is $249. But, if you are in love with that Optimus, Republic will let your monthly bill slide for the rest of the year, on them. The DEFY is far from the Galaxy SIIIs and even the RAZRs, but is the low, unlimited monthly contract enough to get you to switch?

Via: Republic Wireless

Cheers James!

FCC to Verizon: You Can No Longer Block Tethering Apps, Please Pay $1.25 Million to Say You are Sorry

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:01:42 +0000

The FCC ruled today in favor of you, the customer, telling Verizon that they were in the wrong when they blocked tethering apps from being able to be downloaded to your phone. The blocking of tethering apps, as many of you suggested a year ago, does not comply with the FCC's "C Block rules" that were set forth when Verizon purchased the C-block spectrum for their LTE network. As of today, Verizon will have to notify the Google Play store that they would no longer like any of the tethering apps available, to be blocked. They are also settling the matter by paying $1.25 million to the U.S. Treasury. GigaOM is also reporting that this new FCC ruling will force Verizon to offer tethering plans for free to tiered data customers. While that's sort of already happening on Share Everything and not necessarily new, this report suggests that there isn't a way for Verizon to stop unlimited customers from doing this as well. That remains to be seen, but feel free to check into it. What a day, right? Here is the entire press release from the FCC:

VERIZON WIRELESS TO PAY $1.25 MILLION TO SETTLE INVESTIGATION

INTO BLOCKING OF CONSUMERS’ ACCESS TO CERTAIN MOBILE BROADBAND APPLICATIONS
Washington, D.C. – Today the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau released a $1.25 million consent decree with Verizon Wireless that resolves an investigation into whether the company had fully complied with the FCC’s “C Block rules,” requiring licensees of C Block spectrum to allow customers to freely use the devices and applications of their choosing. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, “Today’s action demonstrates that compliance with FCC obligations is not optional. The open device and application obligations were core conditions when Verizon purchased the C-block spectrum. The massive innovation and investment fueled by the Internet have been driven by consumer choice in both devices and applications. The steps taken today will not only protect consumer choice, but defend certainty for innovators to continue to deliver new services and apps without fear of being blocked.” Verizon Wireless offers customers its 4G LTE service on C Block spectrum. Verizon Wireless bid at auction to acquire that spectrum, understanding that it was accompanied by open device and application obligations. Specifically, licensees offering service on C Block spectrum “shall not deny, limit, or restrict the ability of their customers to use the devices and applications of their choice on the licensee’s C Block network,” subject to narrow exceptions. P. Michele Ellison, Enforcement Bureau Chief, said, “This case was the first of its kind in enforcing the pro-consumer open access obligations of the C Block rules. It underscores the agency’s commitment to guarantee consumers the benefits of an open wireless broadband platform by providing greater consumer choice and fostering innovation.” The Bureau launched an investigation after reports suggested that Verizon Wireless had successfully requested that a major application store operator block Verizon’s customers from accessing tethering applications from its online market. (“Tethering” is using a wireless phone as a modem to obtain Internet access for another device, such as a laptop computer or tablet.) The Commission also received an informal complaint alleging that Verizon Wireless had violated the FCC’s C Block rules by making such a request. At that time, Verizon Wireless’s terms of service required all customers who wanted to use their phones for tethering to subscribe to the company’s Mobile Broadband Connect service, at an additional charge. In response, Verizon Wireless stated that the additional fee reflected the fact that customers who tether laptops or other devices have the capability to use more data capacity than others. At the time of that response, however, Verizon Wireless required not only unlimited data plan customers, but also customers who paid for data on a usage basis, to pay the additional fee. Verizon Wireless asserted that third-party tethering applications could enable its customers to tether without paying an additional fee. Under the terms of today’s settlement, Verizon Wireless will make a voluntary payment to the Treasury in the amount of $1.25 million, and has committed to notifying the application store operator that it no longer objects to the availability of the tethering applications to C-Block network customers in the operator’s online market. Verizon Wireless has also agreed to implement a compliance plan, requiring that:

employees will receive training on compliance with the C Block rules;

future communications with application store operators regarding the availability of applications to Verizon Wireless customers will be reviewed in advance by legal counsel; and

Verizon will report any instances of noncompliance with the rule at issue that might occur during the two-year term of the plan.

In addition, the company recently revised its service offerings such that consumers on usage-based pricing plans may tether, using any application, without paying an additional fee.

Via: GigaOM Cheers Mike and jdhas!

Amazon Cloud Player and MP3 App Receive Updates, Audiophiles in For a Treat

Tim — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:48:07 +0000

Today, Amazon has pushed an update to both their online Cloud Player and MP3 mobile applications. To say the updates are major is almost an understatement. For starters, you can now use Amazon's scan and match feature that will make uploading your library to the cloud much faster, as well as the ability to add past MP3 purchases to the Cloud for free. The new feature that most music lovers will be happy about is that Amazon now offers to turn your library of music (as long as they have it) into high quality 256 Kbps audio files. Yes please. New features include:

Import your music to Cloud Player faster with scan and match technology
Upgrade your music to high-quality 256 Kbps audio
Add your past Amazon MP3 purchases to Cloud Player automatically...for free
Edit song and album information
Import more types of music files

The updates are live now, so for anyone that has their music stored on the Cloud Player, go get your free high quality files! Via: Amazon

Will the HTC Rezound See Its Ice Cream Sandwich Update Today?

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:08:17 +0000

Folks, today is the last day of July. As you may recall, we were told by HTC that the Rezound should see its Ice Cream Sandwich update in either June or July, so we are quickly running out of time. What we aren't sure about, is if it'll happen today or this week or any time in the near future. The odd thing here, is that Verizon has apparently approved the update, something we first reported last week, but has yet to release it to the public. It could be that some last minute test came up or that they were waiting to get the DROID Charge update out first. Your guess is as good as mine. You may also remember though, that HTC has posted the official changelog for the update twice now, only to pull it moments later. The first was on June 20 - the second posting was on July 18. If that's not a sign that this thing should be ready, then I don't know what is. In fact, the build that HTC references in their official changelog, is the exact as a leak that dropped in early June. Any bets on whether or not we see the initial push begin today, so that HTC can meet their deadline?

Spotify Launches Free Personalized Radio for Android, As Long as You're in the States

Eric — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:23:23 +0000

Spotify was apparently not content with only being one of the largest music streaming services in the States and have now set their sights on the personalized online radio sector. Long dominated by applications like Pandora, the latest update to Spotify brings a free radio section to the application, but it only works if you are in the United States at the moment.

Now, this does not mean that you can access Spotify premium, that still costs $9.99 a month to stream your music from your computer to your phone. However, Spotify's plan may be to lure you in with the free radio and hope you will upgrade later on.

Do any of you pay for Spotify or use other music alternatives?

Play Link

Pattrn is the New King of Android Wallpaper Apps

Tim — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:40:09 +0000

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your homescreen is with a shiny new wallpaper. If you're anything like me, you change your wallpaper constantly and are never truly content with what you have. With the launch of Pattrn, finding awesome images is now going to be a whole more entertaining. Pattrn is a very well-designed application that brings together a countless amount of community-created wallpapers that are inspired by patterns. No landscapes or cityscapes will be found here. It's all about the patterns. Upon opening the app, you can decide whether or not you want Pattrn to choose a wallpaper for you and if so, how often it will change. When manually browsing the gallery, you can scroll through what the latest entries are, the popular section, and ones you have marked as favorites. When looking at an individual pattern, you can see each color used in that image and then refine your search based on a single color of your choice. For a wallpaper app, this is pretty revolutionary stuff right here. This will certainly come in handy for our next "Show Off Your Homescreen" day. It's free in Google Play so pick it up and let us know what you think. Play Link

i-BLASON Leather Nexus 7 Case has Auto Sleep/Wake, Multi-Viewing Angles, and Includes a Stylus for $20

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:17:33 +0000

Yesterday, we took a look at the official Nexus 7 case and came away impressed by the quality, but a little less impressed by some missing features (auto sleep/wake would be one major feature missing). As one of our readers has pointed out, there are numerous options sold through Amazon, almost all of which include auto sleep/wake. Many are made with premium leather, but some, like the i-BLASON case we have pictured above, also come with a stylus and have viewing angle support, yet manage to land at the same $19.99 price as the official TPU case. If you are dying to get your hands on a case, we have 3 options listed below, but again, Amazon has more than we can list in one post. The official TPU case looks hot with its Nexus logo, however, you may want more from a case than it can give you. Links: i-BLASON ($19.99) | rooCase ($9.98) | Blurex Magyc Folio ($13.99) The i-BLASON and Blurex also have Prime shipping available. Cheers Jerry!

Apple vs. Samsung Court Document Reveals Samsung Has 11.8" Tablet in Works, Sports Retina-Like Display

Tim — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:45:18 +0000

Yesterday, the official court battle between Apple Inc. and Samsung started off in California. Thanks to these proceedings, a new tablet that Samsung is currently working on has been outed as the "P10" and boy, does it sound impressive so far. As seen in the court document, the tablet will have an 11.8" WQXGA (2560 x 1600 at 256ppi) display and also sports 4G LTE connectivity. For those keeping score, the newest iPad features a "retina" display at a resolution of 2048 x 1536. According to previous reports, a high resolution tablet from Samsung was supposed to be unveiled at MWC this year, but was pushed back. With Samsung now holding an event next month in NYC supposedly for the Galaxy Note 10.1, maybe they will also have this 11.8" slate ready for then too. Fingers crossed. Does a super high resolution Android tablet interest you? If so, what about the 11.8" size? Isn't that slightly too big just to carry around town? Via: The Verge

Samsung Launches Music Hub in the U.S. on the Galaxy S3, Verizon Not Participating as Usual

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:28:36 +0000

Samsung announced this morning that their Music Hub service is now available on the Galaxy S3 here in the U.S. It's a "3-in-1 mobile music solution" that lets you upload your music collection to the cloud, stream, and purchase songs from their catalog which is supported by all 4 major record labels. With its introduction, Samsung is giving all Galaxy S3 users a free 30-day trial, which we assume means for their premium package which normally runs $9.99 a month. Once that 30-day trial is up, there is a free service that can be used as well, to purchase music from. If you are an AT&T or US Cellular customer, you can grab the Music Hub from the Google Play store today and get to jammin'. If you are on Verizon, Sprint, or T-Mobile, you do not have access to the service...at all. We aren't sure why Sprint and T-Mobile were left out of the fun, but I think we all know why Verizon customers get no love. Do we need to bring up Google Wallet again? What about the 50GB Dropbox promo that was supposed to accompany the Galaxy S3? Yeah, you get the point.

Samsung Mobile Launches Music Hub in U.S. on Galaxy S III with a

Free 30-Day Trial

3-in-1 mobile music solution lets you upload your music collection to the cloud, stream and purchase songs from an extensive catalog, and listen to personal radio
DALLAS (July 31, 2012) — Samsung Music Hub – the first completely integrated, all-in-one mobile music service – is now available in the U.S. on the Galaxy S^®III. Music Hub simplifies and enhances the everyday experience of listening to music. The mobile music service provides a rich music experience for everyone whether users are an avid collector wanting easy access to their own music collection, someone with ever-changing music tastes, that likes to sample a broad selection of music and genres or who prefers radio. A free 30-day trial of the service will be extended to new Music Hub users in the U.S. New subscribers also will be able to choose a free album that will be instantly available on their Galaxy S III and can also be uploaded to their personal music collections on the internet. “We’re redefining mobile music by offering a more integrated experience on the handset and lifting the barriers to your music. Our service encompasses all music including your own collection in the cloud, a robust streaming catalog that is seamlessly integrated with a music store, and a personal radio service that caters to all of your music moods and genres,” said TJ Kang, senior vice president of the media services team for Samsung. “By providing a free album and trial, we hope Galaxy S III owners will experience for themselves a new, intuitive and easy way to discover music.” Based on the technology services of mSpot, a leading mobile content service provider recently acquired by Samsung, the new Music Hub service will initially be available on Samsung Galaxy SIII devices sold through leading U.S. carriers. Galaxy S III users can access the application directly on select handsets and via the Samsung App Store or Google Play. More information on accessing Music Hub on select handsets can be found at: http://www.samsung.com/us/article/music-hub-all-the-music-you-want-all-in-one-place. This pairing with the Galaxy S III is ideal as the overall Music Hub experience has been optimized and specifically designed for mobile devices. Advanced streaming and downloading options let users save storage space, play music when offline, and cut down on mobile data usage. Audio settings are designed to prolong battery life and ensure smooth streaming even under spotty network coverage. The Music Hub service will be offered as both a free and premium version. Music Hub Store (free) allows users to:

Access millions of songs from the 7digital catalog – which includes music from all four major labels (Sony, EMI, Universal, and Warner), plus select independents– from which users can buy tracks and albums, as well as listen to 30-second previews of all songs

Store purchased music in the cloud, allowing it to automatically load on all registered Music Hub devices, while still being available on those registered devices locally for offline listening

Use the Music Hub web player, in addition to the mobile app, with which users can access their music library and the Music Hub catalog/store online atwww.musichub.com

Music Hub Premium ($9.99 per month, with a free 30-day trial offered) offers access to all of the free version features, as well as:

A Scan & Match Cloud Locker: Upload music to the cloud to play it on any device registered with a Music Hub account. Music Hub also utilizes scan-and-match technology to decrease upload time and ensure high-quality playback. Any unmatched songs are directly uploaded from user’s library to the cloud offering 100 GB of storage for all unmatched songs, so users can access rare or personal recordings across their devices. Music Hub also automatically updates playlists or music purchases music updated across all registered devices.

A catalog of millions of songs for purchase AND streaming: Enjoy full access to 7digital’s entire Music Hub catalog, including music from all four major labels, to stream or purchase, with unlimited plays and no advertisements. Search for new music, create playlists, share songs with friends, and view lyrics and album information.

Personalized and Custom Radio: Create personal stations based on favorite songs and artists, or browse genre stations recommended and custom-created by the Music Hub team. Users also can tag songs they like to find and play back later.

Customized Recommendations: Discover great new songs, artists, albums and radio stations all the time – and the more users listen, the better Music Hub’s recommendations will get.

Samsung, Music Hub, Galaxy and Galaxy S are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. About Samsung Telecommunications America Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, (Samsung Mobile) a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets, wireless infrastructure and other telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com. About mSpot mSpot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., which was formed in 2004 and acquired by Samsung in 2012. A provider of innovative music and video delivery service for mobile devices, the company has been offering white-labeled cloud entertainment services for mobile carriers such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. It also has its own brand services available in the Android Marketplace or App Store. For more information, go to www.mspotcorporate.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. About 7digital Limited 7digital is a leading digital content technology company based in London. Through 7digital’s download store (http://www.7digital.com ) and mobile applications, consumers can access over 19 million legal high quality music tracks, as well as audiobooks and videos, at competitive prices across Europe, North America and beyond. Combining 7digital’s secure and robust technology platform with the broadest agreements in the digital media industry, the company provides comprehensive digital download and streaming services to a wide range of partners and brands around the world. 7digital’s enterprise level Application Programming Interface (API) is used by 300 partners globally, including Samsung’s Music Hub.

DROID Charge Receiving Minor Update to FP5

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:56:44 +0000

A new update has been approved for the DROID Charge this morning, bringing it up to build FP5. While the document above lists out all sorts of changes, it is actually the changelog from the previous FP1 update, only the bullets have been rearranged. We are assuming then that this is nothing more than a minor bug fixer. If you receive it, be sure to let us know of any differences. Update: For some reason, Verizon changed the support doc back to the FP1 update from March. We'll keep an eye on it and see if it changes again with a new changelog. The update itself is 19.3MB and will likely rollout to everyone within a week. More.

Google Maps Adds New York Subway Alerts and Delays, Never Be Late Again

Eric — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:28:44 +0000

An addition to Google Maps this morning should have all New Yorkers who take public transit very excited. Google has had transit times for local subways and buses for a while now, but they also know that sometimes those vehicles don't arrive exactly on-time. To help with this, they have added subway alerts and delays to Maps.

The Android app and web version of Maps will now alert you if any of NY's subways are experiencing delays from maintenance or anything like that. If you are using navigation, Google will include these alerts and automatically re-routes to get you to where you are going. Maps may arguably be Google's best app and it seems to only get better and better.

What else do you want to see in Google Maps that they haven't added already?

Via: Google

Verizon Announces the Pantech Marauder at $49, Made for Smartphone Newbies

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:14:47 +0000

The Pantech Maruader first leaked last week as the Star Q, but the specs that accompanied the leak were all sorts of wrong. The device actually has a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, likely the same chipset that is in the Incredible 4G LTE. It also has a 5MP camera, 1GB of RAM, and will be available for $49 on August 2 after a $50 rebate. Verizon is directing this device at first time smartphone owners, or those that are coming over from having feature phones for years. The UI looks super simple, almost feature phone-esque, but the price is the key here. Not a bad option for those making their first smartphone purchase that aren't planning on using much data with Share Everything. Then again, the Galaxy Nexus can be had for $50 more and is 10x the phone.

Pantech Marauder™ To Launch On The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network

Dual-Interface Option and QWERTY Keyboard Make Pantech Marauder the Perfect Crossover Choice for Basic Phone Customers Switching to a Smartphone
BASKING RIDGE, NJ and HAUPPAUGE, NY — Verizon Wireless and Pantech today announced the 4G LTE-powered Pantech Marauder^™ is coming exclusively to America’s largest 4G LTE network starting Aug. 2. The Pantech Marauder provides first-time smartphone customers with a dual-interface option, allowing customers to fit the device to their lifestyles or specific needs.
Brought to market by Personal Communications Devices, LLC (PCD), the Pantech Marauder offers customers the option to choose between Starter Mode and Standard Mode. Starter Mode is a simplified and more intuitive experience that is perfect for those who are new to the smartphone world. This option eases first-time customers into the smartphone experience with the help of four easy-to-learn home screens featuring preset widgets and an uncluttered, easy-to-use lock screen. Starter Mode also features a quick dialer icon that allows customers to make phone calls directly from the home screen. Standard Mode is a general smartphone setting for those who are familiar with the Android^™ experience. It offers up to seven fully customizable home screens and a customizable lock screen with quick access to frequently used applications. All settings are maintained when switching between modes so customers do not have to worry about losing information.

The Pantech Marauder features a virtual keyboard as well as a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, making it the perfect choice for messaging aficionados and for those who want an excellent messaging experience. With the 5-megapixel camera, customers can take pictures, capture high-definition video, and easily share them as well as video chat with family and friends, using the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.

Additional features

Notification Curtain that displays quick on/off settings, phone settings, connectivity and sync, social media and email

On device help section provides guided tours for first-time smartphone customers to help learn the tips and tricks of their new device

1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB RAM

Support for Google^™ Mobile Services, including Gmail^™, YouTube^™, Google+, Google Search^™and Google Maps^™, as well as access to the Google Play Store

Share media with friends and colleagues wirelessly to DLNA^®-enabled devices

Bluetooth^® Version 3.0 Support Profiles: headset, hands-free, object push, advanced audio distribution (stereo), audio/video remote control, file transfer and phone book access

Daily Life Assistants such as clock, calendar and weather

Easy access email that is compatible with Microsoft^® Exchange, Yahoo!^® Mail, Windows Live^®, AOL^®, Gmail

microSD^™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB

Mobile Hotspot capable to share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

The Pantech Marauder will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Aug. 2 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. New customers that purchase a Pantech Marauder smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Share Everything plan. Customers can purchase unlimited talk and text messaging with 1 GB of data for $90 monthly access. Customers can visitwww.verizonwireless.com/shareeverything for additional information on data plans. For more 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. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 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 Pantech Pantech Co., Ltd., is one of Korea’s top three mobile handset makers. Pantech has received wide-ranging industry recognition for its innovative handset designs, and has also introduced a significant number of breakthrough technologies in the mobile phone industry. Established in 1991, Pantech collectively has approximately 3,000 employees and 4 regional sales offices worldwide. For more information on Pantech, please visit www.pantechusa.com.

Official Nexus 7 Accessory Lineup Leaks, POGO Dock and Premium Leather Case Incoming

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:16:28 +0000

According to leaked slides obtained by Nordic Hardware, the Nexus 7 accessory lineup is about to get a lot more interesting. You know those pogo pins on the side of the device? Yeah, there is a dock on its way that will take advantage of them. These slides show a $49.99 price tag and an 8/24 release date. The dock has been made to "perfectly-angle" your Nexus 7 for "better movie and photo viewing, browsing, and email." It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, so that you can hook up speakers, however, it does not appear to have HDMI support. That shouldn't surprise you, though. What about cases? Were you not satisfied with the TPU case that we took a look at earlier? No worries, because there is a premium leather version in the works as well, that should arrive around 8/31 for $39.99 in 4 different colors. And if the TPU case was your thing, but you were simply waiting for Asus to release other colors, you should have them...well, we still aren't sure even though they continue to pop up in plans. As of today, you can only purchase the dark version from the Google Play store.

Assuming all of this is legit, this hopefully made your day as it has ours. Via: Nordic Hardware Cheers Lake!

Monday Poll: If Multiple OEMs Produce a Nexus Phone, Whose Would You Buy?

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:49:32 +0000

We last asked this back in February, but since then, we have seen reports suggesting that we will have numerous Nexus devices this winter and that there could be as many as 5 partners working closely with Google to produce them. In the past, we had to simply hold out hope that our favorite OEM would produce this year's Nexus phone, but with multiple OEMs potentially joining the party, you have to start thinking about having options for the first time. Are you disappointed with the Galaxy Nexus or would you want nothing more than to have Samsung produce another? What about HTC and the boundaries they pushed with the One X - could they make the best Nexus? Is it time for Motorola to shine again and produce something that Moto fans can be proud of? Or is it time for someone else to jump into the fold and "Wow!" us? If you had a choice, who would it be and why? [poll id="192"]

Will There be a Galaxy Nexus 2 Made by Samsung? Maybe, but This Concept Will Most Certainly Not be It

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:18:04 +0000

Every once in a while, we write up a story with one goal - to head off another story that's floating around before it gets out of hand. That's what we are doing today, with this Galaxy Nexus 2 rumor. It goes a little something like this. One of our favorite sites to browse from time-to-time, Concept Phones, posted up the picture we have included above, calling it the Galaxy Nexus 2. They were clear that it was simply a concept and not real, but a few sites picked it up here and there over the weekend to talk about the possibility which has led to certain religious-based sites (that will remain nameless) thinking that there actually is a Galaxy Nexus 2 on the way. They even attempted to get into details about Google and Samsung partnering up again, and that the device would launch with Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. Get right out of town! I'll just say this - there could be a Galaxy Nexus 2 in the works, but the picture above certainly won't be it. Details of it also have not leaked, so any word or "report" you read about this phone over the next couple of months will likely be nothing more than a fabrication, taken out of context from other reports based off of the latest concept phone. What we do have, is a report from the Wall Street Journal, claiming that Google has opened up the Nexus program to multiple OEMs, so that we could have multiple Nexus phones and tablets to choose from this winter. If this is true, then Samsung will likely be one of the OEMs bidding for a spot in the program, as they were pegged to make the last two Nexus phones. At that time, we could see a Galaxy Nexus 2, but part of me thinks they would go with a much more original name. And, back to your non-stop watching of the Olympics. Glad we cleared that up. Via: Concept Phones

Contest: Four Nexus 7 Cases Up for Grabs! (Update: Winners Picked)

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:00:26 +0000

Moments ago, we took a look at the official Nexus 7 case. While it may not win awards for being feature-rich, it is a solid option that was actually made specifically for the device, unlike the hackjobs that have been promoted from Amazon. Since the case was pure hotness in many minds and sold out for the first few weeks of the Nexus 7's life, we made sure to pick up a few extras in case any of you missed out on them. And when we pick up extras, that means you benefit. It's contest time!

Contest

Update: We have picked our four winners and they have been messaged. Go check your inbox! Prizes: We have four (4) Nexus 7 cases to give away to four lucky readers. How to enter: 1. ~~Follow us on Twitter and Tweet the following:~~
~~I just entered to win an official Nexus 7 case from @droid_life - http://goo.gl/gUGyU #android~~
~~2. In the comments, tell us which Nexus 7 you purchased and what your favorite app has been on it.~~ ~~3. Sit back and relax. We'll pick winners tomorrow, July 31~~. Winners: We will choose 4 winners from the comments on July 31 at 12:00 Pacific. Good luck!

Verizon Pushing Update to Casio G'zOne Commando, "It's Alive!"

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:41:08 +0000

Casio G-zOne Commando device owners, be on the lookout. Verizon is pushing an update to your ultra-durable tank phone. The update includes some bug fixes for the push-to-talk feature of the device, the Mobile IM application has been completely removed (hooray for less bloat), and the Desk Cradle application has been updated for bug fixes as well. Sure, it may not be an Ice Cream Sandwich update, but at least you can rest assured that if you drop this device, it will never die. Via: Verizon

Quick Look: Official Nexus 7 Case

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:25:47 +0000

When stock of the official Nexus 7 case returned late last week, we made sure to order a few in case the demand was still high enough that Google could sell through them. Well, they arrived today, and we decided to take a quick look at one before we dive into a contest. Yes, we just said "contest." As expected, the case is TPU, so it feels just like rubber or any of the many cases you have likely placed on a phone over the years. It has a soft texture on the back that mimics that of the device, along with cutouts for all of your ports. There is a front flap for protection and nothing to actually latch it into place. If you give it a press, it will stick for a while, but once you turn the device over with case attached, it will open up. It feels well-made, but for those that are curious, it does not include a magnet for auto-sleep and wake functionality. Is it worth $19.99? Eh, maybe. Again, it feels like a quality product, but we have already highlighted options that will run you under $10 that include the auto-sleep fun. So enough of that talk, let's jump into a video. After the video is done, check back to the home page for a contest. Like I said in the beginning, we have a handful to give away.

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

Gallery:

Archos Carbon 97 Goes on Sale, a Budget Friendly 9.7-inch ICS-Powered Tablet

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:10:32 +0000

If anyone was looking for an alternative to the Nexus 7, then this might be a good choice. The Archos Carbon 97 is a 9.7" tablet, running Google's Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. It is powered by a single-core 1GHz processor and has 16GB of internal storage that is also expandable via microSD to 48GB. Unlike the Nexus 7, the Carbon 97 includes a back-facing camera and features a mini-HDMI port for connecting to your HDTV. For the price of $250, it's not a bad little package. No word on if it will ever see Jelly Bean, but it's good to live in a world of options. If you were thinking about picking one up, here is a discount code that will take off $20 making it a grand total of just $230. "MAC45Z" Buy. Does anyone actual need/want a cheap alternative to the Nexus 7? Hard to compete with one of the best Android tablets ever made.

Verizon Will Begin Shutdown of Remaining Alltel Data Network in January 2013

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:22:06 +0000

Remaining Alltel device users on Verizon's network, you have until January 2013 to get rid of your current phone and pick up one from Verizon. Well, if you want to keep using data that is. At the beginning of next year, around January 10, Verizon will start to shut down the Alltel Data Network that came with their acquisition of the smaller carrier in 2009. By April 2013, they plan to complete the shutdown. If you have yet to pick up a Verizon phone, know that your Alltel phone will still be able to send texts and make/receive calls, however, your data services will go bye-bye. Again, this is for current Verizon customers that are using Alltel devices.

Any Alltel customers in the building? If so, have you received a letter with these details from Verizon? Cheers Aaron!

Google Upgrades Gmail Video Chat to Newer Google+ Hangout Technology

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:24:23 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra8HG6MkOXY[/youtube]

Today, Google is rolling out a revamped face-to-face video chat feature for all Gmail users. Instead of the older peer-to-peer formula that has been in use since 2008, they will now utilize the Google+ Hangout service for all of the video needs, which is a more stable and optimized system. Naturally, Google is going way beyond just being able to video chat. With Hangouts in Gmail, you can watch YouTube videos, share what's on your browser's screen, and of course, dress like a pirate. Google says that some folks can start using the Hangouts in Gmail today and roll out will continue over the next couple of weeks. Via: Gmail Blog

You Can Buy the Nexus 7 Through Amazon, If You Like Overspending for Things

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:31:05 +0000

If you were one of the few waiting for the Nexus 7 to arrive on Amazon, we thought we would let you know that the wait is over. We also thought we should point out that you'll pay more through Amazon than you will any other retailer on the planet. The device retails for $199 (8GB) and $249 (16GB) at places like Staples, Office Depot, Gamestop, and of course, the Google Play store. If you choose to go the Amazon route, you'll pay at least $271 for the 8GB version and $289 for the 16GB version. At one point, when the 16GB version was sold out across the country, you could have made the argument that purchasing it for $290 would have been worth it. With stock showing back up through Google Play this morning, you'd be foolish to pay more than $250. Via: Amazon Cheers Kerry!

DROID Bionic Receives CM10 Alpha Build

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:06:57 +0000

The first CM10 Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) ROM for the DROID Bionic has been made available by developer dhacker29. It's definitely an "alpha" build with things like the camera not working, but if you had already grown bored with Ice Cream Sandwich, then this is your next step. These alpha ROMs are usually just for tinkerers and testers, so proceed with caution. Via: Twitter | Download Cheers Cole!

Jazz: Trump's Journey, the Perfect Mix of Soundtrack and Gameplay

Tim — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:00:54 +0000

Take a step back in time and relive the birth of jazz music. In Jazz: Trump's Journey, you play as a young man named Trump, whose dream is to become a famous jazz musician in the early 1920's. The game's story line is somewhat based on Louis Armstrong's actual life, which adds a sort of unique character to it. It is a fantastic platformer, with controls that are extremely well designed and visuals that put any in its class to shame. It's a really fun, yet challenging game. Initial download from Google Play is free, but once you pass the second level, the game kindly asks that you purchase the additional 11 levels for just $0.99. A fantastic price for this exceptional title. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmKO5wNgCrc[/youtube]

Participate in Google+ Hangouts on Your Nexus 7, Using a Zombie Hand

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:27:09 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-R4Teto4Ns[/youtube]

Throughout last week, Google released a series of videos to highlight some of the main software features of the Nexus 7. They talked about the Google app suite, how to set up your home screen, and of course, how to use Google Play. In this latest video, the focus is on video chatting with friends through Google+ Hangouts, only the comments at the YouTube page for this video have turned our attention elsewhere. That would be to the Zombie hand holding the N7 throughout this series. It's no secret that companies use fake hands during these videos, but once you notice them, you can't help but laugh every single time you see one. Apple uses them in all of their commercials as well. Ahh the Zombie hand, always stealing the show.

Google Wallet Hacked to Work on Verizon's Galaxy S3

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:46:42 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOe1M2p0u1I[/youtube]

In case you were wondering, Google Wallet is blocked from Verizon's Galaxy S3 just like it was on the Galaxy Nexus. Big Red has their own mobile NFC payment system on the way, called Isis, and would rather you wait to turn your life over to one. Oh wait, they aren't blocking Google Wallet, it's just that it's "different" than other mobile commerce apps. Mmhmm. In other words, they are blocking it for now, until they can work out a licensing deal with Google. If you were wanting to get in some NFC payment action ahead of time, there is a new hack that will get you up and running and spending at your local NFC-equipped spots. A .zip is available to be flashed by rooted users. From what we can tell, it involves the changing of your current build.prop file, followed by a push of a tweaked Wallet app. The video above is proof that it indeed works. Via: XDA | Phandroid

16GB Nexus 7 Now Back in Stock

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:17:28 +0000

After a two week period of Google trying to catch up on 16GB Nexus 7 orders, the device is now showing as being back "in stock." Between the 8GB and 16GB versions, the bigger storage option is either the hotter selling of the two or Google was expecting the 8GB to be much more popular and simply manufactured more of it instead. In our review of the Nexus 7, we tossed out the idea that you may want to go for the 16GB instead, if you plan on downloading a bunch of content to your device. With the 8GB option, you have to remember that 2.5GB or so are taken up by the operating system and that HD movies can land at around another 2.5GB, leaving you with very little space for major gaming titles, music, or other videos. If the 16GB was the Nexus 7 that you had been holding out for, jump into the Play Store now. Play Link Cheers JBow!

This Week in the Life of DROID: 7/27/2012

Tim — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:00:20 +0000

Oh, what a fun week it has been! When news came across the wire that Google was unveiling Google Fiber over in Kansas City, it was hard to get very excited. Now, I think it's time to pack the bags and move the family over to middle America and get in on those crazy speeds. With Google now offering their very own Internet and TV services, I think we're in for a major change to the ISP landscape. If you missed any of the other goodies that went down this week, including Jelly Bean rolling out to XOOM WiFi owners, here are all of the highlights for you:

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Jelly Bean Factory Images Released for Nexus 7, Nexus S, and GSM Galaxy Nexus Variants

Tim — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:19:32 +0000

Jelly Bean factory images are now available from Google for a good portion of the Nexus lineup of devices. If you happen to own a Nexus 7, Nexus S (sojua or soju versions), or the Galaxy Nexus (yakju and takju versions), then we suggest downloading these files and keeping them in a safe place in case of future software troubles. Down the road, these could save you from a horrible custom ROM flashing fiasco and bring your device back from the dead. No love yet of course for the Verizon toro version, but hopefully we'll be shown some love too in the future. Download: Nexus Factory Images Via: Android Police

Jelly Belly Candy Co. Releases Jelly Belly Live Wallpaper in Celebration of New OS

Tim — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:00:28 +0000

The Jelly Belly Candy Co. launched an official Jelly Belly live wallpaper onto Google Play to celebrate the release of Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. Wow, that's a lot of Jelly. Anyways, once downloaded for free, you can choose from a large assortment of flavors to have displayed on your device. Along with the different flavors, there are also different backgrounds to choose from and a toggle for control over gravity's effect on the individual jelly beans. Now if only I could reach into my device and eat these suckers. Play Link

Preview Build of CM10 for Verizon Galaxy Nexus Available Now

Eric — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:25:04 +0000

If you have been wondering (like myself) why other devices were getting CyanogenMod 10 previews before Google’s latest flagship phone, the Galaxy Nexus, you are not alone. Brint Kriebel, the CM manager for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, took to Google+ today to release a preview build that is available for flashing now.

While Kriebel says that this has been the daily driver on his phone for a few weeks now, he does stress that it’s a preview build and not a release: meaning bugs are expected. All the major parts of the phone are working though, data, camera, NFC and all that so if you are feeling like getting your CyanogenMod on hit the source link below. Remember, since it's a pure AOSP build there are no Google Apps included in this build. Have fun, but please, make a back-up first!

Via: Google+

Cheers Cesar!

Droid Life Q&A Session: Volume 3 Answers

Tim — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:28:01 +0000

Here is the fourth installment of our Q&A sessions. On Monday, we asked you all to submit your questions for the DL team and as usual, you came through in a big way. Who would have thought that the color of this site would be a talking point? Thanks for the great questions, everybody. Let's get to it.

Where do you see DL in 3 years? 5 years?

K: Well, hopefully still going as strong as it is today. Thankfully, the tech industry is ever-changing, so this should never get old. As long as Android grows, Droid Life will continue to grow. Can you believe that we will be at the 3-year mark in December? T: As K mentioned, I hope to see DL grow and reach many more readers by that time. Whether we're still Android-centric and completely Google fanboys remains to be seen. A lot can happen in that time. Who knows, iOS 8 could totally kick ass, right? Not! E: Two words: World. Domination.

Do you think there will be a new nexus phone out for this year?

R: I think there will be three to five Nexus phones come November or December. I'm really hoping they come in multiple form factors and colors. K: Oh for sure. There are rumors of there being multiple Nexus phones, but there has to at least be one. Google likes to release a new one every year around the holidays, and with the Galaxy Nexus seeming a bit dated these days, it would make sense for them to introduce new hardware.

What phone are you currently using and why?

T: Galaxy Nexus with a Jelly Bean ROM. Simply because I don't want to use anything else besides Jelly Bean! K: I keep switching between the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Nexus. Stock Jelly Bean is so beautiful and functional, but the Galaxy S3 is just so powerful and fluid. Android 4.1, even on the G-Nex, is not as fast as Ice Cream Sandwich on the GS3. It's tough to tell why that is, but the OMAP processor and 1GB of RAM in the G-Nex could be to blame.

Who or what other sites do you guys follow?

T: Great question - As for Android-related content, I like to follow my friends over at Phandroid and Android & Me for different perspectives on stories. For non-Android stuff, I love to read MetalSucks, BGR for their jaw-dropping headlines, and other various "cvlt-tastic" websites about Call of Duty and tattoos. R: The Verge, Engadget, Android Central, 9to5Mac, Daring Fireball, iMore, webOS Nation (PreCentral), Gizmodo, The Atlantic, and whatever else I find interesting on Twitter. K: I read Sports Illustrated Hot Clicks twice a day. To get sports gossip, funny content, and a look inside the lives of athletes all in one place, it's a must read. After that, I'm a huge Portland Trail Blazers fan, so I fill up on Blazers Edge's coverage. I also find myself reading Portland's Eater blog to know what's new in the local restaurant scene.

How was Droid Life's color scheme chosen?

K: When I first started the site, it was sort of a joke to myself. A pink blog about tech just seemed sort of comical. Then when the site started to explode on the scene, it stuck because every other site was either blue or green and that just seemed boring. No better way to stick out in a clogged Android scene than with waves of pink, right?

Pre-season football is starting soon. Are any of you excited? If so, what teams will you be rooting for?

K: Crazy excited. Living in Portland, we obviously don't have an NFL team, so it's tough to have a favorite. I'm a fantasy football guy, so I tend to cheer for the players that I have drafted. I'm definitely not a Seahawks fan even though they are the closest to us. Someone in this household is a massive Packers fan, so they tend to get plenty of play all season long. E: As an Indianapolis native, I'm a Colts fan. After seeing the team implode, I'm ready for a few harsh years, but I truly believe that Luck is going to be a fantastic QB. I'm also excited to see Peyton get a chance at another ring before he retires. T: Niners. End of story.

In your opinion, what is the single biggest thing missing from Android right now? (OS feature, an app, or hardware)

R: There are still a few big things missing. Android is still not the first place most developers launch their apps (though more apps seem to be launched simultaneously on iOS and Android) like Schmidt predicted would happen. Android is still missing major media options through the Google Play Store. I think Android should have Google Talk integrated into the phone app to make it easier to video chat and IM with friends. T: Developers. Yes, I know there is a healthy and strong community of them pumping apps onto Google Play, but nothing like what iOS commands. Every time I see an iPhone, there's some cool new app that I wish Android had.

What would you do if iOS was the only platform available?

R: Use it? If Google had abandoned Android and supported Apple instead it's possible that webOS would have become iOS' main competition. It's honestly very difficult to imagine a world where iOS is the only available platform. Think back five years ago when the iPhone was introduced - there were plenty of options out there. Those options have shrunk down, but even without the Android army competing against iOS, others would have stepped up to compete. K: I'd have to use it. There is no way I could ever go back to a feature phone.

For a tablet, should I buy a Tegra 3, wait for the Tegra 4, or change completely to Snapdragon S4 Quad core?

T: Stop reading this and go buy a Nexus 7. I'll admit, the new Snapdragon S4 Pro looks to be a beast and will most likely destroy the competition in terms of performance, but for what tablets are used for in today's world, a Tegra 3 is all you need for now. K: Well, Tegra 3 tablets are the only ones available now, so that's your option if you need something today. My question is, why haven't you already bought the Nexus 7? It's the best tablet available and it's $200. If you don't like it in 6 months when the first quad-core Snapdragon or Tegra 4 tablets come out, oh well, it was only $200.

Whatever happened to Custom ROM/Theme Friday?

T: We get this a lot. Easy answer - With so many new phones out and the instructions for flashing all of these different ROM's and kernels changing, it gets hard to keep track of it all. But, if we receive a tip about a sweet ROM for any device, we always check it out. If we like it a lot, we write it up.

Would you consider expanding the site to cover more than Android news?

E: I actually got my blogging career going by writing video game news with a few guys on a local site during college. I love writing about games and if you all wanted to hear about them, I'm sure we could work something out. K: We have slowly been incorporating more non-Verizon Android news over the years. You probably won't ever see us talk about a mid-range Android slider on a UK carrier or the XOOM 2 launching in Australia, but you'll definitely see some of the major news from other carriers. Not only do we welcome in Android fans from all walks of life, but it's good for Verizon customers to know the competition. *All previous Q&A sessions can be found here. **In case you forgot, K is Kellen, T is Tim, E is Eric, and R is Ron.

Relive the Original Final Fantasy, Now Available on Google Play for $7

Eric — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:29:49 +0000

If you have been living under a rock and are not aware of Square Enix's game juggernaut that is the Final Fantasy series, let me tell you that they are on their thirteenth chapter of the series right now. The games have a huge following and the original few iterations of the series have an even more dedicated group of fans. If you've been itching to replay the original Final Fantasy, today is your day.

The original game, with a graphics overhaul, is now available in the Play Store for $6.99. You get to play the same game that was introduced back in 1987 and embark on a "quest to restore the crystals to their former luster." Compared to Final Fantasy III on the Play Store which is $15.99, this looks like a bargain. Pick it up if you are feeling nostalgic.

Play Store

Cheers Chris!

Custom ROM Friday: Liquid Smooth Alpha 6 for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Tim — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:28:51 +0000

Yea, we know - it's been too long. For today's custom ROM, we have Team Liquid's Jelly Bean Liquid Smooth Alpha 6 for the Galaxy Nexus. Liquid's goal is to create the smoothest and fastest ROM's out there, while also being able to deliver plenty of visual customization options. Some of the custom features include 5 lockscreen targets, a custom kernel for overclocking, and notification bar toggles for those who need instant access to system settings. We have laid out the instructions to flash this ROM down below, but please make sure to create a backup and have a rooted device before attempting. If you still have yet to unlock and root your Galaxy Nexus, now would be a good time. You can find instructions for all of that fun, right here. Instructions:

Download ROM zip file (Gapps are included) and place on phone's storage.
Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery.
Create Nandroid backup immediately.
Wipe data/cache.
Install ROM zip file.
Reboot and enjoy.

If you have any questions or want to suggest another ROM for us to feature, feel free to let us know down below. Via: RootzWiki Cheers Freedom!

Chameleon Inches Closer to Beta, Shows Off Cleaner and Speedier UI

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:34:50 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoO8hVKDjY[/youtube]

We are only a few weeks away from the beta of Chameleon arriving in the Play Store for those that pre-ordered. In an update released by the Chameleon team today, we get a look at an "almost beta" version of their tablet home replacement software, which probably closely resembles what we'll see when it is released. The UI has been cleaned up and performance has been greatly improved. One of the comments we have seen quite regularly when posting about this software, has to do with the lag when doing almost anything. If you take a look at this new video, you will see one of the more polished versions yet with much less lag.

Video: Using Google Play on the Nexus 7

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:29:06 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhpCjnB73yU[/youtube]

Not that any of you are clueless on how to use Google Play, but there may be new Nexus 7 users out there that are just joining the Android party. As a $199 tablet that appears to be selling at a rapid pace, there are bound to be newbies floating around somewhere. For you, newbies, Google has this video, which should help you understand what "Google Play" is all about.

Pantech Star Q Makes First Appearance, A Low-Range Slider Headed to Verizon

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:11:42 +0000

What you are looking at is a phone known as the Pantech Star Q. It's clearly a below mid-range slider, headed to Verizon to run on their 4G LTE network. While it may sport a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, the rest is nothing to be writing home to Mom about. The Star Q has a 4" WVGA display, 3MP rear camera and a 4-row slideout keyboard. Ice Cream Sandwich is on board, but boy does that screen above look like some feature phone software from the 90s. Yikes. If this phone doesn't launch for free, you'll find me scratching my head in the back corner of a pub for days. Via: Android and Me

Jelly Bean Update Rolling Out to All Motorola XOOM WiFi Owners

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:41:50 +0000

According to reader emails and tweets we are receiving, it looks like Motorola is beginning to push out Jelly Bean to all XOOM WiFi owners, not just soak test members. So, XOOM owners, go see if you can update your tablet to Android 4.1.1 and let us know. Good luck! Cheers John M, John F, and JS!

Thursday Poll: What's Your Favorite Way to Communicate With Friends?

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:00:09 +0000

With the ways to communicate with the people we love continuously growing, we would like to hear which way is so far, your favorite. There's the ever-classic text message, old fashioned phone call, and of course the newest IM applications such as Gtalk and Facebook Instant Messenger. Unless it's for business, I honestly can't remember the last time I took to the phone to see what my friends were up to. Personally, it's all about Gtalk. Let us know which mode is your favorite in the day to day grind. [poll id="191"]

Another Dead Trigger Update Goes Live, Fixes That Pesky 180º Turn Bug

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:35:54 +0000

Madfinger Games has published yet another update to Dead Trigger, the main feature being a fix for that nasty 180º turning bug. It's hard to explain, but sometimes when you were moving or reloading your weapon, you would instantly be facing the opposite direction, which has gotten me killed quite a few times. Here's the full changelog that was posted along with the update:

Full Changelog:

Not working controls (on Xperia devices or "180° Turn")
Too high difficulty of enemies on higher ranks (SWAT zombies)
Crash in Menu when too many missions were "available"
Booster "Ammo Supply"
Free gold for liking on Facebook
Revive Kit
In-App Purchases

Tweaks:

New Hope accessible after first mission
Enemy AI
Damage caused by mines, turret, cutters, exploding Barrels

New Features:

Help in Main Menu
New unlocked items in shop marked with "Unlocked"

That's a pretty hefty changelog. Play Link

Path Receives Huge Update, Adds Movies, Books and New Photo Cropping Tools

Eric — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:05:57 +0000

Path is one of the smaller social networks, but it's meant to be that way: tight knit and personal. The application for Android received a pretty large update today, adding in a lot of new features to keep you updated on what everyone in your network is up to. The ability to share what you are watching and reading with movies and books has been added, but that's just the start of the changelog:

New square and landscape photos, and Glo and Crop photo tools — use Glo to enhance details in dark or bright photos.* New rich notifications for your activity and your friends' conversations. Invite friends to Path with personalized messages. Photos and videos are now displayed 30% larger! Nudge friends for photos and check-ins. Bug fixes.

Updates like these are always welcome to big name Android applications. If you're a dedicated Path user, head over to the Play Store to download the update now.

Play Link

Apple Awarded Stay, Won't Have to Say 'Samsung Didn't Copy Us' For Now

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:25:43 +0000

Dang. Apple has won a stay on the recent ruling from the U.K. that would have forced them to post a statement on their official website, informing Apple customers that Samsung did in fact, not copy their iPad design. Until the case can be heard in October by the courts, Apple won't have to post any statements and can continue their smack talk. Via: Phandroid

Nexus 7 Cases Now "In Stock" Through Google Play Store, Get Them While You Can

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:43:33 +0000

Just yesterday, we were talking about the crazy high demand for official Nexus 7 cases and how silly kids were willing to pay upwards of $100 to get a hold of one. After selling out in minutes on the day that the N7 went live, the Google Play Store hasn't had any in stock for weeks. Well, until now. If you rush on over, you can order them today! While we haven't had a chance to play with one ourselves, the listing says that it allows for simultaneous charging and head usage. It has a matte finish and will ~~likely take advantage of the hidden magnet for auto-on and off screen fun~~. I stand corrected, it does not have magnet magic. Play Link Cheers Dan!

NVIDIA to Add Support to Tegra Chips for Miracast Wireless Display Standards

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:10:18 +0000

From the same creators of the WiFi standard, comes the Miracast wireless display standard, which allows for the wireless beaming of the display contents on your mobile phone or tablet, directly to a large HDTV screen in your house without a wireless router. To sum it up, you won't need anymore HDMI or MHL cables cluttering up your home theater to copy your phone's display onto your big screen in the living room. NVIDIA is embracing this technology and has added enhancements for Tegra-powered devices to take full advantage of Miracast. To get a an idea of what they're doing to enhance the new standard for wireless beaming, check the video down below. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b52zqNIeQso[/youtube] Via: NVIDIA

Motorola Finally Ready to Unlock Bootloaders, Starts With the Photon Q

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:35:57 +0000

I promise you, that title is correct. Motorola announced this afternoon that they have been "working closely with our developers and carrier partners" and are ready to start unlocking some bootloaders. The first device to receive such glory is the Photon Q, which I we just mentioned as a device that should have been released in place of the DROID 4. The Motorola blog did not mention details of the unlocking procedure, only that they had found a "solution." They also mention that other products "will have this option too in the future." I can't imagine that includes (or will include) any of Verizon's phones with what they have done to the Galaxy S3, but hey, at least we are finally seeing Motorola do what they said they would do over a year ago. Is it bad that I'm thanking Google for this change? Via: Motorola Cheers roland and Tenaj!

Sprint Announces the Photon Q, This Should Have Been the DROID 4

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:03:25 +0000

Sprint and Motorola announced the Photon Q this morning, a device with a 5-row slideout keyboard, 1.5GHz dual-core processor (probably the Snapdragon S4), on-screen navigation keys, Ice Cream Sandwich, NFC, 1785 mAh battery, 4.3" qHD display, an 8MP camera, and 4G LTE. Sounds decent, right? Then why wasn't this the DROID 4? The DROID brand, which once stood for top-of-the-line and best-of-the-best is now nothing more than a marketing gimmick on its last leg. Sure, the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX are decent phones, but the two DROID releases since those have been embarrassments. Yes, I'm talking about the DROID 4 and the DROID Incredible 4G LTE. Neither are even close to being leaders with their sub-par specs, poor screens, and cheap build qualities. There is a chance that Motorola will attempt to do us all right later this summer, and set this brand straight again. Does anyone care, though? It's sort of sad to see this happen to the brand that started the Android craze, but most of us realized long ago that it wasn't going to carry us to the promised land forever. Phone manufacturers seem to want to stand on their own these days rather than be roped into Verizon's marketing program. In fact, I'd much prefer it if phones were good enough to stand on their own like the HTC One X and Galaxy S3. It's time for OEMs to give us their best at all times, rather than relying on the term "DROID" to do the work.

Completely Customize Your Android Phone With These Apps [My Life Scoop]

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:35:31 +0000

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Intel asked if I would be willing to contribute some of my thoughts and tips for the connected lifestyle over at their My Life Scoop blog. My previous piece had to do with the first 5 apps that I figure every new Android user should install and make an integral part of their smartphone experience. Today's topic is for those users that have had their phones for a while, but realize that they want more from them. This is a discussion on the best ways to customize your phone. The timing actually couldn't have been better, since we are sharing our home screen setups today over at this post. In the post though, I walk through the different categories that I consider to be the basis for customizing. There is a focus on finding the right launcher, icon sets, wallpapers, and lock screen replacement. Lastly, I talk about taking the ultimate step, rooting, if you feel like you need even more control to make your phone the ultimate compliment to your personal style. To read the article, head over to My Life Scoop.

Show Off Your Home Screens Day!

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:50:06 +0000

Our last "Show Off Your Home Screens Day!" was back in March, which was way too long ago. We can imagine many of you have gone through a dozen different looks since then, so we thought today (with the suggestion of a reader) would be a great day to show off those masterpiece home screens. To add to the fun, we know that many of you picked up a Nexus 7 over the last few weeks and are probably looking for some inspiration on how to set it up. Be sure to drop your home screens from those as well. For those new to this ongoing segment of ours, these are the simple rules: 1. Take a screen shot of as many of your screenshots as you'd like. 2. Upload them to your favorite image hosting site. 3. Paste the direct image URLs in the comments. (Image URLs ending in .gif or .jpg or .png) 4. Then be sure to list out your setup (apps, wallpapers, icon set, etc.) Here are some of the best sites to look for inspiration: MyColorScreen | XDA Icon Thread | Simple Desktops (wallpapers) Ready? Go!

Gameloft's Asphalt 7 Lowered to Just a Buck on Google Play, It's Time to Race

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:35:54 +0000

Gameloft has lowered the price on their newest racing masterpiece, Asphalt 7 to a single dollar. They haven't posted an explanantion for the change in Google Play, but if you were looking to pick up this epic game, then now would be the time. It's officially licensed, so racers can choose from any of the legendary car makers in the world. You can race the Lamborghinis, Ferraris, BMWs, and all of the other classics. Along with real cars, Gameloft also brings 15 real cities to the game, which makes it one of the realest racnig experiences to be made available for mobile phones thus far. It's a great time waster and for just a dollar, a pretty darn good deal. Play Link ($0.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wK3RRkecPA[/youtube]

Google Introduces "Handwrite" for Mobile Searches

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:55:09 +0000

Moments ago, Google unwrapped their latest search feature called Handwrite. Once enabled on your mobile device, you can search for items by writing them out on your screen with a finger. As you can see in the screen shot above, the search works just as would if you were typing them, by providing suggestions along the way. This isn't meant to replace traditional typing or voice search, but it could prove to be very useful should you be in a situation where typing is not optimal nor is speaking aloud to your phone. Just draw out some words, and let Google do the rest of the work. They recommend that you use it in Chrome on Android, but it should work in most browsers. It does requires you to be running Android 2.3+. Give it a try!

Setup:

Video:

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

Via: Google

Google Announces Google Fiber, the Next Chapter of the Internet

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:38:29 +0000

Today, Google announced Google Fiber for Kansas City. Google Fiber is the "journey to bring ultra-high speed Internet to Kansas City." With 1Gbps up/down data speeds, which is over 100 times faster than America's average broadband connection, Google is setting out to re-shape what we think of the Internet and TV as a whole. Google also introduced an entire line of hardware that will work specifically with the service, including a network box, storage box, and even a TV box. From now on, buyers will be using Google for all of their Internet and TV needs. So, how much will it cost? Google announced three separate packages that buyers can choose from. There is a basic installation/construction fee of $300, which includes a Google Fiber team member physically coming to your home and running a fiber cable straight from the line and setting up all of the equipment for you. But, depending on which package you order, the $300 fee is waived. Here is a basic outline of the packages they will offer once roll out is ready to take place:

Packages:

Gigabit + TV: $120/month - Sign up for a 2 year contract which then waives the $300 construction fee. Package includes 1Gbps up and down connectivity, full TV channel lineup (HD), no data caps, a Nexus 7 tablet to act as a remote, TV Box, Network Box, Storage Box, and 1TB of Google Driver storage space.

Gigabit + Internet: $70/month - With 1 year contract agreement, the $300 construction fee is waived. Included in the package is 1Gbps up and down connectivity, the Network Box, and 1TB of Google Drive storage space.

Google is offering a third package for customers who aren't quite ready for a 1Gbps commitment. They released this statement for people who want to enjoy 5MBps up/down speeds for free in their neighborhoods once Google Fiber arrives in their area:

We know that not everyone is ready to commit to a gig just yet. But we want to make sure you have the opportunity to upgrade when you’re ready. So if you pre-register and your fiberhood gets installed, you’ll have the option to get a 5 megabit per second (Mbps) connection for zero monthly charge, and your home will be wired and ready for the switch. The Free Internet option will cost $0 per month, although you will have to pay a $300 construction fee (which can either be paid at once, or in $25 monthly installments).

As for everyone else who does not live in KC, Google did not hint at any other cities that will see Google Fiber anytime soon. During the announcment, they kept mentioning how long the process was and how much work it took, so it could be many years before we see any type of country-wide access. Lucky enough to live in Kansas City and witness the birth of Fiber? Register for Google Fiber here. Full Event Video: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uZVqPuq81c[/youtube] Promo Video: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHLIZh0PHg[/youtube] Via: Google

61.5% of First-Time Smartphone Buyers Opt for Android Over iOS

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:09:04 +0000

According to the latest report from comScore, during a three month period ending in April, buyers moving from feature phones to smartphones, instead of feature phone to feature phone, increased almost 10%. More importantly to us, is that 61.5% of the folks who moved from a feature phone to a smartphone decided to spend their hard-earned money on an Android device over the iPhone. Apple holds a respectable 25.2% of the late adopters, with Microsoft coming in at only 7.1%. For those curious, RIM holds 4.8% of that total. So, why are people buying Android? Is it price? With many buyers being able to snag an Android device for next to nothing on a new two year agreement, many would hold cost to be the main reason for numbers like this. Is the iPhone losing its "cool" factor? As the years tick by, the iPhone has basically remained unchanged in the eyes of many consumers, so most likely with the introduction of the iPhone 5 and its larger display and other new "features," these numbers will differ greatly. Would be nice to see analyst companies such as this one show reports for the month of September, the rumored unveil time of the new iPhone. What about you? Is the Android device sitting in your pocket your first smartphone purchase? Via: comScore Cheers JBow!

More Cities to Be Lit Up With AT&T and Sprint's 4G LTE

Tim — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:45:15 +0000

Today, Sprint and AT&T announced that customers in the below-listed areas will see 4G LTE turned on, if not by now, then sometime very soon. More specifically, Sprint says that the four markets listed should have their 4G LTE fired up before Labor Day (9/3). As for the AT&T markets, users in those areas who have 4G LTE capable devices should already see the boost in speeds and do note, some of these are expansions to already existing markets. Sprint:

Baltimore, MD
Gainesville, GA
Manhattan/Junction City, KS
Sherman-Denison, TX

AT&T:

Miami
Fort Lauderdale
Worcester
Boston-area
West Palm Beach
Baltimore (Expansion)
Great Washington D.C. Areas (Expansion)

You have got to love that 4G LTE.

Asus Releases Bootloader Unlock Tool for Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:18:22 +0000

How can you not love Asus? And when I say that, try to envision me staring directly at Verizon's person in charge of network security. If you weren't aware, the Transformer Pad Infinity (TF700T) ships with a locked bootloader. However, if you want to unlock it, you can use the bootloader unlock tool that Asus released this week. Once unlocked, your device will not be covered by the original warranty and it cannot be re-locked. Most of you understand that and will probably do it anyway. To grab the file, hit up the Asus link below and get to unlocking. After installing it on your tablet, simply run it. Via: Asus | XDA Cheers Minh!

Google Talk is Coming Back Up!

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 07:39:01 +0000

After a brief outage, that most of us on the west coast slept through, Google Talk appears to be returning for many users. In fact, as I crawled out of bed in the last few minutes, I watched my contact list tick from everyone offline to most being back online. Here is the most recent status report that was last updated at 6:50AM. I would guess that it will be changing shortly if the Google team did indeed fix the issue. Is it back up for you?

Via: Google Cheers Tio and Ryan!

Video: Dynamic Ambient Lighting for Smartphones is One Colorful Idea

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:14:33 +0000

Say, "Hi" to "dynamic ambient lighting" for mobile phones. Through the installation of prototype hardware made up of 40 LEDs onto a Desire smartphone, along with a specially designed application like the one used in the video below, our smartphones have the potential to become a whole lot more colorful and interactive. The idea is presented by a Masters student whose thesis was built around the thought that smartphones in their current state, are limited in how they can present themselves. By using LED lights as part of the hardware, you can make the smartphone experience much more creative and informative at the same time. Taking the map app that is demonstrated as an example, the phone can display different colored lights in the direction of what it is you're looking for. If you are looking for public transportation, the LEDs could light up pink in the direction you need to scroll on the map to find a bus stop. They could show red in the direction of bad traffic or display blue in the direction of a lake or river.

That's not all, though. Think about some other use cases. I could definitely see game developers and music application developers taking advantage of this technology which would allow their apps to become more interactive and aesthetically kick-ass. Off the top of my mind, if I was playing Dead Trigger and every time I got a headshot, the LED's could give a big red glowing flash. Oh yea, that would be sick. This is a "prototype" and far from ever becoming a consumer product, but we still thought it was interesting enough to share. What do you think about this? Want your phone lighting up like a Christmas tree for all of your notifications and incoming calls?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct1GBNk2-rE[/youtube]

Via: Qian Qin

Google Teaches You About Google Apps on Your New Nexus 7

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:31:33 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBPcff6ralE[/youtube]

Moments ago, Google uploaded this video to keep the momentum moving along in this line of tutorial videos for new Nexus 7 owners. Since the heart of the Nexus 7 is all about apps, Google goes hands-on with their own portfolio of applications including Gmail, Google Earth, and Google's Chrome browser. These videos are certainly geared towards the Android newbies, but hey, we all have to start somewhere. Cheers K!

Demolition Inc. - Destroy Cities to Your Heart's Content, With Cows

Eric — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:07:24 +0000

We have reported on Demolition Inc. a few times before, but the application has now dropped to $1.99 in the Play Store and we wanted to make sure everyone got in on the fun. You are placed in the alien spaceship of a blue-collar destruction worker named Mike and sign several contracts to level blocks of cities using whatever tools you can find. Each level provides you with different modes of destruction: oil slicks that cause cars to spin out, sticky glue that causes them to make sudden turns, and even exploding cows that look quite innocent until you run into them.

As the game progresses, you unlock more tools of destruction and new cities to use your skills on. The coolest part about the game is that all of the destruction is done in real time, making each level different in how it's finished. There is a normal version, but also a Tegra 3 optimized version that both cost $1.99 respectively. If you are looking to blow off a little steam during the day, check this game out.

Standard Game | Tegra Optimized Game

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAp0EEY-K3Y[/youtube]

Official $20 Nexus 7 Case Selling for Over $100 on eBay

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:11:01 +0000

When the Nexus 7 first went on sale, early adopters had the opportunity to tack on an official $19.99 case to their order. According to eBay listings that a reader just sent us, you would have been wise to have done just that. Since the case has been backordered for weeks, Nexus 7 owners have been forced into buying cheap knock-offs from Amazon and then modifying them a bit so that they work with the Jelly Bean running beast. If you want official though, you better be ready to pay up to 5 times as much as the case is worth. If you cruise around eBay for a minute, you'll find the N7 case anywhere from $60 to over $100. Is it really that nice of a case? Via: eBay Cheers Teng Taing!

First Look: Tempered Glass Screen Protector for the Galaxy Nexus

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:41:01 +0000

Earlier today, we took a look at the XGEAR Spectre tempered glass screen protector for the Galaxy S3 and came away impressed. Up now is a similar tempered glass protector, only it has been made specifically for the Galaxy Nexus and is known as the Fantom. How will it handle that now-famous curved screen? Let's find out. After reading comments from the GS3's screen protector post, I now know that many of you would have liked to see me apply this to the screen and also to see how I avoided bubbles. While I screwed up and had already applied it, I will say that I had no issues with bubbles on either device.The glass lays down easier than any screen protector I have ever used. I would assume that the glass is thick enough that there isn't a chance for bubbles to even form. Again, no bubble issues on either device. As far as the good stuff goes with the Fantom protector, I can say that it matches everything I loved about the version for the Galaxy S3. It doesn't slow down responsiveness, the viewing angles are still great, it appears to be incredibly tough, and the few fingerprints that I managed to put on it, wiped away with ease. This screen protector feels buttery smooth to the touch, something I can't say for many others. It also has less of a lip than that of the Galaxy S3, and for the most part, isn't really noticeable to the touch. There are a couple of negatives, though. The cutout for the notification light is a bit of an eye-sore, so you won't have as clean of a look on the bottom of your device as you have grown accustomed to. We also do not know if this screen protector will be able to hold up over time on this curved display. Most glass doesn't like to be bent, but the folks at XGEAR seem to think there won't be a problem. Since I've only had this for a day, I cannot tell how this will do over time. The last thing that may bother some, is the dotted grid that can be seen at certain angles or light (pictured far right below). It's the same issue that was on the GS3 screen protector. Again, it could be an issue with the samples that were sent to me and may not be present in the final retail product. Update: XGEAR reached out to me to explain the grid situation. From what I understand, the grid is there because of a special UV coating that is put on the screen protector. If it wasn't there, the protector would become discolored over time thanks to UV radiation. This coating, which includes that grid, prevents that. Overall, I'm more impressed with this tempered glass protector than I was with the version for the Galaxy S3. Both are great, but this one sits ever-so-slightly closer to the edge, giving it a much cleaner look. For $30, this might be the best protection you can buy for the screen of your beloved Galaxy Nexus. And as far as I can tell, XGEAR is the only company willing to make a tempered glass screen protector for this device, so this may be your only option.

Video:

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

Gallery:

Pre-order. Try "NEXUSFTW" to save $5.

First Look: Tempered Glass Screen Protector for the Galaxy S3

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:44:59 +0000

The folks over at XGEAR sent us samples of their new Spectre and Fantom tempered glass screen protectors for both the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Nexus to test. Since tempered glass is all the rage in the screen protecting game these days, we know that many of you have been dying to get your hands on them. While XGEAR is signing off on final samples, with hopes of shipping to customers during the first week or so of August, they wanted us to show you all what the product is all about ahead of time. First up is the Galaxy S3 version since it's the new kid on the block, but don't go anywhere, as we'll take a look at the Galaxy Nexus version later this afternoon. The Spectre tempered glass protector for the GS3 is .4mm thick, has a surface hardness of 8H (10H being the hardest), and a "special" coating to resist oily residue, or better known to most of us as fingerprints. In our time testing it, I can say that so far, I'm impressed. I can't stand most screen protectors. To me, touching a screen protector is like someone scratching a chalkboard - it's painful. This tempered glass protector, on the other hand, feels just like your normal screen when swiping across it. As you'll see in the video, the viewing angles are still very good, it's not much of a fingerprint magnet, the responsiveness of the device remains, and it can resist some pretty heavy scratching done by my keys. I also took it out into the sunlight and found that it did not change the viewing experience much. As with any smartphone, viewing in direct sunlight isn't fun, but this didn't seem to make it worse by any means. With that said, there are a couple of things that you would have to get used to when using a tempered glass screen protector like this. It does add some thickness to your device. It also buries the physical home button on the Galaxy S3 a bit, making it a little more difficult to get home in a pinch. The positive side of that would be that it offers some protection to your home button. The other thing that is really only noticeable in bright lights, is this dotted grid. I'm not sure what it's from, but depending on the angle and color of your screen, it can be visible and is slightly obnoxious. Update: XGEAR reached out to me to explain the grid situation. From what I understand, the grid is there because of a special UV coating that is put on the screen protector. If it wasn't there, the protector would become discolored over time thanks to UV radiation. This coating, which includes that grid, prevents that. For the most part, this is the first screen protector that I haven't wanted to rip off of my phone in seconds. I like the feel of the glass and also the added protection that it should provide. I personally, can get over the weird grid that is showing on these samples (keep in mind that they may not be present on final products), along with the extra thickness. The home button situation will take some getting used to, but it's definitely not something that would deter me from recommending these. To my knowledge, this is the only accessory team in the game that has a tempered glass screen protector for the Galaxy S3. Update 2: The Galaxy Nexus screen protector review has been posted.

Video:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK0y5Xjtd1A[/youtube]

Gallery:

Pre-order. Use "SEXYS3" to save $5.

Google Pushes Out Updates for Nexus Q, YouTube, and Play Movies & TV App

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:10:44 +0000

Today, Google pushed out updated versions of the Nexus Q, YouTube, and Play Movies & TV applications. For the Q app, it now supports Android devices running 2.3.3+ which should make Gingerbread owners a bit happier once they receive their Nexus Q in the mail. As for the YouTube app, it has now spread Nexus Q support for Android 4.0 devices and earlier, as well as as allowing earlier versions of Android to use the app as a remote to play videos on other devices. Lastly, the Play Movies & TV app has been beefed up with faster downloads and a playback fix which plagued a few LG devices. Go grab the updates in Google Play and enjoy your content to the fullest extent.

Nexus Q | YouTube | Movies & TV

Cheers Bob!

Qualcomm's Quad-Core Snapdragon S4 Pro Benchmarks are Beyond Impressive

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:28:15 +0000

Yesterday, we jokingly shared that you could purchase Qualcomm's newest developer tablet that features the new Snapdragon S4 Pro chip and Adreno 320 GPU for a whopping $1300. Well, the chip is most definitely coming to tablets sooner or later (and maybe some high-end smartphones), but it still has some tweaks to work out. Here are some of the initial tests by AnandTech of its quad-core power that are beginning to surface on the web. For a good comparison, keep an eye on the MSM8960 S4 and Adreno 225 that is found in the HTC One X throughout these tests. For reference, here is the spec sheet of device running the benchmarks:

GLBenchmark - Pro - Offscreen 720p:

GLBenchmark Egypt Offscreen 720p:

SunSpider JavaScript Benchmark:

Vellamo - Qualcomm's In-House Web Performance Benchmark:

To summarize, this is one of the faster Android devices ever created and I wish I had one. This is not the final production model and things could differ from what we see hit the market, but still, it's a monster. According to the folks at AnandTech, who do happen to have one in their hands, we can expect the same great performance from the S4 Pro that we have with the current dual-core Snapdragon chip, but with the added cores and greater multi-tasking capabilities. The main seller in our eyes would have to be this new Adreno 320 GPU. With stats nearing that of Apple's iPad, we know that this is the direction that SoC manufacturers should be heading in order for Android users to experience the highest quality games and apps our devices can deliver. Via: AnandTech

New Root Method Released for Verizon's Galaxy S3, No Odin Required

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:20:58 +0000

The previous root method for the Galaxy S3 on Verizon was causing enough problems with users, that developer Noxious Ninja decided to try to find a different way. Not only that, but he wanted to find a method that did not involve flashing a pre-rooted system.img. After trying a variety of current tricks, he found one from the Asus TF300T that worked. He even created a 1-click tool of sorts for those that aren't interested in going to adb route. We have it all for you below. Download: GS3_debugfs-root_r2.7z

Instructions:

Install the USB drivers if you don't have them already. [Download]

Download the GS3_debugfs-root_r2 package and extract it somewhere (you'll need 7-Zip or some other modern compression tool)

On your phone, enable installation of third-party apps (Settings --> Security --> Unknown sources, near the bottom in the "Device administration" section)

On your phone, enable USB debugging (Settings --> Developer options --> USB debugging)

On your PC, make sure you don't have any other Android devices connected, any Android emulators running, or any Android tools like PdaNet running.

Plug your phone into a USB port on your computer. For best results, use a port directly on the machine, and not a USB hub.

Double-click RootDebugfs.bat and follow the directions on the screen. Your phone will reboot 3 or 4 times during the process; just leave it plugged in. To be safe, don't switch to any other applications while the root process is running.

Video instructions:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVRjAiW7HdE[/youtube]

Via: XDA Cheers fortitudinevincimus!

Kovdev's New Tersus Icon Pack is Pretty, Clean, and Perfect for Minimalists

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:40:14 +0000

Our buddy Kovdev pushed his newest work to Google Play last night and we're completely in love. The new icon pack is called Tersus and we believe he named it with the help of a few of our readers. Inside you will find a nice assortment of custom wallpapers that match up well with the 400+ icons in the set that give off a clean, yet colorful feel that makes a minimalist like myself feel right at home. He is always open to suggestions and recommendations (I bother him at least twice a week with requests), so you can rest assured you will always see updates for the pack. Go support a hard worker. Play Link ($1.49)

Google Sells Through Initial Batch of Nexus Qs, Now Shipping in 2-3 Weeks

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:38:04 +0000

Either the Nexus Q is a bigger hit than any of us had imagined or Google simply produced very few to see if anyone would buy it. Yesterday, the device appeared to be in stock with a shipping time frame of "3-5 days," but as of today, it has changed to "2-3 weeks." Could the Nexus Q end up being a hit? To see if it is something that will fill a void in your life, check out our initial hands-on with it. Play Link

Jelly Bean Update Rolling Out to Motorola XOOM WiFi Soak Testers

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:22:35 +0000

And here it comes, the soak test of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.1) for the Motorola XOOM WiFi. Assuming all goes well during this test, the update should be pushed to the general public within a week or so. If you can't wait that long, you can grab the file from Google, today. Instructions for updating through a USB host cable can be found here. Cheers B!

Icy Joe Extreme Lands on Google Play - For Fans of Bears, Glasses, and Hammers

Tim — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:00:42 +0000

Icy Joe Extreme is a good mix of Doodle Jump and smashing stuff with a hammer. You play as a character who's sole purpose is to climb to the top of each level while smashing through ice, penguins, and bears without taking too much damage. You collect items along the way for additional points and you can bump up the difficulty if you feel the game is too easy for you. I will admit, the trailer confuses me, but I did enjoy playing the game. Check it out for free in Google Play. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4YDVIxKKSE[/youtube]

Google Filing Shows that Motorola Was Worth $12.4 Billion in Total, $5.5 Billion of It in Patents

Eric — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:24:24 +0000

Google and Motorola are now together for the foreseeable future after Google purchased the company last year. With the regulations and legal work is out of the way, the official paperwork has been filed and is giving us a bit more information on the whole deal. In a filing to the SEC, Google confirmed that the whole acquisition cost $12.4 billion dollars, but that most of the money went towards Motorola's patents. $5.5 billion of the purchase went directly towards the intellectual properties that Motorola had amassed over the years. We have yet to see this purchase win any patent battles for Android, but it has probably deterred a few.

Google has said over and over that there is a "firewall" between the two companies, and that Google has no idea what's going on over there at Moto. The way that things have been going lately, Motorola could use Google looking over their shoulder though, only time will tell how this acquisition works out.

Now that we know how much everything cost, do you think it was worth Google's money?

Via: WSJ

According to FCC Filing, DROID RAZR HD Will Have a 2530mAH Battery Inside

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:28:17 +0000

A Motorola phone by the model number XT926, one that Moto employees outed as the DROID RAZR HD, cruised through the FCC, giving us a look at its radio setup and confirming that it will be arriving on Verizon. One thing that the world overlooked though, was the fact that the FCC filing listed out the battery that is inside. One of our readers caught it right away, pointing out that document "Exhibit 11 RF Exposure Info 1" has a "Testing" section that describes the size and the fact that it will be non-removable.

The Cellular Phone model covered by this report has the following battery options: Model SNN5915A - 2530 mAH battery The Model SNN5915A battery is an internally-sealed battery contained within the DUT, and may not be removed by the end-user. This battery was used to do all of the SAR testing. The phone was placed in the SAR measurement system with a fully charged battery.

I think it's safe to say that many of you were hoping for the 3300mAH battery that Motorola tucked inside the RAZR MAXX, however, 2530 mAH is still bigger than any other phone currently comes stock with. This should still get you through an entire day, especially if it ends up with one of Qualcomm's new Snapdragon S4 chipsets inside. Now the question becomes, "Will there actually be a DROID RAZR MAXX HD?" Please say, "No." Cheers Blasmonk and Russ!

Google Teaches You to "Make Yourself at Home" With Your Nexus 7

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:53:39 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv6S5og4wNo[/youtube]

Last night, Google uploaded the beginning video of what may be a series of tutorial videos for the Nexus 7. It was a simple intro that we skipped by since you all know how to add a Google account, however, today's is all about customizing your home screen. Most of this is for beginners, but hey, even beginners need to know where to start, right? Still enjoying your Nexus 7?

LG Posts Spectrum User Guide as if the Device Runs Ice Cream Sandwich

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:17:20 +0000

At the end of last week, an LG employee notified members of their forums that the Spectrum's Ice Cream Sandwich update is ready to be rolled out. All they are waiting for is Verizon to press "Go." The following day, it appears as if they were trying to prove how ready it is by uploading a new user guide for the device which includes all sorts of Android 4.0 tips and tricks. Included in this guide, LG details the standard ICS stuff, like task switching, notification swiping, and simple folder creation. They also talk of new and improved features though, some of which we wish other OEMs would adopt. LG has apparently built in the ability to create or use custom icons (without requiring a 3rd party launcher) and a "Clean View" gesture for temporarily hiding everything on your home screen. From reading through bits and pieces of this new user guide for the Spectrum, you can tell that LG is doing everything in their power to make their phones more appealing, even it has to be through software. Still no word from Verizon on when this update will roll out. If you are keeping track, this would be two Android OEMs that have grown sick of waiting for final approval and went ahead and published details for their Android 4.0 updates, the other being HTC and their Rezound. Via: LG [Download] Cheers Phillip!

The DROID X360: ICS-Powered PS Vita Device that Ships with Illegal Emulators

Eric — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:00:04 +0000

One of the best things about Android is that it can be adapted to a lot of different hardware, but in the case of the DROID X360, it may not be such a good thing. The body of this device is clearly reminiscent of a PS Vita, the latest handheld from Sony, but with Ice Cream Sandwich taking the place of their proprietary Vita software, this isn't your ordinary handheld gaming center.

The device is said to come with 9 game emulators to make up for the lost PlayStation capabilities. It can run Nintendo64, "OG" Playstation, Gameboy and other games. Unfortunately for potential buyers, Google has been very harsh with emulators of any kind in the Google Play Store. If this device comes to light, it's hard to believe that we will ever see it for sale in the States. This would get hit with so many legal suits that it would never even see stores. It's a cool concept, merging great hardware with great software, but the approach leaves something to be desired.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0BN4txob1c[/youtube]

Via: Ubergizmo

Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro Quad-Core Beast Developer Tablet Can Be Purchased for $1300

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:35:44 +0000

If the Nexus 7 is just too cheap for you, then might we suggest Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro developer slate? Before we get into the technicals, we should state this device is not for the everyday tablet buyer. Sure, it can run your Angry Birds better than anything on the planet, but devices of this caliber should be purchased only by developers and programmers alike. So, what exactly are you getting for $1299.99? Under the hood is the new Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 processor with asynchronous Quad CPU cores, running up to 1.5GHz each. Graphics are handled by the beefy Adreno 320 GPU, 2GB of LPDDR2 RAM and of course, 32GB of storage for all of your goodies. The tablet features a high resolution 10.1 WXGA display, is equipped with a 13MP back-facing camera, houses 7 mic's for "Ultrasound," and runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Damn. Demand is high, so orders won't be shipping out for another 2-3 weeks, but if you need to program that next hit app on it, then here's the buy link for you. Buy Via: Engadget

InstaWifi Makes Joining WiFi Networks Easy With NFC or QR Codes

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:07:40 +0000

Have you ever visited a friend's house or a coffee shop and wanted to join the local WiFi network, but didn't know the password? Or were you on the other side of that equation, with friends or customers constantly asking for the info to join your network? An app called InstaWifi is looking to fix those problems. By taking advantage of both NFC and QR technology, this app can be used by anyone with an Android smartphone. With an NFC-enabled phone, you can choose to write to an NFC tag with this app, so that future visitors with other NFC phones can simply tap to connect. You can also tap your phone to another NFC phone to allow your friends or visitors to join in an instant. If your visitors or friends do not have an NFC-enabled phone, this app also allows for QR code WiFi network joining. While in InstaWifi, you have 1 tab for NFC activities and another that will generate a QR code for you. All it takes from there is a QR scanning app to glance over your code and your network can be joined. There are other apps that can produce similar activities to this, one being Samsung's TecTiles. We tend to like the idea of InstaWifi though, since it is much more focused on one feature, joining wireless networks. It's free, so feel free to give it a spin. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PChSvKGIo8[/youtube]

Nexus Q Appears to be in Stock, Ships in 3-5 Days

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:29:12 +0000

The Nexus Q is in stock! Is your $300 ready? No? I'm still trying to figure out the Nexus Q. Since I attended Google I/O, I'm in the fortunate position of having one already, but that doesn't mean I've come to some official conclusion on whether or not it will be a success. I have forced myself on some weekend days to spend time with my Nexus 7 and Q together, crushing YouTube videos left and right. I have yet to use it with Google Music though, since I have a Sonos system throughout my house. Watching movies from Google Play also hasn't appealed to me since I have OnDemand and Netflix. For me, the use cases are limited to YouTube. As someone that has never been a YouTube junkie, you can imagine how I feel on that front. So now that the opportunity is here, are you taking the dive? We have already seen some movement on the hacker side of things, but there is still a long way to go. I still can't help but wonder why this doesn't have Google TV or some sort of UI on it. It's built like a beautiful rock and would be a shame if it fails. Play Link

MovieCat for Android, the Greatest Feline-Based Movie Trivia Game of All Time

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:08:22 +0000

I don't care if you're either a movie lover or a cat lover, you have got to try out MovieCat. It's a really good trivia game that is made a hundred times better by having cats appear in scenes from the movies in question. Miss a question? Don't worry, you still have 8 lives left to complete all five rounds of questions and the bonus "Cat Scene" question. The questions range in topics from the different genres, famous scenes, DVD chapter names, and Oscar winners. All in all, it's easily the greatest game ever. For $1.99, that may seem unreasonable, but don't worry, once you see all of the hard work that went into illustrating all of these cute cats, you'll know it was worth it. Play Link ($1.99)

Swiftkey Updates UK and US English Languages Packs to Support Summer Olympics

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:22:45 +0000

The Swiftkey team announced last night that they were releasing updated English language packs for both UK and US keyboards. These new packs were made with the summer Olympics in mind, so that as you send Tweets and texts to your friends over the next month, famous athlete names and key Olympics terms will be extra handy. To find the updated pack, follow these instructions:

SwiftKey users can update their language packs now by going to Settings > Languages & layouts and then tapping “Update” when it appears next to their active languages. To refresh the updates available, tap your phone’s menu button and choose “Update languages”.

If you hit up the source link below, you'll notice that they won't actually mention the Olympics by name and refer to it as the "One Thing." Licensing, trademarks, and copyrights surrounding the biggest money maker in the world are likely to blame. Via: Swiftkey

Apple Seeks $2.5 Billion in Damages From Samsung Due to Infringed Patents

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 10:46:43 +0000

Apple's recent filing for damages has hit the web thanks to FOSS Patents. Inside, it shows that Apple seeks a whopping $2 billion from profits Samsung made by selling devices that infringed on Apple's patents. On top of that, Apple seeks another $500 million in lost profits. As bad as all of that may seem, things could get worse for Samsung, as Apple claims that Samsung knowingly and willfully produced products that infringed on said patents. According to the American patent system, Apple could be awarded treble damages which could be up to three times the $2.5 billion amount if Samsung is found guilty of "willful infringement." Naturally, Samsung does have a case of their own. We'll just have to wait and see what the judge and jury have to say about all of this. Via: FOSS Patents

Droid Life Q&A Session: Volume 3

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:58:19 +0000

We took a few weeks off from our bi-weekly Q&A sessions, but are back to finish out the month of July. Since our last special I/O edition, we have seen the Nexus 7 arrive to many customers, Jelly Bean rollout to every Nexus device other than the Verizon LTE Galaxy Nexus, dealt with locked bootloaders on the Galaxy S3, and more. It's been busy, to say the least, so let's talk about it all. If you aren't familiar with our Q&A sessions, think of them as your opportunity to ask the Droid Life staff anything. Ask us about the importance of unlockable bootloaders, how we feel about the Nexus 7 a couple of weeks in, or why nothing will be better than multiple Nexus phones this winter. You can even go semi-personal if you want. We are human beings after all and like food, swanky cocktails, music and traveling. Anything in particular you were curious about?

Vizio's Co-Star Google TV Box Up for Pre-Order, $99 Well Spent

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:20:23 +0000

Vizio's new Co-Star box has hit their website for pre-order. The price tag is only $99 and for anyone looking into Google TV, that's not a bad price. Google TV can turn any TV in your home into a smart TV by bringing tons of applications and the full Chrome browser right to your living room. Another sweet little addition to the box is the hybrid remote that comes with the package. It features a full keyboard on the backside, while having all of your remote needs on the front. Much more compact than what came with the Logitech Revue. Pre-Order [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQkC3C73Rk0[/youtube] Cheers Ken!

Developer Ports Unofficial AOKP Build to the Nexus 7

Tim — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:45:53 +0000

Developer nize2beme uploaded a port of AOKP for the Nexus 7 to the forums at RootzWiki last night. So far, this is a very early alpha build and in order to get it booted up and running, he says he needed to take pieces of code from the newest CM10 source. At the moment, the developer is looking to get it up and running with more stability, then will add custom features such as a tablet mode tweak and all of the other battery mods and other AOKP customizations. If your Nexus 7 is unlocked, rooted, and running a custom recovery, then feel free to give it a go. Be sure to make a backup. Via: RootzWiki Cheers Dan!

XOOM WiFi Receiving Jelly Bean Android 4.1.1 Build JRO03H, Here is the Changelog (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:10:43 +0000

From what we understand, the XOOM WiFi Jelly Bean update hasn't started rolling out just yet, but once it does, it should be Android 4.1.1 build JRO03H. That is a slightly newer version of JB than even the Nexus 7 has, even though it was updated to JRO03D a little over a week ago. Other than numbers though, this newer build probably won't contain anything that we haven't already seen. The biggest difference here is that it is the first 10" tablet to receive Jelly Bean. We finally get to see the full tablet experience of Android 4.1, rather than the portrait style that the Nexus 7 has. Members of Motorola's Feedback Network will receive the update first. Once they have had it for a few days and no one is hurt in the process, it should be made available to the public. Update: There are reports floating around the internet that the update has been delayed. Actually, it was delayed some time last night and still hasn't started. As soon as it does, we'll be sure to let you know.

Cheers B!

Soak Test for Motorola XOOM WiFi Update Starts Today, Still Assuming It's Jelly Bean

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 18:57:37 +0000

Remember that soak test for the Motorola XOOM WiFi that we told you was on the way? It's pushing to devices this evening and is more than likely Jelly Bean (Android 4.1). Assuming the test goes off without a hitch, it shouldn't be long before it rolls out to everyone with this WiFi version of the world's first Honeycomb tablet.

Hello, Thanks for signing up for the Motorola U.S. Wi-Fi Xoom software test. We had a very enthusiastic response to our call for participation, so we expect a good turnout. The software should be pushed to your phone later today. Your input is really important, and to ensure we hear you, please follow these guidelines: Please post all your feedback in our private community (link below). This also where you’ll find help during the soak. Please do not call or contact Motorola support for help during the soak. The team there is not yet ready to support this software. I’m not able to check private messages on the forums during soaks, so if you need immediate help that's not a good route to take. Please do not reply to this email. Post your questions and feedback to our private community. If you have any problems accessing the private community, please click here for help. Thanks so much for your participation! We really appreciate your time and insights. We’ll start the push soon so please start your visit to the private community here. You’ll find additional important information in the Welcome message as soon as you sign in. Regards, Matt Motorola Feedback Network Motorola Owners' Forum

For those of you with the 4G LTE variant of the XOOM from Verizon, sit back and relax, it's going to be a while. The Ice Cream Sandwich update for that version is still wet, so don't expect to see Android 4.1 any time soon. Cheers to everyone who sent this!

Motorola XT926 (DROID RAZR HD) Cruises Through FCC With Verizon Radios and NFC

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 18:09:15 +0000

A Motorola device with model number XT926 attached to it, cruised through the FCC today. As we know thanks to a variety of Moto employees who posted both pictures and benchmarks from the device to public sites over the last few months, this should be the DROID RAZR HD. According to this FCC filing, it was tested for Verizon's 3G (CDMA 800/1900) and LTE networks. It also packs GSM and WCDMA radios, so there is a good chance that this phone will end up with global roaming capabilities. As you can see from the picture above, an NFC chip is included as well. We have no idea when this phone will launch, but FCC filings are always a good sign that it should be right around the corner. Is this Moto and Big Red's next summer blockbuster device? You tell me. Via: FCC Cheers Paul!

Galaxy Note 10.1 Gets Spotted, Sports 2GB of RAM and Phone Companion Capabilities

Eric — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:00:18 +0000

We don't know for sure yet what Samsung has planned to announce at its event on August 15, but this new leak might gives us a pretty good idea. The 10.1" successor to the Galaxy Note is no secret, it's been back and forth with being released many times, but now the device looks to be finished. A site named The Brave Post has gotten their hands on a white version of the tablet and has a lot of pictures and information to go along with it.

A 1.4GHz quad-core processor goes along with 2GB of RAM, whereas earlier specs for the device only had 1GB installed. A 5MP camera on the back, HSPA+ radio and of course support for Samsung's S-Pen round out the larger Note. One interesting piece of information the site reports is that the tablet will act as a companion to your phone, allowing you to send text messages from it or use it as a speaker on calls.

The only question left is, when will we see the device? If Samsung announces the device at their Unpacked event August 15 then it might be anywhere from days to weeks to when we will see it. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

Via: The Verge

Robo Surf - Ride the Waves Like Your Robo Life Depended On It

Eric — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:30:55 +0000

"What would you do if you were the last robot on Earth?" That is the question posed by the new Android game Robo Surf that is now on Google Play. It's a side-scrolling adventure that puts you in the shorts of a little Robot who is riding on the biggest wave of his life, avoiding birds and fish and other obstacles along the way.

The point of the game is to last as long as possible with the help of power-ups and good timing. There is a free, ad supported version, but the paid version of the game only costs $1.04, a small price to pay for such an adorable and addictive game.

Play Link

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI8IOUABEW8[/youtube]

Monday Poll: Share Your Likes and Dislikes With the Nexus 7

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:45:41 +0000

Everyone who pre-ordered the Nexus 7 should have their shiny new tablets in hand by now. And with the weekend gone, we are guessing you became pretty familiar with yours. Folks who were still hesitant on the smaller 7" device may have come to find that it is the perfect size for playing games and watching videos or maybe, buyers of the 8GB version have realized that 8GB can be filled up rather quickly these days. As for me, the only thing I wish I could change is the battery size. It will surely last a full day of heavy use, but I just feel like it should last longer. That's just me though. Feel free to let us know down below on what you personally like and dislike about the Nexus 7.

How to: Customize the Lock Screen Text App on the DROID RAZR

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:00:42 +0000

When Ice Cream Sandwich finally arrived for the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX, a new lock screen came along for the ride. Aside from the unlock option, this new lock screen had shortcuts to 3 different apps: camera, phone, and text messaging. Now, in most 3rd party lock screen apps, you can customize these shortcuts, however, Motorola wasn't ready to go that far and left you without options. If you want Foursquare or a Twitter client as one of the shortcuts, you are out of luck. There is one that can be configured though, after a bit of trickery, and that is the text message app. If you are of the variety that uses Handcent or GOSMS or some other text application, there is a way to get it onto your lock screen, as you are seeing in the picture above. What you need to do is cruise into Settings>Applications>All and find the stock text message app. Once found, disable it. Your third party text message app will now become the default app and appear on your lock screen. Cheers Nick!

Verizon's LG Optimus LTE2 to be Called Spectrum 2, Eight Months Later and We Already Have a Sequel?

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:57:09 +0000

Yep, there you have it. The new Verizon-branded LG Optimus LTE2 will be known as the Spectrum 2. Kind of interesting seeing as how the first Spectrum launched this last January, not even a full eight months ago. From previous reports that we have seen, the device is set to come with Android 4.0.4, 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4, 1GB of RAM, and an 8MP back shooter. There was also a rumored release date of 10 days ago, but clearly, that did not take place. Any LG Spectrum owners feeling a bit cheated by this? Just half a year later and they are ready to introduce a beefed up version of your device that has a better processor and bigger display. It reminds us a lot of how DROID RAZR owners may have felt after they saw Verizon launch the RAZR MAXX. Via: TechnoBuffalo

AOKP Jelly Bean Preview Build Released for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:11:43 +0000

For everyone that has been waiting on the Android Open Kang Project team to release a build for the Galaxy Nexus that incorporated Jelly Bean, you can download a "preview build" that was released just a coupe of days ago. It has all of the Android 4.1.1 goodness you have been dying for, along with some added AOKP goodies. From what I've found so far, they have only just begun to add all of the fancy customizations. For now, you can have toggles in the pull down menu, clock and battery mods, and of course, those awesome AOKP custom wallpapers. For those interested in flashing, make sure you are rooted and running a custom recovery. Download each of the files linked below and place them on your phone's storage. Reboot into recovery, then wipe your data/cache. Once done cleaning, install the preview build, then the Gapps. Reboot and enjoy.

AOKP Toro Preview Build | Gapps

Via: Google+ Cheers Interstellarmind, Mike, and Bryce!

Rumor: Amazon to Launch Up to Six New Tablets, Including One With 10-inch Display

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:45:32 +0000

According to Demos Parneros, president of U.S. Retail for Staples Inc, Amazon has a total of six new SKU's (stock-keeping units) belonging to tablets that they are soon to be unveiled. They will range in size and yes, one is said to be a 10-inch device. Due to the Kindle Fire's large success, Amazon looks to be going all in on the hardware side of things and may indeed have a mobile phone up their sleeves as well. Recently, Amazon filled many positions in their company for software engineers that had experience working with wireless carrier networks. So, when and where can we expect them to launch these things? No clue, but with their Q2 earnings release set for July 26, we can expect some nosy questioners trying to put a finger on it. Via: Reuters

Another Judge in an Apple vs. Android Suit Finds Proceedings 'Ridiculous', Can We Stop All the Suing Yet?

Eric — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:00:40 +0000

Apple and Samsung are at it again, no surprise there, in Australia over Samsung's 3G patents. Another trial has begun between the two companies, but the presiding judge, Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett has the same thought that we all have; that the whole thing is "ridiculous." Bennett asked the lawyers on both sides "Why on earth are these proceedings going ahead" and speculated on sending the case into mediation instead of full-on trial.

The other interesting piece to come out of the beginnings of this trial is the comment by one Apple lawyer saying that they were willing to pay for the use of the patents. Samsung apparently refused that deal, and decided to take this to trial instead. And it should also be noted that this case is a counter-suit in response to Apple suing Samsung. The trial is set to be decided by the end of the week, hopefully there won't be any more bad news for Android.

Via: The Verge

Legacy Play Store App by MoDaCo Brings Back Purchased Apps List

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:30:47 +0000

At some point during one of the last updates, the folks over at Google decided that having a list in Google Play that showed only our paid app purchases was just too convenient. Bollocks! Luckily, we have the Android developer community on our side, like Paul from MoDaCo, who has released a special Play Store application that brings the list back. By side-loading the app right next to the official Google Play, you can have both running at the same time and finally access that list that shows just your purchases apps rather than every single app you have ever downloaded. For downloads and instructions on how to install (you need to push to /system), follow the link right here. Via: Phandroid

HTC Sells Back 25% of Their Beats Audio Shares, No Longer Majority Shareholder

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:00:21 +0000

Well, that didn't last too long. Over the weekend, HTC posted that they have sold back 25% of their 51% stake in Beats Audio to the original owners. Long story short, any majority powers that HTC once held over the company are no longer there. But don't worry, this isn't the end of their relationship that began only back in August of last year. According to the release, HTC and Beats plan to have a large joint marketing campaign later this year, which could mean we might see a nice new phone for Christmas.

HTC and Beats today announced a realignment of their business agreement that provides Beats with more flexibility for global expansion

1.Date of occurrence of the event:2012/07/21 2.Company name:HTC Corporation 3.Relationship to the Company (please enter ”head office” or ”affiliate company”):Head Office 4.Reciprocal shareholding ratios:N/A 5.Cause of occurrence: HTC and Beats today announced a realignment of their business agreement that provides Beats with more flexibility for global expansion while maintaining HTC's major stake and commercial exclusivity in mobile. Under the terms of the agreement, the founding members of Beats will buy back 25% of its total shares for a total of approximately 75% ownership, with HTC remaining the largest outside shareholder with approximately 25%. Over the last year, HTC and Beats have made great progress in sound innovation, product integration and brand awareness with successes like the HTC One. HTC and Beats will continue to work closely, including a joint global marketing campaign later this year. 6.Countermeasures:N/A 7.Any other matters that need to be specified:N/A

Via: HTC

Samsung Galaxy Stellar Headed to Verizon, but What is It?

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:40:01 +0000

I'm going to go out on a limb here (not much of one) and assume that the Samsung Galaxy Stellar is not the "newest Galaxy" that Samsung is planning to unveil on August 15. I could be wrong, but if this new Galaxy device is already appearing on rebate forms, I would assume it's not worthy of a press event. With that said, what is it? Well, we saw Samsung file for a trademark of the name Stellar back in early March, but that's about all we know. We have however, seen a device codenamed the Jasper (SCH-i200) appear in both pictures and benchmarks in recent weeks. It's a mid-range device with some decent power, but definitely not on the level of the Galaxy S3. Over the weekend, another Samsung device jumped onto our radar as it cruised through the FCC, Bluetooth SIG, and WiFi Alliance. With model number SCH-i410, it looks like another headed to Verizon. As you may recall, the Samsung Stratosphere carried the model number SCH-i405, so one would assume that this is some sort of a follow-up device. Is the Stellar the Stratosphere 2 or the Jasper? The mid-range battle begins! Cheers ___, Bryan and ___!

Samsung Close to Being Ready to Push Jelly Bean to Galaxy S3?

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:10:20 +0000

According to an insider over at SamMobile, Samsung is close to being ready to push Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to the Galaxy S3. As great as we would like this news to be, this is most likely referring to the unlocked international variant rather than Verizon's, which will likely be one of the last to receive it thanks to Big Red's ~~extra slow~~ thorough testing practices. With the rumors pointing to an update time of around August/September, let's just hope to see Jelly Bean land on Verizon's version by Christmas. Think you can wait that long? Or have you rooted and tossed on a stock ROM yet? Via: SamMobile

Madfinger Credits "Unbelievably High" Piracy Rates on Android for Price Change to Dead Trigger

Tim — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:45:01 +0000

Last week, Madfinger Games published an updated version of Dead Trigger to Google Play. Along with the massive update, the publisher also decided to drop the game's price from a low $0.99 to completely free. Many early buyers were somewhat confused by this decision and took to Madfinger's social media outlets to see if they intended on either refunding people's money or would give them all in-app credit. Madfinger's Statement:

Regarding price drop. HERE is our statement. The main reason: piracy rate on Android devices, that was unbelievably high. At first we intend to make this game available for as many people as possible – that’s why it was for as little as buck. – It was much less than 8$ for SHADOWGUN but on the other hand we didn’t dare to provide it for free, since we hadn’t got XP with free-to-play format so far. However, even for one buck, the piracy rate is soooo giant, that we finally decided to provide DEAD TRIGGER for free. Anyway – DEAD TRIGGER is not FREEMIUM, it always was and still remains FREE-TO-PLAY, that means, all players are able to play it without IAP! We stand up for this statement, because all members of our team are playing (and enjoying) DEAD TRIGGER without IAP.

So, it's those pesky pirates who are to blame. For those who were hoping to maybe get a refund or some in-game credit are most likely out of luck, but in all honesty, the game is still worth a dollar in my eyes. It's a fantastic shooter with unbelievable graphics, so hopefully by making it free, more people will be enticed to give it a try (without having to steal it) and will see just how awesome it is. Play Link Via: Droid Dog, Facebook

Samsung Passes the 10 Million Sold Mark for Galaxy SIII, Plans on Selling a Lot More

Eric — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:10:19 +0000

Samsung's last few phones have been pretty major hits. To say the Galaxy line has been very lucrative for the Korean company would be an understatement. The Galaxy line is usually measured in units of "10's of millions of devices" and the newest device, the Galaxy SIII has just reached the first 10 million units sold.

The phone has only been on sale for a few months overseas, and even less time than that over here in the States. At this rate the Galaxy SIII is set to sell a lot more devices before the year is over, we wonder if it could possibly come anywhere near the Galaxy SII at this point. If the SIII is selling so well right now, does Samsung need to announce another member of the Galaxy family in a few weeks?

Via: Business Insider

Unofficial CM10 and AOKP Builds Released for Verizon's Galaxy S3

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:34:49 +0000

The locked bootloader on Verizon's Galaxy S3 hasn't stopped development much to this point. Last week, we saw the device receive an unofficial CM9 port, but over the weekend, things turned up another notch. Two unofficial ports of AOKP and CM10 popped up, with each either being as close to fully working as possible or with a couple of minor bugs that will soon be worked out. AOKP Milestone 6 appears to be ready for prime time and a daily driver without any known bugs. CM10 is definitely still being referred to as an "alpha", however, data and all of the other most important features are working. If TouchWiz is too painful and stock Android is your saving grace, you may want to consider looking into either one of these. As a reminder, these ROMs are possible thanks to CVPCS's kexec boot sequence and will appear to boot twice during bootup. That's normal and is simply the kexec doin' work. Via: DroidHive (CM10) | RootzWiki (AOKP) Cheers Jon and Steve!

CM10 Easter Egg Plays Off of Jelly Bean's Quite Nicely

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:10:55 +0000

The Jelly Bean Easter Egg that we first unearthed back at Google I/O has quickly become one of our all-time favorites. It's interactive and a great time waster should you find yourself needing to kill 5 minutes without having to think or blink. Who would have thought that flicking Jelly Beans and wondering what's up with the random Candy Cane could be so fun? The CyanogenMod team must share similar feelings, as they decided to spend some extra time in CM10 to customize Jelly Bean's hidden fun. CID's head replaces the beans, but the flicking is just as addicting as you would expect it to be. It can be accessed in the same way that you would any other Easter Egg in Android - tap multiple times on the Android build number in your device's About screen, then long press when you see CID's face.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwVlqWh6gM[/youtube]

Cheers Sebianoti!

Google Takes the Nexus 7 Camping in First Commercial

Eric — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:46:37 +0000

We were wondering if Google was going to go the traditional marketing route with the new Nexus 7 tablet, meaning, would they release any TV spots for it? We won't know for sure until an ad actually starts rolling on the big screen, but in this first commercial that appeared on YouTube last night, they easily could make that transition. A father and son take it camping, showing off all of the cool things that you can do with the device out in the wilderness, without a WiFi signal (or in your backyard on WiFi). It has a retail sort of feel to it, rather than the quick online-only ads they tend to run. This one seems built for a mass audience, especially when you consider the father-son relationship here.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqiSE-ukmgc[/youtube]

Google has always been clever with their commercials, so we are happy to see them working to promote their newest device in a similar way. Giving the Nexus 7 the spotlight puts 'the Google Experience' front and center and will help to promote both the Google and Android brands as well.

Wouldn't it be nice to see a few spots featuring the Nexus Q and more on the Galaxy Nexus, to potentially help make "Nexus" a household name? And would you take your brand spankin' new tablet out into the wild?

Verizon's Galaxy Nexus Drops to $99 on Contract

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:11:31 +0000

The Galaxy Nexus LTE on Verizon has dropped to $99 this morning. It's tough to tell if this is a sign that the device is on the way out or not, but this is the lowest we have seen Big Red sell it yet. With the Galaxy S3 now available, many of these devices that were introduced months ago, probably don't stand much of a chance unless their prices are dropped significantly like this. To many, this is still the best phone available because it is fully stock, a "developer" device, and will likely always have the newest version of Android before the rest of the players, even if Verizon takes their sweet time approving builds for it. Buy.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqb7yfDWO7g[/youtube]

Cheers Scott and Nico!

This Week in the Life of DROID: 7/20/2012

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:26:36 +0000

Another week has come to a close in the Android universe, but if there is anything to take away from it, it's that the 16GB Nexus 7 was in high demand from day 1. After some interesting mix-ups in shipping, Google has finally shipped almost all of the initial orders. AT&T announced their new shared data plans, which T-Mobile publicly hated on. There is a Galaxy S3 update coming to Verizon customers that helps to kill off innovation as we know it. The LG Vu, aka the worst device of the last 5 years, was pictured with Verizon branding. Lastly, we dove into whether or not the Galaxy Nexus on Big Red will receive Jelly Bean. No spoiler alert needed. Here are the week's highlights if you missed them:

Have a great weekend!

Verizon Still Letting Upgrades Keep Unlimited Data?

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:04:30 +0000

We aren't sure if this is the case for every Verizon customer, but so far this week, we have heard from a handful who used an upgrade over the past few days and were still allowed to keep unlimited data. From what we were told when Share Everything plans went live, unlimited data was only going to be kept if you purchased phones at full retail. We aren't sure if Verizon is being extra kind this month, if they are temporarily allowing upgrades as they did pre-Share Everything, or if this is some sort of an error in their system. AT&T announced their shared data plans this week and even announced that customers will be able to keep their existing unlimited plans with upgrades for the foreseeable future. Maybe Verizon wants to align themselves with that? What we do know is that we have a screenshot below of a customer upgrading this week to a Galaxy S3 and finding that he was able to keep unlimited data. We also just received an email from a reader whose wife is upgrading from a DROID 3 to a 4G phone and was told that she could keep unlimited, but that this was only going to be allowed for a short period of time. Update: We are hearing from friends of ours that this is pretty random. Some people are still able to keep unlimited, while others are not. It could have to do with inadvertent canceling of Galaxy S3 pre-orders and those customers are now given a chance to upgrade. It could also be that some are more special than others and simply slipping through the cracks.

If you have yet to use an upgrade, would you mind cruising into your account today, walking through half of the upgrade process on a phone, and then telling us if it is allowing you to keep unlimited data? Afterwards, please let us know in the comments. Cheers Travis and everyone else!

Google+ Updated - Adds Something or Other

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:43:49 +0000

Last night, Google pushed an update to the Google+ Android application. We decided to wait until they threw up an updated changelog with it, but since they have still yet to do so, let's just go ahead and update anyways. Once they have an updated log on the landing page, we'll update the post. Play Link Cheers T, and E!

Verizon Galaxy S3 Receiving Update to VRLG1, Includes New Kernel and Dumbed Down Search

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:59:14 +0000

If you are having issues with your Samsung Galaxy S3 on Verizon, and take it in for a replacement, you will receive a unit that has been updated with new software I535VRLG1 (left screenshot). The update includes a new kernel, but more importantly, we are hearing that it dumbs down the search functionality of your phone, meaning it can only do internet searches going forward. As you are all aware, Samsung is in a heated battle with Apple over on-device searches and has begun dumbing it down (no more contact, app, etc. searches) on the Galaxy S3 to avoid any import bans. We have already seen them do this on the AT&T and Sprint versions, but it appears as if Verizon's is next. We haven't heard when this update will rollout to current Galaxy S3 owners that purchased theirs during launch week, but you have to assume that it will be soon. This latest shipment probably has the update to potentially avoid being banned. It's an unfortunate situation. Cheers Bill!

Samsung to Unveil the Newest Galaxy on August 15

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:18:17 +0000

Samsung is sending out save the date notices this afternoon because they have plans to unveil the "newest Galaxy" in the next few weeks. The specific date is August 15, but everything else involved is up for discussion. There are rumors of a Galaxy Note 2 in the works, however, we are also still awaiting the arrival of the revamped Galaxy Note 10.1. Guesses?

SEGA: Jet Set Radio Headed to Android This Summer

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:35:46 +0000

This summer, fans of the late SEGA Dreamcast will be able to re-live the good 'ol days. In a recent release from SEGA, they have announced that they will be bringing back Jet Set Radio from the dead and releasing it to Android devices. The game had a marvelous 3D world which was set to some fantastic music where players skated and placed graffiti on walls. Dang kids. According to the publisher, there won't be anything added to the game and it will most likely be a pure port to the mobile platform. Did you own a Dreamcast back in the day? Excited? Via: Pocket Gamer

Google Acquires Mac/iOS Email Client Sparrow, Joins Gmail Team to "Accomplish Bigger Vision"

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:00:31 +0000

Talk of the town today is Google's newest acquisition of Sparrow. For most Android users, you have no idea what Sparrow is. Well, it is a third party email client that can be found on Mac/iOS that offers users an easy-to-use interface and has become quite popular. Google admits that Gmail didn't launch on those platforms as well as it would have liked, so it's bringing the Sparrow team on board to get the ball rolling a bit more quickly. Statement from Sparrow:

We’re excited to announce that Sparrow has been acquired by Google! We care a lot about how people communicate, and we did our best to provide you with the most intuitive and pleasurable mailing experience. Now we’re joining the Gmail team to accomplish a bigger vision — one that we think we can better achieve with Google. We’d like to extend a special thanks to all of our users who have supported us, advised us, given us priceless feedback and allowed us to build a better mail application. While we’ll be working on new things at Google, we will continue to make Sparrow available and provide support for our users. We had an amazing ride and can’t thank you enough. Full speed ahead! Dom Leca CEO Sparrow

Statement from Google:

The Sparrow team has always put their users first by focusing on building a seamlessly simple and intuitive interface for their email client. We look forward to bringing them aboard the Gmail team, where they’ll be working on new projects.

Will this acquisition affect how the Android version of Gmail operates? Probably not. Does this news even affect Android users? Probably not. Via: The Verge Cheers Randy!

CM9 for Verizon's Galaxy S3 Now With Working Data

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:15:16 +0000

The kexec boot sequence that CVPCS created earlier in the week is close to being ready for prime time. So close in fact, that an eager developer grabbed it, along with a data fix for CM9 on Verizon's Galaxy S3 and tossed it all together with instructions for you to take for a test drive. The instructions look fairly simple, but it will require that you have the Android SDK working and know some adb commands. We have them for you below if you are ready. Downloads: CM9 ROM | Recovery | Gapps

Instructions:

*We take no credit for these. Pulled straight from BeansTown106's post.

1. Transfer the CM9 ROM, Gapps, and d2vzw_recovery.img to the root of your emmc. 2. Push the kexec cwm to sdcard and install:

adb push d2vzw_recovery.img /sdcard/ adb shell su dd if=/sdcard/d2vzw_recovery.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18 bs=256k sync reboot recovery

3. Reboot into recovery. 4. Wipe data/factory reset. 5. Install CM9 zip. 6. Install Gapps. 7. You should be booting into CM9. Should you run into issues, hit up the source link for support. Via: RootzWiki Cheers Steve and Matthew!

Gameloft's The Dark Knight Rises Arrives on Google Play, Just in Time for Premier

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:45:52 +0000

Gotham's Caped Crusader just landed in Google Play. From makers Gameloft, play through the eyes of Batman as you try to stop Bane from destroying your beloved Gotham City. Since this is a fully licensed game, you will see appearances from Catwoman, Lucius Fox, and my favorite, Commissioner Gordon. The game is a hefty $7, but if you own a new Nexus 7 and got your free $25 credit, then now you know what to use it for. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnxL8IWhd8I[/youtube]

Asus on Jelly Bean Updates: Transformer Pad, Transformer Prime, and Pad Infinity Receiving It in the "Coming Months"

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:05:21 +0000

Asus dropped a note into the DL offices this morning to update us on the status of Jelly Bean for their Transformer line of tablets. According to this statement, the Transformer Pad, Transformer Prime, and Pad Infinity will all receive Android 4.1, however, the only time frame they would give us is "in the coming months." Asus has typically been faster than any other OEM on the planet when it comes to updates, so don't be surprised if it happens fairly quickly.

Dear valued ASUS customer, At ASUS, one of the key commitments we make to our customers is a relentless drive to deliver the best user experience. We constantly strive to achieve this goal through our ‘Design Thinking’ philosophy that includes regular software and firmware updates for our products. We are pleased to announce that many of our tablet products are scheduled to receive an update to Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. The ASUS Transformer Pad, ASUS Transformer Pad Prime and ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity are all scheduled to receive Android 4.1 updates in the coming months. We will provide further guidance on our expected timeframes for these updates near their release. We are still investigating Jelly Bean updates for other devices, but we are not in a position to confirm whether any other products will be eligible for an update at the moment. Thank you for your continued support. ASUS

We are a little surprised to not see the original Transformer on the list. Asus has said that they are still "investigating" it.

Dead Trigger's "More Blood, More Guns, More Gadgets" Update is Live (Update: It's Now Free to Play)

Tim — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:49:00 +0000

According to Madfinger's Facebook page, the Dead Trigger V1.1.0 update is live. Now that the app is uploaded to Google Play, all we have to do is wait for it to become visible to users. The update brings additional gadgets, guns, and brain splattering goodness to the title which was already a huge hit with most FPS lovers. Update: Along with the update, they have also made the game free for everyone. No more $0.99 purchase. You now have zero reason not to try it out. ~~For only a dollar, it's probably the furthest a single dollar has ever gone in the history of mobile gaming~~. Get it. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcecaYEXTXw[/youtube] Via: Facebook

Samsung Jasper Appears in Press Photo, Adding to Verizon's Mid-range Lineup

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:27:25 +0000

Mid-range phones certainly have their place in the world and the Samsung "Jasper" is one looking to join the party. With its WVGA resolution bundled with a Snapdragon S4, this phone isn't going to blow anyone away. But again, no mid-range phone ever will. Well, the iPhone did. (Oh!) The "Jasper" (codename, people) will also hang out on Verizon's 4G LTE network, run Ice Cream Sandwich with non-onscreen navigation keys that look like on-screen navigation keys, and will likely run well under the $100 mark. In fact, it wouldn't surprise us to see this phone launch for free or at $50 with a mail-in-rebate. Via: Twitter | The Verge

HTC Confirms Plans to Upgrade One S, One X and One XL to Jelly Bean, Doesn't Mention Incredible 4G LTE

Eric — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:02:57 +0000

HTC made a splash this year with the release of the One series lineup of phones. Combining great hardware with a toned-down Sense UI experience really sold well, and with the release of Jelly Bean, HTC promises that the One series will be seeing the update. In a short statement yesterday, the company said that they would be working to bring Android 4.1 to the One X, One XL and One S.

However, the Incredible 4G LTE that was released on Verizon just after the One series landed was not mentioned in the statement. We know that the Incredible was a bit of a different phone than the One series, but even still, we hope that buyers will get some tasty Jelly Bean action some time down the road.

Via: Engadget

LG Spectrum Ice Cream Sandwich Update Arriving Any Day Now According to LG Employee

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:27:22 +0000

According to an LG "employee" over at their support forums, the Spectrum should receive its Ice Cream Sandwich update any day now. From what this employee has said, we are "very close to release" and basically waiting for Verizon to give us a date. He made this claim 6 days ago after returning from vacation, but joined the party again yesterday to remind ~~the 6~~ Spectrum owners to keep an eye on LG's "Company Updates" page. It sounds to me like this update is done, but as usual, is waiting for Verizon to give it the final approval, something Galaxy Nexus owners know too well. LG Spectrum update before the Bionic? How does that feel? Via: LG Cheers Phillip!

Xfinity TV Player Updated for Jelly Bean and Nexus 7 Support, UI Revamp On the Way

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:51:54 +0000

Users of the XFINITY TV Player application that own a device running Jelly Bean may have noticed video playback left something to be desired, but things have now changed. Thanks to a recent update, Comcast has opened up beta support for Jelly Bean devices and Nexus 7 tablets, along with some other fixes. On top of all of this, the company has stated that owners of the Nexus 7 can expect to see a UI refresh that suits the 7" display much better. No timeline on that, but we'll keep our ears open. Play Link

OUYA Gaming Console Receives First Exclusive Game Commitment, Human Element from Robotoki

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:29:05 +0000

If console gaming is something that you are into, then you must be familiar with the Call of Duty series. One of the men behind the scenes that, near the end of his career, worked closely with the community for Infinity Ward and Activision, was Mr. Robert Bowling. Just recently, Mr. Bowling left his position at Infinity Ward (to the cheers of many Last Stand and Revenge Spawn victims) and created his very own game development company called Robotoki. Robotoki's Mr. Bowling recently tweeted that his company is in support of OUYA and plans to bring an exclusive game to the affordable gaming console. The game is called Human Element and it is based on a post-zombie-apocalyptic Earth where the only thing left to do, is survive. Here is the email that was sent out to all Kickstarter backers:

We’d like to introduce you to Robert Bowling, president of the game developer Robotoki, and an early backer of our Kickstarter. You might recognize Robert from his work with the Call of Duty franchise. Earlier today, from his Twitter account (@fourzerotwo), Robert hinted that he had some news. Well here it is: OUYA gamers will get FIRST access to the ravaged world of his post-zombie-apocalyptic game, Human Element. Robotoki is the first studio to commit to building a game exclusively for OUYA: an episodic prequel that will set the stage for his eventual release ofHuman Element in 2015. Welcome to OUYA, Robert!

With the addition of Mr. Bowling's support and the knowledge that they now have their first OUYA exclusive title, does this console interest you more? I will admit, if a game like Day Z comes to a console, I will be all over that. Cheers Ryun!

New Root Method Found for DROID2 and R2D2, Developers Still Show Love for the Older Devices

Eric — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:37:51 +0000

Still hanging onto that old DROID2 or R2D2 while waiting for a phone that catches your eye? We've got some good news. Since it was updated to Gingerbread, rooting the D2 was a bit of a chore, but now a developer using ideas that gained the D3 root, has an easy way to root Android 2.3.4 on the DROID2. It also works on the R2D2 edition of the device as well, since they run similar builds.

On Windows, all you need to do is have the Motorola drivers and RSD Lite installed along with the file that developer phifc created. There is support for Linux as well for a bit of diversity. If you're looking to root your phone to get a bit more use out of it, hit the source link below and happy flashing!

Via: RootzWiki

Cheers Derek!

When is the Verizon Galaxy Nexus Going to Receive Jelly Bean?

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:14:05 +0000

Verizon's version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus was released on December 15, 2011. At that time, Big Red customers all thought they had hit the jackpot. This was the first time since the original DROID that they would be able to lock into a 100% stock Android phone with an unlockable bootloader. Not only that, but as a "Nexus," it should receive updates before the rest of the world and in an incredibly timely manner. On day 1, it received an update to Android 4.0.2 - life was grand. Then the next day, Google announced that Android 4.0.3 was the new starting point for Ice Cream Sandwich and the waiting game for it to arrive on Verizon's version began. As you all know now, we waited almost 6 months for that update to arrive. In fact, 4.0.3 never did show up. Instead Verizon skipped it in place of 4.0.4, which was nothing more than a bug fixer. But now, Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) has been announced and is already rolling out to every GSM Galaxy Nexus on the planet. As you can imagine, every Galaxy Nexus owner on Verizon has asked countless times, "When will we get the update?"

It will receive Jelly Bean

First of all, the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon is going to see Android 4.1, no matter what. It's the most current "Nexus" device and since other versions of it are already receiving it, we have no reason to suspect that this version won't. Not that any of you were questioning this idea, but we just want to make that clear.

But when?

Well, if you go off of the previous schedule for the 4.0.4 update, we could be looking at upwards of 6 months. Since we have no other time frame to go off of, you shouldn't be surprised if it takes a while. We should also point out that the jump from 4.0 to 4.1 is much larger than the jump from 4.0.2 to 4.0.4 was. In fact, Android 4.1 is big enough to warrant a name change, but beyond that, it introduces so many new features that it would take us an hour to list them all out. Again, if it took 6 months to push a bug fixer, how long could it take to push a significant update?

What's the holdup?

Unlike other Nexus devices, this one requires carrier approval on updates before Google can release them. The updates still come directly from Google, but Verizon wants to sign off on them beforehand and that's what took the update from .02 to .04 almost 6 months to be released. I hate to say it, but if we have to wait for Verizon's extra long testing process on 4.1, you can uncross fingers and try to get comfortable with 4.0.4 for a while. VZW is known for having one of the ~~slower~~ more thorough testing practices when it comes to both devices and updates. We would have hoped that this process would have been streamlined for a bare bones Nexus, but so far that hasn't been the case.

Seriously, when can we expect an update?

If you want Jelly Bean today, go ahead and root your device and flash one of the many Android 4.1 custom ROMs that are available. If you are only into official builds that come from Google, it could be weeks or even months. Unless there is a separate team at Verizon dedicated to testing only Galaxy Nexus builds, I can't imagine they are going to drop testing of ICS for the Rezound, Spectrum, Bionic, and DROID 4 so that G-Nex owners are happy. While that would be ideal to many of us, it's probably not a reality. I know that doesn't give you much of an answer, but it does lay out the process and the past. We know that not all of you are into ROMs, but the quickest way truly is to take advantage of your Nexus phone and think about rooting it and tossing on a custom Android 4.1 ROM. If you are afraid to, don't be. It's almost impossible to do anything to your phone that it cannot be recovered from. Google has given you the stock files to return from anything disastrous. For the time being, feel free to dabble and hack, you may learn something or find a new passion for Android. Not only that, but it will help pass the time while we wait for the carrier barrier.

Video: Nexus 7 Drop Test, Fully Functional Even After Being Dropped in Bathtub

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:58:04 +0000

Well, you knew it would come. A drop test of the new Nexus 7 tablet. For comparison, the folks over at SquareTrade decided to pit it against an iPad, and if you were buying a tablet for strength and perseverance, then it looks like you would only have to shell out $200. When dropped from chest height, table height, and even in a bathtub dunk test, the Nexus 7 is a clear winner. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKaPmrXKfO0[/youtube] Via: Android and Me

Madfinger's Dead Trigger to Receive Major Update: "More Blood, More Guns, More Gadgets"

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:20:45 +0000

Once Madfinger's Dead Trigger hit Google Play, it instantly skyrocketed to the top of the charts and has since been able to maintain a very high popularity level among mobile gamers. With its insanely awesome graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and endless amount of zombie killing, Madfinger Games is looking to make it even more brutal with the games newest V1.1.0 update. The update includes:

Experience personally four new savage weapons (including two melees): Chain Saw, Lewis Heavy Machine Gun, Marine Engine with sharp-edged blades and Repeating rifle, a classic of the American West
Enjoy the new funny and handy gadget -- the Head-Flator X100 enables to inflate the heads of zombies to XXL size and... Headshot!
Meet new zombie creatures -- mutated mobsters or armoured SWAT members
Explore new fantastic environments -- underground car park or secret research base institute
Try out new gadgets or get more money - reveal deadly survival arena, that is tailor-made for massacre of hordes of zombies
Visit Casino and try your luck with a slot machine
Finally safe game data with cross platform cloud backup
This huge update brings Dead Trigger also to Adreno 205, including Sony Xperia Play!

According to Madfinger's Facebook page, the update will be released very soon and users should keep an eye on their Google Play landing page. We're stoked. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcecaYEXTXw[/youtube] Via: Madfinger

Chameleon Beta Arriving "Beginning of August" for Those That Pre-ordered

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:54:11 +0000

Backers of Chameleon, the Android tablet home replacement app, mark "beginning of August" on your calendars. Announced today through the Chameleon blog over at Kickstarter, a beta version will be made available in the coming weeks to all those that pre-ordered the app. It will be published through the Play Store, which we are assuming means there will be some sort of login process in order to activate it. Otherwise, it would be a free-for-all and defeat the purpose of it being a beta. We have written about this app countless times, so this early arrival of a beta is greatly welcomed. Via: Kickstarter Cheers Kevin and EvanTheGamer!

Auralux Goes Live in Google Play, an Abstract Real-Time Strategy Game

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:24:15 +0000

A new game by the name of Auralux just arrived on Google Play. It is a real-time strategy based game, where you command stars that produce little warrior lights that you use to capture other stars and kill enemies. Depending on your stars strength (some are up-gradable and some are not) it will produce a certain amount of soldiers per second. You then use those soldiers to go capture grey stars or destroy enemy stars. To beat the level, you must capture all of the stars that appear in that system. The gameplay is insanely slow-paced, but there is an add-on you can buy that unlocks a faster game mode. Levels that were once 20-30 minutes long are brought down to a more manageable 5-10 minutes. But be careful, the faster gameplay allows your enemies to also react quicker to your advances and they are not easy to beat. All in all, I think it's a great game that brings together fantastic artwork, intuitive controls, and the fun that is real-time strategy gaming. Go pick it up for free and let us know what you think. Play Link

CyanogenMod 9 Hits Release Candidate 2, Final Release 'Just Around the Corner'

Eric — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:52:55 +0000

We have seen working builds starting to pop up of CyanogenMod 10 based off of Jelly Bean code, but the team is still hard at work to make a final release of CM9 at some point soon. Release Candidate 2 is now being cranked out by the build servers and adds support for a few new devices, one of which is the international version of the Galaxy SIII:

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (all variants)
Samsung Galaxy SII on AT&T – Skyrocket
Samsung Galaxy SII on T-Mobile – Hercules
Samsung Galaxy Note on AT&T

This RC2 includes bug fixes and translation changes that the CM team says put them in the right direction for their final CM9 build "which should be just around the corner." As always, you can get the downloads for your device at Get.CM and if you're lucky your phone might have a nightly build of CM10. Via: CyanogenMod

Thursday Poll: Which Android Update Has Been Most Important to the OS?

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:50:28 +0000

When Droid Life first started, we began with the Motorola "OG" DROID. It came running Google's Android 2.1 "Eclair" operating system. That was fine, but what had thousands of people rabid was the talk of an update to Android 2.2 "Froyo." It had live wallpapers, Adobe's Flash support, and also introduced the development community to the JIT compiler which allowed for better performance, richer graphics, and higher battery life. Next in line was Android 2.3 "Gingerbread." With a complete Android UI overhaul, it turned Android into a dark and sexier OS that also brought various improvements and features to devices. Highlights of Gingerbread was support for NFC chips, a much improved and smarter keyboard, and additional power management upgrades that would help our devices last longer. Gingerbread is currently the most used Android operating version in the world. Since Honeycomb is seen merely as a transitional period for Android, we'll jump right into 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich." What ICS has done is merge the tablet OS and UI (Honeycomb) and phone OS, bringing them into one single operating system. One that would look great on larger 10.1" displays as well as the more compact 4.0" devices. ICS also brought another, more elegant user interface update. There was the new Roboto font that everyone fell in love with, multi-tasking was made simpler and more accessible, improved voice input, Android Beam, and the list goes on. If anything, ICS does have the most extensive changelog of any Android release to date. Lastly, we have Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean." The easiest way to describe Jelly Bean is to say it's Ice Cream Sandwich on steroids. Google introduced "Project Butter," which improved system performance and brought the interface speeds up to 60FPS throughout. Other popular features are the new expandable notifications, Google Now, improved Voice Search, and customization through re-sizable widgets. Taking all of this into account, which do you think has been the most important step for Android as a whole? Which version brought Android to its highest peak so far? Voice your opinions down below and feel free to shout out which version has been your overall favorite in this long journey. [poll id="190"]

Verizon Q2 Bullets: Sold 2.9 Million Android Phones, 2.7 Million iPhones, Mid-2013 Full LTE Rollout, Share Everything a Hit

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:48:21 +0000

Verizon announced their Q2 2012 earnings this morning, which included a 50-minute earnings call with CFO Fran "ShamWow" Shammo. We are about half way through it, but wanted to start up this post to share some of the bits of info that you may not find in the actual press release. We like numbers and future predictions and there are no better places to find them than during a quarterly earnings call. Opening remarks on Wireless:

Verizon sold 2.9 million "DROID" (yes, he said "DROID" and not Android) phones compared to 2.7 million iPhones. 2.5 million of the Android phones were 4G LTE capable.
20% of 4G LTE device sales were new customers to Verizon.
Share Everything plans created to be an "optimal way to monetize increasing data usage." They also want to "encourage device adoption and stimulate usage."
Early feedback on Share Everything "has been great." They are seeing wide variety of customers opt-in "including existing smartphone customers with unlimited data plans."
4G LTE network covers nearly 75% of entire U.S. population. More 4G LTE coverage than all competitors combined.
On track to have 4G LTE network the size of their 3G network by mid-2013.

Q and A:

On adoption of Share Everything: Tracking "ahead of where we thought we would be" for Share Everything. They are seeing "some" unlimited customers that are switching over from 3G.
On lower upgrade numbers: "There is always that rumor mill out there with the new phone coming out in the 4th quarter. And so people may be waiting." iPhone 5 reference? New Nexus? Who am I kidding, probably not a Nexus reference.
On Q3 and Q4 upgrades: "I'm sure we are going to have plenty of new devices that come out between now and the holiday season."

And that's that.

SlingPlayer for Phones and Tablets on Sale Through Google Play for 50% Off

Tim — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:39:47 +0000

Owners of a Slingbox Solo or Pro-HD can go grab the SlingPlayer app from Google Play for a whopping 50% off. For those in the dark, the Slingbox connects to your cable box and home network, then allows you to watch live TV and control your DVR from a laptop as long as you have a data connection. Basically, if you can't get enough ESPN or Hardcore Pawn while you're at home, you should own this. For a limited time, you can get the SlingPlayer app for only $15, which will then allow you to stream all of your favorite shows and TV content right to your Android device. If you have a Slingbox, it's a must. Play Link ($14.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq8EA7bNB60[/youtube] Cheers Jbartcaps!

Verizon Reports Q2 Earnings - Revenues Continue to Grow, 50% of Wireless Customers on Smartphones

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:09:59 +0000

Verizon released their Q2 2012 earnings report this morning, and as expected, includes a bunch of positive numbers for the communications giant. We mostly care about the wireless side of the business, so on that note, they reported 7.3 percent year-over-year increase in service revenues, 8.6 percent year-over-year increase in retail revenues, and data revenues that were up 18.5 percent year-over-year. They added 1.2 million retail net customers, which includes 888,000 postpaid customers. They now have 94.8 million retail customers, 88.8 million of which are postpaid. On the non-boring financial and customer count side, they also announced that 50% of their customers now use a smartphone. Over the last couple of years, Verizon has made it increasingly difficult to find feature phones. Their goal is get you onto a smartphone, so that you have to buy extra data packages and other high-priced features. It's working, alright. Can you imagine life without a smartphone?

Verizon Reports Continued Double-Digit Earnings Growth And Strong Operating Cash Flow In Second-Quarter 2012

Verizon Wireless Posts Record-High Margin, Strong Increase In Service Revenues; Wireline Consumer Revenue Growth Accelerates
NEW YORK, NY —
2Q 2012 HIGHLIGHTS
Consolidated

64 cents in diluted earnings per share (EPS), compared with 57 cents per share in 2Q 2011 – a 12.3 percent increase.

$9.3 billion in cash flow from operating activities, up 20.1 percent compared with 2Q 2011, leading to $7.8 billion in free cash flow (non-GAAP) in 1H 2012, more than doubling free cash flow generated in 1H 2011.

Wireless

7.3 percent year-over-year increase in service revenues in 2Q 2012; 8.6 percent year-over-year increase in retail service revenues; data revenues up 18.5 percent year over year; 30.8 percent operating income margin and 49.0 percent segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP), both record highs.

1.2 million retail net customer additions, excluding acquisitions and adjustments, includes 888,000 retail postpaid net customers; low retail postpaid churn of 0.84 percent; 94.2 million total retail customers; 88.8 million total retail postpaid customers.

Wireline

2.5 percent year-over-year increase in consumer revenues, the highest in several years; ARPU (average revenue per user) now tops $100 a month, with 65 percent of consumer revenues generated by FiOS.

134,000 FiOS Internet and 120,000 FiOS Video net additions, with continued increased sales penetration for both products; 5.1 million total FiOS Internet and 4.5 million total FiOS Video customers.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) today reported a second consecutive quarter of double-digit percentage growth in year-over-year earnings results and significant increases in operating cash flow. Verizon Wireless generated record-high margins and strong operational results, and Verizon’s Wireline segment generated continued increases in revenues from FiOS fiber-optic services and strategic business services. Verizon reported 64 cents in EPS in second-quarter 2012, an increase of 12.3 percent compared with second-quarter 2011 earnings of 57 cents per share. There were no adjustments in either period.
On Track for ‘Solid Double-Digit Earnings Growth’ in 2012
“Verizon delivered another strong quarter of earnings growth and cash generation, and we remain on track to meet our financial objectives and produce solid double-digit earnings growth for the year,” said Lowell McAdam, Verizon chairman and CEO. “Verizon Wireless has once again demonstrated its industry leadership, combining strong revenue growth with record margins and high customer loyalty. We reported sequential improvement in second-quarter Wireline margins, and we expect to see that improving trend carry through the second half of the year. We also look forward to the closing of strategic transactions and to the integration of process improvements that will set the stage for continued long-term profitable growth across all our business units.”
Consolidated Results: Strong Gains in Cash Flow
In second-quarter 2012, Verizon’s total operating revenues were $28.6 billion on a consolidated basis, an increase of 3.7 percent compared with second-quarter 2011. Consolidated operating income was $5.7 billion in second-quarter 2012, compared with $4.9 billion in second-quarter 2011. Consolidated EBITDA (non-GAAP, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) totaled $9.8 billion in second-quarter 2012, compared with $9.0 billion in second-quarter 2011. Cash flow from operating activities totaled $15.3 billion in first-half 2012, compared with $12.8 billion in first-half 2011. In second-quarter 2012 alone, cash flow from operating activities totaled $9.3 billion, a 20.1 percent increase compared with second-quarter 2011. With capital expenditures of $7.4 billion in first-half 2012, free cash flow (non-GAAP, cash flow from operations less capex) was $7.8 billion in first-half 2012, compared with $3.9 billion in first-half 2011. For full-year 2012, capital expenditures are expected to be flat to down compared with 2011 capital expenditures of $16.2 billion.
Verizon Wireless Results: Record Profitability, Strong Operational Metrics
In second-quarter 2012, Verizon Wireless delivered strong growth in revenues and retail customers; an increase in smartphone penetration; record-high retail postpaid ARPU; and the highest segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP) in the company’s history. Wireless Financial Highlights

Service revenues in the quarter totaled $15.8 billion, up 7.3 percent year over year. Retail service revenues grew 8.6 percent year over year, to $15.2 billion.

Data revenues were $6.9 billion, up $1.1 billion – or 18.5 percent – year over year, and represent 43.6 percent of all service revenues. Total revenues were $18.6 billion, up 7.4 percent year over year.

Retail postpaid ARPU grew 3.7 percent over second-quarter 2011, to a record $56.13, the highest growth in three years. Retail postpaid data ARPU increased to $24.53, up 15.4 percent year over year. Retail service ARPU grew 3.4 percent year over year, to a record $54.29.

Wireless operating income margin was 30.8 percent and segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP) was 49.0 percent, both record highs.

Wireless Operational Highlights

Verizon Wireless added 1.2 million retail net customers in the second quarter, including 888,000 retail postpaid net customers. These additions exclude acquisitions and adjustments.

At the end of the second quarter, the company had 94.2 million retail customers, a 4.9 percent increase year over year, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers.

At the end of the second quarter, smartphones constituted 50 percent of Verizon Wireless’ retail postpaid customer phone base, up from 47 percent at the end of first-quarter 2012.

Retail postpaid churn was 0.84 percent, the lowest in four years, and an improvement of 5 basis points year over year. Total retail churn was 1.11 percent, an improvement of 11 basis points year over year.

Verizon Wireless continued to roll out its 4G LTE mobile broadband network, the largest such network in the U.S. As of today, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE service is available to more than 230 million people in 337 markets across the U.S. – nearly 75 percent of the population.

The company introduced two new 4G LTE Internet devices in second-quarter 2012: the Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot 890L and the Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi4620L. Earlier this month, Verizon Wireless launched the Droid Incredible 4G LTE by HTC and the Samsung Galaxy S III.

Verizon Wireless launched its ShareEverything Plan on June 28, offering customers unlimited voice minutes, unlimited text, video and picture messaging, and a shareable data allowance for up to 10 Verizon Wireless devices. In the second quarter, HomeFusion Broadband, a service that provides high-speed in-home Internet access, became available nationwide.

In late June, Verizon Wireless announced an agreement with a subsidiary of T-Mobile USA Inc. to exchange spectrum in the AWS band in specific markets to meet LTE capacity needs and enable LTE expansion. This agreement is contingent on the expected summer closing of Verizon’s proposed spectrum transactions with SpectrumCo, Cox and Leap.

Wireline Results: FiOS Sales Help Grow Consumer Revenue
In second-quarter 2012 in the Wireline segment, revenue growth for FiOS led to overall revenue growth among U.S. consumer customers. Increased sales of strategic services helped mitigate lower revenues resulting from global economic impacts, including the adverse effects of foreign exchange rates compared with last year. Wireline Financial Highlights

Second-quarter 2012 operating revenues were $9.9 billion, a decline of 3.1 percent compared with second-quarter 2011. Wireline operating income margin was 1.9 percent, compared with 1.6 percent in first-quarter 2012 and 3.1 percent in second-quarter 2011. Segment EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 23.1 percent in second-quarter 2012, compared with 22.6 percent in first-quarter 2012 and 23.8 percent in second-quarter 2011.

Consumer revenues grew 2.5 percent compared with second-quarter 2011, the highest increase in several years. Consumer ARPU for wireline services reached more than $100 for the first time, increasing to $100.26 in second-quarter 2012, up 8.5 percent compared with second-quarter 2011.

ARPU for FiOS customers increased to more than $149 in second-quarter 2012. FiOS services produced 65 percent of consumer wireline revenues in second-quarter 2012. Approximately 70 percent of FiOS consumer customers have purchased a “triple play” of phone, Internet and TV services.

Global enterprise revenues totaled $3.8 billion in the quarter, down 3.4 percent compared with second-quarter 2011. Sales of strategic services increased 4.4 percent compared with second-quarter 2011 and represented 52 percent of global enterprise revenues in second-quarter 2012. Strategic services include Terremark cloud services, security and IT solutions, and strategic networking.

Wireline Operational Highlights

Verizon added 134,000 net new FiOS Internet connections and 120,000 net new FiOS Video connections in second-quarter 2012. Verizon had a total of 5.1 million FiOS Internet and 4.5 million FiOS Video connections at the end of the quarter.

FiOS penetration (subscribers as a percentage of potential subscribers) continued to increase. FiOS Internet penetration was 36.6 percent at the end of second-quarter 2012, compared with 33.9 percent at the end of second-quarter 2011. In the same periods, FiOS Video penetration was 32.6 percent, compared with 29.9 percent. The FiOS network now passes more than 17 million premises.

Broadband connections totaled 8.8 million at the end of second-quarter 2012, a 2.6 percent year-over-year increase.

Verizon launched several network projects during the second quarter, including deployment of next-generation routing equipment on the global Private IP network to meet growth demands, improve scalability and support 10 gigabit customer access ports and 40G and 100G backbone trunk ports; and a long-term core network architecture project for a common multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) backbone platform that will support current and future service demands.

The company also launched its first major initiative to build additional control plane technology into its network infrastructure. This will allow Verizon to deliver on the promise of cloud-based and mobility-enabled industry solutions, as well as enable rapid and automated recovery of complex optical mesh networks.

Verizon Enterprise Solutions Highlights
Verizon Enterprise Solutions continued to expand and enhance its capabilities in the U.S. and abroad. In second-quarter 2012, Verizon announced an agreement to acquire Hughes Telematics Inc. This will expand Verizon’s machine-to-machine and telematics capabilities and accelerate revenue growth across key vertical segments of Verizon Enterprise Solutions, including automotive and transportation, energy, health care and manufacturing. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter. Verizon Enterprise Solutions is a global sales and marketing organization that harnesses all of Verizon’s cloud, mobility and other platforms to serve the rapidly transforming enterprise market with integrated solutions. Among other second-quarter highlights:

Affirmative Insurance; Lane Bryant and Catherine Shops; Lifetouch; NetApp; Shaw Industries Group Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.; Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and Arlington County, Va., were among the companies and government agencies completing agreements with Verizon for a wide range of strategic services to advance their operations.

Verizon extended the reach of the Terremark global cloud platform by deploying additional nodes in its London and Denver data centers; expanding its Sao Paulo, Brazil, data center; and launching a new Private Edition of its flagship Enterprise Cloud service.

Verizon strengthened its platform capabilities with a new solution that provides access to its global Private IP network service through Verizon’s 4G LTE wireless network.

NOTE: See the accompanying schedules and www.verizon.com/investor for reconciliations to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for non-GAAP financial measures cited in this document. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with more than 94 million retail customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500. A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 188,000. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

T-Mobile: AT&T and Verizon's Shared Data Plans are "Costly, Complicated, and Punitive"

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:37:37 +0000

T-Mobile, never one to hold back from a good war of words, expressed their feelings towards the new shared data plan model that both Verizon and AT&T have introduced. As you can imagine, they are not fans of the approach, calling them "costly, complicated, and punitive." They strongly feel that consumers will not benefit from them and that they are essentially tricking customers by placing focus on the "value" of the unlimited talk and text, even though today's consumers use less of these services. Here is the full statement:

“Unlike AT&T and Verizon, T-Mobile does not plan on introducing shared family data plans and believes consumers will not benefit from that model. AT&T and Verizon shared family plans are:

COSTLY – AT&T and Verizon are charging more for what consumers want by raising rates on data, but promoting the “value” by pointing to unlimited talk and text even though today many consumers use less of these services.

COMPLICATED – both plans force customers to share data when many customers don’t know how much data they’re using, which makes it hard to stay within their limit when trying to balance multiple users.

PUNITIVE – At the same time that AT&T and Verizon are making it harder for customers to manage overages, they are also charging overage rates of $15/GB for accounts with at least one smartphone.

Conversely, at T-Mobile we believe that:

Customers who pay more, should get more – Rather than having to account for each device on a shared family data plan, T-Mobile customers can use their existing data plan to power multiple devices, while still saving hundreds of dollars annually.

Data should be worry-free – With T-Mobile’s unlimited data plans, there is no surprise data cap or bill shock.

Data plans should be flexible and affordable – At T-Mobile, customers have the option of only paying for the amount of data each member of the family believes they will need.”

– Harry Thomas for T-Mobile

I would tend agree with Mr. Thomas' statement that selling these as "unlimited talk and text," but charging high prices for data at set limits that customers do not fully understand is probably the wrong approach. The days of heavy calling and texting are about to be behind us. Clearly AT&T and Verizon understand this and is probably the number 1 reason for this move. That's why we have done everything we can to help explain shared data plans. The last thing we want is for anyone to run into an issue or find a surprise charge on their bill at the end of the month. The best thing you can do is research, use calculators and simulations like we have done and then decide if shared plans will benefit you or not. Everyone's situation is completely different. It's time to start monitoring your data usage. Via: SlashGear

Holo Locker Brings More Jelly Bean Goodness to Your Devices

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:45:36 +0000

If you are one of the countless Android owners whose device has yet to be updated to Jelly Bean (some of you may never see it), you can still get a taste of JB with the help of Holo Locker. With this custom lockscreen, you can have exactly what the official Jelly Bean users have along with some extra features. With additional controls to toggle status bar, enable/disable vibrations, and Home key locker, this has even more features than the official locker. Once downloaded to your device, simply select "enable" and you're good to go. Play Link

How to: Fix Screen Lifting Issue on the Nexus 7

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:13:49 +0000

Earlier today, we wrote about Nexus 7 orders that were arriving and then having screen lifting or separating issues. At first, we assumed it had to do with an adhesive not being properly applied or wearing out, but several users were able to take the back off of their N7, tighten some screws, and fix the problem themselves. In fact, almost everyone that we have talked to with the issue, has attempted this with success, so we wanted to make sure everyone knew about it.

Instructions:

1. Using something thin (fingernails, guitar pick, etc.) separate the rubber backing from the device.

2. I started at the microUSB port and then slowly worked around the entire edge.

*You will hear the back plate popping off as you slide around. Be careful, you don't want to do this too quickly and break anything.

3. Once the back plate is fully removed, grab a tiny screwdriver.

4. Tighten all screws in both black and metal areas around the entire device.

*Some may be loose and some may not be. Feel free to give each one a little turn. Try not to strip them.

5. Once tightened, start to put the back plate back on. 6. Start with one edge, and click it into place while moving around the entire device.

While my devices are not having the screen issues, many are reporting this fix to take care of it. Rather than dealing with a return and exchange from Google, you may want to give this a shot. It's beyond easy to do. Via: XDA Cheers docoofbodom!

The Google Experience [Opinion]

Ron — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:45:13 +0000

With the release of the Nexus 7, Google set its sights on Amazon to try and reclaim control of the Android tablet space. Ever since Amazon forked Android for the Kindle Fire there has been some confusion about what OEM software customization means. There seems to be some confusion in the industry about what TouchWiz and Sense really are. More and more often I have seen articles arguing that the Galaxy S III and the Kindle Fire offer the same non-Google experience. Even more shocking, I've heard arguments that AOSP is Android and the Nexus line of phones offers the "Google experience." The question isn't whether or not OEMs offer a Google experience (they do); the question is if they'll keep a Google experience. The idea of "Google experience" devices has existed for a long time. Early android devices that provided a sanctioned Google experience were labeled on the back of the device with the phrase "with Google." In time, this label disappeared, but the notion that some devices offered an explicitly sanctioned experience by Google did not. In fact, the mess that Google, Motorola, and Samsung encountered with the Skyhook lawsuit revealed much more about the approval process for Android devices than any of the companies involved probably intended. From that litigation we learned that every Google device has to receive approval directly from Google before it can be sold with Google apps. In other words, Google has the power to reject devices if they want to. While the approval process may seem like nothing more than a formality, the Skyhook litigation demonstrated that Google has more intentions than simply letting any Android device get sold with Google apps. Because Samsung and Motorola tried to use Skyhook for GPS data instead of Google's own location data, some Android devices were delayed while others had major GPS issues. Google also had to give special approval for the original Galaxy Tab to be shipped with Google apps because Google did not want tablets to run any version of Android (Honeycomb wasn't out, yet). When Amazon launched the Kindle Fire, and even before that the Amazon Appstore, Amazon set out to create their own experience with Android apart from Google. Their separate experience was more than just a skin on top of Android; it was a fork. Amazon took Android 2.3 and made something totally different for the Amazon Kindle Fire (much like the ill-fated Grid 10 and Grid 4 from Fusion Garage). With their own app store, media distribution, and hardware, Amazon was able to release a product that was completely removed from the Google experience. To try and compare what Amazon did with what Samsung is doing with the Galaxy S III is asinine. While Samsung offers movies and music, Samsung does not have their own app store. The presence of Google Play, Gmail, and other Google apps means that Google sanctions this Android experience. At best, you could say that the Samsung Galaxy S III offers both a Google experience and a Samsung experience, but you cannot say that the device offers only a Samsung experience. I understand what people are trying to say when they claim that Samsung is offering their own experience akin to the Fire. Each company is trying to carve out their own little empire and they're trying to do that through Android. The problem is, none of them have been bold enough to do what Amazon did: make an app store and try to market their devices without Google's help. That said, there could be a time where a manufacturer like Samsung or HTC would try to use the Amazon app store as the stock App Store in on their device instead of the Google Play store. If Google actually wants to take control of Android, that's going to mean being much more particular about which devices get the Google experience. The problem is, Google is undoubtedly worried that some OEMs will turn Amazon if Google gets more picky. It's hard to tell if Google is simply biding their time, or simply doesn't want to go down that road. Perhaps Google is fine with the chaotic experiences that Android manufacturers are putting on phones as long as Play is still on every device. When Google bought Motorola it was theorized that Google was trying to avoid Motorola suing other OEMs, which would have been a nightmare for Google. Perhaps the real nightmare would be Google having to convince OEMs to use the Play store instead of Amazon's Appstore. Google appears to already be trying to convince manufacturers to not fork Android by expanding the Nexus program, but with their agreement to keep AOSP free and open for five years manufacturers could be a thorn in Google's side. If I were running an Android OEM, I would think very carefully before switching from Google's ecosystem to Amazon's. Chances are most OEMs don't want to leave Google's fold because of the security it offers. Google is dedicated to making Android better with every release and the Play Store features many more apps than Amazon's Appstore (plus the only way to get Google's apps is to follow Google's rules). Is Google scared that some OEMs will use Amazon's ecosystem instead of Google's? If so, what can they do to guarantee that they will stay in Google's ecosystem? Perhaps being a part of the Nexus program is agreeing to only release Android devices within Google's ecosystem. Most have assumed that expanding the Nexus program was about assuaging concerns that Google is going to favor Motorola, but maybe for Google it is a way to ensure that manufacturers stick with Google's ecosystem instead of Amazon's. If Amazon is preparing to launch a phone as well and that phone is successful (which I highly doubt), OEMs might be more tempted to switch to Amazon's ecosystem for more control over their product (TouchWiz, Sense, etc.). Maybe that is also why Google hasn't cracked down on skins, because they want to ensure OEMs are happy with Google. If Google's aim is to use Android as a mechanism to keep putting Google services, and therefore ads in front of people, Google probably doesn't care about the multiplicity of Android experiences out there. I have a feeling, however, that Andy Rubin and Matias Duarte want to do more with Android than that. I also have a feeling that Page and Brin want more than that. Android is Google's future, and I think Google wants to make it the best version of the future possible. By expanding the Nexus program, maybe Google hopes that more users will opt for Google's experience, pushing OEMs to continue to tone down skins or get rid of them altogether so that only a pure Google experience for Android remains. Of course, all of this is just speculation at this point, but one thing is clear: Google is gunning to make the Kindle Fire obsolete, and perhaps Amazon's ecosystem with it. When Amazon first released their Appstore I didn't think much of it. I still don't use it because most apps are released on the Play Store and I don't want to manage two stores with separate updates. Hopefully the Nexus 7 and its successors will continue to push Amazon out of the smartphone and tablet market, giving Google the space and control it needs to take on Apple (and perhaps Microsoft) in the tablet space.

Google Play Music Updated to Version 4.3.606, Brings Improved UI, Enhanced Widget and Other New Features

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:09:23 +0000

Google Play Music received an update just moments ago and it brings quite a few new features to the table. Users now have the ability to reorder and queue up other tracks in a Now Playing playlist, larger album art under the recent section, new UI on the action bar, and lots of other goodies. Here is the full changelog: v4.3.606 Changelog:

Now Playing queue that allows for queuing and reordering of currently playing music.

New UI for navigation with transport controls on the action bar.

New large album art view on Recent.

Playlist art is now constructed from album art of songs in the playlist.

Now Playing widget has album art and support for thumbs up.

Harder, better, faster, stronger.

Go grab the update and start rocking out. Play Link Cheers Scott!

HTC Posts Rezound Ice Cream Sandwich Update Details Again, Lists the Old June 20 Release Date Too

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:33:19 +0000

Back on June 20, HTC posted software upgrade instructions for the Rezound and its impending Ice Cream Sandwich update. Initially, we were as excited as can be. But after not hearing a peep out of Verizon, we started to wonder if this was a mistake. Sure enough it was, and HTC removed the details almost immediately. Today, those same details for software build 3.14.605.10 have returned along with the June 20 date. We aren't sure if this means that the update is finally ready to be pushed or if someone accidentally pressed "publish" again. If Verizon releases details for the update, then we know this thing is on, but until then, keep your fingers crossed. HTC told us recently to expect the update at the end of July. Since today is the 18th, I'd say we are getting close. And don't forget, that this build leaked back in early June. Via: HTC Cheers Jason!

Adobe Reader Receives Sizable Update - Text Adding and File Organizer Included

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:20:26 +0000

Adobe Reader received an update this morning that brought with it an "Add Text" tool. In a previous update, Reader was given signature support, form filling, and doodling fun, but you weren't able to simply add text. I can't tell you how many times I have tried either, so I'm excited for this new addition. The Reader team also improved the file organizer, allowing you to create folders and copy, move, rename and delete files. They included more form filling options as well.

Add text to your PDFs with the Add Text tool
Use forms that have Field Validation, Calculation, and Formatting
Organize and manage your documents in Reader’s improved file organizer. Create folders, copy, move, rename, and delete files.
Help us make Reader better by optionally sharing anonymous usage data with us
Fixed several bugs and performance issues

Play Link

DIY: Nexus 7 Smartcase for About $10

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:40:35 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqL8tzUlTPE[/youtube]

If you have finally received your Nexus 7 and are looking to score a smartcase, then why not just make one yourself? If you haven't heard, the N7 has a "sweet spot" on its bezel where if you place a magnet on the specific corner, it will then turn on and off your display. To take advantage of this, all you have to do is buy a case such as this one from Amazon for a few bucks and then place a small magnet inside the threading. Once you have it all sealed up, you're good to go and can start showing it off and telling your friends how much a handyman you are. Win. Via: Geek Cheers Zachary!

Swiftkey 3 Updated With Jelly Bean Compatibility

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:24:55 +0000

Swiftkey 3 received an update today that makes it fully compatible with Jelly Bean (Android 4.1). They also tossed in UI fixes, squashed some bugs, and fixed prediction popup issues. And yeah, that's pretty much that. This is one of those apps that I actually recommend people buy, for those that haven't purchased it yet. If you aren't a swiper, this should be on your phone or tablet. Play Link Cheers @wipegently!

Nexus 7 Suffering From Dead Pixels and Lifting Displays (Updated: With Fix)

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:01:36 +0000

We love the Nexus 7 (our review) and have had almost no issues with it so far. That however, is not the case for everyone. Units started arriving in waves this week and customers are noticing a couple of issues that are probably big enough to warrant a return and exchange. The first issue has to do with displays starting to lift from the body of the Nexus 7. As you can see in the picture above, the display has lifted up and above the actual housing and side frame of the unit. You can push it back down, but the adhesive has clearly worn out or wasn't used properly. The display will eventually rise back up. The second issue is also display related, but has to do with dead pixels. In the retail unit I received yesterday, I am noticing a dead pixel in the top right corner of the display. It's not a bunch of pixels and I personally, can probably live with it, but it may drive some of you nuts. Now, I'm not the only person reporting this. If you cruise into various forums across the web, you'll see similar stories from those that received orders this week.

What can you do about either situation? If you receive yours and notice dead pixels or your screen rising up, you should probably take it or send it back to wherever you received it from. The display is arguably the main component to a tablet, so if it's not in prime condition, I'd request a new one. If you ordered from Google, you will find info on returns and exchanges here. They will ask you to contact device support here. According to their returns page, you only have 15 days to send it back. If you purchased from a retailer like Staples or Gamestop, you will have to return it and ask for an exchange from them. Update: A few readers have had success with this tip on how to fix the screen lifting issue. Update 2: We posted up step-by-step instructions with pictures here. Via: XDA | RootzWiki Cheers geeknasty, Ben, and Shawn!

UK Judge Orders Apple to Post on Website that Samsung Did Not Copy iPad Design

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:32:20 +0000

We need some of these U.K. judges shipped over here as soon as possible. In a recent ruling, Judge Colin Birss has ordered Apple to place a statement on the official Apple website that Samsung did not ripoff Apple's iPad design with their Galaxy Tab lineup. Apple's lawyers did contest this at first, explaining that this is essentially promoting Samsung on their own site, but the judge incredibly dismissed the claim. Along with the statement that will remain on Apple's site for the next six months, they must also publish it in several UK newspapers and magazines to help Samsung's overseas image. Booyah! Via: CNET Cheers Ryan and Matt!

The Indie Gala is Here, Download Fun Games and Donate to Charity All in One

Eric — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:59:16 +0000

Indie game bundles are all the rage these days, and why shouldn't they be? You get to download great games for a low price, support indie developers and usually charity at the same time. The Indie Gala is now live and ready for you to invest whatever you want into it. Any price will get you three games: The Lost Souls, Battle Group and Ichi, but if you pay more than the average amount you get access to a lot more titles since you're ponying up the extra cash.

When you purchase your games you can divide up your money to tell it where you want it to go. If you want support the developers more you can give them a share, but if you want to donate more money to the Italian Red Cross to help with Earthquake relief, or Able Gamers, another charity, you can do that as well. Gift URLs can be purchased and you can give these downloads to friends or family as well. Great games for a great cause, hit the link below for the Gala's website.

Via: Indie Gala

Andrew Bell Releases Android Wallpaper to Celebrate National Ice Cream Month

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:25:35 +0000

What better way to enjoy the heat of the summer than with a nice Ice Cream Sandwich. Dead Zebra's very own Andrew Bell posted this wallpaper to celebrate National Ice Cream Month and it sure is cute. Feel free to use it as your computer's desktop image or on your phone and tablet. Via: Twitter

Shared Data Plans: Verizon vs. AT&T

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 09:41:24 +0000

Now that AT&T has unwrapped their version of shared data plans, it made sense to do a comparison to Verizon's Share Everything plans. Since these are the two biggest carriers in our country and probably hold more customers between the two than all others combined, these will clearly affect many of you. So in the simplest of comparisons, we have two charts that represent your choices for shared data and their costs, followed by a couple of scenarios to see which carrier would be best meet your needs.

*There is a chance that AT&T will add in other tiers, but these are the 6 that they have announced.

Unlimited Talk and Text

With shared data plans, you get unlimited talk and text on both Verizon and AT&T.

Per Device Cost

For those just learning about shared data, we'll try to give you the basic breakdown of how this all works. First, you have a per device cost which essentially accounts for the unlimited minute and text plan that accompanies all shared data plans. So in the past, you paid $69.99 for 700 minutes, but now you are paying upwards of $45 to get unlimited talk and text. With Verizon, the fee is $40 for smartphones at all times - with AT&T, that number starts at $45 and goes down depending on how much data you add on. Basic phones are $30 on either carrier. When you add hotspots, laptops or netbooks, they will cost $20 per month on either carrier. Tablets will run you $10. The low prices for each of these have to do with the lack of a minute plan since you can't make calls on them.

Data Amount

Once you figure out how many devices you are going to attach to your account, you then decide on a data amount. As you can see above, Verizon has more options to choose from than AT&T, but there is a chance that changes in the future. The key thing to remember is that this data amount is shared by all of the phones, tablets, hotspots, and netbooks attached to your account. If you choose the 8GB plan, that doesn't mean that each device gets to use 8GB - each device gets to pull from one lump some of 8GB.

Examples

Enough info, let's talk examples for a second. Example 1: Your family has 2 smartphones and 1 basic phone, so you decide to buy 4GB of data.

Verizon: 2 smartphones at $40 per, 1 basic phone at $30 per, and a 4GB data plan for $70. Your monthly bill would roughly be $180 before fees and taxes. AT&T: 2 smartphones at $40 per, 1 basic phone at $30 per, and a 4GB data plan for $70. Your monthly bill would roughly be $180 before fees and taxes.

As you can see, it's a wash in this example on a numbers front. Example 2: You are an individual who uses little data, but needs a smartphone.

Verizon: 1 smartphone at $40 per with a 1GB plan at $50. Your monthly bill would roughly be $90 before fees and taxes. AT&T: 1 smartphone at $45 per with a 1GB plan at $40. Your monthly bill would roughly be $85 before fees and taxes.

Smartphones owners that use little data, AT&T edges Verizon by a small margin. Example 3: Big family with 4 smartphones, a tablet and a hotspot. You go big with a 14GB plan.

Verizon: 4 smartphones at $40 per, plus a tablet at $10 per, and a hotspot at $20 per plus a 14GB data plan for $120. Your monthly bill will run you around $310 before fees and taxes. AT&T: Since AT&T does not have a 14GB plan, we would have to go with the 15GB plan in this scenario. 4 smartphones at $30 per, 1 tablet at $10 per, and a hotspot at $20 per, plus a 15GB data plan for $160. Your monthly bill will run you around $310 before fees and taxes.

On AT&T, you get an extra 1GB of data and will pay the same price that Verizon customers will pay.

Conclusion

While the numbers may look different, especially with AT&T giving you a per device discount as you buy more data, it all comes out the same in the end for the most part. Not only that, but Verizon's 4G LTE network covers over 300 markets at this point while AT&T's is in only 47. It would have been surprising to see one to offer a significant discount over the other. In the end, it comes down to carrier preference just like it always has.

Verizon to Turn On 33 New 4G LTE Markets Tomorrow, Expanding in 32 Others

Tim — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 09:21:21 +0000

Verizon is still sticking to their plans to have 400 4G LTE markets by the end of this calendar year. With an additional 33 markets having their switches flipped tomorrow on July 19, that brings the grand total to 337 markets in the US. New Markets:

El Dorado/Magnolia and Russellville, Ark.
New London County, Conn.
Fort Pierce/Vero Beach and Melbourne/Titusville, Fla.
Columbus and Rome, Ga.
Burley, Idaho
Mattoon, Ill.
Anderson and Muncie, Ind.
Manhattan/Junction City and McPherson, Kan.
Lafayette/New Iberia, La.
St. Joseph, Mo.
Bozeman/Livingston, Kalispell and Missoula, Mont.
Goldsboro/Kinston, Roanoke Rapids and Rocky Mount/Wilson, N.C.
Zanesville, Ohio
Meadville and Punxsutawney/DuBois/Clearfield, Pa.
Orangeburg, S.C.
Sherman/Denison, Texas
Cedar City and Logan, Utah
Rutland/Bennington, Vt.
Lynchburg and Winchester, Va.
Bellingham, Wash.
Beckley, W.Va.

Expanding Markets:

Mobile, Ala.
Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, Calif.
Washington, D.C.
Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Sarasota/Bradenton, Fla.
Hilo, Honolulu and Kahului/Wailuku/Maui County, Hawaii
Blackfoot/Idaho Falls/Rexburg, Idaho; Peoria, Ill.
Indianapolis, Ind.
Wichita, Kan.
Baton Rouge, La.
Baltimore, Md.
Kansas City and Springfield, Mo.
Akron, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, Ohio
Allentown/Bethlehem, Harrisburg and Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa.
Columbia and Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.
Provo/Orem and Salt Lake City/Ogden, Utah
Fredericksburg, Va.
Seattle, Wash.

We have been hearing from folks around these areas that some are already seeing 4G LTE turned on. Are you going to be one of Verizon's new 4G LTE customers?

AT&T Announces Their Own Shared Data Plans, Launching in August

Kellen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 08:07:10 +0000

We knew it wouldn't be long before AT&T stepped into the shared data plan game. You didn't think it was going to be Verizon only, did you? The mobile landscape started changing years ago when tiered data was first introduced, but now more than ever, you will be paying a premium to take that smartphone of yours onto the web or into an app. Carriers realized that the money they were making from minutes and texts wasn't going to hold up forever and that data was their new cash cow. So AT&T's shared data plans look a lot like Verizon's in that you pay a flat fee for your phone and then pick from a variety of data options. Their's differs in that as you buy a bigger data bucket, your per device monthly charge goes down. The first tier of 1GB is cheaper than Big Red's at $40 and they are also not offering a 2GB plan. These plans will go into effect in August. For now (or at launch), they will allow you to choose between shared plans and their current plans, however, you have to expect that to change. The press release is below, but stick with us as we'll have comparison charts to Verizon's and also dive into the dirty details.

AT&T Gives Customers More Choice with New Shared Wireless Data Plans

New Mobile Share Plans Allow Customers to Easily Share Data Across Smartphones, Tablets and Other Devices. New and Current Customers Not Required To Choose or Switch to Shared Plans
AT&T* customers will soon have more options in choosing the plan that’s right for them and their mobile devices. With new AT&T Mobile Share plans, available in late August, new and existing customers can share a single bucket of data across smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices, plus get unlimited talk and text. AT&T Mobile Share plans make it easy for customers to manage their data, voice minutes and texting, without needing to keep track of multiple plans. Customers can select one of the new shared data plans or choose one of AT&T’s existing individual or family plans. Current customers are not required to switch to the new plans, but can choose to do so without a contract extension. There are no changes to AT&T’s device upgrade policy, which means customers eligible to upgrade to AT&T’s best device price are not required to switch plans. The new plans will also be available for business customers. With AT&T Mobile Share plans, customers start by choosing how much data they want each month, then choose up to 10 devices to attach to their shared plan, one of which must be a smartphone. Each plan includes tethering and unlimited domestic calls and texts for smartphones and basic or quick messaging phones. The larger the data bucket you choose, the less you pay per gigabyte and the less you pay for each smartphone added to the shared plan
AT&T Mobile Share allows customers to essentially build a plan to fit their devices and usage. Customers who are more data-centric can choose a larger data bucket. Customers who typically use more voice than data can add multiple smartphones and basic phones and opt for a smaller data bucket. “We offer customers a broad choice and the best lineup of plans, now enhanced by Mobile Share,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility. “With these new plans, the more you share, the more you save. They’ll be a good fit for a variety of new and existing customers. But if customers want to stay on their current plan or choose from our existing plans, they can do that, too. It’s their choice. “Today we think of people’s smartphones and tablets sharing a bucket of data. But in the future we’ll see health care monitors, connected cars, security systems and other devices in the home all connected to the mobile Internet,” said Christopher. “Our Mobile Share plans are simple, easy and a great value for individuals or families with multiple mobile Internet devices.” Mobile Share plans give customers more control over how, where and on what device they use data — which has become more important as people use more data devices. You can choose to use more of your data bucket on your tablet, for example, or tap into your data bucket only when needed for devices you use occasionally. And by consolidating data plans, you can take advantage of any data you currently have unused each month by efficiently sharing it across devices. “The ‘more you share, the more you save’ concept is one that will resonate well with customers because of the value provided through the Mobile Share data plans themselves and in smartphone connection fees,” said Roger Entner, Founder and Lead Analyst of Recon Analytics. “AT&T also is providing its customers with flexibility and choice by keeping its existing data plans and not requiring customers to move to Mobile Share unless they want to. It’s a win-win for both AT&T and its customers.” To help customers track their data usage, AT&T keeps users informed with courtesy alerts as they near their data allowance for the month. Also, customers can check their usage at anytime online, through the myAT&T mobile app, or by calling *DATA# from their mobile phone. Each data plan also includes access to more than 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots — the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network** among wireless carriers — at no additional charge. Wi-Fi usage at public hotspots, home or office does not count toward the monthly wireless data plan usage. Customers can learn more about the new plans and determine which plan is best for them atwww.att.com/mobileshare.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. ** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations. Smartphone required. 3G, HSPA+, LTE devices only. Up to ten devices per plan. Additional monthly charge per device. Tablets sold at a discounted, 2-year contract price not eligible. $15 per GB for add’l data. Activation fee may apply. Additional deposits and other restrictions may apply. About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Android Other: T-Mobile Galaxy Note Official, Sprint Lists Initial LTE Cities, AT&T Shared Data Plans On Their Way?

Eric — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 17:30:53 +0000

T-Mobile Officially Announces Samsung Galaxy Note, Arriving in "the Coming Weeks"

Late last night, T-Mobile released a short press release letting the world know that they will begin stocking and selling the Galaxy Note sometime soon. It's been a long time coming, but the 5.3" phablet will be available sometime in August if rumors are correct. It will sport the Snapdragon S3 processor clocked in at 1.5GHz, but will have no LTE radio, only T-Mo's HSPA+. It will also feature ICS out of the box, another welcome feature. If you're anxious to hear more, hit the source link below.

Via: TmoNews

Sprint Lays Out First Cities To Get LTE Network Airwaves

Sprint's LTE network is coming, just ask all the owners of the HTC EVO 4G LTE who are waiting for it. We just don't exactly know when, but when it does get here, we know where it will be going live. Sprint laid out their plans though for 15 cities to go live when their new network is ready to go.

Atlanta, Ga.
Athens, Ga.
Calhoun, Ga.
Carrollton, Ga.
Newnan, Ga.
Rome, Ga.
Dallas, Tx.
Fort Worth, Texas
Granbury-Hood County, Texas
Houston, Tx
Huntsville, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Waco, Texas
Kansas City, Mo.-Kan.
St. Joseph, Mo.

Lots of love for Georgia, Texas and Missouri in this initial rollout. Let's hope that they continue their network expansion quickly so that more people can have the benefits of LTE speeds and downloads.

Via: Sprint

Could AT&T Be Working On its Own Shared Data Plans?

After the uproar that occurred when Verizon launched their Share Everything Plans, it's hard to think another carrier would consider it, but AT&T might be following suit. A screenshot from an AT&T customer detailing his or her billing cycle showed a "Group Data" section that was unused, but was measured in MB anyway. This is far from definitive proof, but it might be a sign that AT&T is looking to cash in on shared data plans just like Verizon has. Time will tell if the two largest national wireless carriers will soon force their customers to switch to these new plans.

Via: Phone Arena

AT&T Galaxy SIII Updated to Take Away Global Search Function as a "Precautionary Measure"

The patent wars rage on with the Galaxy SIII on both Sprint and now AT&T being updated to dumb down their search function. Google and Samsung are looking to avoid more injunctions against Android devices like what happened to the Galaxy Nexus not too long ago. "Samsung has updated the software for the Galaxy S III as a precautionary measure to ensure that U.S. consumers may enjoy using our innovative products without interruption," is what Sammy had to say in a statement regarding the updates. It's good to see that shipments won't be stopped, but unfortunately Search, one of Google's greatest strengths, is going to suffer for it.

Via: Phone Scoop

Sprint Announces ICS Upgrades For HTC EVO 3D and EVO Design 4G

Android 4.0 was such an amazing upgrade to the OS that it is news whenever an existing phone is going to receive it. Sprint and HTC are working together to get two of their phones upgraded "sometime next month." The EVO 3D and EVO Design 4G will be getting OTA updates to ICS whenever the builds finish going through testing. Props to HTC for continuing to update it's phones to the latest versions of Android time and time again.

Via: Mobileburn

ICS Update For Motorola Atrix 2 Leaks Out, OTA Sometime Within the Coming Months?

The method named "Cheesecake" is basically tricking your phone into pinging servers with test builds of phones and downloading them. We've come across many updates using this method and now we can add the Atrix 2 to this list as well. Someone pinging the servers through Cheesecake came across the upgrade to ICS and proceeded to download it. This usually means that the update is in testing, and that we could see it sometime soon.

Via: Phandroid

CyanogenMod Team Listing Features That Are Good to Go for CM10

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:50:29 +0000

If you just can't wait to get your hands on CM10 and need to know what to expect already, then this may keep you happy for at least the next few days. The CyanogenMod team posted some of the custom features that have already been committed to the CM10 build and they are as follows:

Power menu Reboot
Power menu screenshot
Profiles
Lock screen Calendar
Lock screen Weather
Notification light customization
Battery light customization
IME Selector notification toggle
and a few more things to support Settings

Well, this is starting to sound awesome. This is already a good start, but you can rest assured that there will be even more custom features added before we see an official release candidate. Is there a certain feature that didn't appear on this list that you want to make sure gets into a final release? My fingers are crossed for toggles in the notification bar. Exciting times for the Android hacker in all of us. Via: Google+

Google Updates Nexus 7 Shipping Situation

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:08:51 +0000

We know that many of you have grown a bit frustrating having not yet received your Nexus 7 orders, even though you pre-ordered as early as during the Google I/O keynote. To help clarify the situation, Google has updated their shipping status info page with greater details. According to this note, they have shipped all standalone Nexus 7 8GB orders (if placed before July 13). By the end of the day on July 19, they will have shipped all standalone Nexus 7 16GB orders that were placed through July 11 and are upgrading those to overnight shipping. If you placed your order after July 11, your 16GB Nexus 7 will ship by the end of next week with overnight shipping. If you ordered your Nexus 7 with a case, charger or Nexus Q, your tablet will ship this week, but it may be ahead of the rest of your order. The full statement is below.

An update on Nexus 7 pre-order shipping status

We’ve had incredible demand for our new Nexus 7 tablet and are shipping them as quickly as possible. When your device ships you will receive a notification from Google Play with a shipping tracking number. We will have all orders placed through July 13 processed and shipped soon. Orders placed after July 13 will ship according to the quoted timeframe when you purchased and we will update you with a tracking number when we've shipped. Thanks for your patience. Below are more specific details by country for devices ordered through July 13. If the below information is not true for you, and you ordered on or before July 13, please reach out to our support team so we can investigate.

In the US: We’ve shipped all standalone Nexus 7 8GB orders (e.g.: those without a case, charger or Nexus Q). By the end of day on July 19 (PDT), we will have shipped all standalone Nexus 7 16GB orders placed through July 11 (PDT), and upgraded these orders to overnight shipping. We will process the remaining standalone Nexus 7 16GB orders by the end of next week with overnight shipping. If you ordered your tablet with a case, charger or Nexus Q, your Nexus 7 will ship this week with overnight shipping, in some cases ahead of the rest of your order. But don’t worry, the rest of your order will be on its way soon.

In Canada: We’ve shipped all Nexus 7 8GB orders. We are in the process of shipping Nexus 7 16GB orders and will ship them in 1-2 weeks.

In the UK: All Nexus 7 8GB orders will ship by July 20 (BST). All Nexus 7 16GB orders placed through June 30 (BST), will ship by July 20 (BST). The remaining Nexus 7 16GB orders will ship next week.

In Australia: All Nexus 7 8GB and Nexus 7 16GB orders will be fulfilled by the end of day on July 19 (AEST) and will arrive in 3-5 days.

Via: Google Support Cheers Bill and Jason!

How to: Unlock the Nexus 7 Bootloader

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:57:55 +0000

Before we start, I'll just get this out of the way. Yes, we know that you can use a 1-click tool, like the one from WugFresh, to do this all without any work. You won't need to worry about the Android SDK or drivers or anything, which is why it's called a 1-click. This set of instructions is for those that want to know what that 1-click does. It's also a way to get the SDK setup so that you can use it in the future if you were to run into any problems. While we understand the need for 1-clicks, we also recommend that you know exactly what they are doing to your phone or tablet. This guide will give you that.

Instructions:

1. Most important piece to this, is getting the Android SDK set up properly. [Instructions]

This can be one of the most difficult things to get set up, however, you cannot go forward without the SDK and adb set up and working. The instructions we linked should get you setup. Once the SDK is installed, you can move on to step 2.

2. Place a fastboot.exe file in your SDK/Tools (or Platform-Tools) folder (same as your adb.exe file) if it is not there already. [Download]

*You may also need to move AdbWinApi.dll into the same folder as your adb.exe and fastboot.exe if you are running into issues. I believe in the latest SDK, that everything defaults to SDK/Platform-Tools rather than SDK/Tools. Just depends on the version you are using. The big thing, is to get adb.exe, fastboot.exe, and AdbWinApi.dll into the same folder.

3. On your device, turn Developer options and USB Debugging on.

Settings>Developer options>USB debugging

4. Plug your tablet into your computer. 5. On your computer, head into SDK/Platform-Tools or wherever your adb.exe and fastboot.exe files are. 6. Hold SHIFT and right click – choose “Open command window here.”

7. Type the following command:

adb reboot bootloader

8. Your tablet will turn off and reboot to the bootloader.

9. Type the following command:

fastboot oem unlock *This step will fully wipe your device, just like a factory reset does. It's a good thing to unlock your device before you start to customize it and load it up with all of its apps because there is no way to avoid losing it all with this command.

10. Your tablet will then ask if you want to unlock.

11. Using the volume keys, highlight “Yes” and then press the power button to select it. 12. Your bootloader will now be unlocked.

13. Choose to start your tablet and it will factory reset itself and reboot. 14. You are now operating with an unlocked Nexus 7.

Quick video instructions:

*The device in the video is the Galaxy Nexus, but don't worry, it's the same exact process.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC9DmgtE80A[/youtube]

This is essentially just a copy of our Galaxy Nexus bootloader unlock tutorial since all Nexus devices can be unlocked the same way. To figure out any issues that you may run into, that post is a great place to start. There are some 500+ comments with users addressing issues like crazy.

Retail Nexus 7 vs. I/O Nexus 7 [Pictures]

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:33:50 +0000

A retail Nexus 7 showed up on my doorstep today, so I thought, "What the heck, let's do a comparison to the one handed out at Google I/O." As many of you know, the Google I/O edition comes in white and the retail edition is officially "brown" (at least according to the box). Other than that, the retail version has a silverish rim between the screen and the rear rubber backing. On the white version, its a black top, black rim, and then the white backing. The "brown" back of the retail version is already showing a few fingerprints from holding it, while the white version does a great job of hiding sweat marks. With that said, the white one will show scuffs or stains much more than the brown.

The microphones, camera, pin connectors, headphone jack, and microUSB port are all in the exact same places. These two devices are exact replicas, but in different colors. In a way, this situation is similar to the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX, which are identical aside from their different battery sizes, only these have the same battery, just different color schemes. They run identical software builds, have matching kernels, and will receive updates at the exact same time.

And that's pretty much that, just wanted to share. Which one would you prefer to have if you had a choice?

Adult Swim Pushes Major Mayhem to Google Play, Time to Kill Baddies

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:57:51 +0000

Oh, heck yes. Adult Swim's Major Mayhem can now be found on Google Play and there is tons of fun to be had. Your job? Save the whole world from total annihilation. How will you do it? A vast assortment of weapons like machine guns, lasers, and bombs. There are 45 different levels for you to fight through and you can even make the Major go through costume changes. The game is free and is worth hours of finger-pointing fun. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6IJ7lQLOA0[/youtube]

Nexus 7 8GB Now "In Stock" From Google Play, Get It in 3-5 Business Days

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:59:41 +0000

This morning, we mentioned that the 16GB version of the Nexus 7 had been pushed back to a "3-4 weeks" shipping time frame. The 8GB version on the other hand, just upgraded to "in stock" and can be shipped to your house in 3-5 business days. I think it's fair to say that the 16GB version has been much more of a hit because of the extra storage. Either that or Google created more stock of the 8GB knowing that it would be gobbled up at $199. You can't really go wrong with either, you just need to decide how many movies, albums, TV shows, and games you plan to have on your device at one time. Play Link Cheers Innes!

Yes, the Nexus 7 has Auto-Rotate - Just Not From the Home Screen

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:50:53 +0000

When your Nexus 7 arrives this week, try not to freak out that it sits in portrait mode and won't rotate to landscape from the home screen. The device was built to be a portrait tablet, just look at the back side and the front facing camera location. Think of the home screen UI as if it were a phone and not a two-hand holding tablet. It was created for media consumption that includes reading books, browsing the web, etc., things you would all do from a portrait view for the most part. If you want to go landscape though (outside of the home screen) to watch a movie, you can, just by rotating your device. It is really no different than your phone. If you notice that the device isn't rotating, feel free to pull the notification bar down and hit the rectangular icon with the two arrows around it. Actually, if it's not rotating, it's probably showing up as a lock with two arrows around it. In order to get your device to rotate, it needs to have the box with arrows. And if you have to have the landscape tablet experience while on the home screen, there is a hack for that. Or you could install a third party launcher.

Tip: Type "Weather" Into Google From Your Tablet and See Beautiful Weather Visualizations

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:10:16 +0000

Weather searches from your tablet are now more beautiful than ever. The Google Search team introduced weather visualizations to bigger screened devices today, which as you can see, look a heck of a lot like the cards that are found in Google Now. These new visualizations are interactive, meaning you can slide the hourly temperature meter for up to 10 days, scroll day-by-day to check the forecast, and toggle between temperature, precipitation, and wind (not showing on my screenie for some reason). To get the weather to be displayed this way, simply open a browser and type "weather" in the address bar. Via: Google+ | Phandroid

Motorola XOOM Found Not to Infringe on Apple's Design Patents in Germany

Eric — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:40:35 +0000

You guys remember the XOOM right? It may not be the sexiest thing in the world, but it has gone through 2 versions of Android already, soon to be upgraded to a third. In Germany, Apple decided that the XOOM looked a little bit too much like their tablet and took Motorola to court over it.

Luckily for Android tablet makers, the court denied that Motorola has infringed upon anything with their design of the XOOM. Unfortunately it wasn't the total victory that Moto was looking for. They said that Apple's registration for the patent was invalid, but the court did not agree. Both parties won something here but don't think this will keep companies from filing suit again.

Via: The Verge

Security Research Says Jelly Bean is the Most Secure Version of Android Yet

Eric — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:20:44 +0000

Jelly Bean certainly had its share of flashy upgrades to talk about during Google I/O. Now, we are slowly starting to learn about the many under-the-hood updates that Google added in. Digging through the code, security researcher Jon Oberheide said that Android 4.1 finally takes a step in the right direction with another layer of security, by properly implementing address space layout randomization, or ASLR.

To put it plainly, ASLR takes core pieces of the OS and randomizes them, thwarting would-be hackers by changing locations of places where they would like to exploit with malicious apps and websites. Ice Cream Sandwich debuted with ASLR, but not all the pieces of the OS were randomized. Some were static, leaving hackers to attack those parts each time. Good news for us Android users.

Via: Ars Technica

Evernote for Android Receives Tablet Makeover - List View, New Home Screen, and New Panels Included

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:58:48 +0000

The previous tablet version of Evernote looked pretty, but the functionality wasn't quite there. In today's update, the tablet version now mimics that of the phone, plus it adds even more features since it has extra screen real estate to take advantage of. You now have multiple columns that can be displayed with a simple swipe, notes can be displayed as a list rather than just big thumbnails, and the design of note lists has made reading them much easier than ever. On top of this new tablet UI, smaller screen sizes also get new goodies. Sublists have been added, which means you can add several levels to your bulleted or numbered lists. Lastly, they made slideshows faster and more reliable for those notes with multiple photos.

Via: Evernote | Play Link Cheers Tim!

Smule Introduces AutoRap for Android, Makes You an Instant Rhymeologist

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:35:40 +0000

Smule, the creators of Magic Piano and Songify, have launched AutoRap onto Google Play. Much like Songify, it takes your regular speech and turns it into a funky fresh jam for you and all your friends to laugh with. You are given a few free beats, but you can also get points to unlock popular rap songs as well. To get a really good idea of just how awesome this app can be, check the video below. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1DgNfz1g_s[/youtube]

Sonos for Android Receives Update, Optimized for Tablet Use

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:50:34 +0000

Sonos is one of those tech companies that seems to get it. When they made their initial push into your living rooms, they put their Hi-Fi sound systems into the hands of as many tech minds as possible to help spread the word. It seems to have paid off, because their products have seemingly blown up over the last year. But rather than ignore them like so many other companies and focus on new goods, they continue to work on improvements that will benefit current customers. While the speakers themselves can't really be updated once a customer purchase them, they are choosing to focus on the software used to run them. The latest example is the update for the Sonos Controller that came out today on Android, iPhone and iPad. For Android, they released a tablet-optimized version, that when in landscape, mimics the desktop version. It's as fully-featured an app as you'll find anywhere. It also looks beautiful now that they have included much larger album art pictures. For the iPad version has even been built to take advantage of the new retina display. Keep at it, Sonos. Play Link

Video: Chameleon Launcher Up and Running on Nexus 7 with Jelly Bean

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:25:53 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUyClY-1JuQ[/youtube]

The popular, yet still to be released, Android launcher called Chameleon is shown off on a Nexus 7 running Jelly Bean. With that Tegra 3 chip inside, it's running smooth and beautifully which makes the wait for release even more unbearable. No date has been given yet on launch, but you can pre-order the skin from their official website for $10. Release the darn app already. Cheers Eric!

AmazonWireless Hosting Hot Mid-Summer Sale, DROID RAZR On Sale for a Single Penny

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:00:19 +0000

AmazonWireless has begun their "Hot Mid-Summer Sale" on select Android devices and the DROID RAZR just so happens to be one of them. For a very limited time, new buyers or folks adding a line to an existing family plan can have the RAZR for only a single cent. Not bad. They are also holding deals on a few Sprint phones such as the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy SIII. If you want to check the deals out, just follow the link below. AmazonWireless

LG Optimus Vu for Verizon Pictured in the Wild

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:26:42 +0000

Oh, Verizon. Is the LG Optimus Vu really the answer? Apparently so, as the phone with their branding all over it has been pictured in the wild. It doesn't appear to have changed in the slightest since we took a look at it during CTIA. The device still rocks a 5" display with 4:3 ratio, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 S3 processor, 4G LTE, 2080mAh battery, 8MP rear camera, and is only 8.5mm thick. When we first got our hands on it, it was still running Gingerbread, however, the device pictured above is running Ice Cream Sandwich and will likely ship with it. So when can we see this disaster of a phone? It certainly seems like it should be soon. After all, we saw the Vu cruise through the FCC back at the end of June. We have no idea what this will retail for, but doubt that it will be cheap. Is this Verizon's big ass phone option instead of the Galaxy Note? Unfortunately, it may be. Interested?

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

Via: Android Police

Lara Croft: Guardian of Light Hits Google Play, We Miss Angelina Jolie

Tim — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:00:37 +0000

Tomb Raider fans can grab the brand new Guardian of Light off of the Google Play Store. It throws you deep into Central America in search for an artifact that gives its possessor the ability to control the future of mankind. Naturally, you have to stop the bad guys from getting to it first. The game costs $1.29, but I haven't been able to find a device that is compatible yet. If you run into the same issue, let us know down below. Play Link ($1.29)

ClockworkMod Recovery 6 Released for Galaxy Nexus, ROM Manager Overhaul is on the Way Too

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:20:36 +0000

Last week, Koush talked about a release of ClockworkMod Recovery 6 that would include a handful of new features. Last night, we released the update for the Galaxy Nexus, bringing with it faster backups, a new backup format, fixed restoring of backups greater than 2GB, and a fancy new background. If you want to update to this right away, you can do so through ROM Manager. Speaking of ROM Manager, he also announced that everyone's favorite ROM flasher is in need of a makeover. A UI rewrite will arrive "shortly" and will include a paid ROM section, an option to upload your ROM for anyone to use, and the ability to connect your ROM to Recovery Builder. It's hard to believe that this fantastic app has been around for 2 years already. Bring on the makeover! Via: Google+ Cheers Scott and Scott!

16GB Nexus 7 Shipping Estimate Now at 3-4 Weeks

Kellen — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:07:30 +0000

Hopefully you placed your order for a 16GB Nexus 7 order already, as the shipping estimate is now showing as "3-4 weeks" instead of the "1-2 weeks" time frame for the 8GB model. This is just a guess, but I'd say that customers are realizing before purchasing that 8GB of storage is not enough, even if the device is cloud-focused. One HD movie and a couple of big games can take up 8GB of space in a matter of minutes, so going with the larger storage option of the two is probably the safest move. Most orders should arrive today, be sure to let us know your initial thoughts on the hottest little 7" tablet to hit store shelves in some time. Via: Google Play Cheers anezarati and Andrew!

L8 SmartLight Kickstarter Project Can Turn Your Notifications into Visual Cues

Tim — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:00:40 +0000

There has been an ever increasing number of cool projects popping up on Kickstarter, and L8 SmartLight is no different. With L8, you can use a box packed with 64 LED's and one Super LED to give visual cues for notifications when hearing them is not an option. For example, you can personalize a color or pattern you want to see for incoming calls, emails, and text messages. This is definitely the most unique notification/light system we have seen. It does much more than just notifications though. Through an application that gives you complete control of the light and color output, you can use it to set the mood with special lighting and even turn it into a strobe for your next rave. It has a proximity sensor, can show temperature levels thanks to another sensor, connects via Bluetooth, informs you of new social network updates, and will express your mood in a variety of fashions. With manufacturing and delivery expected to be done by November of this year, this is just in time to become a nice Christmas present for a tech lover (wink). Check the video below to see the wide variety of tasks that you can use the L8 SmartLight for. Via: Kickstarter

Fun Fact: Google Refers to the Android Home Screen Dock as the "Hotseat"

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:26:11 +0000

Trivia buffs, here is your question of the day. "What does Google and the Android team refer to the home screen dock as?" After trying to add a sixth icon to the area in Jelly Bean, it's pretty obvious that they are referring to it as the "hotseat." Not much else to say, but thought it was interesting enough to share. Cheers Inquizitor!

Try Not to Damage Your Galaxy S3, Asurion May Not Have Replacements Yet

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:19:57 +0000

Since the Samsung Galaxy S3 is so new, as in less than a week, it would make sense that there aren't many replacements available for warranty claims. Carriers themselves are having trouble with initial stock, so you can imagine what it must be like for insurance companies. According to two of readers who had to file claims on their new devices already, that is indeed the case through Asurion. From what we were told, they are without replacement devices and weren't all that clear as to when they may have them in. So grab a case and guard your new Galaxy S3 with your life. We have reached out to Asurion to see if we can get a better understanding of the GS3 situation. Once we hear back, we'll let you know. Cheers Neil and Roxy!

HTC HD2 Proves Again That Age is Just a Number, Receives Its First Jelly Bean ROM

Eric — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:25:37 +0000

November of 2009, the HTC HD2 launched to many anxious hands. The phone ran Windows Mobile 6.5, not anywhere near the Windows Phone we know now. Soon, Android was ported to the device and time and time again, developers have proven able to port the newest version of Android to the device before most modern phones get them. Now, the HD2 has an alpha version of Jelly Bean, and it's mostly working.

No matter that the phone only has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, or that it only has 512MB of RAM, the only things not working for Android 4.1 on the HD2 are Google Now, the cameras, the browser and a few applications. That being said, this is far from a daily driver and in the terms of the developer "just a proof of concept that HD2 can run JB." If you want to see how it was done, hit the source link below and marvel at how flexible Android can be.

Via: XDA

First Look: Android Series 3 Collectibles

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:50:40 +0000

A reader of ours attended ComicCon last week in San Diego and walked away with a handful of goodies that we are beyond jealous of. He kicked it with Andrew Bell for a few minutes before diving into a set of his new Series 3 Android Collectibles. We have seen these suckers leak in blurry or rendered pictures here or there, but these are pictures of 5 of the new designs from the set in the wild. How cool is the see-through Bugdroid with the mini Bugdroid inside? 8-Ball Bugdroid with included pool cue and hat? The owl? This is only 5 of the 16 and we are blown away, so you can imagine how anxious we are to see the rest. Said to be launching some time in late July, we cannot wait to get a hold of a couple of cases.

Cheers Shawn!

Instagram Updated in Google Play, Adds Nexus 7 Support

Tim — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:30:31 +0000

Your favorite hipster filter application has been updated today to allow for Nexus 7 support. Although the Nexus 7 does not have a back-facing camera, users like myself still like to peruse the galleries and stalk our friend's activities. Along with the added support, you can share photos to Flickr, which is an added bonus. If you have been missing Instagram on your new Jelly Bean tablet, go grab it now. Play Link Cheers K!

DROID RAZR Sees Another Leak to 6.16.215 - Chrome Included, Plus New Kernel and LTE Radio

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:59:03 +0000

A new update has been found for the DROID RAZR on Motorola's servers as build 6.16.215 and it looks to be an important one. The baseband (LTE radio in this case) and kernel have both been updated. Forum members who have already flashed this are claiming that they can tell a difference on the connectivity front, too. Along for ride is Google's Chrome, though we aren't sure if Moto is also removing the stock browser. An Atrix HD leak appeared last week that had Chrome included as well, so we're thinking that Motorola is ready to accept the non-beta Chrome that was released a couple of weeks back, as the new standard for their devices going forward. In order to flash this, you need to be stock 6.16.211, which means no frozen apps. Also, if you want to return to 6.16.211, you can via RSD Lite and the leaked fastboot file from last week. Via: DroidRzr Cheers TopSnake!

Carbon Developer Gives Update, Twitter Application Coming Soon and For Free

Eric — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:25:12 +0000

If you remember from a while back, we introduced you to Carbon for Android, a hugely popular Twitter client that started on webOS. The first video, even weeks back, showed great promise of an app that we couldn't wait to get our hands on. Unfortunately, things went quiet on the Carbon front, but the team has come out and given us an update on where they are and when we can expect the application.

The problem stems from the fact that not everyone around the world can publish Paid applications on the Play Store, the United Arab Emerates being one of those countries excluded. The development team was waiting for an announcement at I/O this year to see if they could have a paid application, but that never came. Carbon has decided the next best thing - release the app anyway:

So, we finally decided to make it a free app. Yep, a premium free app. No Ads(we believe that Ads cripple the experience no matter how efficiently done, it's just wrong on an app that users use all day long). Going free, doesn't mean watering the app down, but a mean to get the app that we've been working on for a long time, designs that went through endless iterations and tweaking to be experienced out there by our eager friends who've been waiting for months.

Sounds like the team is making the best out of a bad situation. They also have a targeted release date as well: July 22nd. The app has been in private testing for weeks now so this Twitter client should have lots of polish by the time we get our hands on it. Is there any room left on your phone for another ICS-inspired Twitter client?

Via: Google+

CM9 Inches Closer to Verizon's Locked Galaxy S3, Kexec Boot Sequence Created

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:04:51 +0000

Rather than focusing on the negative aspect of the locked bootloader that accompanies the Galaxy S3 on Verizon, developer CVPCS decided to figure out a way around it. Using kexec, which has become synonymous with signed bootloader devices, he has created a boot sequence that allows you to flash custom kernels to the device, leading to CyanogenMod compatibility. In a Google+ post released this morning, he breaks it all down.

So for anyone who is wondering, this last weekend I finalized a kexec-based boot sequence for CM9 on the d2vzw (Samsung Galaxy S3, Verizon variant) that will allow standard installs to the device. All of the kexec internals are now stored on the system partition, and cold booting into the stock kernel will result in the following: 1.) boot is hijacked immediately after the filesystems are mounted 2.) kexec-boot.zip is copied to /cache and set to auto-flash on reboot 3.) device is rebooted into recovery 4.) kexec-boot.zip is auto-flashed without user interaction 5.) device is kexec-rebooted with androidboot.mode=kexec 6.) boot is not hijacked since it is within a kexec environment 7.) the system is now booted with a custom kernel This means we now have custom kernels that can be booted directly from a cold boot (no booting into recovery and flashing a zip manually, that will be done for you). Also this means that all of the kexec internals are on the /system partition, so backups and restores from recovery function as expected. The only downside to this is that the boot process actually involved 2 quick reboots, but it's preferable IMO to having to flash manually from recovery. The main problem still existing with the device is the lack of data connectivity. This is currently being looked into. Voice calls and SMS function as expected, but the SIM appears to be failing provisioning resulting in no 3G/4G connectivity. I'll keep you posted.

As you can see, there is a problem with the SIM and radios, which Austen does not believe to be because of bootloader situation. It sounds like they should be able to fix it in time. Locked or unlocked, the devs are coming through in magnificent ways. Via: Google+ Cheers Steve!

Monday Poll: Who is Your Favorite Tablet Manufacturer Today?

Tim — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:40:33 +0000

With more people than ever looking to snatch up an Android tablet, we figured it would be a good idea to see who reigns supreme in the tablet market through the eyes of our readers. With four highly popular tablets available, ASUS could be a clear winner for most, but let's not count out Samsung's large portfolio or even Motorola's offerings such as the XOOM and the XYBOARD lineup. We know it may seem a bit one-sided, seeing as how ASUS is now the maker of the most popular Android tablet to date (the Nexus 7), but there will always be room for user preference. Sound off in the comments below and let us know your thoughts on Android tablet manufacturers. [poll id="189"]

Video: Another Landslide Victory for Google Voice Search Over Siri

Tim — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:49:51 +0000

Google's Voice Search is batting 1.000 against Apple's Siri in a new video of the two going head to head. While I still think it's unreasonable to compare the two (one is just simply more advanced), it is fun to watch others have fun with Google's new Voice Search and get a laugh at Siri's expense. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grmixtB9dZM[/youtube] Cheers everyone who sent this in!

Motorola MOTOACTV Drops Significantly in Price to $149, Includes $30 Watch Strap

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 10:15:54 +0000

The Motorola MOTOACTV fitness tracker has been reduced significantly in price over the last week or so. Originally introduced at $249 for the 8GB model, you can grab one today for as little as $140 at some stores, but $149 seems to be the standard price. When purchasing, the MOTOACTV also comes with a watch strap now, something that was an extra $30 at initial launch. If the 8GB model doesn't sound like it contains enough storage, you can find the 16GB version for as little as $180 at retailers like Walmart. For those that haven't followed our coverage of the MOTOACTV, just know that this has quickly become one of the finer fitness products around. This fitness tracker has golf software for scoring rounds, tracks dozens of fitness activities, syncs with a solid web interface, has companion apps that allow you to receive Facebook or Twitter updates, shows you notifications for calls and texts, and even has built-in GPS. This may also sound odd, but Motorola updates this thing like crazy and is always listening to users on how it can be improved. At launch, it may have been overpriced. Now, this almost seems like a steal. Buy: Amazon | Walmart | Motorola Cheers Tony!

This Nexus 7 Unboxing Video Montage is Hilarious

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:46:42 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32DD4DF7Qpo[/youtube]

As someone that unboxes mobile devices for a living, I have to admit that this video montage of other writers having difficulty unboxing the new Nexus 7 is hilarious. As you'll soon know when your pre-order from Google arrives, this thing is packaged up tightly. In fact, Tim and I unboxed it in our hotel room at Google I/O and quickly realized how big of a pain in the rear the tape job was. Finger nails can't cut through this industrial strength stuff, you need something sharp. You may have noticed that we didn't post an unboxing and instead went with the "hands-on with a demo device" followed by a device overview once we returned from San Francisco. We filmed an unboxing, but it wasn't pretty and decided to pass on it, partly because of the issues we had. In some way, I feel like Google and Asus just played the ultimate troll trick on the tech reporting universe. This video shows that, oh so well. Imagine us struggling right along with these select reporters. "I don't know if they taped it or what, but it's in here tight."

Official XBMC Headed to Android, Test Build Download Available

Tim — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:00:42 +0000

XBMC is a widely popular media center that is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows users. The good news for Android device owners is that it will soon be made available to us as well. Once installed on Android, users can access all of their on-device media files including music, video and photos, but also download from a large assortment of content add-ons that can be viewed while on a WiFi or data connection. For example, there is a working plugin for the website Funny or Die which seems to work quite well even on the test build. The developers posted an official teaser video which has since been made private. Here's a little hands on from a community member with an early test build. Feel like trying it yourself? You can download the test build right here. The app has not yet been optimized for smaller screens, but where there is a will, there is a way. In other news, the apk has been ported to even the Nexus Q and it looks to work well. Praise Android developers. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56lzkBnCFqU[/youtube] Via: XMBC Cheers Bharath, Nick, Elementix, and Luke!

Verizon is Not Releasing a Software Update to Unlock the Galaxy S3 Bootloader

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:31:30 +0000

We just heard back from Verizon, and they said that there will not be an update to unlock the bootloader on the Samsung Galaxy S3. The confusion with customer service reps who were telling customers that there was an update on the way, has to do with a software update that will unlock GSM roaming, making the device globally ready. This was one of the scenarios we discussed last night. To be honest, it wouldn't have made much sense for them to release a software update to unlock this device knowing that Samsung is selling a developer edition. It's clear now that your option, should a fully unlockable bootloader be a must, is the dev edition which now has a landing page. Our focus returns to the developer community and the bootloader bounty which is up to $2315.

Verizon's Galaxy S3 Does Simultaneous Voice and Data Over 3G

Kellen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 07:49:21 +0000

Just over a year ago, Verizon did not have a single phone that was able to utilize a data connection while on a call with a 3G signal. We call this simultaneous voice/data, something that the HTC Thunderbolt was the first to take advantage of. As of today, we know that the Rezound is capable of this as well, and would assume the new Incredible 4G can too, but what about the Galaxy S3? Can the hottest Android phone on the planet browse the web while you sit through an hour long conference call in the middle of no where? It appears as if it can. This morning, using our 4G LTE off trick, I placed a call over 3G and was able to jump right onto the Droid Life site without a hiccup. Since the phone uses a Qualcomm chipset, which we would assume includes one of their modems, this shouldn't come as a complete surprise. Qualcomm also produced the modems in those HTC devices that we named previously. While Verizon's 4G LTE blanket over this country grows by the day, at least you know that in 3G-only areas, you will have a trick up your sleeve. Cheers Michael!

Nexus 7 Receives Tiny 859KB Update, This Time to JRO03D

Kellen — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 19:34:22 +0000

The Nexus 7 has an update rolling out to it tonight as build JRO03D. It's still Android 4.1.1 and is tiny enough (859KB), that we aren't even sure what it changes. The Galaxy Nexus received JRO03C last week, so if anything, it's a slightly newer build. It doesn't appear to be a dumbed down Search as I was able to search for contacts and apps from within. If we find out what was changed, we'll be sure to let you know. In the mean time, jump into Settings>About tablet>System updates to pull it.

Galaxy S3 Developer Edition Goes Live on Samsung's Site, 32GB and in Pebble Blue (Updated)

Kellen — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 19:10:45 +0000

A landing page for the Samsung Galaxy S3 "Developer Edition" that will run on Verizon's network has gone live this evening with a "Coming Soon!" tag attached. We aren't seeing a price, but have already been told that it will retail for $599. If this page is accurate and the "Developer Edition" will sport 32GB of storage, then those who buy will actually end up with a deal. The 32GB versions sold through Verizon run $649. As a reminder, if you are interested in this device, you have to purchase it directly through Samsung's store. The version that Big Red sells is subsidized and comes with a signed bootloader. There are rumors of a possible software patch to unlock the bootloader on the Verizon version, but we aren't ready to fully buy into that unless we hear it directly from a VZW executive. For those that can't live without a fully open Android device, but need to stick with Verizon, this is your option. Update: A 16GB version is appearing on Samsung's site as well. I would guess that the 16GB version will run $599 and the 32GB version at $649. Via: Samsung Cheers Anthony!

Verizon Support is Telling Customers the Galaxy S3 Bootloader Will Soon be Unlocked Via Software Update? (Updated)

Kellen — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:49:15 +0000

Update: We just heard back from Verizon, and they said that there will not be an update to unlock the bootloader on the device. The confusion with customer service reps has to do with a software update that will unlock GSM roaming, one of the scenarios we talked about last night. To be honest, it wouldn't have made much sense for them to release a software update to unlock this device knowing that Samsung is selling a developer edition. By now, you all know that the bootloader on Verizon's Galaxy S3 is locked (signed), right? And you also probably know that Samsung has plans to release a developer edition that can be unlocked, only you have to fork out $599 to get it. Well, what if Big Red's stance has changed, all of a sudden? On Friday afternoon, we received an email from a reader who had received a response from Verizon's support, concerning the bootloader situation. The email is below, but it essentially says that Samsung will be releasing a software update that will allow the device to be unlocked. There isn't a date for the release, but it could be "soon." Being the skeptics that we are, we emailed Verizon's PR to see if this was true. While we have yet to receive official word back, we are seeing other signs that point to a software update as a possibility. Here is one of the original emails that started this whole thing:

My name is Levar and thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless about the boot loader for the Galaxy S3. I know this may be frustrating but there will be a solution soon coming. Samsung will be releasing a software update to unlock your device. Right now, we do not have a date for the release but it shall be soon. Verizon Wireless appreciates you as a customer and your patience in this matter. Have a great weekend! Sincerely, Levar Verizon Wireless Customer Service

After seeing that email, we started hearing from other readers who were receiving similar responses. To make sure this wasn't some giant conspiracy, I too jumped onto Verizon's site and chatted with a sales rep. I asked as plain as day if the bootloader situation was ever going to change. The rep said "it's going to be unlocked via Verizon soon." It appears as if he checked into some sort of support system that mentioned an unlock update. Here is a screenshot of the chat I had moments ago:

To add to that, another reader went directly to Samsung to see if they could get a response. Below is a screenshot of that response, however, it's a tad confusing. The important part reads "There will be unlock tool that will be released for the Galaxy S III version from Verizon as of this moment." It seems like he forgot the word "not" since he ended with "as of this moment," or there actually is an unlock tool coming. Tough to tell, you guys decide. Here is an email response directly from Samsung that talks about a tool:

As of now, we are under the impression that there may be a solution on the way. We aren't sure if it's simply poor communication about this "developer edition" of the phone, which technically hasn't even been announced yet or if Verizon has approved a software update. Something is definitely going on, but until we hear back from Verizon with an official response, let's try not to get too excited. Others are also under the impression that this has to do with a global unlock, so that you can take your phone overseas, and that reps are simply confused. Again, let's wait until we hear something official. Cheers Peter and Chris!

Motorola XOOM WiFi Update Incoming, Should be Jelly Bean

Kellen — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:20:19 +0000

When Google announced that Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) would be available in mid-July, they also mentioned that devices like the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S and Motorola XOOM WiFi would be the first to receive it. According to members of Motorola's Feedback Network, the XOOM could see it very shortly. An invitation to test new software for the device is going out to members of the Motorola forums, and we would be surprised if it wasn't Jelly Bean. The timing matches up to what Google told us, plus, you have remember that there are no carrier barriers to break through when updating this device. Since it's WiFi-only, all you need is for Motorola to test it a bit, then have forum members test it, and then push it out. Get ready for Google Now! Cheers to everyone who sent this!

Nexus 7 an Early Hit, Selling Out at Most Retailers Already

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:47:50 +0000

Hopefully you pre-ordered a Nexus 7 and your retailer of choice is holding onto it for you if you have yet to pick it up. Reuters is reporting that stores like Gamestop, Sam's Club, and Staples are all selling out of their first allotments of this hot little $199 tablet before it has officially gone on sale. All signs are pointing to next week being the official launch, since Google is just now shipping Play Store orders, however, pre-orders at many retailers have been available for pick up all day today. Online stores and brick and mortars have only a few left or none at all. If you had planned on trying to snag one this weekend, be sure to call ahead. And if you haven't yet, be sure to read our Nexus 7 review. Spoiler alert! We love it. Via: Reuters

Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 Available at Office Depot?

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:36:23 +0000

Did I miss the press release on this one? Last we had heard, Asus was still targeting a July 16 or "later" launch for the Transformer Pad Infinity, but according to Office Depot's site, you can buy it today for $499. It doesn't even look like a pre-order. You can walk-through the entire checkout process and have your new Pad Infinity in 3 days thanks to free shipping. We reviewed the Pad Infinity back in June, calling it a solid product with the best screen of any Android tablet to date. It's tough to deny that a 1920x1200 display with 224ppi is anything short of beautiful. The Pad Infinity also sports a new Tegra 3 chip that is clocked higher than the T3 we have seen in any other device to date, making this one powerful gaming and media consumption device. It'll be interesting to see if this tablet stays available or if we have discovered another "Ooopsie!" moment. Via: Office Depot Cheers Tony!

This Week in the Life of DROID: 7/13/2012

Tim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:45:56 +0000

As Nexus 7 tablets begin to ship out to patient consumers, I would say that's a pretty good way to kick off a weekend. People will start loving Jelly Bean and experiencing the fun that is the Nexus 7. This week, we discovered that HTC has plans to bring a device sporting a 1080p display to Verizon and Motorola's RAZR HD has been confirmed to have a Snapdragon S4 and HD display, again. If you missed any of the big news, here are the highlights:

Have a fantastic weekend and a safe Friday the 13th!

How to: Create App Folders on the Galaxy S3

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:45:23 +0000

In Ice Cream Sandwich, Google made it incredibly easy to create folders full of apps. All you had to do was drag one on top of the other and a folder was created. From there, you could simply add app after app until the folder was full. On the Galaxy S3, Samsung went a different route and made it somewhat difficult when compared to the traditional Android way. You now have to add a folder by pressing Menu>Create folder or by grabbing an app from the app drawer and then dragging it onto a "Create folder" icon that appears in the bottom left corner. Once the folder is created, you can easily add apps into it, but that initial step may take some getting used to. If you have been confused on how to make folders over the last couple of days with your new phone, maybe this video will help. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH_JV55pqeM[/youtube]

EA Games Releases World Series of Poker to Google Play, Feed Your Addiction on the Go

Eric — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:53:58 +0000

Not that there haven't been gambling applications on Android before, but today, EA is bringing the full World Series of Poker experience to our phones. For the low price of free, you can jump into hands of Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha or other game types with your friends or people playing the application around the world. Win some hands and get some earnings and this app allows you to compete for virtual bracelets and those earnings can go towards buying in at higher-stakes tables.

There's just one catch: you have to login to the application with your Facebook account. At the time there's no way to play without giving them your information so that alone might be a deal breaker for some. The developers are promising a guest mode that will work without Facebook at some point but you will have to wait for that. If you just have to have your gamblin fix, hit the link below.

Play Link

How To: Enable Tegra 3 Graphics on Dead Trigger with Non-Tegra 3 Devices

Tim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:07:19 +0000

If you play Madfinger's Dead Trigger, but don't own a Tegra 3 powered device, then you're missing out. NVIDIA teamed up with Madfinger to bring better graphics for Tegra 3 chips, but unfortunately, that leaves some users longing for more in the aesthetics department. Don't worry, the Android developer community is here to the rescue. If you own a rooted device, then you can make a simple edit to the game's files which will allow for the better graphics playback. Instructions:

First of all, enable graphics details to high in setup/others.
Exit game.
Use root explorer like ES File Explorer.
Go to /data/data/com.madfingergames.deadtrigger/shared_prefs/ folder.
Edit com.madfingergames.deadtrigger.xml file.
Change < int name=”UnityGraphicsQuality” value=”1″ /> to .
Change < int name=”OptionsGraphicDetail” value=”2″ /> to .
Save it.
Modify permissions to remove all write permission on User, Group and Other.
Delete com.madfingergames.deadtrigger.xml.bak.

To see the Tegra 3 features you will unlock by performing these steps, watch this video. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpzkCTe76Bc[/youtube] Via: Droid Dog, Jayceooi

Video: Nexus Q Hacked to Play Pong

Tim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:25:58 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhCJvqxvuB4[/youtube]

Developers are really starting to push out the goods for the Nexus Q lately. The newest development stage for the orb is to turn it into a fully functional Pong controller. That's right, folks. Good 'ol Pong. Update: As many have voiced, the game is called Brick Breaker in the video. But with no bricks, my mind went straight to Pong. Any guesses on what other groundbreaking advances we can expect from the Q in the future? Via: Engadget

Facebook for Android Updated, No Longer Supports Devices Running Eclair and Below

Tim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:44:29 +0000

Everyone's favorite (yes, everyone's) social network has been updated on Google Play. The update to Facebook must be pretty substantial, seeing as how it has dropped support for devices not running 2.2+. Even though I don't know which devices are still running Eclair (we feel bad for you if you have one), it's still good to see Facebook focusing on what matters, a decent mobile application. The app has been updated to support front facing cameras, messaging features that allow for switching between conversations with your homies, and other various bug fixes.

Facebook for Android 1.9.7 requires Android 2.2 and up

A front-facing camera makes it easier to take photos

New messaging features let you switch between conversations, include friends of friends, share bigger photos, and see who’s available

Various bug fixes

Made a security improvement

Faster app login and navigation

Go grab the newest update and then update your status telling people you're updating your status with the newest update. Play Link Cheers Radgatt!

Team Win Recovery Updated to 2.2, Now Includes On-Screen Keyboard in Recovery

Tim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:50:53 +0000

If you haven't heard of the Team Win Recovery, it is completely touch-based (no more volume rocker BS) easy to navigate recovery. Built from AOSP, it has had many custom features added and is quite widely used by the Android community alongside ClockworkMod Recovery. It received a major update yesterday, which brings a full keyboard that users can access to edit file names and other actions, a pseudo terminal emulator, and backup archive splitting. Full Changelog:

On-screen keyboard in recovery! -- supports long press, backspace repeat, and swipe left deletes everything left of the cursor

Name new backups and rename existing backups

Rename files and folders in the file manager

Pseudo-terminal emulator

Support decrypting an encrypted data partition on Galaxy Nexus (enter password using keyboard)

Backup archive splitting -- allows backup and restore of data partitions larger than 2GB

Simplified XML layout support between resolutions

Added dual storage selection radio buttons to zip install, backup, and restore pages

Improved zip install compatibility

Updated update-binary source code

Numerous small bug fixes and improvements

If you want to access the newest version of the recovery, you can download it from the via link below. Via: TeamWin Cheers Adam!

First Wave of Google Play Nexus 7 Pre-orders Begin Shipping, All Will Ship Within 3 Business Days

Tim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:12:18 +0000

Finally, orders of the Nexus 7 have began to ship from Google. In an automated recording that can be heard through Google's Support line, they announce that the first wave of Nexus 7 orders will ship today, with all pre-orders shipping within the next three business days. Once your tablet ships, you will receive a confirmation email straight from Google. Calling them will get you no where - you have to sit back and wait for the shipping email to arrive. [audio:http://www.droid-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/recording-20120713-100358.mp3|titles=recording-20120713-100358] To hear the good news for yourself, you can listen to the recording by calling Google Support at - 1-855-83-NEXUS (63987). Let us know if your order ships! Cheers Wayne!

Tetris Meets Scrabble in Letris 2, Available Now on Google Play

Tim — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:00:24 +0000

A new puzzle game has launched onto Google Play and it's called Letris 2. There are three different game modes along with three levels of difficulty. The main game type is Letris. Letters fall from the top of the screen and as they land, you must connect them (they don't have to be touching) to create words and make sure your screen doesn't fill up. It's a mix of Scrabble, Boggle, and Tetris. If you enjoy flexing your brain, give it a go. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHoKIAcU0iA[/youtube] Cheers Jake68!

Clock Widget From Atrix HD Pulled, Installable on Your Device

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 09:11:15 +0000

The clock widget from the Atrix HD that we featured yesterday, has apparently been pulled from a device and is available for you to download. The clock itself is interactive, showing you time, weather in multiple cities, and your battery and data plan percentages. It's easily one of the better clock widgets we have seen in some time. If it sounds like something you would love to have on your device, then jump at the download link below. *We should point out that in order to use this clock widget, you have to install the home launcher from the Atrix HD. You also have to use the home launcher from the device to or the clock will error out. Download: AtrixHDWidgets.zip Instructions: 1. Unzip the .apk files from the .zip. 2. Install all three apps. 3. Launch the Atrix HD launcher and add the circle clock as a widget. Via: DroidRzr Cheers Guanhao and Matt!

CyanogenMod Teases CM10 on Optimus 4X in New Video, Moving Along Pretty Quickly

Eric — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:30:50 +0000

The jump from CyanogenMod 7 to CyanogenMod 9 predictably took a long time. Ice Cream Sandwich was a huge update for Android and took a lot of loving time to integrate all the new features and get them working. Now that Jelly Bean has been released, the next upgrade to CyanogenMod won't take as long, and there are even a few functional builds out there, but this video shows that more than just Nexus devices get the love.

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

Ricardo Cerqueria of the CyanogenMod team posted this video showing the development of CM10 on the LG Optimus 4X HD. As you can see, not everything is finished yet, but for the most part the build looks fairly finished. Google Now doesn't seem to be working quite yet and there's surely a few more bugs, but they're working on it. Cerqueria also mentioned that "We expect all CM9 devices to get CM10." That's certainly something to be excited about, we will just have to sit and wait until we get our upgrades.

Via: Google+

Gamestop Sells Nexus 7 to at Least One Lucky Customer

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 07:52:05 +0000

At least one lucky Gamestop pre-orderee is walking around with a new Nexus 7 today. After receiving a text that his pre-order was ready to be picked up, he went into his local store and came out a winner. It's still not clear if any other Gamestop on the planet is selling the device today or if this reader of ours simply got lucky. Whatever the case may be, a quick call into your nearest store to see if they are able to sell isn't a bad idea. Update: From what we are hearing, Gamestop is allowing pre-orders to be picked up. If you did not pre-order, they likely won't sell you one. Cheers J!

Office Depot Receives Stock of Nexus 7, Gamestop Sends Texts for Pre-orders to be Picked Up

Kellen — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 07:34:27 +0000

We get the feeling that today was supposed to be Nexus 7 day, but for whatever reason, Google isn't ready to release the flood gates. Office Depot stores are getting in their minimal stock, while Gamestops are texting those that pre-order, reminding them to come pick up their orders. It's not clear if Gamestop is actually selling units to customers or not or if this text was an automated system that was betting on a July 13 launch. If you are able to pick one up at either Office Depot or Gamestop, be sure to let us know.

Cheers ___, @KillianOMalley, and J!

Android Other: AT&T Galaxy Note and Galaxy SII Skyrocket Receive ICS, HTC New Tablet, Wallet Fixed on EVO 4G LTE

Eric — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 07:25:29 +0000

ICS Rolling out to AT&T Galaxy Note and Galaxy SII Skyrocket Today

We all know the story with Ice Cream Sandwich updates so far, it's one of the best things that can happen to your phone; as long as your carrier decides you can have it. AT&T has approved ICS updates to their Galaxy Note and their LTE enabled Galaxy SII and the two updates should start rolling out today (or yesterday). The Note upgrade also comes with a Premium Suite of apps that should make the whole phablet a lot more fun to use. You have to download Samsung Kies software, but after that you should be good to go!

Via: AT&T

Verizon's Galaxy Nexus Gains AOSP Support, Sprint's Loses It

There was much rejoicing when we all noticed that Verizon's Galaxy Nexus was supported under AOSP code again when Jelly Bean launched earlier this week. Unfortunately for the newest G-Nex, Sprint apparently hasn't provided drivers for the phone to be supported, and if you look under the name toroplus you'll find no binaries. This doesn't mean that there won't be Jelly Bean on this device, just that it's going to have to take some tweaking from builds from other phones. Let's hope Sprint gets the hint and gets on-board.

Via: Google Developers

HTC EVO 4G LTE Receives Update to Fix Google Wallet Issues

A couple weeks ago there was a glitch with the EVO 4G LTE that had the very real possibility of breaking your NFC chip and make it unusable until you got a new phone. It scared a few users, rightfully so, with NFC chips, but Google got to work on the problem and has released an OTA to the EVO to fix the problem. The update is also packed full of other bug fixes and security updates, if you haven't gotten the OTA yet head over to system settings and check for it now.

Via: The Verge

Sprint Rolling out White EVO 4G LTE Starting July 15

Speaking of the latest EVO, Sprint is following up on the white phone craze starting July 15. For $199.99 you can get Sprint's version of the One X that will run on the Now Network's brand new LTE network, whenever it gets to you. We loved the One X when we got our hands on it, and if you have an upgrade available for Sprint, this device should probably be on the top of your list.

Via: Sprint

HTC Vertex Tablet Gets Benchmarked, 1.3GHz Tegra 3 Packed Inside

There are low rumbles that HTC is trying to jump back into the Android tablet game after the colossal flops of the JetStream and Flyer. A new HTC tablet has been spotted at a few benchmarking websites and have let us in on a bit of information. A Tegra 3 quad-core processor and a 1280×752 resolution are the highlights. HTC has a lot of catching up to in the tablet market but if this is the rumored tablet it's said to be shipping with a "unique feature" whatever that could be.

Via: Droid Dog

Here are Three New Features Coming to ClockworkMod Recovery

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 22:21:50 +0000

ClockworkMod Recovery is about to get a hefty update to version 6 that will make your ROM flashing experience more stable and reliable. According to a post by Mr. Dutta over at Google+, things like recovery checking to make sure you have root access before flashing will be added. CWM will also disable the stock recovery flasher and give you the option to confirm installation on a stock ROM that gets an update. Things you were asking for, right?

Recovery will confirm that your ROM still has root access. This is useful on stock ROMs.

Recovery disables the stock recovery flasher. This is also useful on stock ROMs.

If you're on a stock ROM and get an update, it used to not allow you to install it at all. Now, it will give you the option to confirm the installation.

He didn't specify a release time frame, but if he's talking about these changes on G+ openly, so I'd assume he will have this update out in the near future. Via: Koush [Image]

DROID RAZR HD Appears in GLBenchmark - Snapdragon S4, HD Screen Confirmed Again

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:43:25 +0000

The DROID RAZR HD has been on our radar for a while now, but confirmations on specs are always welcomed as we approach a potential release. Today, the device many of you have been holding out for stopped by GLBenchmark, giving us another look at its insides. It doesn't compare at all to the mind-blowing results we just saw in a similar benchmark for an HTC device that is headed to Verizon, but it's not bad. We get another confirmation on the codename "Vanquish," the 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 (8960) processor, and HD display with on-screen navigation keys (1196x720). Now all we need is a release date.

Is this your next phone or are you having trouble getting that new HTC device out of your head? Via: GLBenchmark

HTC Device Headed to Verizon Stops by GLBenchmark - 1080p Display, Model 6435LVW, and a New Snapdragon S4?

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:23:22 +0000

Hold on to your pants, people. A new HTC device, with Verizon written all over it and codenamed DLX or dlx, popped up at famed benchmarking site GLBenchmark recently and has specs that are guaranteed to blow your mind. First, we can see the model number is HTC6435, making it sound like the follow-up to the Rezound which was HTC6425. Other than model number though, the Rezound and any other HTC phone in history will fail to compare. We can see that the device is clocked at 1.5GHz, but we get the feeling that this isn't the standard S4 that has been in a variety of phones as of late. If you check out the benchmark scores, it hits well above 100 on the Egypt Offscreen (121.1Fps) and Pro (110.5Fps) 720p tests, something that I don't know if any other phone has been able to accomplish. The HTC One X for example, topped out 64.8Fps and 94.8Fps, respectively. To reach scores that high, we would almost expect this to be the MSM8960T chipset with the Adreno 320GPU. It's basically like a turbo charged or "Pro" version of the 8960 that most phones are using these days.

Aside from the processor, we need to talk about display. According to this benchmark, it has a resolution of 1794x1080. Yes, you are reading that correctly - this phone has a 1080p display. Along with the new processor and mega-display, the phone runs Android 4.0.4 and will connect to Verizon's 4G LTE network.

Is this the rumored 5" device that we first heard about back in April? I'd say it very well may be. And yes, it's OK to pick up your jaw now. Via: GLBenchmark

Giveaway: Win One of Five Copies of the Lustre Icon Set from Kovdev (Update: Winners Picked)

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:45:20 +0000

If you frequent our front page, we are pretty sure there is a high chance you have seen these icons before. I personally have been sporting them for quite some time now and we always get asked what they are. It's the Lustre set from Kovdev and today, we have five copies of the application to give away to readers. So, let's cut to the chase and giveaway away some icons.

Update:

Well, we have chosen our five winners and we have reached out through email to them. Go check your inbox! Thanks for the entries and if you didn't win, you can check Lustre out for only $1.50 on the Google Play store.

How to Win:

Kovdev is looking for DL readers to help him name his next icon pack. To enter this giveaway and to help, simply choose one of the following names: Kleen, Stark, or Tersus. Enter which one you think is best in the comments below and you're entered.

Winner:

We will randomly select five winners from our comments section below today at 5PM PST. Winners will be emailed, so make sure to use a valid email address so we can reach you. Good luck!

Thanks to Kovdev for ponying up the icon set!

Motorola Atrix HD Unboxing and First Look

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:06:39 +0000

Motorola's first HD phone for the U.S. market, the Atrix HD, has arrived at our doorstep. Launching in stores on July 15, you can pick one up for $99 on 2-year contract. With its 4.5" HD ColorBoost display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8MP camera, and 4G LTE radio, that sounds like a steal to me. The look is clearly reminiscent of the RAZR series from Motorola, but since it has on-screen navigation keys, that HD display, and a Snapdragon processor, it performs quite a bit differently. In just the short amount of time that I've had with it today, I can say that this phone feels amazing in hand. When I first booted up, I almost didn't think it had a battery inside because of the light weight. The on-screen navigation keys are also a bonus for Android enthusiasts, but the true star here is the display. I've already taken a macro shot of it which I'll post up in a bit. The colors just seem extra vibrant even though it's not an AMOLED display. We are still waiting to find out all of the details behind this ColorBoost technology, but so far I can admit that I'm a fan. The device runs Android 4.0.4 and has a new version of MotoBlur on it that has already shown us a couple of surprises. Again, I have only had the phone in hand for about an hour, but I'm liking what I'm seeing.

Unboxing and First Look:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88vFFdHcfL8[/youtube]

Gallery:

New MotoBlur on Atrix HD Introduces Live Icons and an Awesome Clock Widget

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:43:37 +0000

The Motorola Atrix HD is in our hands (unboxing is on the way) and ready for us to take it for a spin. The device itself is running Android 4.0.4, but of course, has Moto's custom Blur skin on top of it. While many of you have expressed your colorful opinions over Blur, we noticed immediately with this version on the Atrix HD, that there are some new goodies that were worth sharing. First up is the new clock widget that is fully interactive. We have seen other widgets copy this skin to mimic the look, but if you have yet to play with the real thing on a Motorola device, then you probably didn't know that it's live at all times. You can actually flip each circle to see a different clock, weather from additional cities, your data plan, and even battery life. Second, can you see the little arrows next to some of the icons in the screenshot on the left? Those are live icons (at least that's what I'm calling them) that allow you interact with them. With a simple swipe up or down, they display a preview from the app. For example, with the phone icon, a swipe gets you a preview of your most recently missed or placed calls. If you swipe the email icon, you get a preview of your inbox. Swipe the text message or browser icon and you also get live previews. We are still diving into this new Blur and the Atrix HD, so stay tuned as we will undoubtedly have more.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kexec4Oy71c[/youtube]

New HTC 1.7GHz Quad-Core Device Benchmarked, New One Series Phone?

Eric — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:05:45 +0000

The One series of phones started 2012 off so well for HTC that it's no surprise the company is working on more devices to add to the portfolio. A benchmark of a mysterious device has hinted that they may be working on a sequel to the One X, one of our favorite Android phones. Over at the GLBenchmark site, a device goes by model number of PM63100 and the code name "evitareul" which the guys over at Pocketnow suspect has to do with the naming of the One X, which was originally called the Evita.

This new device is clocked in at 1.7GHz on it's Tegra 3 processor, higher than the One X is at 1.5Ghz. The phone also has a 720p display, although we don't know what size and the device was running ICS during the benchmark. This sounds like the rumors that a "One XXL" will be showing up at some point, except that was said to have a quad-core Snapdragon, not Tegra, processor so that LTE can be included. Either way, we eagerly await to see what HTC has next for their One series.

Via: Pocketnow

How to: Turn Off the Water on the Samsung Galaxy S3

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 12:42:25 +0000

If you are like me, and not a fan of the water experience on the Galaxy S3, then this little tip should be right up your alley. You see, Samsung went with a nature theme when constructing this phone, so when you lock it or tap on anything, it makes a droplet sound that if left on for long periods of time, could ruin your bladder. Thankfully, they realized that saving the planet 1 water droplet at a time was necessary and gave us the ability to turn it all off.

First up is the lock screen:

1. Head into Settings>Security and tap on "Lock screen options." 2. Scroll to the bottom and uncheck "Ripple effect." 3. Your phone will now unlock with an animated lock instead of water.

Second is the water touch noise:

1. Head into Settings>Sound. 2. Scroll to the bottom and uncheck the boxes for "Touch sounds" and "Screen lock sound." 3. Enjoy a water-free device.

Official 2012 Summer Olympics Applications Now Available on Google Play

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:45:07 +0000

Official 2012 Olympics applications are now available and they offer a ton of access to the Games. There are countless hours of on-demand videos, news, and everything else you need to cover the action that takes place this year in London. The applications were created by Adobe and incorporate many of their solutions to make the two apps work hand in hand with each other.

NBC Olympics Live Extra – Viewers can live stream more than 3,500 hours of content, including all 32 sports, every athletic competition and all 302 medal events.
NBC Olympics – Views can enjoy short-form highlights, TV and online schedules, live results, columns and the new Primetime Companion feature -- the complementary, second-screen experience for NBC's nightly primetime Olympic broadcasts.

Talking about the Games with friends is made easy by integration with social media apps such as Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. All in all, NBC did a pretty darn good job at making this year's Olympics a pleasure to watch whether you're on the couch or at the bus stop.

NBC Olympics | NBC Olympics Live Extra

Cheers Lakerfan82!

Fastboot Files Released for DROID RAZR Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4 Build 6.7.2-180

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:10:00 +0000

With fastboot files, you are able to relieve your Motorola phone from a variety of sticky situations. Using a program called RSDLite, you can flash these and recover your phone should you soft brick it or find yourself in some sort of a bootloop after tinkering too much. Basically, what I'm saying is that if you own a DROID RAZR or RAZR MAXX, you need to download the new files that were released last night that can get you to stock 4.0.4, which is the OTA update you all received last month. It's also a decent way to start fresh on a clean 4.0.4 if you have been running leaks or other ROMs. Hit up the links below to download. You want the 6.7.2-180 build file. Via: Download [Mirror] (813MB) | DroidRzr Cheers SnakeMan!

Futurama Head-In-A-Jar Creator Lands on Google Play, Shut Up and Take My Money

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:41:10 +0000

If you feel like getting your creative juices flowing or happen to be a Matt Groening fan in general, you're going to want to check this out. Recently released onto the Play Store is a Futurama Head-in-a-jar Creator. Awesome, right? You can try and make your own head (I attempted and failed) or you can create any number of odd looking creatures. They give you quite a few options to choose from, so making something awesome shouldn't be too hard for anybody. It's free for everyone, so Fry's meme bares no real relevancy here unfortunately. Woop woop woop. Play Link Cheers TM4C!

Rolling Stone: On the Road, Follow Your Favorite Artist's Shows and See Concerts Around You

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:20:56 +0000

Rolling Stone has pushed a new application to Google Play and if you're a concert-going rocker, it's going to be perfect for you. The app is extremely basic and there's nothing too pretty about it. You can choose to search for concerts based on your location, search for your favorite artists, and also look up general concert news straight from the Rolling Stone website. I must say, thanks to this app, I now know to steer clear of the Schnitzer Concert Hall on July 13 to avoid the rabid Lyle Lovett fans. Thanks, Rolling Stone. Play Link

IMDb Android App Updated, Access to the Movie Boards and Recommended Titles

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:50:28 +0000

Oh, so you're a movie buff? Then maybe you'll enjoy this huge IMDb update! Included in the update is a gang of new features; Facebook and Twitter sharing of what you're watching, access to the endless movie discussion boards, recommendations for movies you may have never seen, and the ability to see how a movie is rated by IMDb users as well as critics.

Sharing – check in on Facebook & Twitter to share what you’re watching
Recommendations – discover other titles you might be interested in
Mobile IMDb message boards – join in the discussion on your Android phone or tablet
Filming locations & soundtracks – learn even more about the movies you love
Similar titles – discover new movies and TV shows
Metacritic – now see both the IMDb user rating of a title as well as how the film critics scored it
Amazon login – log in using your Amazon account

It's a solid update. Go pick it up in the Play Store, then come into the Star Wars message section so we can discuss how these are the Droids we're looking for. :) Play Link

Here is Samsung's First Galaxy S3 Ad for the Olympics

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:33:03 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QfelajE4wk[/youtube]

Here is the first Galaxy S3 ad that Samsung plans to air during the Olympics, this summer. It features David Beckhman and a whole bunch of GS3 owners sharing a video of him as he kicks a ball into a gong from some 60 yards away. You can see S Beam, quick calling from text messages, maps, camera burst mode, and facial recognition. If there is a better way to spread a global product than through the Olympic Games, feel free to let us know what that is.

Motorola XT907 Appears With Verizon and 4G LTE Branding - Little Brother to the RAZR HD?

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:47:25 +0000

Time to fire up the rumor engines on another yet-to-be-released Motorola phone, this time for the XT907. "What is the XT907," you ask? Well, according to the picture above of a housing for the device, it looks like yet another RAZR-ish phone headed to Verizon with 4G LTE radios inside. It sports an HD camera, that same kevlar backing we have seen on a number of Moto devices, and looks a bit like a mash-up of the RAZR HD and the new Atrix HD. Thanks to a UAProf that surfaced for a device by the model number XT905, we could see this device with a qHD resolution that includes on-screen navigation keys. The resolution showing in this UAProf is listed as 540x888. Now, a qHD display normally runs 540x960, but the row of navigation keys takes up a number, dropping that to 888. Not many other details are really known, but we are wondering if it could come in white, has very little bezel, and runs a Snapdragon S4 processor - sort of like the Atrix. We should also point out that the original RAZR is model number XT912. That puts this device below it in the numbering scheme, so one could imagine that this might be a budget-friendly or mid-range type of device. RAZR+ or RAZR Plus, perhaps? And as you all know, the RAZR HD is model number XT926. Thoughts? Via: Alibaba | Softpedia

Samsung Galaxy S3 Now Available From Verizon, Starting at $199

Kellen — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:10:57 +0000

It has been quite the journey, but the Samsung Galaxy S3 is now available from Verizon Wireless. Starting at $199, you can pick up the 16GB version in either blue or white - the 32GB version will run you $249 and comes in the exact same colors. With its 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 4.8 HD Super AMOLED display, and 4G LTE connectivity, this is the best phone you can buy right now. The accessory lineup for it will be massive, as the world adopted 1 size and shape. There will be developers working hard on it, assuming they can crack its bootloader. And the level of adoption for it across the globe means you might actually know someone with it, so you can take advantage of all of its advanced sharing features. It's a winning phone in our book. We reviewed the Galaxy S3 twice now. Our full review can be found here, with the mini-version for the Verizon variant here. Online orders of it are not shipping until July 16, so if you have a break in your day, you may want to head into a store and see if you can pick one up today. Buy.

Rovio's Amazing Alex Hits Google Play

Tim — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 07:36:44 +0000

If you have been waiting patiently for Rovio's launch of Amazing Alex, then today is your day. Amazing Alex is a physics based game where you take supplied pieces of material and then build a contraption to ensure that a ball makes its way to the certain destination. So far, it's been fun and we highly recommend. They have a free version, paid version for $0.99, and an HD version for a full $2.99. Play Link: Free | Paid ($.99) | HD ($2.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk7vezL36IU[/youtube] Cheers Alex!

WugFresh's Root Tookit 1.5 Supports All Nexus Devices Including the Nexus 7

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:26:40 +0000

When your Nexus 7 arrives, you should be able to unlock its bootloader, root it, and have a custom recovery up in a matter of minutes. After all, it is a Nexus. But if doing things the manual way isn't for you or you simply don't have enough time to type "fastboot oem unlock," then a root toolkit should be right up your alley. WugFresh built one a while back that continues to be updated with support for new Nexus devices, including the Nexus 7. Without having to worry about drivers and the Android SDK, you can use a root toolkit like this, press a couple of buttons, and be on your way. Via: Download | WugFresh Cheers John, Shannon, and Mike!

A Few Thoughts on a Galaxy S3 "Developer Edition" for Verizon [Opinion]

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:36:04 +0000

Now that we have had a full day to sit on this oddly spread announcement from Samsung that they would be selling a "developer edition" Galaxy S3 to Verizon customers, we thought we would share some thoughts on it. It's a move that we have seen from companies like Motorola in the past, but is it a move that will actually benefit anyone? Is it just a PR move? Will it make for a robust ROM community? Let's talk about it.

Thanks to Samsung

First of all, a big "Thanks!" goes out to Samsung for making this phone available. From what I understand, they fought a bit to give Verizon customers an option. While it may be an expensive option with a warranty that we would love to know more about, it's at least going to be there for the taking.

Two Developer Scenes

On paper, having a "developer edition" phone might sound like an excellent choice for those that truly can't live without an unlockable bootloader. But think about this situation for a second. If you have a locked down version that the majority of the public has, plus this developer version that very few will likely buy due to price, you will have two developer scenes. Unless this developer edition gives us some sort of key to unlock the subsidized version, we'll have two different communities. The unlockable phone will have developers busting out full AOSP ROMs and freely doing whatever they please to their phone, while the rest of the world will be stuck with kexec hackjobs. That might sound negative, but all I'm imagining is a split community and a bunch of confusion. Which do you go with - unlockable and potentially smaller community or locked and big community?

More Bricks

In theory, locking bootloaders probably means less bricked phones since you are trying to keep people from doing too much damage, right? But what about the theory that people will continue to try everything in their power to hack on their phone because it is locked, which could lead to more bricks? Not only that, but it's much more risky to hack on a phone with a locked bootloader than one that is open to anything. Sure, we have a factory ROM for the phone already, but you could argue that even that is just giving people more incentive to hack away and potentially brick. Tough to tell which is correct. I just don't know that locking is going to save Verizon the hassle of dealing with customer issues.

Hypocritical

I couldn't think of a better word to describe this situation. Verizon claims that they locked down the subsidized version of this phone because unlockable bootloaders lead to issues with phones that their customer service reps aren't prepared to handle and because unapproved software could affect the network and other customers. But if that's the case, why allow Samsung to offer this phone at all? This unlockable version is still going to run on VZW's network, people are going to load unapproved software on it, and if the volume rocker stops working or the display dies, they are going to call Verizon to get support. So you can pay $600 and do whatever you want to your phone on their network, but they won't let you do it at a discount. Or they simply do not expect anyone to buy it.

Price

Two things to mention there. First. the price is unfortunate at $599. While it matches the full retail price that Verizon is selling it at, I can't imagine that very many will buy this thing. Most of the readers that bought the Galaxy S3 were using their last upgrade, so that they could keep unlimited data and also to put off buying full retail phones for another 2 years. I don't know the pricing breakdown of parts for the GS3, but Google has managed to sell the Galaxy Nexus for $350 through their store. If an unlockable bootloader is that important to you and you are thinking of paying full retail for a phone, why not go with the ultimate tinkerer's toy and save yourself $250? With that said, I have mentioned a couple of times over the last month that I hope people can start to think differently about the way they pay for smartphones. If you are buying a phone every 2 years, why not save up and pay for it at full retail? It keeps you off contract, with flexibility, and with all of the power. Plus, Verizon could very well do this in the future with all of their phones. They may lock them all down and force those that want to actually own their phone, to buy them at full retail. No better way to get in that mindset than with a "developer edition" Galaxy S3, right?

Office Depot Delays Nexus 7 Sales "Until Further Notice"

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:30:17 +0000

Do not cruise into your local Office Depot tomorrow to pick up a Nexus 7. While they may receive some stock, they have been instructed to not sell or display them until further notice. Yesterday, we reported that select stores would make them available by July 12, but clearly something has come up. Either Google isn't ready to launch our new favorite Android tablet, or they are waiting for enough units to hit as many retailers as possible to make a big opening day splash. We are hearing that a handful of Gamestop and Staples stores have already received stock, so it shouldn't be long, folks. Anyone taking bets on the big launch happening next week? Oh, and don't forget to read our Nexus 7 review.

Motorola XOOM WiFi Recieives AOSP Jelly Bean ROM

Tim — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:05:36 +0000

If you think waiting for the official Jelly Bean roll out to the Motorola XOOM WiFi is too much (Google says it is coming), then you can go ahead and download this AOSP ROM. Developers over at XDA are beginning to port Android 4.1.1 to the first Android tablet and so far, it's holding up nicely. Development continues as they work out bugs and what not, but it's already pretty stable. If you want to try it out on your XOOM, feel free to follow the via down below. As for when to expect official JB to arrive, we can expect Google to be pretty quick on an update now that 4.1.1 source has touched down. They mentioned the XOOM during the announced of 4.1, along with the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S. Via: XDA Cheers Teng Taing!

Not a Fan of Verizon's Choice to Lock the Galaxy S3 Bootloader [Image]

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:43:33 +0000

I'd say the picture speaks for itself. Via: @Stimps0n

Jawbone Jambox Update Rolls Out, Adds Android App Compatibility

Tim — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:40:50 +0000

Oh, what a world we live in where even our speakers are now receiving firmware updates. If you happen to own a Jawbone Jambox, a new 2.2 update is available straight from the Jawbone website. The update adds compatibility for the Jambox Companion app which helps you sync your Android phone and your speaker. Once synced, you can receive notification alerts through Bluetooth on upcoming appointments, battery levels, and other features. It's a nifty update and it's kind of cool knowing that after you buy a product such as this that the company doesn't leave you high and dry. If you want to go ahead and update, you can do so here. Via: The Verge

Samsung Galaxy S3 Review [Verizon]

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:00:34 +0000

We actually should call this a mini-review since we aren't going all out like we did when we originally reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S3. With each carrier having the exact same build, with identical specs, buttons, look, and version of Android, there is no need for us to walk through it all again. However, if you missed our previous Galaxy S3 review, be sure to check that out as we dive into the new version of TouchWiz, talk about the interesting navigation button layout, all of its sharing capabilities, examine its screen tech, share camera samples, and so much more. It's the real deal. In this mini-review, we are going to cover the few specific differences between Verizon's version and the others - namely battery life, connectivity, and that pesky little locked bootloader.

Battery Life

With 4G LTE, we have all come to expect horrific battery life. Each LTE phone that was released in the last year, other than the RAZR MAXX, needed an extended battery or a replacement with you at all times, as they were capable of sucking through an entire charge in just a couple of hours. The Galaxy S3 appears to be somewhat different. It sports a 2100mAh battery out of the box, which isn't a bad size by any means. In 2.5 days of testing, I can say that for my casual daily use, I would have no problems getting through most of, if not all of a day on a single charge. As you can see from my two screenshots (the first being day 1), I was able to get through each day without having to slap this sucker on a charger. While I would never consider myself the ultimate power user, I did force myself to do almost all of my email checking and text responding from my phone over the last couple of days. I made 2 or 3 30-minute calls yesterday, hammered out most of my internet browsing, and of course, tweaked as many settings as I could throughout as I was trying to find a way to turn off 4G. And speaking of 4G LTE, it was left on the entire time, with no WiFi usage until I took these screenshots. If you are someone that watches video all day long, I doubt any phone will ever be ideal for you. But if you are someone that uses a phone to check email regularly, casually browses the web, uses a bit of navigation, makes a few calls, and interacts with social networks, this phone should do you well.

Connectivity

After having the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon and dealing with months of connectivity issues, I can imagine that many of you would have concerns when it comes to another Samsung product. In the 2.5 days I have had this phone, I've seen it drop from 4G LTE to 3G without my doing only one time. With the Nexus, I used to drive from my house to downtown Portland and watch 4G and 3G toggle off at least twice - with this phone, not once. I also live in an area that never gives me more than 3 bars of LTE, yet the connection has been stable, with download speeds around 10MB or so. As far as we know, it's a Qualcomm modem inside doing all of the rock solid work. And you wondered why so many U.S. devices were released this year with the Snapdragon S4 and a Qualcomm LTE modem? Time will tell if the radio situation is top notch, but so far, everything has passed our tests.

Bootloader

If you aren't into hacking your phone, you can skip this section now. If you are, then you already know that the bootloader has been signed (locked) on Verizon's Galaxy S3. Verizon's reasoning for doing so is garbage to most of us, especially knowing that every other carrier on the planet is fine with an unlockable bootloader, but I'm not sure that complaining about it all day is going to get us anywhere. We want to talk about your options. Samsung, sort of, announced yesterday that they will be releasing a Verizon variant with an unlockable bootloader. It will be sold directly through their site at $599. If you aren't interested in forking out that kind of cash, then you have to hope that crafty devs can figure out a way to unlock the bootloader on the subsidized version that Verizon is selling. There are no guarantees that it will ever happen, but there will likely be ways around it to get you ROMs of some sort. It's not a fun situation.

Bloatware

You may be surprised to hear me say this, but the Galaxy S3 on Verizon doesn't have as much bloatware as I was expecting. There are 8 or 9 Verizon apps (that can be disabled) and that's about it. Samsung has their own suite of software on the phone, however, you won't find a bunch of preinstalled games or office products that you will never use. I can't give them full "props," since it does have all of Big Red's nonsense, but it's much better than you can imagine.

Jelly Bean Update

The Galaxy S3 will get Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) across the globe at some point. Samsung hasn't been specific yet, but this is their baby for 2012. Just remember that they still need to skin it with TouchWiz and then get it approved by carriers before they can release it. Verizon tends to be the slowest as allowing updates, so don't be surprised if you see the Sprint or AT&T version receive JB first. I'd say we are at least 3 months out (at the earliest) unless Samsung was in on the original Jelly Bean PDK group.

Unboxing:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YubF2FrgzUI[/youtube]

Gallery:

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S3 on Verizon is probably the best version of the phone yet, and I say that because of the 4G LTE network that it gets to play on. Big Red has already moved into rural states like Montana with real 4G, while AT&T and Sprint have yet to cover every major city in this country. Sure, the locked bootloader is going to piss some of you off, but I'm not sure that a locked bootloader is reason enough to pass this phone up. The battery life so far has been phenomenal for an LTE phone and everything else is as good as the AT&T and T-Mobile versions that we tested weeks ago. The Galaxy S3 is the phone of 2012 - you still can't go wrong with it.

Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean Ported to Amazon's Kindle Fire

Tim — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:30:55 +0000

Want to have some fun with that Kindle Fire you have laying around? Maybe you want to put Jelly Bean on it? You're in luck, a developer over at XDA has done just that. Sure, a few things are a little broken, but this is why we love Android. WiFi works, so I suppose that is all you really need right off. The ROM itself is beta so don't be upset if you find things missing here and there. It's a work in progress. If you feel like giving it a go, follow the via links down below. Via: The Verge, XDA

Motorola Still Promising Bootloader Unlock Tool, This Time With AT&T's Atrix HD

Eric — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Motorola has been promising a tool for developers to unlock the bootloaders on their phones for a long time now. So long in fact, that we have pretty much given up hope of ever seeing another Moto phone like the OG Droid which was the hacker's paradise. Anyone who was hoping that the new AT&T Atrix HD would have an unlockable bootloader is going to be sadly let down, it's locked and encrypted like all the other ones, but Moto took to Twitter to say that it might not be locked for long or that they potentially have an option on the way.

It's been almost a year and a half since Motorola originally said they would partner with developers to work out some kind of solution and still we have nothing. HTC has been doing fantastic things with their HTCDev website and that just serves to show how backwards Moto is being about the whole thing. Do you think we will ever see this developer unlocking tool? Or is it too late for Moto to catch up?

Via: Android Police

Amazon Introduces GameCircle, Social Gaming Comes to Amazon Apps

Tim — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 10:30:26 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdoxX0XGros[/youtube]

Today, Amazon introduced GameCircle. And yes, it is just like Game Center that Apple has built in for iOS. With GameCircle, users can now track certain achievements in a game, keep up with global leaderboards, and also save a game's progress to the cloud for when they switch devices or delete a game from their phone. This may not be new technology by any means, but it's great news for developers and Amazon Appstore users who want more out of their games.

Developers who were not a part of the beta program, can sign up for the service and begin to integrate GameCircle into their titles. Via: Amazon

"Dr. Paul" Unboxes the Nexus 7, Takes Down the Ninjas

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:56:09 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xijcwbg8CGQ[/youtube]

The ninjas simply can't compete with MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre...errr...Dr. Paul. Another unboxing you probably won't forget. Be sure to check out our Nexus 7 review, if you haven't already. Cheers RBI411!

Verizon Branded LG Optimus LTE2 Pictured, Possible Launch in Two Days?

Tim — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:15:56 +0000

Here is the LG VS930. Previously known to most as the Optimus LTE2, we can now rest assured that LG will not bring a dedicated home button to Big Red. According to Engadget's source, we can expect the following specs from this device:

Android 4.0.4

1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 SoC

1GB of RAM

4.7-inch "True HD IPS" display (1280 x 720 pixels)

16GB of built-in storage

Global radio support (GSM/UMTS/CDMA/LTE)

NFC (it comes with programmable tags)

8MP camera

Along with the above picture and detailed specifications, a leaked PDF shows that this device could launch as early as July 13. Whoa, two days? Given that there hasn't been any indication from Verizon that this phone even exists, the chances of a July 13 release date is slim. Earlier reports indicated that we could be hopeful for 2GB of RAM, but apparently that isn't happening anymore. Still, this should be one of LG's finer offerings to come to Verizon in quite some time. Your thoughts? Tempted to check out an LG device? Via: Engadget Cheers Tony and Mike!

Bugless Beast 4.1 for LTE Galaxy Nexus Released

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:34:40 +0000

Our buddy, Peter Alfonso, is still crankin' out AOSP ROMs to this day. Last night, he released Bugless Beast for the LTE Galaxy Nexus (toro), which we recommend you jump on if you have yet to flash a Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) ROM. Pete usually keeps things as clean as possible, meaning he doesn't add a bunch of fluff to his builds. If you are looking for something about as stock as it gets, this would be one to consider. He did toss in Chrome as the default browser, gave you free native tethering, Google Wallet, louder audio output, and improved scrolling. He also recommends that you "download offline speech recognition package in Google Search settings once ROM is installed." Google Apps are included. You may need to do a full wipe going from ICS to JB, but it's up to you. Via: Download | Mr. Alfonso Cheers Brian!

How to: Enter Safe Mode in Jelly Bean

Kellen — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:05:45 +0000

If your phone is ever acting extra whacky and you can't seem to figure out the cause, you may want to try booting into Safe Mode for a bit, an option included in Jelly Bean (Android 4.1). When entering Safe Mode, your phone disables all third party apps, leaving only system apps behind. To enter safe mode, simply press and hold your Power button as you normally would to turn your phone off. When you are prompted to either Power off, toggle Airplane mode, or adjust volumes, long press on "Power off" until you see the Safe Mode menu appear. Press "OK" and boot into Safe Mode. Cheers Tony and @P3droid!

How to: Turn Off 4G on Verizon's Galaxy S3

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:30:35 +0000

For whatever reason, turning off 4G LTE on Verizon's version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 has been made extra difficult. The menu under Settings>Wireless and network>More does not include the old toggle that we use on devices like the Galaxy Nexus. You are also unable to type in *#*#4636#*#* to get into the phone info menu and change it manually through there. I even downloaded the Thunderbolt LTE toggle, which works on the RAZR running Ice Cream Sandwich, and found nothing but force closes. Thankfully, this app called Phone Info works like a charm. Install it, open it, and head into "Device information." From there, you'll need to scroll down to the pull down menu which probably says "LTE/CDMA/EvDo" and choose "CDMA auto (PRL)" to turn your phone into a 3G, battery saving machine. Play Link Cheers @a_ale_z!

Samsung to Offer a Galaxy S3 "Developer Edition" on Verizon for $599 With an Unlockable Bootloader

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:56:32 +0000

Since the version of the Galaxy S3 on Verizon that thousands of you pre-ordered has a locked bootloader, Samsung apparently wants to give you an option that's a little more open. That option, if you truly value an unlockable bootloader, is a "developer edition" model that will run you $599. It can be purchased directly through Samsung's site in the near future and that's that. From what we can tell, this won't be subsidized in any form, so again, if you want an unlockable bootloader, you get to pay $599 for one. We ran a poll yesterday that asked if unlockable bootloaders matter to you - this is your chance to show the world how much they matter. Props to Samsung for providing an option. We'll save our choice words for the other involved party for another day. There is a Q&A provided by them after the break that should cover most questions.

Who is this for? Samsung and Verizon Wireless recognize that there are many enthusiasts and professional developers that are interested in customizing their device with third-party ROM software. Unlocking the bootloader can put the stability of the phone in jeopardy; therefore, only experienced developers should attempt to unlock the bootloader. What about the other carriers? Other versions of the Galaxy S III are sold with a user-unlockable bootloader as a standard feature. Those models are available directly from the respective carriers. Where can I buy the Galaxy S III Developer Edition? The Developer Edition will be sold online directly from Samsung. When the device is available for purchase, it will be sold through the Samsung developer portal at developer.samsung.com for $599. Why is Verizon Wireless’ version locked? Depending on the device, an open bootloader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. Unlocking the device also voids the warranty. Has Samsung always unlocked the bootloader on its phones? While not all previous Samsung Android devices have had an easily unlockable bootloader, all of our other current Galaxy S III flagship lineup, and all Nexus-branded devices, support the standard bootloader unlocking procedure. What happens if I load custom software and damage (“brick”) my phone? Problems caused by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software will not be covered by the warranty. Problems with third-party and customized bootloader software can cause irreparable harm to the Galaxy S III. Users interested in performing these actions should proceed with caution and at their own risk. Out of warranty Galaxy S III Developer Edition devices will be serviced directly through Samsung, and service charges will apply.

Via: Engadget Cheers Jamie!

Android 4.1.1 JRO03C Rolling Out to Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ Devices (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:27:21 +0000

The Nexus Google+ page has announced that Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) is rolling out to the Galaxy Nexus, today. The first version to receive it is the HSPA+/GSM version, which we assume means takju and yakju variants. No love for your LTE friend yet, but as you know, Verizon will have to approve that update before Google can send it off. Again, if you have a Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ device, you will want to jump into Settings>About>System updates and see if you can pull the update. Just like with the Nexus 7, it should be rolling out now. Update: Here is the 4.1.1 update for the takju HSPA+ G-Nex. [Download]

Nexus 7 Receiving OTA Update Now to Android 4.1.1 [JRO03C]

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:53:21 +0000

The Nexus 7 just got prompted for a 12.6MB update within the last couple of minutes. We aren't exactly sure what is included just yet, but once the install completes, we will let you know. ~~I have a feeling that it dumbs down Search~~. For those that attended Google I/O, pop into Settings>About>System updates and pull it. It's Android 4.1.1, but we aren't sure if there are any new features. It appears to be no more than a minor bug fixer. The build number is JRO03C.

Cheers Tato!

Developer Pushes Launcher Through ADB to Nexus Q, Makes Device Actually Kind of Cool

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:25:27 +0000

So, the Nexus Q isn't completely without a purpose anymore. A developer over at XDA has pushed CyanogenMod's Trebuchet launcher through ADB to the device, allowing it to perform tasks other than the ability to only stream content from Google's servers. Applications like Netflix and Angry Birds can also be installed and even controlled via a connected keyboard and mouse. As of right now, the hack is only for advanced users, but please feel free to give it the once over if you're in possession of a Q and want to tinker around with this interesting piece of Google technology. Below is a video of what the Nexus Q is now capable of, which is fantastic news for anyone who thought the Q was yesterday's news. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejYNDt0EUuA[/youtube] Via: Engadget, XDA

Official Twitter for Android App Updated, Expandable Tweets and Tappable Avatars

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:50:48 +0000

The official Twitter for Android application received a healthy update today. It includes some nice features along with some various bug fixes that should make the app much more pleasant to use on the day to day. In the update, Twitter is introducing "expanded tweets." When you select a tweet that contains a link, you can now view images, play videos, and view other media content as long as it is a link to a partner site of Twitter. We now have push notifications for selected users you follow (finally) as well as tappable profile pictures for easy creeping. It's a solid update in our book. Changelog:

Expanded Tweets: when you view Tweet details containing links to partner sites, you can now see content previews, view images, play videos and more. [this feature is rolling out gradually]

Push notifications for Tweets: choose to receive notifications from people you follow anytime they tweet or retweet

Improvements to search autocomplete for users

Tappable avatars that take you directly to user profiles

Many other tweaks, polish, and bug and crasher fixes

Play Link

CyanogenMod Team Gives Update on CM10, Only a Matter of Time Now

Eric — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:20:42 +0000

The CyanogenMod team released another update for when users can expect to see CM10 hit the forums. It's not a definitive ETA (naturally), but since Jelly Bean hit AOSP yesterday, they can shed some light on the process of making their next creation.

Here is the full statement from their Google+ page:

Repositories for all AOSP projects have been created on our github to alleviate any potential mismatches (branch is 'jellybean').
While Jelly Bean won't require a major rewrite of all the CM features, the source has been re-arranged and re-factored enough that a simple merge isn't possible. So we will proceed with manual merging (this was to be expected really). The plan of attack will be to cherry-pick everything from CM9 and fix the merge conflicts and relocations. It’s tedious but the only way. Ideally the original patch authors will forward-port their changes, so if you are out there and want to help out, join us in #cyanogenmod -dev. + Trebuchet might be messy to rebase onto JB. + Theme Engine will be messy. + SystemUI stuff will need to be restyled. + Lockscreen stuff will need to be restyled. + The current UX of Settings is good, no reason to change anything there. A manifest (Cyanogenmod/android.git) will be going up later this afternoon, so the masses will be able to sync directly from our source at that point as well. This will be it on the updates (so we can focus on actually working). Next post referencing JB should be when the merge/cherry-pick process is complete.

It sounds like we won't be hearing much from the team as they sit down and work out the kinks. Are you going to be waiting for CM10 or are you fully converted to AOKP or another new ROM?

Via: Google+

My Verizon Mobile App Updated, Widget Returns With Support for Share Everything

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:35:58 +0000

Fans of the My Verizon data widget, go hit up the Play store, as Verizon updated it today with an "enhanced widget" to support their new Share Everything plans. The widget had previously been killed off while Big Red worked on a new version that was compatible with shared data, so folks without unlimited plans will surely be glad to see this little guy back in action. We should point out that the widget will also no longer refresh itself in the background - you have to tap to get it to refresh. Play Link Cheers jeesung!

Office Depot Expecting to Have In-store Nexus 7 Stock by July 12?

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:04:07 +0000

We saw the Nexus 7 shipping schedule change this morning to "1-2 weeks" in the Play store, but will 3rd party retailers receive it as early as this Thursday? According to Office Depot, they are expecting to have them in some 341 stores by July 12. Potential customers can pre-order through them starting today either online or in-store, however, if they won't ship until Thursday, you might as well cruise into a store in 2 days and walk out with one the same day. I would recommend that you call your local OD to make sure that they have them. If you missed our Nexus 7 review, be sure to check it out. Cheers ___!

Massive Amount of Jelly Bean ROMs Hitting the Web for Galaxy Nexus, Here are Some Good Choices

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:30:58 +0000

With Jelly Bean source hitting AOSP yesterday, we knew every Android ROM developer would be hard at work to bring the newest and greatest ROM to Galaxy Nexus owners. Whether you are looking for a pure Google Experience ROM built straight from source or want some tweaks and hacks in there as well, we have a very nice list here to get you started. Some of these are built right from AOSP and others are works off of the GSM nandroid build that leaked two weeks ago. Either way you slice it, it's Jelly Bean goodness.

Each ROM has its own set of characteristics, so be sure to check feature lists and changelogs to make sure you get exactly what you want. Each of these are flashable through ClockworkMod Recovery, and yes, you must be rooted to attempt this. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to let us know down below and we will do our best to field them. If you want our opinion as to which one to try first, we hear Jelly Belly is quite delectable. Major cheers to Brian!

OUYA: The Android-Powered Gaming Console That Wants to Take on the Big Boys (Updated)

Eric — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:56:28 +0000

My two biggest gripes with mobile Android gaming are as follows: I don't have a reliable controller for most of the games, and the screens are too small to really get immersed in. Kickstarter is hosting a very promising looking project called OUYA (pronounced ooh-yah) that looks to take mobile gaming back to the living room, and rival the big console makers. This Android powered console is calling on the powers of Android's open development platform and the free-to-play model of gaming that has been all the rage recently. Can this grassroots program rattle the cages of Sony and Microsoft?

Update: And within a couple hours of posting, OUYA went from about $600K to over $1 million and is now past their goal with 29 days still to go. That was insanely fast.

The OUYA team has created a prototype console that is based off our favorite OS and even uses parts that you might find in your phones today:

Tegra 3 quad-core processor
1GB of RAM
8GB of flash memory
HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
USB 2.0 (one)
Wireless Controllers
Ice Cream Sandwich

All the games that work for Android now will work on OUYA and the developers of the console are hoping to entice game developers to make games just for their console, that are made to play on the big screen in your living room. Games like Shadowgun and Dead Trigger will look and play great on your TV and even Minecraft will be included in all this fun. One interesting note from the developer states "We're handing the reins over to the developer with only one condition: at least some gameplay has to be free." F2P has taken off in PC gaming recently with most games going free and then allowing you to buy upgrades to the game for real money. Microtransactions are now funding Team Fortress 2 and League of Legends, even though some players never pay a cent to play them. It's an interesting demand but in the long run it could be beneficial for any owners of the OUYA. OUYA is looking to raise money through Kickstarter and their goal is $950,000 to get the project up and running fully. At the time of this post they are near half that already, with 29 days to go. You can reserve a username for as little as $10 but if you want to get a console for yourself, $99 will get you an OUYA before they hit stores. This little console definitely has a lot of potential and could redefine gaming on the Android platform, we'll just have to see how we eventually get there. Via: Kickstarter

Google Nexus 7 Review

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:30:03 +0000

The Nexus 7 wasn't a complete surprise when Google unveiled it at I/O two weeks ago, but that doesn't mean it didn't impress. At $199, this tablet sports specs that most "high-end" tablets can't compete with. Sure, Google and Asus had to cut a few corners to keep the price so low, but after having one in my hands, it certainly feels like they cut in all of the right places. There is no need for review trickery here, we are going to recommend this tablet over and over again. So jump through the review to find out why.

The Good:

Price: What else should have been bullet #1? At $199 and $249, you won't find a better deal on a tablet. Sure, the Kindle Fire matches the Nexus 7 in price, but comes no where near it in specs, build quality, or Android experience. It still blows my mind a bit to think that this bundle of tech goodness is so affordable.
Specs: With its Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 7" HD display, 1GB of RAM, and 4325mAh battery, the Nexus 7 is close to having everything in a tablet that you could ever ask for. Sure, you may want a retina display and a rear facing camera at some point, but including those would also raise the price another couple of hundred dollars. This tablet was meant to be ultra-affordable yet powerful - it has done that and then some. If you look at the tablet market today, you won't find many that can compete with the Nexus 7 in specs, let alone price.

It's a Nexus: Why is it important to be a "Nexus"? Because this device will be updated before any other. Google seems to be fed up with slow update rollouts from OEMs and carriers and has taken to selling their own Nexus branded devices like the N7. This gives them complete control over everything. There are no OEM or carrier barriers here - if Google wants to update this device, they can and will.
Performance: Thanks to the coupling of Jelly Bean, its "Project Butter," and the Tegra 3 processor, the Nexus 7 is one of the speediest devices we have ever used. Benchmarks show a device that can compete with the best of them, but on a user level, you'll notice the overall smoothness while operating it. Google always takes the time to optimize its Nexus devices with chosen chipsets and the current version of Android, something that is apparent here. Switching between apps is ultra-fast, there are no stutters in transitions, the most robust HD games operate at high frame rates, and multi-tasking can happen in an instant.

Size and Design: To me, the 7" tablet is the perfect size. It can be pocketed if need be and is easy to hold in one hand for long periods of time (weighs just 340g). But not only does the Nexus 7 have the right size, Asus and Google designed this to feel amazing. What I mean is that they put this faux-leather-rubberish backing that's soft and comfortable to the touch, yet is grippy enough to keep it in your hand. There is also enough bezel around the edge of the device to hold it without performing random screen touches. For example, in landscape, you have extra bezel on each edge where your thumbs would sit to let you hold the N7 comfortably. They even put the volume rocker and lock switch (back-top-right) in a spot that can be accessed at all times without much effort.
Display: At 216ppi, the Nexus 7's display might not carry the "retina" tag, but it's pretty damn good. As an IPS LCD, it gets plenty bright, won't show ghosting, and displays colors much more naturally than say an AMOLED would. HD videos look impressive, the viewing angles are solid, and it's less of a fingerprint magnet than tablets we have tested in the past.

Jelly Bean: Android 4.1 and the Nexus 7 feel like a match made in heaven. While the home screen and launcher setup mimics that of a phone, most of the stock Google apps all show their tablet counterpart when used. The grid on home screens has been upped to 6x6 and certain widgets have been built to take advantage of it. The new notifications in Jelly Bean look big and bold on a 7" device, Google Now works instantly, the transitions are "buttery" smooth, and the task switcher pops up without hesitation. We have talked about he new features in Jelly Bean already, but if you want to get a feel for it on the Nexus 7, be sure to hit up our overview video below.
Gaming: We had a chance to talk to NVIDIA at Google I/O after the announcement of the Nexus 7 and they mentioned that this 7" size was perfect for gaming because it was like holding a gamepad or controller. I couldn't agree more. While gaming on the N7, you can reach controls easier than on a 10" device, but also, when you have to interact with a game, it's simple to jump back to those controls. And speaking of NVIDIA, since this device sports their Tegra 3 processor, you get special gaming privileges aka games that have been built specifically for devices like this. Shadowgun and Dead Trigger won't look as good on non-Tegra devices as they will on tablets like the Nexus 7.

Battery Life: The Nexus 7 rocks out with a 4325mAh battery that should last up to 8 hours with "active use." I don't know what "active use" means, but I do know that this device should get you through most of a day if you are hammering away on it. If you use it here or there, possibly as an entertainment device, it should get you through more than just a single day. As someone that uses tablets sparingly, I would say that I have probably charged it all of 4 times since receiving it 2 weeks ago at Google I/O. It won't win an award for battery life, but it also shouldn't frustrate you.
Media Suite: Google is taking this media game seriously and it starts with the Nexus 7. At the announcement of it, they also announced all new Google Play apps for music, movies and tv, and magazines. They are going to do whatever they can to get you to gobble up entertainment, and this device puts it all easily at your fingertips.

The Not-so-Good:

Storage: If you are going to buy a Nexus 7, buy the 16GB version. It will run you $249, but the extra internal storage will be worth it. My unit only has 8GB of storage, and trust me when I say that you can fill that up in no time. If you are a media junky that downloads more than a movie or two at a time for travel, you will run out of space quickly. 2GB or so are taken up by the OS, so after downloading a couple of big HD games and a 2.5GB HD movie or two, you will have nothing left. And since there isn't a microSD slot to expand that storage amount, you need to invest in the extra storage up front.
Rear Camera: I personally couldn't care less that the Nexus 7 does not have a rear camera, but some of you might. If you are into taking pictures with a giant glass slab, then this could be a downer to you. Most tablets these days, other than the Kindle Fire, have a rear camera, however, this was likely a move to keep the price down.
No HDMI or MHL: Sorry, folks, the Nexus 7 does not have much of a video-out option. It's microUSB port does not support MHL and there isn't an HDMI slot to b e found either. Leaving either of these out is probably a cost cutting measure, but with Google also trying to push the Nexus Q and its wireless media playback, this sort of makes sense. That doesn't mean we aren't disappointed, though.

Overview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdzE4oXicgo[/youtube]

Gallery:

Verdict:

Review seem short? It's short because this one is simple to me. This is the best Android tablet available. The specs are top tier, it's a Nexus, the screen is beautiful, the design and size are perfect, and it was made to be a media consumption monster. Oh yeah, the price is also stunningly low at $199 (8GB) and $249 (16GB). What else could you want from a tablet? If you do choose to pick one up, just be sure it's the 16GB model so that storage is never an issue.

In Case You Missed It, Google Movies Does Allow for Rooted Device Playback Now

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:25:13 +0000

After the update to the Movies application back when Google I/O was taking place this year, Google began allowing for rooted devices (previously blocked from playback) to stream content. We know in the beginning that Google had to make sure the publishers felt their content was safe and wouldn't be copied, but it looks like Google may have convinced them that rooted users aren't exactly the problem. Whatever did officially happen, users are very happy and everyone can now enjoy their Google Play Movies and TV shows with no more interruptions. Thanks, Google. Play Link

Google Adds 20 Indoor Maps for Museums and the Smithsonian Zoological Park

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:54:29 +0000

Who needs a tour guide when you have Google Maps? Today, Google loaded up an additional 20 indoor maps for folks to use when they're visiting some of America's more well known cultural offerings. Museums such as the de Young in San Francisco, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Museum Center are all now supported. To check out some of these neat new perspectives, simply locate one of the buildings on your Maps, then scroll in to navigate through the various exhibits. If you are located at one of these places, you can even access the navigation feature so you don't get lost in the halls. Play Link Via: Google Blog For a full listing of available indoor maps, see here.

Tuesday Poll: Does a Tablet Need to Have a Rear Facing Camera?

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:50:26 +0000

With Google's new Nexus 7, it is a change from the ordinary to see a back facing camera not accompany an Android tablet. To keep the pricing low enough, ASUS and Google decided against throwing in a shooter, but will anyone actually care? We know there may be certain situations that could arise where having a camera would be helpful, but is it necessary? Another idea is that maybe it depends on the size of the tablet. Would a camera better suit a 10" slate rather than the smaller 7" devices? Let us know if having a camera on your tablet is a must or not. [poll id="188"]

Rovio's Amazing Alex to Launch July 12 on Android, so Long Casey's Contraptions

Tim — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:20:28 +0000

When we first heard that Rovio had purchased the IP for Casey's Contraptions, it was reported that they would be completely reinventing the game and then releasing to the world. It looks like they're done and ready for the launch of Amazing Alex. In two days, users can play through a hundred physics-based puzzles and then once done with those, can even create and share their own levels with other players. Although we know Rovio is widely known only for Angry Birds, we know their games are of high quality. This should be no different. Are you a wee bit excited? [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk7vezL36IU[/youtube]

Yessir, the LTE Galaxy Nexus is Technically "Supported" in AOSP by Google Again

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:42:14 +0000

If you follow us on Twitter, then you probably saw us break this news yesterday afternoon. For those who don't, feel free to be proud of your LTE Galaxy Nexus again because it technically falls under the "supported" tag by Google in AOSP. As you may recall from back in February, we threw a bit of a fit when we found out that CDMA devices were no longer officially supported. Most of us had no idea what this meant until we raised that stink. Eventually, an Android engineer clarified that it really just meant that they were not allowed to make some CDMA binaries available, hence the reasoning for removing official AOSP support. When Android 4.1 hit AOSP yesterday though, one of our readers noticed that the CDMA/LTE and orientation sensor binaries were now showing as available for the LTE G-Nex, essentially making it official again. Master of AOSP, Jean-Baptise Queru, said that it is supported in an "experimental" fashion. So, there you have it. Throw a mini-party. This doesn't mean that you will see updates any faster. It also doesn't mean the ROM game will change all that much. After all, it wasn't officially supported for months and things hummed along fine. Cheers Nick!

Nexus 7 Status Changes to Shipping in "1-2 Weeks"

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 06:46:50 +0000

The Nexus 7 in the Google Play store has been updated this morning to show an estimated shipping period of "1-2 weeks" instead of the "3-4 weeks" it had been at since being announced. With Android 4.1 being pushed to AOSP yesterday, the timing for release couldn't be more perfect. Since the Nexus 7 is one of the first devices on the planet to have official Jelly Bean, it would seem to make sense that it would hit AOSP and then the device would ship to consumers. We are also hearing from some that credit cards are either being charged for pre-orders of the device or have at least moved to "pending." That's usually a pretty good indicator that things are about to ship. Via: Play Cheers George, Chris, and NCSUGolfer01!

Motorola Announces the Atrix HD - 4.5" HD Display and LTE Headed to AT&T for $99 on Contract

Kellen — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 06:41:07 +0000

This morning, Motorola made the Atrix HD official, a phone that was prematurely outed on their own website last week. As expected, the Atrix HD sports a 4.5" HD display with ColorBoost technology, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, 1GB RAM, 1780mAh battery, 8GB internal storage, expandable storage up to 32GB, runs Ice Cream Sandwich and AT&T's LTE all in a slim 8.4mm body. As we mentioned after first reporting the landing page for it that popped up on Motorola's site, the Atrix HD is by no means a top tier phone nor do they expect it to be. This is clearly directed at the "price conscious" crowd that still wants a powerful phone. It's like a regular DROID RAZR, but with an HD screen. The big dog from Motorola is still yet to come. Atrix HD will be available on July 15 at AT&T for $99 on 2-year contract. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI5M3DESvQw[/youtube]

Android 4.1 Headed to AOSP Today!

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:18:15 +0000

Here comes Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) to AOSP. JBQ announced within the hour that today is the day. Go build those ROMs, boys. Via: Google Groups

Monday Poll: Does an Unlockable Bootloader Matter Anymore?

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:14:37 +0000

Bootloaders are back in the spotlight this week thanks to Verizon deciding to lock down the Galaxy S3. Whenever this topic comes up, some of us freak, threaten to change carriers, and even go as far as creating petitions to try and force a change. Others could care less, as a secured bootloader really only affects those that choose to flash custom ROMs and kernels. For many, a secured bootloader means very little, right? Or is there a bigger population that does care, bigger than these OEMs and carriers are ready to accept? Only one way to find out and that's through a poll. Tell us, does a secured or "locked" bootloader affect your purchasing decision? [poll id="187"]

HTC Support: Rezound ICS Update Coming End of July

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:58:44 +0000

Rezound owners, you have not been forgotten, according to this support letter from HTC. No sir, you should have Ice Cream Sandwich on your devices as early as the end of July. Previously, HTC told us to expect the update in either June or July, so if they slip it into the end of this month, they will technically be on time. This letter mentions that rollout will happen towards the end though, and that final pushes of the update will happen in August. I wouldn't call it a delay, but it does seem to have been pushed back a bit.

Dear Andrew S, Thank you for contacting HTC regarding the Android 4.0 update. I understand that you are excited to receive the update for your HTC Rezound. I will be happy to share the information I have with you. The ICS (Android 4.0) update will be released for the Rezound by the end of this month (July) with final pushes in August. Due to localization, testing, and partner approvals, updates do not roll out to all devices at the same time. For devices on a wide variety of carriers and in many countries, rollouts can take up to 45 days from the initial update to reach everyone. It’s almost here, Andrew! We are as excited as you are. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week! Let me know if I have successfully answered your question, please click here to complete this. To send a reply to this message, please click here. Sincerely, Jauna HTC Want to see what others are saying? Have a question to ask other HTC fans?

We are a little confused over the fact that HTC posted up documents to their own support page back on June 20, expressing to the world that the update had been approved, only to now claim that it won't be ready for almost another month. The build they referenced at the time had already been leaked, so all we can figure is that Verizon found some little bug that they would like squashed before unleashing the beast. Don't forget to keep up with our official list of Android 4.0 updates. Cheers Andrew!

Endomondo Receives Redesign, Throws in a Few Features For a Solid Update

Eric — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:00:14 +0000

One of the longest running and most beloved Android fitness apps, Endomondo, is receiving an application bump up to version 8.0.0 today. The application has received a complete redesign and the team credits user's input for inspiration. The update also provides a few improvements to the application overall:

- Improvements to routes - Like/dislike routes and see overall rating of a route - Add/remove a favorite route

The new interface for Endomondo looks pretty slick, not exactly ICS-inspired, but good looking nonetheless. Always good to see top developers pushing out quality updates to Android's biggest applications.

Play Link

Last Reminder: Bloatware Can be Disabled on the Galaxy S3 Since It Runs ICS

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:34:58 +0000

You have probably seen us talk about this 2 or 3 times now, but with so many of you getting new phones in the next week, we wanted to make sure remembered that bloatware can be disabled in Android 4.0 and beyond. Since the Samsung Galaxy S3 runs Ice Cream Sandwich, it's time to get to disabling. As you can see from my screenshots, you need to head into Settings>Application manager>All to find those system level apps that Verizon or other carriers won't let you easily uninstall. From there, scroll through the list, tap on the items you want to disable, and then tap the "Disable" button. If you need to re-enable them, you can find them at the bottom of the "All" list. Bye, bye VZW bloat.

Tweet Lanes for Android, An Ice Cream Sandwich Inspired Twitter Client

Tim — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:45:11 +0000

It seems that there is never a shortage of Twitter clients for Android. So, here is another to add to the list. Tweet Lanes is still under development, but so far, it rocks. With a beautifully designed UI inspired by Ice Cream Sandwich, you swipe from left to right to see all of the tweets, mentions, and profiles. What I enjoy most is the ever-present bar on the bottom where you tweet from. Makes for very easy sharing. As a pro-tip, once you install Tweet Lanes, you can opt-in to a "Free for Life" feature. Just follow Tweet Lanes and the developer, then all future premium content will be yours for free. Not a bad deal, right? If you have another Twitter client you want us to check out, let us know in the comments down below. Play Link Cheers Kover!

If Your Galaxy S3 Order Arrives and You Think You Lost Unlimited Data, Get Verizon to Fix It

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:10:00 +0000

As Galaxy S3 pre-orders arrive at the doorsteps of Verizon customers, we are hearing from quite a few who have noticed that their unlimited data plans may not be represented correctly. As we wrote about ad nauseam, if you pre-ordered before June 28, you were supposed to be able to keep your current plan and avoid the new Share Everything plans. That remains true, however, when your order arrives, you need to look over the included paperwork carefully and also think about logging in to your My Verizon account to make sure that nothing has changed. My order arrived today and it mentions something about a $70 - 7GB data plan, but after checking online, nothing has changed and my unlimited plan is still in tact. It appears as if Verizon's system can't handle unlimited data plans all that well right now or at least doesn't know how to refer to them with Share Everything taking over. For some though, the problem has been much more severe. In fact, at least 2-3 readers have received notifications that unlimited data packages are no longer available and that they are being forced onto a tiered plan. You can imagine these letters aren't going over well. There are also issues when activating SIM cards, which we aren't fully understanding yet. Fortunately, you can call Verizon directly and they will work on getting it sorted out for you. As of today, the process sounds a bit painful, involves a "inactive pricing request" submission, and will probably require that you call back for status updates. We just want you all to check your orders carefully and make sure that your plan hasn't changed at all. The whole point of ordering before June 28 was so that you wouldn't have to lose unlimited data.

Cheers Chan and everyone else!

Video: Unboxing the Galaxy S3 on Verizon

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:25:09 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S3 on Verizon is in the building, locked bootloader and all. While we have already unboxed both the T-Mobile and AT&T versions, we thought we would help celebrate the occasion by doing this little guy as well. At some point we'll do a review, but trust me, it'll be a short one. Since this phone is identical on all carriers aside from the radios inside, our testing is going to focus on battery life and connectivity. Testing those takes time, so hang with us. Otherwise, jump below to watch us take the covers off this bad boy, and then cruise over to our full Galaxy S3 review.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YubF2FrgzUI[/youtube]

First 5 Apps Every New Android User Should Download [My Life Scoop]

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:10:06 +0000

The folks over at My Life Scoop, an Intel powered blog, asked if I would be interested in contributing a handful of posts to their cause during Q3 of this year. For those not familiar, MLS (not the soccer league) is a site that focuses on providing real life tips and tricks, lists of popular things, etc. It could be tech-related, but they also have writers contribute stories on music, sports, food, family, and general lifestyle. Since I'm in the tech field, I'm writing up tech stuff. My first post is live and wanted to share since it actually is Android-related as well. I tried to figure out what would help new Android users get the most out of their devices from the beginning. As many of you know, switching over to a new operating system can be painful unless you have help along the way. I basically took the 5 apps that I seem to use multiple times throughout a day, can't live without, and that also can make your life more efficient should you fully buy into them. If you need a hint as to what I chose, the graphic up top might be a great place to look. To read the article, head on over to My Life Scoop.

Verizon Expands 4G LTE Reach Through American Heartland and East Coast

Tim — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:30:07 +0000

Over the past week, Verizon has put some serious work in to their 4G LTE network. With expansions all across middle America and tons in New York, it wouldn't surprise me if thousands of folks have been basking in the speedy goodness. For the full run down of expansions that took place in New York, Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio, see the list down below. New York:

Niagara Falls
Amherst
Brant
North Collins
Dunkirk
Utica
New Hartford
Whitesboro
Albany
Schenectady
Saratoga Springs
Altamont
Berne
Brunswick
Clifton Park
Coeymans
Cohoes
Delanson
Delmar
Galway
Knox
Westerlo

Kansas:

Gardner
DeSoto
Lansing
Leavenworth, including Fort Leavenworth
Manhattan
Junction City
Wamgeo
Wichita
Andale

Ohio:

Portage County Areas:
North to Dominion Drive;
South to Meloy Road;
West to Pearl Street, and;
East to Cox Avenue.

Missouri:

Savannah
Amazonia
Country Club
St. Joseph
Easton
Gower
Stewartsville
Cameron
Amity
Winston
Gallatin
Jamesport
Bethany
Ridgeway
Eagleville
Mt. Moriah
Princeton
Mercer
Holt
Kearney
Platte City
Peculiar
Dearborn
Trimble

Verizon has also stated that Georgia is about to receive a whole lot of expansions in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled. Via: Verizon

Verizon Locks Bootloaders Because Unapproved Software on Devices Will Ruin the Earth

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:02:23 +0000

Verizon issued an official statement today to acknowledge that they are opposed to unlockable bootloaders. This essentially confirms that the Samsung Galaxy S3 bootloader locking was done on purpose, even though every other major U.S. carrier is fine with leaving it open, as is the rest of the entire world. It's the exact same canned response that we saw in an FCC letter back in February. Basically, they think that "unapproved" software on your phone could potentially destroy the experience that another customer of theirs could have. They also claim that it will impact their ability to provide you with proper support, should you run into problems with your phone.

Verizon Wireless has established a standard of excellence in customer experience with our branded devices and customer service. There is an expectation that if a customer has a question, they can call Verizon Wireless for answers that help them maximize their enjoyment and use of their wireless phone. Depending on the device, an open boot loader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. It is always a delicate balance for any company to manage the technology choices we make for our branded devices and the requests of a few who may want a different device experience. We always review our technology choices to ensure that we provide the best solution for as many customers as possible.

So, every other Samsung device that Verizon released without an encrypted bootloader over the last couple of years was OK, but the Galaxy S3 is not? They were also fine with exclusively releasing the Galaxy Nexus last year with an unlockable bootloader, just not this one. The fact that every other carrier on the planet seems to be fine with an unlockable bootloader on the biggest phone of the year, doesn't mean a thing either. Yeah, sure seems to be all about the customer, doesn't it? Via: The Verge Cheers David!

Paperland Live Wallpaper Brings Calm Scenery to Your Device

Tim — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:17:58 +0000

From the developer that created the Light Grid and Photile live wallpapers, comes another exciting app that Android users should love. It is called, Paperland. The wallpaper features paper-cut cars, clouds, and boats that float and drive smoothly across the screen. What makes it really neat is that it is also time sensitive. Depending on what time it is, you will see a daytime look to a midnight scene, which are all fully customizable. In the Pro version, you can choose custom colors and also which features you want shown or not. The Pro version is only $0.99, so let us know what you think. Play Link: Free | Pro

How to: Remove That Pesky Ongoing WiFi Notification on the Verizon Galaxy S3

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:30:34 +0000

On Friday, we noticed that Verizon had introduced a new "ongoing" notification to the Galaxy S3 and Incredible 4G LTE that to put it nicely, was a bit annoying. This is essentially their way of reminding customers that they should use WiFi as much as possible rather than their brand spankin' new 4G LTE network. For tiered or shared data customers, this reminder is probably worthwhile, but to those of us with unlimited data and who do not appreciate a 24-7 reminder of something we do anyway, we were looking for ways to get rid of it. One of our readers has come through in the clutch again with a step-by-step guide, for rooted users.

Instructions:

*You have to be rooted in order to do this.

1. Download an SQL editor from the Play store and open it. SQLite Editor is an option. 2. Find Setting storage>settings.db>secure:

3. Locate line 86 "wifi_networks_available_notification_on" in the editor and long press on that record.

4. Choose "Edit Record" and change the value to 0 (zero).

5. Save the record, back out and restart your phone. Enjoy not having a WiFi notification any longer. Cheers Brandon!

Buy the Incredible 4G LTE for as Little as $39.99 From Let's Talk

Tim — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:55:27 +0000

If you have been looking to buy or upgrade to the Incredible 4G LTE (overview here) on Verizon, Let's Talk is offering the device up for only $39.99. This sale, along ~~with an additional coupon code (DROID20) that is good for an extra $20 off, can be used by existing Big Red customers and first timers. That's $19.99 for a brand new phone~~. Update: It looks like the extra $20 off deal may have ended on Sunday. Feel free to give it a shot, but either way, you can still grab the phone for $39.99, which is cheaper than any other retailer. As for the device itself, it is powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon chip, incorporates HTC's Sense UI, and sports an 8MP back shooter. We're working on our full review right now, but in the mean time, you won't find a much better deal than this. Via: Let's Talk, Facebook Cheers Jigga_Z!

Verizon Support Blames Samsung for Bootloader Lock - Workaround Potentially Found, Bounty Placed

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:16:51 +0000

The weekend has come and gone and yes, the bootloader on Verizon's Galaxy S3 remains locked. We have root in a round about way, but as you have probably read across Android forums, this phone is going to take some time to crack. As of now, it's essentially like one of Motorola's many locked phones, only is a bit harder to swallow since Samsung had previously never locked a device down like this. Speaking of that, Verizon's official support account was quick to put the blame on Samsung over the weekend, something I think most of us have a hard time believing. Let me just break this situation down for a second. Samsung, to my knowledge, has never locked a phone on this level. They released versions of this specific device across the globe and on the 3 other major carriers in the U.S. and managed to leave the bootloader open. But you are telling me that they asked specifically for Verizon's version to be locked? And that makes any sort of sense, how? Motorola blamed Verizon. Verizon admitted to locking bootloaders and that they do not want "unapproved" software running on their devices. HTC blamed AT&T for locking the One X. It's always up to the carriers. But now Samsung, for the first time ever, is the one making a request? Give me a break. In related news, Team Epic has managed to use kexec to boot up a custom kernel. For those not familiar, the kexec method has been used on Motorola devices for some time now. It's not pretty, but phones like the RAZR have thrived even with a locked bootloader. Also, a bounty thread has been started over at XDA that will go out to the first person to crack this sucker. Oh, and one more thing. This will probably get you fired up:

Via: Twitter | Team Epic | XDA (bounty) Cheers everyone!

Online Orders for Verizon's Galaxy S3 Now Shipping July 19

Kellen — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:39:45 +0000

With the Samsung Galaxy S3 on Verizon now launching July 12 instead of the earlier announced 10th, it looks like online orders are getting a bump back as well. Last seen with an estimated shipping date of July 11, your orders through Big Red's official site will no longer ship until July 19. We are assuming this only affects those who ordered within the last day or so and not those that ordered last week or the week before. We know that many of you have either already received your pre-orders or are expecting them in the next day. Update: We have heard from a handful of readers that pre-ordered long ago and are now getting pushed back to July 19. Yikes. If you were considering an online order, you may want to think about heading into a store instead. Cheers Jeff, Mike, and Scott!

Verizon Pushes Galaxy S3 Launch to July 12?

Kellen — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 12:36:53 +0000

At the beginning of last week, Verizon announced that their version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 would be available July 10. For some reason, that date seems to no longer be the date. A couple of sources reached out earlier today to mention that they were hearing of a slight push back to July 12, a date that is now showing on Big Red's own site. We haven't been given a specific reason for the 2-day delay, but I think we'll all live if we have to wait an additional 48 hours. This doesn't appear to have slowed pre-order shipments, as our inbox continues to fill up with readers who have received shipping notices. For those that have received theirs, give us your thoughts. Cheers ___ and WalCs!

Verizon Galaxy S3 Rooted, Custom Recovery Flashed.

Kellen — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 08:46:44 +0000

I'll do my best to save the choice words that I have over the fact that Verizon's Galaxy S3 is the only one in the world with a locked bootloader, and instead let you have fun with that. What I will say, is that I thought we'd have root by the end of weekend and we had it before last night came to a close. The folks over at RootzWiki rooted the device by flashing a custom system.img file with su, that then allows you to push a recovery.img like CWM. It's a great first step. Unfortunately, the bootloader is still locked, so there is work to be done on that front if we want custom kernels and a fully open device. It's tough to tell if we'll ever fully unlock, but you know that there will be groups working on it. Just like with root, give it some time. Lastly, I'll say this one more time - the ONLY Galaxy S3 in the world, that we know of, to have a locked bootloader. The only. AT&T was fine with it being open, as was T-Mobile and Sprint. This one though, locked. Classy. Via: RootzWiki Cheers Steven, Brian and Terris!

This Week In The Life Of DROID: 7/6/2012

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:00:23 +0000

We have been enjoying a ton of Jelly Bean goodies that have poured out over the Android community thanks to hard-at-work developers. We also posted our firsts overviews of the new Nexus Q, Nexus 7, and Android 4.1 as a whole. We are still just a excited for Jelly Bean as we were on the day they announced it. If you missed any of this week's major headlines, here are the highlights:

Have a great weekend, everybody.

Should We be Worried About the Bootloader on Verizon's Galaxy S3?

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:04:51 +0000

Oh boy, not the way we wanted to end a week. Not only that, but this is definitely not the conversation we wanted to have as thousands of Galaxy S3 pre-orders from Verizon are about to arrive. Unfortunately, we have to go there to make sure you all know what you are about to get yourselves into. As you know, a handful of lucky pre-orderees received their Galaxy S3s early, and as you would expect, are putting them through the early development and rooting paces. So far though, they have had zero luck. Upon trying to use any of the previous GS3 root methods, none have been successful thus far. And when I say "previous," I'm talking about the Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile versions, which have all been rooted. From what I have gathered, the device is unable to flash unsigned boot.img and recovery.img files. We could be talking about a locked bootloader here, but before we freak out, let the device get in the hands of more people. By early next week, or even the end of the weekend, we should know more on the status of rooting the Verizon Galaxy S3 and how nasty its bootloader is. My gut tells me that everything will be fine in a short matter of time. Most devs have been down this road before with one device or another. Look how long it took the Rezound to get S-OFF? The fact is that it still got it. And also, this isn't a Motorola phone, it's a Samsung. Try to relax. We'll keep you updated. Update: Root has been obtained. Via: XDA Cheers Doron, Jason, and

Samsung Wins Temporary Stay of Ban for Galaxy Nexus, Google to Resume Selling

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:49:56 +0000

The Galaxy Nexus saga continues. Today, a judge gave Samsung a temporary stay ban on the device, allowing it to be sold again in the U.S., well, until next week. Apple gets to respond on July 12. This is far from over, so go purchase your new G-Nex while you still can. Via: Bloomberg Cheers Rick!

Droid Life Q&A Session: I/O Edition Answers

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:02:25 +0000

We are a week removed from Google I/O 2012, can you believe it? A full week of Jelly Bean tips and tricks, Nexus 7 overviews, and Nexus Q confusion is officially behind us. So let's talk about in this special edition Q&A session that focused on the magic that went down 9 days ago. We'll talk about about those three items, but also a Nexus 10, if Train was any good in person, and when the rest of you will see the update to Android 4.1.

What's up with the phone layout on the Nexus 7? Does Jelly Bean do away with the tablet layout that we see in Honeycomb and ICS?

K: Google must have decided that a 7" tablet functions better with a phone UI than a tablet UI, even though it is a tablet. I tend to like this move as the tablet UI for Android is still pretty lacking in my opinion. Going from your phone to the Nexus 7 is identical, just in a bigger sense. Our full review will be out early next week and we'll touch on more of this. So far though, I don't think anyone is going to have any major complaints over it. To answer the second question - no Jelly Bean does not do away with the tablet layout. T: The portrait layout is perfect for the 7" display. Jelly Bean does not do away with the tablet layout you are used to seeing, but Google clearly knew that this layout simply looks and functions better for homescreen navigation on the Nexus 7.

Does the Q have any chance of being successful?

K: I hooked mine up the minute I got home last weekend, used it for a few minutes, fired it up again the next day and haven't touched it since (part of that absence could be blamed on the holiday week). While my music is all in Google Music, I have yet to fully buy into Google Movies and TV, and also do not consider myself to be a YouTube addict. The product is built well, but until they open it up to things like Pandora, Spotify, or other services that grab more users, I don't know how this thing is going to appeal to many. It was a bold move by Google to fully step into the hardware game by essentially inventing a category. R: That depends on what you mean by successful. I don't think Google planned on selling many Qs. I think the point was to get a device in the market that was made in America to try to keep that conversation going. Will it compete with Apple TV or even Google TV? No, but that's not the point. The point is that we need to keep investing in American made products. E: The price HAS to come down. When I heard it being announced I said, "this is fantastic, as long as it's under $100." We all saw how that ended up, and I think at the price point now it directly conflicts with Google TV, so they're going to have to do some soul searching to figure out how to make this work properly in the ecosystem.

Was Train as terrible Live as they sounded through the stream?

T: Absolutely! K: Google kept the I/O party secret for the most part until the day of. We had no idea that it was going to be Train, but upon finding out, you can imagine that we all let out an "Ugh." (Side note: Paul Oakenfold opened up the show.) At one point, they performed Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and brought up an attractive blonde woman and some young 12-year old boy to help sing along. You got the feeling that this was clearly setup as both were on key, on point, and flawless with a live band behind them. It got creepy when the lead singer started hitting on the blonde, but then tried to deflect his off-handed comments back to the boy to try to make it less awkward. He failed. It was super awkward and creepy. Still, they were probably better than Jane's Addiction was last year.

How long until Galaxy SIII gets updated to Jelly Bean? Other phones too?

K: If only any of us knew the answer to that. The jump from ICS to Jelly Bean doesn't seem to be massive, so these updates should happen faster than the jump from Gingerbread to ICS. That still doesn't mean you are going to see Android 4.1 in the next month. The Galaxy Nexus (probably just the GSM version) will get it in a couple of weeks, but I wouldn't be surprised if was September before any other phone sees the love. R: I imagine Jelly Bean will roll out to most devices that received or are scheduled to receive 4.0. No one can really guess accurately on the timing. Probably similar to the Froyo rollout on top of Éclair devices.

How do you see yourself using Google Now in your daily life and is it a real benefit?

E: I use it everyday. I've actually replaced Weatherbug Pro (my longest running application to-date) with it and that's how I check my weather. The search feature is fantastic for anything I need to know. You have to give it time to learn though. Right away it doesn't seem all that exciting, but once the phone learns your home, your travel routes and your favorite sports teams, it's actually very useful. R: Yes and yes. It is actually more of a personal assistant than Siri in that it organizes all of your data and keeps you aware of what's coming up without you having to prompt it. More importantly, it has access to data that Apple doesn't (and that's something Apple will probably never pursue). K: I can't get enough of Google Now. My calendar is full of all sorts of stuff (work appointments, parties, reservations, games, etc.) and Google Now reminds me when they are about to happen and then tells me how long it'll take me to get to them. The other day, it flat out said, "It's time to leave for your appt." Whenever I'm out and about, it always has the time or distance to get back home at my fingertips, reminds me of Timbers games a day in advance , shows me live scores during the game, and of course, has the weather a button press away.

For someone who's never owned a tablet before, would you highly recommend the Nexus 7 as their first ever tablet?

T: Yes, I would. The Nexus 7 is powerful, sexy, and better yet, inexpensive. For a first time slate owner, it's the perfect introductory device to the world of Android "tabletry." Playing games, watching movies, and surfing the web is a real treat on a device like this. I would recommend to everybody. R: Sure. It's probably the best Android tablet yet and it's only $200-$250. E: Yes. I'd recommend it over any other Android tablet out there right now. Why? Because it's exactly what Google and Android stand for. It's clean and smooth and is a great representation of an awesome OS. K: Review next week!

What are the biggest differences you saw between Google I/O and Apple's WWDC?

K: I didn't hear Google mention a competitor even once. Apple spends half their presentations trying to trash and poke fun at others. Google has moved so far beyond that at this point. At WWDC we saw a company playing catch-up. At I/O, we saw a company pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. R: Google announces much, much more than Apple. In some ways that makes Google's announcements more difficult to grasp because of information overload, but at the same time, the big announcements were easy to spot. Another thing I noticed is that I found Sergey much more compelling than Cook. Sergey seems genuinely excited about his projects while Cook seems proud of them. Both are good qualities in a CEO, but they create very different presentations.

Platform Developer Kit (PDK), will this actually speed up updates for a phone?

R: Probably not. The software isn't the only issue delaying updates (though it is a big one). T: In Google's eyes it will. Fingers crossed that Verizon has their hands on it! K: I like the idea of the PDK. After announcing last year that a group of major players was being formed to streamline updates and then watching it fail miserably, this is the only move that Google could have done. Give OEMs early access to Android builds before they go public and it at least gives them an opportunity to start working on it. If they fail at pushing updates more quickly after having early access, that's their own damn fault. Don't forget though, that carriers are going to be the ultimate barrier here. Motorola can get Jelly Bean early, but they still have to push it through Verizon. Our headaches are not over, but it's a step in the right direction.

Reflections on Google Glass? How many people pre-ordered?

T: There was a constant line to pre-order Google Glasses. No idea on the numbers, but easily a thousand or more, maybe? Hard to tell. After that presentation, I think everyone in the world wants to get their hands on some of these. I am completely excited to see where that technology goes. R: Google Glass is going to be huge. It may not be a huge consumer device, but in different professional fields it could be a huge advantage (medical, armed forces, police, firemen, construction, architecture, surveying, etc.). I imagine it won't make sense for consumers unless it's connected to another device like a TV (watching a sports game and having no chrome around it, just the game with scores and other details on Glass).

Will there be a Nexus 10?

E: Depends on how well the 7 sells. Google and ASUS are already cutting the profit margains paper thin and banking on software sales to help cover those costs. Giving a tablet everything that Google Play has to offer is only beneficial if you use Google Play. If you want to see a Nexus 10, start buying movies and music and books through Play and support that ecosystem. R: I think so. The question is when and at what price point. The 7 is designed to take down the Fire, so I imagine the 10 will be released once Google feels confident in their ecosystem. *All previous Q&A sessions can be found here. **In case you forgot, K is Kellen, T is Tim, E is Eric, and R is Ron.

New Samsung Commercial Reminds You That Share Shot on the Galaxy S3 is Awesome

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:10:57 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bhD-BvPkn8[/youtube]

We have touched on this a number of times already, but will say it again - the Galaxy S3 is so much more than just another powerful smartphone, it takes sharing media to a whole new level. Samsung has featured one of its sharing abilities, Share Shot, in their newest commercial that involves a new born and extended family all wanting to see the first shot it. Don't drop a baby, people, WiFi Direct that biz.

Camera App Shortcut Made Available for Nexus 7 Owners

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:30:18 +0000

The MoDaCo development team released an app shortcut to allow Nexus 7 owners access to that powerful front facing shooter anytime they so choose. Previously, only when using apps such as Google+ Hangouts would users even get use out of the camera. Now, you can snap a shot of your pretty mug anytime you would like. Play Link Cheers NCSUgolfer01!

Yo Verizon, What's With This Ongoing Wi-Fi Toggle Notification on the Galaxy S3 and Incredible 4G?

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:10:48 +0000

I spent my first full day with the Incredible 4G LTE yesterday after putting it off over the holiday, and noticed something a bit frustrating almost immediately. See that screenshot above on the left? The "Ongoing" message to turn WiFi on. As an "Ongoing" notification, it never goes away. I'm not kidding about this either. If you take a look at the "Advanced Wi-Fi" shot to its right, you can see that there isn't an option to remove this. So no matter what you are doing on your phone or where you are, which could mean you are 400 miles away from the nearest WiFi router, you will have that WiFi icon with a slash through it telling you to turn WiFi on. The only way to get that obnoxious little icon to go away, is to connect to a WiFi network. To make matters worse, this doesn't seem to be isolated to the new Incredible. Samsung Galaxy S3 owners who received shipments from Verizon this week are reporting the exact same thing. From what we have heard, Big Red actually went as far as to remove the WiFi toggle in the notification bar that Samsung's TouchWiz has become known for, and replaced it with this ongoing notification, that again, cannot be removed. It's probably safe to assume that this move is to get people to use WiFi more. If they are constantly reminding you to turn on WiFi, you probably will turn it on. Then you'll use WiFi and not their network, which might be a smart idea for those of you stuck on those tiered or ~~ridiculously overpriced~~ shared data plans. I can't help but admit that I find this ultra-obnoxious, though. I understand that this is a good way to remind novice users, but give the advanced population the ability to turn it off if we don't like it. If anyway finds a way to turn this off, please pass it along.

Sidecar - Share Live Video, Photos, and More While on the Phone

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:52:07 +0000

If you need a new app to better share your life with friends and family, then check out Sidecar. While you and a friend chat over the phone through Sidecar, you can instantly stream live video, share photos, see each other's location, and share contacts right on the app. I don't have anybody to Sidecar with yet, but it looks pretty cool and might make for a couple's tool. Play Link [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSgEXmQC_MQ[/youtube] wm snyder!

Stock Firmware For Verizon's Galaxy S3 Released

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:07:30 +0000

The stock firmware for the Galaxy S3 that is headed to Verizon, SCH-I535, has been released over at Samsung Updates. It appears to be flashable via Kies, but if this doesn't end up being the final software, then it may not do you much good. It's never a bad idea to have original stock firmware tucked away in a back folder on your PC though. The file is roughly 779MB and can be grabbed at the source link below. Via: Samsung Updates Cheers It'sASamsung!

Steampunk Droid Live Wallpaper, Another Classy Choice for Andy Fans

Tim — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 09:40:40 +0000

Show your support for the Green Machine and pick up this neat Steampunk Droid live wallpaper. Once applied, the gears goes wild on the edges of the display and his eyes light up nice and bright. He is a blast to play with and he gives off sort of an Iron Man look, which we dig. Go show some Android love. Play Link Cheers Dr. Buttballs!

Bloomberg: Amazon is Planning to Make an Android Powered Smartphone

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 09:05:54 +0000

What would you say to Amazon building an Android powered smartphone? Would you be interested? According to a report out of Bloomberg, Amazon has already pegged Foxconn as the builder, is trying to lock down patents for protection from you-know-who, and would allow them to add another device to their Kindle Fire approach of pricing low, but hoping to make tons of money in the end off of media sales. No other information was given, and as always, the sources are anonymous. Personally, I'd welcome it with open arms. While I probably wouldn't buy one myself, since Amazon completely butchers Android as on OS, look what the Kindle Fire did for the tablet market. Nexus 7, anyone? If Amazon were to take a similar approach with a smartphone, and say sell it unlocked for ultra cheap, could that potentially change a part of the industry again? Maybe. Thoughts? Via: Bloomberg Cheers Nick!

Google Gives Us Another Reason to Be Jealous of Google Employees, Who Wants This RC Android?

Eric — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 08:25:48 +0000

Aside from being one of the best places to work in the world, most of us here are jealous of Google Employees because they get to see so much Android stuff behind closed doors that we never get to lay our hands on. Limited edition Galaxy Nexus battery covers, special Nexus Q hangout parties during work hours and now this? A remote controlled, inflatable Android RC car. Where do I send my resume?

This little guy can be inflated and then driven around, you can even knock Android over and he'll get right back up: almost like the company keeps doing in recent legal battles. The company that makes the toys, Bladez Toyz, will apparently have different models for us regular citizens to choose from while the Google staff gets this Bugdroid exclusively. I know if they sold these through the Play Store, I would have mine pre-ordered already, what about you?

[youtube]![/youtube]

Via: Pocketnow

Verizon Galaxy Nexus Receiving OTA Update IMM76Q? (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 08:12:23 +0000

A member over at XDA is claiming to have received a notification this morning to update his Verizon Galaxy Nexus to Android build IMM76Q. As you can see from the shot, the size is only 945KB which is fairly small in the OTA update world. What could be included is anyone's guess, but if it is real, then we would immediately wonder if this has to do with dumbing-down of the Search functionality that Google must do in order to continue selling the device in the States. So far, no one else has been prompted to install this. We will update this post as we find out more. Update: As was pointed out, the phone picture above has a serial number up top and is likely a test device. If that's the case and this guy is a tester, it would be surprising to see it within the next few days or even weeks for that matter. Well, unless Verizon wants to continue selling the phone, then they'll push this thing through. Via: XDA Cheers Tim!

Nexus Q Receives Tear Down: Made in USA, But Parts May Be From Somewhere Else

Eric — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:40:42 +0000

The Nexus Q, one of the more intriguing announcements that took place at Google I/O, has received an official iFixit tear down treatment. Taking it apart is a relatively easy affair as long as you have the right tools. The Nexus Q stands up there right alongside the Nexus 7 with its repairability score of 8 out of 10 (10 being the easiest to repair). And what about that claim that the Q was "built and manufactured in the USA?"

One of the reasons the Nexus Q was so high in price ($299.99) was simply the fact it was put together in the States. People like the sound of that. iFixit has found however that while overall the device was manufactured here in the States, a few bits and pieces of the device had to be imported. Nothing too major though and other than the risk of touching the large (warning label applied) capacitor, it is fairly easy to tear the Q down to its basic parts.

Via: iFixit

Chalk One Up for HTC, Wins Slide-to-Unlock Patent Dispute Against Apple in U.K.

Tim — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:54:36 +0000

HTC has won a recent patent battle. A judge in the U.K. has ruled that HTC is not infringing on four of Apple's patents, the main one being a slide-to-unlock feature. The judge ruled that the feature was an "obvious" enhancement on other technology that was seen on previous handsets before Apple held the patent. HTC released this statement:

HTC is pleased with the ruling, which provides further confirmation that Apple's claims against HTC are without merit. We remain disappointed that Apple continues to favour competition in the courtroom over competition in the marketplace.

In classic Apple fashion, they released a previously already published statement:

We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.

Come on, Apple. Don't be poor sports. Via: BBC

Thursday Poll: What Version of Android is Your Phone Currently Running?

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:00:05 +0000

Each month, the Android team updates their OS distribution charts to show the percentages of users running specific versions. In the most recent, we saw Ice Cream Sandwich jump up to over 10% for the first time, but the clear leader in the clubhouse remains Gingerbread after many months. Jelly Bean has yet to make an appearance on the chart which makes sense, since it has not officially been released yet. The August numbers will likely include it. Until then, we thought we would ask our community, so that we can see what our numbers look like. I get this feeling that the majority is not going to be Gingerbread and will likely be a mix of ICS and Jelly Bean. [poll id="186"]

Draw Race 2 Lands on Google Play, Re-Imagines Mobile Racing

Tim — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:38:28 +0000

A new racing game has hit Google Play and it is sure to become a hit. Draw Race 2 takes your ideas of racing on your mobile and flips the script. Instead of moving your vehicle while the race takes place, you draw a path for the car to follow beforehand. Once the race starts, the car compensates for changes such as the other racer, conditions, etc. It's a neat take on racing and is definitely a nice change from the ordinary. Play Link ($2.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEaUdN_apf8[/youtube]

Quick Look: Spigen SGP Leather Flip and Folio Cases for the Galaxy S3 (Update: Contest Winners Picked)

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:30:53 +0000

Since the Samsung Galaxy S3 on a variety of carriers including Verizon, has started to arrive on the doorsteps of many of you, we thought we would spend some time today to talk about a couple of your case options. Last week, we looked at the offerings of RearthUSA, but today are switching over to Spigen SGP. In hand, we have their Argos leather flip case and the Folio faux leather case, each in a handful of colors. After you read through our thoughts on them, be sure to jump to the bottom to get in on some contest action. That's right, you can win everything you are seeing today.

Folio Faux Leather Case

The Folio Faux Leather case comes in a greyish brown, navy blue, and the reddish color you are seeing in the pics above. The material itself is obviously not leather, but it feels really nice in hand. It has almost this ribbed feeling that definitely gives it enough grip to help keep it in hand. The flip mechanism doesn't feel cheap, and you even have a slot to keep a business card or two. There are indents for the volume rocker and lock switch so that you shouldn't have any trouble finding or pressing them. There are camera, speaker, headphone jack, and microUSB cutouts on the back and bottom as well, so that you will never miss a shot, sound or charge. For the most part, I like the feel and look of this case, but I do have one small gripe. With a phone inserted, it doesn't really feel like it hugs it tight enough, for me anyway. Now, your phone certainly isn't going to fall out of this case or anything like that, but it would have been more impressive had it really hugged my Galaxy S3 just in case the material starts to give over time. Overall, it's a solid flip case option. The price is $39.99 though, and again, it's not real leather. [Buy]

Argos Leather Flip Case

The Argos Leather Flip case is definitely like no other case I have ever held. Rather than flipping to the side, this flip case goes vertical on you. So when holding it in hand, the top cover actually moves down from a top latch to give you access to the phone. There are cutouts for the volume rocker, lock switch, camera, and speakers, however, the microUSB port is only accessible with the top flipped open. I sort of like the idea of the case flipping down and out of your way, but it would definitely take some getting used to. This case is made of genuine leather, comes in 3 colors (white, black, and brown), and is listed at $39.99 on Spigen's site. Personally, this genuine leather feel is not for me, but for those that have chosen leather in the past, you may be good here. To me, the faux leather of the flip case feels much nicer in hand. Who knows, maybe once this genuine leather has worked itself in a bit, it'll feel amazing. [Buy]

______________________________________

Update

We have emailed our winners. Go check your email and see if you got lucky. :)

Contest

Let’s give all of these away, along with a screen protector! Some of you may have your orders by tomorrow or early next week, so the last thing we would want is for you case lovers to be walking around naked. Rules: 1. In the comments, tell us why you chose to buy a Galaxy S3. 2. Then tell us which of these cases or screen protector you would like. Your choices are:

*We have 1 black Argos, 1 white Argos, 1 brown Argos, 1 red Folio, 1 blue Folio, 1 grey Folio, and a Ultra Nano Clear screen protector.

3. Tomorrow at 9AM Pacific, we will choose our winners. Good luck!

Google Working on Update to Bring Galaxy Nexus Back to Stores by Next Week

Tim — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:58:13 +0000

If you have not seen it already, the Galaxy Nexus status in Google Play is listed as, "Coming Soon." To many Android lover's disappointment, Apple recently won an injunction against the device due to a patent infringement. The patent itself is a "universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system,” that is currently utilized in the search functionality of the Galaxy Nexus and many other Android devices (don't tell Apple that). Today, Google and Samsung confirmed that the device is indeed banned from being sold in the United States until a fix is issued. Samsung released a statement that really hits the nail on the head when it comes to the game that Apple is playing:

Samsung is disappointed with the court’s decision that denied our motion to stay. We believe today’s ruling will ultimately reduce the availability of superior products to consumers in the United States. We will continue to pursue an appeal of the Galaxy Nexus preliminary injunction, which we filed on July 2 to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Meanwhile, we are also working closely with Google to resolve this matter, as the patent in question concerns Google’s unified search function.

As we touched on earlier, Samsung is not in this alone. Google is indeed expediting a software update that will fix the issue in question that is to be pushed out to the devices some time next week. Sure, the device will come back on sale again shortly, but in my opinion, this a low blow by Apple which only truly affects technology consumers and not the actual targeted corporations. What do you think of the recent ban of the Galaxy Nexus? And please, keep it civil. Via: ABC News

Judge Who Threw Out Motorola V. Apple Thinks We Don't Even Need Software Patents

Eric — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:30:57 +0000

One of the best things about this ongoing patent war between every mobile phone company in the business, is that it's finally starting to attract attention to how crazy it is all getting. Judge Richard Posner recently threw a case out of his court that involved Motorola and Apple and did so with a little bit of a flair. Luckily for us, Posner is one of the most respected Judges in the States right now, and he has started to put his mind behind this whole patent system.

Posner recently sat down for an interview after being thrust into the spotlight after his decision on Moto v. Apple. Posner has been seen by many in his field as a visionary rather than following the rules as they state. This outlook is what causes him to think critically about cases and come up with thoughts like "most industries don't need patents." Posner said that in the smartphone industry, patents are "a problem. You just have this proliferation of patents."

Posner doesn't think that patents should be eradicated all out, only in some industries. He says that in the pharmaceutical industry, companies stand to lose huge investments in successful drugs if patents aren't regulated. Software advancements cost much less to make, and companies gain more by being first to market with those advancements; something that would still be true even without patents.

Posner said that he was looking forward to presiding over the case of Moto and Apple, but ended up having to throw the case out anyway. "I didn't think I could have a trial just for fun," he said. It should also be noted that Posner accepted an upgrade to an iPhone recently, but said in his interview "I'm not actually that interested in becoming part of the smartphone generation," and that he only uses it to check email and call his wife.

The Judge seems to be onto something here. Having such a highly respected person to speak those thoughts certainly helps too, the question is: will there be a change any time soon? With the ban of the Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy Tab 10.1 still fresh in everyone's memory we will have to wait and see.

Via: Reuters

Let's Create! Pottery - A Pottery App That Is Cool?

Tim — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:50:50 +0000

I know it may be hard to believe, but maybe making pottery can actually be cool. Let's Create! Pottery is on Google Play and once we saw all of the awesome ratings, we figured we should give it a shot. To our amazement, the game is actually a lot of fun and definitely lets you play with your imagination while also making pretty vases. Once you make your shape, you place it in the kiln for firing, paint and pattern it, then you can choose to place it for sale. With the money earned from the sales of your work, you can buy new paint colors, patterns and materials to work with. The pro version is a ridiculous $5, but for some, that could be worth it. Give the game a go and let us know what you think. Play Link: Pottery (free) | Pottery ($4.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL5e98JchuI[/youtube]

Verizon Files Appeal Against FCC, Says Net Neutrality Violates the Carrier's Free Speech

Eric — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:13:24 +0000

Net Neutrality has far reaching implications considering that the internet has an influence on almost every gadget released these days. The deal is far from being settled, it's going to be a few years before we get an understanding of what can be censored on the web and what can't, but right now, Verizon thinks the Federal Communication Commissions rules on the subject are infringing upon their first amendment right of free speech.

Ever since the FCC has adopted the new rules in 2010, companies have been filing grievances if they feel that the rules aren't made for them. The latest to do this is Verizon who says the regulation over their network infringes upon their right to free speech. They liken their network to a newspaper and seek to have the same editorial discretion that a newspaper does to prioritize its content or its partners over others. Verizon feels the FCC is overstepping their bounds with these rules:

The Commission points to a hodgepodge of provisions to support its claim of 'broad authority, since 2006, at least 11 pieces of 'net neutrality' legislation were introduced and debated in Congress. None were enacted.

Verizon goes on to say that the FCC is also infringing upon fifth amendment rights that promise no turning over of property without just compensation. Verizon argues that these new rules allow parties to "physically invade broadband networks with their electronic signals and permanently occupy portions of network capacity," and they say that the FCC doesn't offer any compensation for this invasion of their private network.

Verizon's base argument is that Congress hasn't given the FCC power to do anything that they are planning on doing. Either Congress can indeed give those powers to the FCC, or if the courts agree with Verizon, things get a little more complicated. While some of their arguments might come off as legally sound, it all feels a bit shady to the average person. Anytime a large company comes out and seems like transparency is the last thing on their mind is certainly not putting their customers mind's at ease.

Via: arstechnica

Video: Another 20 Examples of the Power of Google's New Voice Search

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:37:33 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8ePUYp6HPU[/youtube]

On Tuesday, a new Jelly Bean user took to YouTube to show off the power of Google's new Voice Search. During the video, he highlighted at least 40 different questions that were all given direct card answers to. After the video blew up the internet, he received another 20 or so tips from commenters and decided to make a follow-up. This time, he goes into pretty specific stuff and Voice Search still manages to answer via card. Oh, and wait until the end when you get to indoor street view using compass mode. Mind officially blown. Cheers Cheese!

Galaxy SIII With Quad-Core and LTE Coming to Korea July 9, Will We Ever See One?

Eric — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:30:34 +0000

Up until now, the general consensus is that quad-core and LTE radios do not play well with each other. The Tegra 3 and Exynos quad-core processors that have been found in international versions of phones, have been swapped out for a Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor here in the States so that we can have our awesome LTE. It looks like that soon is going to change.

Coming to Korea next week is a version of the Galaxy SIII that has the best of all worlds. Quad-core Exynos processor, LTE connectivity and 2GB of RAM on-board as well. It seems that Samsung has worked out the issues between the radio and processor well enough to release this phone, and should attract a lot of attention for the full spec sheet. Would you prefer this S3 to the dual-core one if it got released in the States?

Via: Engadget

NOVA Launcher Beta Updated with Jelly Bean Goodies

Tim — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:00:39 +0000

If you need more Jelly Bean on your device, Nova Launcher's beta apk has been updated that includes a few goodies that might help your addiction. This is not the same launcher apk that is on Google Play, but these changes will most likely find their way onto the official app once they go through testing. In the beta, you can choose between the stock ICS or JB Google Search bar, custom widget list picker (requires root or actual JB), and some other fixes across the board. Changelog:

Search Bar Style of JB or ICS

Adjust padding so labels are more likely visible in landscape

Built-in stock jellybean icon theme

Custom widget list picker (requires Root or JB)

Fix FCs

Jellybean:

Fixes for backup/restore of widgets

Fixes for Play Store widgets

Support new system animations

Fixes for Nexus 7

Fix empty folders

If you want to give the new features and fixes a go, download and install as you would any other third party application. Download: NOVA Launcher Beta APK Via: XDA

How to Force Landscape Tablet UI on the Nexus 7 Tablet

Tim — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:25:39 +0000

Many noticed that when the first pictures of the Nexus 7 popped up, Google implemented portrait mode through most of the tablet and we think it looks just fine on the 7", but others may not. After following these instructions, you will basically be running a 10.1" UI on the 7" display. We know there are not many of you that have the tablet yet, but if you get the feeling that you will need some landscape goodness when it arrives, this is how to do it. Directions for Tablet UI on Nexus 7:

1. Get a file explorer such as root explorer or es file manager(go to settings allow mount rewritable and root access) 2.Then go to system(es file manager just go to the star button on the top left hand side and click on the phone button and you will see the system folder) 3.You will find a build.prop file make sure to make a copy of it and save it somewhere just in case for a backup. 4.Then click on the build.prop and open it with a text editor. (ES file manager has its own) 5. Now scroll down to "ro.sf.lcd_density", or something with lcd density(sorry im at work so i dont have my n7 with me) 6. Now the original lcd density is 213 so the best result for tablet mode is going 170 and below. 7. Save the file by press the menu button. 8. Reboot your N7 and then you got Tablet UI.

For all of you who pre-ordered this awesome device, don't worry, the wait is worth it. Via: Pocket Now | XDA

Ice Cream Sandwich Leaks for the DROID XYBOARD 8.2 and 10.1

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:50:21 +0000

Are you one of the 10 people that owns a Motorola XYBOARD? I'm kidding of course. If you do own one, then prepare yourself for Ice Cream Sandwich, as it has leaked and is flashable as a legitimate update to both WiFi and 4G versions in 8.2" and 10.1" sizes. Similarly to what we have seen with the RAZRs and Bionic, these appear to be real update.zip files pulled from Motorola servers. You should be warned that if you decide to update to these, there is a chance that you won't ever be able to come back. We are hearing that the fast boot files are no where to be found, so please approach with caution. The last thing you want to do is update to this and then it end up not being official. Via: XDA Cheers Rich!

Early Arriving Galaxy S3s Having a Hard Time Activating This Morning on Verizon's Network

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:19:30 +0000

We know that some of your Galaxy S3 orders are arriving this morning (me not being one), but we would love to know if you were able to activate it successfully. According to a few readers, their units showed up today, but customer service is unable to get them up and rolling. We aren't sure if this is only happening to those bouncing from a 3G phone to their first 4G phone or if there is some extra step that is causing current 4G phones to not be able to simply insert their SIM card. Since Verizon wasn't fully expecting these to arrive until next week, maybe they aren't ready. We have reached out to Verizon to see if we can get to the bottom of this. In the mean time, let us know if you received yours and if you are activated and enjoying the impressive power of this phone. Were you already on a 4G device or are you coming from a 3G phone? Cheers Tony, Sid and Mike!

DROID Incredible 4G LTE Available Today From Verizon for $149

Kellen — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 07:55:25 +0000

If the Samsung Galaxy S3 is not the phone for you and you are ready for something new, then the DROID Incredible 4G LTE, which became available today, is not a bad option. At $149, it packs a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4" screen, NFC chip, 4G LTE radio, runs Ice Cream Sandwich with Sense 4.0, and should be one of Big Red's most efficient phones yet. We unboxed it already if you are interested in watching that magic go down, but our full review will happen over the next week or so. Buy. Is this your next phone?

Motorola Atrix HD Landing Page Pops Up, Gives Us the Full Spec List

Kellen — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:43:27 +0000

Sooooo, yeah. Motorola apparently thought it was time to post up the Atrix HD in all its glory on their official website. We are a little confused because we can't recall seeing an actual announcement for the phone, however, the mobile and full landing pages for it are live right now, if you are interested in checking it out. According to Motorola's own site, it is definitely headed to AT&T with an LTE radio inside (logo on front), has a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8MP camera, 1.3MP front camera, 4.5" HD LCD display with ColorBoost, on-screen navigation keys, 1780mAh battery, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, up to 32GB of external storage, is 8.4mm thick, and runs Ice Cream Sandwich. The model number is listed as MB886. For those not familiar with Motorola's model number naming scheme, anything in the 900s has been reserved for their top tier line in the past. That doesn't necessarily mean that this phone is some slouch, being in the 800s and all. Via: Motorola [2] Cheers Antony!

Judge Denies Samsung's Request to Lift Ban on Galaxy Nexus

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:49:30 +0000

Not much else to say beyond what the title already says. According to Reuters, a judge denied Samsung's request to have an import ban removed on the Galaxy Nexus that was handed down last week. This matches a similar ruling she made yesterday in regards to the Galaxy Tab 10.1. It's annoying, to say the least. And yes, feel free to be angry with Apple over being the worst patent troll in history. I fully understand that it is the patent system that is broken, but Apple is still choosing to play the game like a shady little . We do not know what the exact patent in question is, but All Things D is reporting that Google has a workaround software patch on the way. Via: Reuters

Video: CyanogenMod Meetup in San Francisco During Google I/O

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:45:25 +0000

If you're a fan of Steve Kondik's work or that of the entire CyanogenMod Team, then you will love this sixty minute long video of their Meetup at Yelp HQ that took place during this year's Google I/O. During the discussions, they talk about what makes CM, where the project plans to go, and many other awesome Android goodies including bootloaders. If you're into the underground Android scene, definitely check this out. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSdhvC0ExY[/youtube]

Jelly Bean Live Wallpaper Brings a Taste of Android 4.1 to All Devices

Eric — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:00:20 +0000

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean was announced just last week, so there's a good chance that you are still waiting for any kind of sign that it will appear on your device. Luckily for you, a new live wallpaper has popped up in Google Play that should tide you over until you hear something a little more definitive.

The wallpaper is free and is based off the stock wallpaper that ships with Jelly Bean, but with a little added element. Much like Google's easter egg hidden in JB, this wallpaper has little jelly beans floating across your screen. The wallpaper is ready for Android 2.1 and up so if you want a taste of JB, hit the link below.

Play Link

iFixit Tears Down the Nexus 7, Shows Us All of the Play Packed Inside

Eric — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:10:32 +0000

iFixit has given the latest and greatest Android tablet, the Nexus 7, the old tear down treatment that they give to all of the new gadgets that come out. Luckily for everyone planning on buying the device, the site gave the 7" tablet an impressive repair score of 7 out of 10 (10 being the best). For reference, they gave the new iPad a score of 2 out of 10.

The whole device can be torn down with one screwdriver and the guys report that everything comes apart rather easily. The battery can also be swapped out with minimal effort, the only problem is that the display and the Corning glass protecting it cannot be separated.

If you like to see nice gadgets get filleted open for viewing, hit the source link below.

Via: iFixit

Verizon Galaxy S3 Pre-orders Shipping or Arriving as Early as July 5? (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:41:15 +0000

If you pre-ordered the Samsung Galaxy S3 from Verizon, you can check your order status to find out your expected shipping date. For many of us, the date shows as 7/9, but for some it could be 7/10 or even 7/11. With a launch date now set for July 10, some of you have already mentioned being a bit put off by the idea that you may not receive yours until the day after the phone is made available. Well, what if they started shipping long before then? According to Verizon, some pre-orders could arrive as early as July 5, this Thursday. We have no idea if this means all, some or just a handful of lucky pre-orderees, but that should make at least a few of you happy. Post-4th of July present? Be sure to let us know if you receive a notification that your device has shipped. Update: Customers are starting to receive shipment notifications with an arrival date of July 6.

Cheers Eugene!

Madfinger's Dead Trigger Lands on Google Play, Time to Slay Zombies

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:54:22 +0000

Madfinger Games, the makers of ShadowGun, just placed Dead Trigger on Google Play for $0.99. It is an intense game with tons of zombie-slaying action and big guns. Go pick it up. Play Link ($0.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hp966q5bMU[/youtube]

HBO GO Updated in Google Play, Android Tablets Now Supported

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:32:02 +0000

The wait has finally come to an end. HBO has released HBO GO with Android tablet support. Tabs running up to Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4. can run the new version and there is actually a nice new UI as well. At first, it is sort of confusing that all of these images are flying across the screen, but it's something different and neat. Go watch some True Blood or Game of Thrones and enjoy. Play Link Cheers Patrick and Sookie!

Devs Already Porting Google Now to Ice Cream Sandwich

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:25:28 +0000

You just cant keep the Android community down. When they want to get something done, they do whatever it takes. It has been no different with people's demands to see Google Now brought to their non-Jelly Bean devices. Developers over at XDA are beginning to bring the new service to Ice Cream Sandwich devices, and they are getting close. As of right now, there is an APK available that is in the early stages of development, however, devs are making progress as you read this. You have to be rooted at this time in order to do this as it requires removal and installation of /system/app files. Voice is still broken, but everything else apparently works at this time. If you want to follow the action or try out the test build, check out the via down below. Via: XDA Cheers Garrett!

Official: Verizon's Galaxy S3 Launches July 10

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:43:42 +0000

Verizon announced moments ago that the Samsung Galaxy S3 will be available in stores and online starting July 10. Both the 16GB and 32GB versions will be available, however, the 32GB version will only be available online for the time being. If you were planning to purchase the 32GB version in stores, it will be available in the "coming weeks." It's tough to tell if some pre-orders will be arriving after the 10th or not, especially with estimated shipping dates of July 10 and 11 appearing for those that pre-ordered over the last week or so. I'm not sure if you can cancel or not, but if you had pre-ordered the 16GB version, you may want to look into it and then just head into a store to grab one day of launch. If you haven't already, be sure to read our full review of the Galaxy S3.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S^® III AVAILABLE ON THE VERIZON WIRELESS 4G LTE NETWORK STARTING JULY 10
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and DALLAS – Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced that the 4G LTE-powered Samsung Galaxy S^® III will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com/galaxys3 starting July 10. Galaxy S III customers will have access to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network which is available in 304 markets across the United States. Verizon Wireless 4G LTE will be in 400 markets covering 260 million people by the end of this year. Customers can take advantage of 4G LTE-optimized apps like Color to share live video broadcasts of life’s special moments with their Facebook^® friends. Sharing live video with audio is an exclusive feature of the Color app on Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network. Customers can broadcast real-time footage of a newborn’s first step with family members who are miles away or share a beautiful view of a vacation spot to make friends at home jealous. Combining America’s largest 4G LTE network with the Galaxy S III’s 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED^™ display creates the perfect duo to watch movies, television shows and other video content with apps like viewdini. Viewdini brings the power of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network to the screen by streamlining access to videos from a wide range of content providers, including cable operators, websites and other popular video sources. The viewdini app can be downloaded from Verizon Apps and Google Play. Additional features:

Android^™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Mobile Hotspot – Share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 2 GB RAM

Share Shot – Create a 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

S Beam – Share pictures, videos, documents and more by simply touching two Galaxy S III devices’ backs together

S Voice^™ – Featuring natural language recognition, you can control the apps and services used most with words instead of touch

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

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

microSD^™ card slot for expandable memory

The Samsung Galaxy S III is available in 16 GB and 32 GB models for $199.99 and $249.99 respectively with a new two-year customer agreement. The 16 GB model will be available in stores and online starting July 10 and the 32 GB model will be available online starting July 10 and will be in stores in the coming weeks. Customers will also have the choice of the Galaxy S III in two colors: Marble White or Pebble Blue. Customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/galaxys3 for more information on the Samsung Galaxy S III for 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.

Galaxy S3 Posters Arrive in Verizon Stores, Next Week Launch a Lock?

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:25:30 +0000

Update: Verizon just announced it - July 10 is the day. Verizon was all in on the Galaxy S3 party back in early June, even announcing a pre-order that would start June 6. Since then, they have remained quiet on an actual release date and will only tell those that pre-ordered, when they can expect their shipments to leave the warehouse. With dates of July 9, 10, and 11 all being attached to those pre-orders, most of us believe that the device will land in stores on July 12. That's not official by any means, but official in-store posters arriving this week certainly help that idea. The next big thing is...almost here.

Android Distribution Charts Updated - 10.9% of Devices on ICS

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:55:01 +0000

The Android team updated the distribution chart for July and Ice Cream Sandwich numbers look to be growing at a steady rate. Back on May 1, we had ICS on only a low 4.9% of devices, but those numbers have more than doubled, which I'm sure many DROID RAZR and MAXX owners are quite happy with. Gingerbread still leads the pack with an enormous 63.6%, followed next by our beloved Froyo at 17.3%. No mention of Jelly Bean yet on these charts, but that makes sense seeing as how it technically isn't available yet. We will start to see it grow very slowly by the end of the month once they release it to the AOSP. Reminds me that we are fortunate to have such an awesome community of developers who are already pumping out JB ROM's for multiple devices. Via: Android

Video: 40+ Questions to Test Out Google's New Voice Search

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:05:18 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHkhp6BwnGo[/youtube]

Looking for some questions to test out the new Voice Search? Maybe you just want to impress some of your non-Jelly Bean friends? A gentleman recently posted a video to YouTube which gives 47 examples of what kind of questions or phrases you can use to get the most out of the new Voice Search. We hope you learn a few new ones. Cheers Cheese!

Flow Live Wallpaper, A Deliriously Mesmerizing Liquid Wallpaper

Tim — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:30:39 +0000

Here is another live wallpaper that will keep your fingers busy for a few minutes. It's called Flow Live Wallpaper and costs $.99 in Google Play. With Flow, you choose from assorted scenes, then there is a jelly/water like layer that is added on top for your fingers to play with. What makes it special is that you can add your own photos to the wallpaper, which means you never get tired of the same boring scenes. Play Link ($0.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfbNHonVFiE[/youtube]

How to Setup Google Voice in Jelly Bean

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:54:25 +0000

This may be embarrassing, but I have to admit that when I first set up Google Voice on my Galaxy Nexus running Jelly Bean, that I was confused once I hit the Voicemail part. To hopefully help some of you skip the pain, I thought I would toss out this quick tip. It's not unbelievably difficult by any means, but there is an extra step that you will want to make sure you complete. So here we go!

Instructions:

1. When you hit the "Set up voicemail" screen, tap "Configure." 2. At the "Call settings" screen, tap "Voicemail." 3. At the "Voicemail" screen, first tap on "Service." 4. Choose "Google Voice" and then head back to the "Voicemail" screen. 5. Choose "Setup" and watch it switch over to your Google Voice number. 6. Hit the Back button until you get back into Google Voice setup. 7. The app will then finish and your voicemail will be setup correctly.

Yet Another DROID Bionic Ice Cream Sandwich Build Leaks, This Time as 6.7.230

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:13:19 +0000

Yesterday's Ice Cream Sandwich leak was .229, today it's .230 for the DROID Bionic. With new updates being pulled from Motorola servers on a nightly basis with such slight bumps in build numbers, we hope this means that the Moto team is getting closer than ever. Assuming they finish off their bug list though, just remember that it still needs to go to Verizon for approval. Via: DroidHive Cheers bakdroid, Colin and Snakeman!

Google Now/Voice Search Tip: "Do a Barrel Roll"

Kellen — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 07:43:38 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbGUMde3DJ8[/youtube]

Yep, they brought it to Google Now and the new Voice Search too. Cheers Nick and Derek!

Android Other: AT&T Galaxy SIII Available In-Store July 6, GSM RAZR Gets ICS, T-Mobile Galaxy Note Pushed Back

Eric — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:07:52 +0000

AT&T Galaxy SIII Will be Available In-Store July 6

Up until now, if you really wanted the AT&T Galaxy SIII you had to order it from their online store. But Big Blue just announced that they will finally start stocking the phone in their stores this week. Unfortunately, if you were looking to show off your new phone to everyone at your 4th of July cookout, you're going to be out of luck, however, head into the store on Friday if you need it then.

Via: Phone Arena

International (GSM) Motorola RAZR Receiving ICS as Well

Verizon DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX owners weren't the only lucky ones over the weekend. Android 4.0.4 began rolling out to almost all the RAZRs rather than just those in the US. This update is the lightly skinned version that Motorola has provided and should be available for your phone now. Head over to Settings > About Phone > System Updates to see if the update is available to be downloaded.

Via: XDA

T-Mobile Pushes Back Galaxy Note to August 8th?

T-Mobile never officially announced the Galaxy Note, let alone a release date, but there was some good evidence supporting a July 11th launch date. That does not seem to be the case anymore, however. The guys over at TmoNews have come across an internal T-Mo document that now points to 8/15 for the release of the Note. T-Mobile needs to hurry up and release it soon before the Note 2 arrives.

Via: TmoNews

Elder HTC Incredible S Receiving Android 4.0.4 OTA

Before most flagship phones are even in testing for Ice Cream Sandwich, HTC is gracing the users of the Incredible S with an OTA. Users in Europe are reporting that their phones are being pushed to Android 4.0.4 with Sense 3.6 in tow. It is fantastic to see a device maker put so much weight into updating existing phones in a timely manner like HTC is doing. No word on when other Incredible S users will see the update, but HTC will surely tell us when it happens.

Via: Android Police

Nexus 7 Sells for $1825 on eBay - Dude Couldn't Wait 2 Weeks to Spend Only $199?

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:57:17 +0000

We see yet-to-be-released products go up for sale on eBay all of the time. It's just something that happens when people are given free stuff before the general public. In the case of the guy that just bought a Google Nexus 7 for $1825 though, we can't help but shake our heads. The fact that someone was willing to spend close to $2K on a device that will be here in 2 weeks for $199, has left us 100% speechless. Now, the Nexus 7 is a heck of a little tablet, plus this special edition white version from I/O is extra hot, but it sure as hell isn't worth $1825. Dude could have gone and almost bought a brand new retina Macbook Pro or something really impressive.

Via: eBay Cheers evltwn!

Nokia Claims Nexus 7 Infringes Upon Some of Their Patents, Will it Ever End?

Eric — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:30:32 +0000

Hot off the heels of the Galaxy Nexus getting slapped with an injunction, the Nexus 7 is now under attack based on another patent dispute. Nokia is claiming that neither ASUS nor Google asked to use a WiFi patent that the company owns. One would think that the move is more for Nokia to get a cut from the sales of the Nexus 7 rather than a ban on its sale, but that's tough to tell until things become a bit more official.

Neither Google nor ASUS have responded to the accusation yet, but you can imagine that it isn't going to go over well. With the Nexus 7 already giving them almost no profit per device, shelling out cash to Nokia won't be fun. We know many of you are planning on getting a Nexus 7, could you stand to see another Nexus device banned?

Via: Engadget

Nexus Q Has a "Magic 8 Ball" Easter Egg

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:00:11 +0000

According to the Nexus Q, it isn't even sure if you should buy one. Recently reported by Android Authority, there is an Easter Egg tucked inside the Nexus Q app. If you cruise into a specific Nexus Q's settings in the app, you can tap on the image of the Q and then proceed to a screen that asks if you "Have a dilemma?" From there you can tap the Q again and ask it a question. It works just as a Magic 8 Ball, so don't expect it to always give a reliable answer. It's another awesome goodie that ties in nicely with our unearthing of the Jelly Bean Easter egg. Good work, Google. Via: Android Authority

Video: First Look at the Google Nexus Q

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:13:09 +0000

Now that we have the Nexus Q set up, Google's odd little media sharing device was just asking for us to show it off. Before we do that though, I feel like I should share some thoughts that this video won't touch on. First of all, if you aren't familiar with it yet, I'll do my best to try and describe it. The Nexus Q (pictured above) is a media sharing amp of sorts, but the media sharing is limited to Google Play Movies and TV, Google Music, and YouTube. Your friends, as long as they have a compatible device, can share their Google Play media to it as well as long as they are connected to your WiFi network. Google wants it to be a social media sharing experience.

App:

Second, this is clearly a beta product on the software front. The Nexus Q itself feels like it has been made with amazing materials, but I can't say as much for the actual app that is used to set it up and maintain it going forward. As you will see below, the app will list out all of your Nexus Qs (assuming you have more than one), let you tell them to allow guests to connect, adjust lighting, and even take you into an 8-ball-esque Easter Egg. That is, if you can ever get to it without the app locking you out. What I mean is that when initially setup, the first device you use to do so is essentially the administrator. Every other device you attach after that is simply a "guest." The problem with that is the fact that the Nexus Q app continues to think after a few uses that my admin device is no longer an admin. You can imagine the problem there, one that only a factory reset will fix. The app is also really finicky when you start attaching multiple guests to it. For example, I added my Galaxy Nexus as a guest and it won't let me add any music to the queue or even play it through the Q for that matter. I can get videos and YouTube to work, but nothing on the music front. The only device that I can control music from is the initial admin device. So far, the Nexus Q software has its pros and cons, but it definitely needs some lovin' from the Q team in order to be ready for prime time in the next couple of weeks.

Hardware:

This device is so sexy. I mean, who ever thought they would have a Sentinel from the Matrix on their media stand, creating beautiful lights and giving you the ability to quickly share some of your favorite media? It feels like a bowling ball in hand, has a top that rotates to adjust volume, an NFC chip inside for easy connectivity, and gives you all of the audio and video out jacks you could ask for. It lacks an actual speaker, but that shouldn't be an issue to those that already have a home theater or sound system.

Overview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3QQpV3ICo4[/youtube]

Comscore Has Samsung as Top OEM While Android Holds Number One OS in the US

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:45:34 +0000

The new OS market share numbers are out and they aren't one bit surprising to Android fans. comScore, one of the leaders in "measuring the digital world," have released their report on top OEM's and smartphone operating systems for the past quarter in the United States. The results are looking good for Android and its partners.

Top Mobile OEMs: For the three-month average period ending in May, 234 million Americans age 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM with 25.7 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers (up 0.1 percentage points), followed by LG with 19.1 percent share. Apple continued to grow its share in the OEM market, ranking third with 15.0 percent (up 1.5 percentage points), followed by Motorola with 12.0 percent and HTC with 6.1 percent. Top Smartphone Platforms: Nearly 110 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in May, up 5 percent versus February. Google Android ranked as the top smartphone platform with 50.9 percent market share (up 0.8 percentage points). Five years after the release of the first iPhone, Apple’s share of the smartphone market reached 31.9 percent in May (up 1.7 percentage points). RIM ranked third with 11.4 percent share, followed by Microsoft (4.0 percent) and Symbian (1.1 percent).

Naturally, we can expect these numbers to change quite drastically as Samsung begins to pump the Galaxy SIII out to retail stores around the country. As an added note: Wow, Apple! Even LG beat you out on the OEM list this time. That's gotta hurt. That has to be an error, right? Via: comScore

Motorola MotoActv Update 7.10 Available - Improves Notifications and Performance, Fixes Bugs

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:11:40 +0000

If you own a Motorola MotoActv fitness watch, you should have an update on the way as build 1.7.10. In it, you will find improvements all over the board to things like the golf scorecard when playing back 9s, less force closes, better notifications for unread messages, and fewer battery drains from having WiFi on. This update will work with both 8GB and 16GB devices, including those without the golf update. It looks like this update will be available any day now. Go plug in your watch and see!

Cheers Chad!

Video: Google Nexus 7 Overview and Jelly Bean Walkthrough

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:39:01 +0000

The Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean were easily the most notable announcements from Google I/O, last week. Immediately following their unveiling, we went hands-on with Google's first tablet, but that wasn't enough and was more of a teaser. While our full review is still a day or two away, we wanted to bring a more in-depth look that we weren't able to capture while at the conference. Through this walkthrough, we look not only at the device itself, but also a look at Jelly Bean in its tabletish-phone form. We hope you enjoy.

Overview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdzE4oXicgo[/youtube]

Gallery:

Official VLC Beta Goes Live Outside of US, VLC Direct Pro Free Lets You Stream Content from PC to Mobile

Eric — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:00:48 +0000

There have been rumors circulating suggesting that VLC, the popular media player, was coming to Android. Finally, the app has gone into beta testing, but the problem is that the installations are locked to regions outside of the US. The developers warn however that this is for power users and hackers only and warn that it is much slower than the final version will be. For those of us who can't enjoy the official VLC Beta, VLC Direct Pro allows users to stream content from VLC on their computers to their mobile device. There are a list of features to go along with it as well:

- Remote control VideoLan VLC from your Phone/Tablet (play, pause, stop, volume, fullscreen, change video/song, etc.) - Its internal video player allows streaming content Computer to Android (Video, music and photos) - Subtitles supported - Supported formats: avi, flv, mp4, mp3, mkv, wmv, jpg, mpeg, mpg, rmvb, m4v, mov, 3gp, ts, vob

All of that for the low price of free. It should not be too much longer before the beta test for VLC is over and we can all enjoy our play-everything media player. Will you use VLC when it comes out for your region?

VLC Direct Pro | VLC Beta

DROID Incredible 4G LTE Unboxing and Overview

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:18:46 +0000

Our DROID Incredible 4G LTE review unit arrived this morning from Verizon, so we decided to take it for a quick spin to get you all caught up on it, again. I say "again" because this is the third or fourth time that we have had our hands on this phone in the last two months, but now that it will finally arrive this Thursday, it needed one more official tour. You all know the specs and price ($149), so jump below and into our video and gallery.

Unboxing and Overview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3srgtc8Hd0[/youtube]

Gallery:

Samsung and Google Will Team Up to Fight the Apple Powers That Be

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:09:52 +0000

It looks as though Samsung and Google are working on a possible "game plan" to take care of all this new Apple drama. With the recent injunctions by Apple on the Galaxy Nexus to ban sales, Google looks to be stepping in to help Samsung. A Samsung source had this to say on the new developments:

It’s too early to comment on our game plan (with Google) in the legal battle; but we will do our best to get more royalties from Apple, which has benefited from our technology. The fight is becoming more dramatic and the possibility of a truce in the form of a cross-licensing deal, seems to be becoming likely.

Just as expected, Samsung has begun the appeal process on the recent injunction. As the source said, a cross licensing deal will most likely be struck, but who knows when and what it will mean yet for the companies involved. Is Apple starting to fear the Jelly Bean? Via: 9to5 Mac

Droid Life Q&A Session: Google I/O Edition

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 10:05:39 +0000

As most of you know, we spent all of last week in San Francisco, attending Google I/O. We haven't had a chance to fully reflect on it yet, so since this happens to be one of our Q&A session weeks, we thought you could all help us do that. Rather than the normal Android chatter that these sessions tend to focus on, this week it will be all about the I/O experience, our thoughts, and what we did while we were there. So as usual, you can ask us whatever you'd like, but try to make it somewhat relevant to last week's fun. You can ask for our opinions on the Nexus 7, Jelly Bean, or the Q if you'd like. You can quiz us on what sights we saw or restaurants we frequented. Have at it in the comments below.

Ice Cream Sandwich .229 Leaked for the DROID Bionic, Kernel Updated

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:38:02 +0000

Attention Bionic owners, another Ice Cream Sandwich build has leaked through Cheesecake. This one is version .299, which has only a confirmed change to the kernel number. With only minor happenings, this is a pretty good sign that we may be finally getting closer to official release. As always, keep on the lookout. If you want to flash, feel free to find the download and instructions at the via. Via: Droid Hive Cheers Nick, Mike, Chuck, Snake Man, and Bakdroid!

Google's Sound Search App from Jelly Bean Made Available for Non-Rooted ICS Devices

Tim — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:00:28 +0000

One of the many awesome features that Jelly Bean has brought to the Android table is Google's new Sound Search or "Ears." It is designed to replace well known applications such as Shazam and SoundHound by hearing music that is played, recognizing it, and then linking to Google Play to buy the track. When first ported, it was only working on root-only devices, but now, it's been made available for everyone running non-root Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 and above. Simply download and install as you would any other third-party application. Download Link: Google Ears.apk Via: MobilePhonesFan

Factory Images Released for the Nexus 7 [JRN84D]

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:23:07 +0000

If you were at Google I/O last week, then chances are that you didn't pass up the chance to pick up a Nexus 7 tablet. If you did, feel free to hack the hell out of it, as Google has already released the factory images for the device. Dropping in as Jelly Bean version JRN84D, will want to keep this tucked away for use later on. We don't know for sure yet, but these could potentially be used on the retail version of the device that you all pre-ordered for mid-July. Download Link

Verizon Expanding 4G LTE Network Into Montana, New Spots in Idaho

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:09:08 +0000

As someone that grew up in Montana, news of Verizon's 4G LTE network finally showing up is music to my ears. The fact that it will be in my home town is even more amazing and yet another reason for me to go back and visit more often. For my friends back in Big Sky Country, and who live in Missoula, Kalispell (including Whitefish), and Bozeman, you will have 4G LTE in the "coming weeks." Montana isn't the only one seeing love though, as new towns in Idaho have been announced as well. Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Burley will go live in the "coming weeks."

Verizon Makes It Official, DROID Incredible 4G LTE Launches July 5 for $149

Kellen — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 07:39:34 +0000

The DROID Incredible 4G LTE, two full months after it was announced, will be made available July 5 for purchase (this Thursday). It will drop in at $149 after a $50 rebate on new 2-year contract, just as we reported back in May. Nothing has changed about the device since we had our hands on it at CTIA, which means it should still be one heck of a mid-range device. The new Incredible has a dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, runs Ice Cream Sandwich, HTC's Sense 4.0, an 8MP camera, and runs on Verizon's 4G LTE network.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yGlx1cgQkw[/youtube]

DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE By HTC Available Beginning July 5 Exclusively On The Verizon Wireless Network

Power, Sophistication and Speed Come Together in the DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Announced earlier this year at the International CTIA WIRELESS^® 2012 show, the DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC, will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com starting July 5. Customers who rely heavily on their mobile devices will find everything they need in the DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC. Running the latest version HTC Sense^® 4, HTC’s branded user experience, integrated with Google’s^™mobile operating system, Android^™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, customers can take advantage of an enhanced mobile experience and enjoy the latest Android features, as well as the power of 4G LTE speeds.
Every aspiring shutterbug will have something to smile about when they experience the amazing 8-megapixel camera with quick activation from the home screen so customers never miss that perfect shot. Additionally, HTC Video Pic allows customers to simultaneously shoot HD quality video and take pictures at the same time. Uploading photos or videos onto social networking sites or sharing through e-mail takes only seconds with 4G LTE speeds.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available in 304 markets across the United States. In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE customers 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, allowing customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

Lifestyle features:

Authentic Sound: Customers will benefit from Beats Audio^™, an enhanced auto tuning technology that allows users to hear music the way the artist intended. Beats Audio is incorporated across the entire experience for richer, more authentic sound and whether watching a video or playing a game, customers are sure to be impressed with the sound quality.

Read Later: Active readers who are constantly on-the-go can use the Read Later feature to save online content, such as news articles and website pages, to view later, even when they are offline.

Android Beam^™: Sharing YouTube videos, Google Maps locations and more with others is faster and easier than ever with Android Beam. Android Beam is as simple as tapping two compatible phones together for users to instantly share information.

Additional features:

4-inch super LCD qHD display

8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, LED flash, BSI, f/2.2 and 28 mm lens

Front-facing camera for video chatting with friends and family

1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor

Mobile Hotspot-capable to share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Support for up to 32 GB microSD^™ memory card

Price and availability:

The DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC will be available beginning July 5 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for 149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services at a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

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 HTC Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense^{^®}, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.

Saturday Poll: Are You Interested in the Nexus Q?

Tim — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 08:51:04 +0000

We are waiting to get back to our home networks to set up and play with our Nexus Q media players. There is still a lot of possible confusion as to what exactly this thing does, but one thing we do know, is that it has been built like a tank. It's purpose is to seamlessly stream content from the cloud to your TV and speakers with no syncing or wires. The device is going for $300 on Google Play and we want to know who here has plans to get on. Let us know your thoughts on the Q down below. [poll id="185"]

DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Ice Cream Sandwich Update is Live

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 22:20:46 +0000

On the last day of Q2, Motorola and Verizon have made the Ice Cream Sandwich update available to the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX. It can be pulled by heading into Settings>About>System updates. Go get some.

High-Res Icons Now Included in Google Play Store App Listings

Tim — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 19:32:08 +0000

We have been cruising the new version 3.7.11 Google Play application and have stumbled on a neat new feature. After loading an application's page, you can hit on the icon in the top left and it loads a full resolution image of the icon. Personally, I have no idea what this could be used for, but I find it fascinating. I have a personal passion for icons, so being able to zoom in to full quality images of my favorites is a lot of fun. If you haven't downloaded the newest 3.7.11 Google Play .apk file yet, then you can do so here.

This Week In The Life Of DROID: 6/29/2012

Tim — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:45:39 +0000

Well, folks, Google I/O 2012 has come to an end and what a ride it has been. We have new devices and a whole new OS to celebrate. Once Jelly Bean is released to AOSP in mid-July, almost all device owners can expect to see the JB goodies start to leak out and everyone will be happy. If you happened to miss the biggest week in Android news this year, here's the recap.

We hope you enjoyed the week as much as we have.

Final Fantasy III Hits Play Store for a Whopping $15.99, Willing to Pay for the Classic?

Eric — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:00:18 +0000

If you weren't aware, Final Fantasy has quite the cult following; especially the older iterations. Final Fantasy III has landed in the Play Store and is available for download today for the hefty price of $15.99. This version is based off the 2006 3D remake from Square themselves, not the original 1990 version that many remember from way back.

The game has been updated to run with a touch interface and offers "improved 3D visuals and story sequences only for Android." Other than that, the game will be mostly what you remember of it from back in the day. Can you justify spending $16 on reliving the game?

Play Link

Madfinger's Dead Trigger to Launch on Google Play, July 2 for $0.99

Tim — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:15:23 +0000

The release of Madfinger's newest creation, Dead Trigger, is one that we have been waiting on for quite some time. The game looks incredibly awesome and if it is just as high quality as Shadowgun, then we know they'll have another success. The world has been overtaken by a virus that causes normal people to turn into blood thirsty zombies. Time to pick up an M4 and start blasting. It will become available on July 2 and will sell for only $0.99. Heck yes. Get your Bluetooth controllers ready. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hp966q5bMU[/youtube]

HTC Confirms Incredible 4G LTE Launch for Next Week

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:45:03 +0000

HTC confirmed this afternoon via Twitter that the DROID Incredible 4G LTE will launch next week. We first reported this news earlier in the week and are excited at the thought of finally getting this phone back in our hands. While the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Nexus are still two of the hottest phones around, we have heard from a number of readers who are interested in the Inc 4G. After spending plenty of quality time with it back in May, we can understand why they would be. Via: Twitter

U.S. Judge Grants Motion in Favor of Apple to Ban Galaxy Nexus

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:26:24 +0000

Well, this is unfortunate news to end the week with. Back in February, Apple targeted the Galaxy Nexus for their next patent battle, claiming it infringed on 4 of theirs (one being slide-to-unlock), and today, a judge ruled in favor of them. The actual ruling hasn't been made public yet, so we aren't sure which of the patents the judge has decided Android is infringing upon. This could lead to a ban of the device here in the U.S. As more of this unfolds, we will do our best to update this post. Via: The Verge Cheers Nick!

Animated Battery Widget Hits Google Play for $0.99

Tim — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:00:05 +0000

From the developer who brought us Alarm Clock Ultra, comes Animated Battery Widget, which will show off just how cool a little battery widget can actually be. You can choose from various colors and animations to match any look you need. Alarm Clock Ultra had really good reviews, so we have pretty high expectations for this one as well. The app is only a dollar in Google Play. Play Link ($.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeE3GuQQE-Q[/youtube]

Verizon PR: ICS For the RAZR Available for Manual Download on June 30

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:14:39 +0000

If you have yet to receive the Ice Cream Sandwich update on your DROID RAZR or RAZR MAXX, you should be able to manually download it tomorrow, June 30. This news comes courtesy of a Verizon PR rep, which if true, would get them in on the Q2 deadline that Motorola announced a few weeks ago. We know that many of you are frustrated and still without it even though the soak test was completed at the beginning of the week, so cross your fingers that this is finally it. Via: Twitter Cheers Ross!

Friday Poll: Did You Order a Nexus 7?

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:31:39 +0000

You have had 3 days now to order the Google Nexus 7, did you? We have been using our units from I/O off and on, and are so far more than impressed. It feels like the perfect size, plus it has enough power to be the ultimate gaming machine thanks to that Tegra 3 processor inside. The screen is beautiful, Jelly Bean is beyond awesome, and the build quality makes it feel like something that should cost much more than $199. Have you seen enough yet to dive in and make the purchase? Are you waiting for more reviews? Let us know. [poll id="184"]

LG Optimus Vu Appears to be Headed to Verizon

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:00:30 +0000

We know that many of you were hoping for a release of the Samsung Galaxy Note on Verizon, but you may have to settle for LG's Optimus Vu instead. According to the picture above, which is from an FCC filing for a device under model number LG-VS950, I'd say we could be seeing the Vu any day. We know it's headed to Verizon because of the 4G LTE logo used, the frequency of LTE that was tested, and also because the model number matches up to previously released LG phones on Big Red. That giant square-ish form factor and speaker location are the giveaway that it's the Vu. For those not familiar, the Vu is a phone with a 5" display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8MP camera, is only 8mm thick, runs Gingerbread, and is capable of running on 4G LTE. We actually got our hands on the device back in May, in case you want to see it in action. Interested in the Vu? Via: FCC | Blog of Mobile

Gameloft and Marvel Release The Amazing Spiderman to Google Play

Tim — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:10:53 +0000

Hey, all you Spidey fans, Marvel and Gameloft have teamed up to bring The Amazing Spiderman to Android devices everywhere. The game looks to have fantastic graphics and exciting gameplay. You can sling your webs and free fly around the city and beat up all the baddies you can get your webs on. On the down side, the game carries with it a $7 price tag, but for hardcore Spidey fans that shouldn't deter you. If you plan to pick it up, tell us what you think of the game down below. Play Link ($6.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_VU5XGJN5U[/youtube] Cheers Christopher!

Android PDK Could Help Manufacturers Update Devices Faster Than Ever

Kellen — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:34:18 +0000

It took all of 2 minutes to announce the Platform Development Kit (PDK) at I/O this week, but going forward, it should change the way device manufacturers deliver updates to you. What exactly is it, you ask? The PDK is early access to the newest Android build for hardware and chipset makers. So companies like Motorola, HTC, Samsung, NVIDIA, and Texas Instruments will now be able to prep their current and future hardware for the newest version of Android before it ever goes public. For example with Jelly Bean, Google gave a "few" of their hardware partners access to the PDK over the last couple of weeks to help them make it ready for more partners. After receiving feedback, it is now live for all partners to take advantage of. Going forward, PDK's for new Android releases will be made available 2-3 months before the code ever drops to the public. You can probably imagine how important this is going to be for future software updates. If OEMs have access to Android months before it is ever announced, they can attempt to have it ready for handset or tablet deployment at launch. This would give them the opportunity to launch new devices with the newest OS and hopefully turn around and update previously released phones faster, as well. They will essentially be able to watch Google develop new versions of Android and start working on porting it to their hardware along the way. We aren't exactly sure who the "few" partners were that helped them develop the PDK, but you have to assume that Asus is one. We wouldn't be surprised if most of the Transformer line all received Jelly Bean within days of it going live, which just so happens to be mid-July. Thoughts?

Carrier	Retail Postpaid Churn
Verizon Wireless	0.84%
Carrier X	0.97%
Carrier Y	1.79%
Carrier Z	2.10%