Friday, February 25, 2011

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Things We Missed, You Shouldn’t [Feb. 25]

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 03:53 PM PST

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As another week ends, the HTC Thunderbolt is still without a release date. At least the Motorola XOOM on Verizon and Motorola Atrix 4G launched without a hitch. In the midst of all of this plenty of juicy tidbits remain. Find here a few quick takes from around the Androidosphere.

HTC Thunderbolt Live in Celebrite System, Listing for $699 at HTC’s Online Store

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 03:31 PM PST

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To continue a deluge of tasty HTC Thunderbolt news, following up on some speed tests we were made privy to, we now have a shot listing the handset among the annals of Celebrite. Combine this with the ability to now add the HTC Thunderbolt to your shopping cart at the HTC online store for $699.99, and I’d say we are looking at an imminent release for Verizon’s first 4G LTE phone.

You may or may not be able to see the Thunderbolt in your shopping cart by clicking this link and then clicking “Cart.” In case that fails, see photographic proof above. Again, we are hearing March 3rd or 4th is the most likely go date for this phone, so fingers crossed we won’t be waiting much longer.

[Thanks Anonimac, asdfasdf]

HTC Thunderbolt Bandwidth Tests Show the Speed of Verizon’s 4G LTE Network

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 03:06 PM PST

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One of our trusted tipsters has just forwarded along some pretty interesting material. The first thing to note is your looking at the HTC Thunderbolt the phone that just can’t seem to pin down a release date, in hand. Speaking of the release date, our source is saying that March 3rd/4th looks like the most likely candidate, but that’s not the real reason he got in touch. That reason would be the results of some speed tests run on Verizon’s new 4G LTE network.

Our own speed tests using Verizon’s 4G LTE data stick connected to a laptop showed some insane speeds of over 20Mbps down, but it doesn’t look like we will see the same on the Thunderbolt. 10Mbps downlink and 11-12Mbps uplink were the average speeds our source was able to obtain. Of course, depending on your location and the strength of Verizon’s network in any given area, speeds are sure to vary. It will be interesting to see how speeds look once the Thunderbolt is out and VZW’s network becomes a bit more taxed. [Stay tuned, with fingers crossed we await some video of these speed tests in action.]

[Thanks to Michael Weston via Anonimac]

Android 2.2 Update for HTC Aria Now Live

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 02:13 PM PST

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Just a day after the Samsung Captivate got the green light on its upgrade to Froyo, another AT&T smartphone is making the leap to Android 2.2. As promised, the Android 2.2 update for the HTC Aria is now live and ready for installation. You can head on over to HTC’s Aria support page to download the update.

You will need HTC Sync in order to complete the update. The official description and instructions are as follows:

HTC ARIA ™ FOR AT&T ANDROID 2.2 ROM UPDATE | 02.25.2011
This software is an update for the HTC Aria™ for AT&T. Please note that during this update process, the device will be Hard Reset and anything that is NOT part of the Operating System (applications downloaded from Android Market, SMS/MMS, Email, etc)) will be permanently deleted; always make a point of backing up your devices data on a regular basis!

Note: All Music, Pictures, and Video are stored on the MicroSD card and will not be deleted during the update process. All applications downloaded from Market are linked to the Gmail account set up on the device and can be restored to the device using that Gmail account. less

Instructions:

What’s NEW:

  • Android 2.2 (FROYO)
  • App Sharing - Allows you to share an application via Bluetooth, Friend Stream, Email, etc.
  • Google Search
  • Latitude - A service by Google that lets you see your friends’ locations and share yours with them.
  • Navigation - Google Maps Navigation is a Turn-by-Turn GPS navigation application.
  • News and Weather
  • Places - A Google service that makes it easy to search and find Restaurants, Coffee, Bars, Hotels, Attractions, ATMs, Gas Stations, and more.
  • Videos - Links directly to videos that have been taken with the camcorder.
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot and USB Tethering - Allows the user to use their Aria as a mobile hotspot for up to 8 devices or connect a PC using the Aria’s data connection. A separate data plan is required for this functionality.

What’s Changed:

  • PDF Reader has been changed to Adobe Reader.
  • AT&T Radio Icon has changed.
  • Navigator changed to Car Panel.
  • Photos has been changed to Gallery.
  • Sound & Display has been split up into individual categories under settings.
  • Factory Reset relocated to SD & Phone Storage.

Performing the ROM Update:

  1. Download and save the "HTC Aria ™ for AT&T Android 2.2 ROM Update" to your PC.
  2. Connect your device to your PC via the data USB cable. Note: You must have HTC Sync installed on your PC in order to run the Update.
  3. On the Connect To PC pop-up on your device, select HTC Sync.
  4. Once connected to HTC Sync, locate the "HTC Aria ™ for AT&T Android 2.2 ROM Update" that you downloaded and double-click on the file to launch the RUU Wizard.
  5. Follow all of the RUU Wizard instructions shown on your PC.
  6. Once the update is complete, click Finish in the RUU Wizard and the device will reboot.
  7. Once the device reboots it will take you through the Set Up Wizard and your device will be ready for use.

Here is the direct download link for the update file. Happy Froyo’ing, Aria users!

[Thanks, Matt!]

As Parting Salute to AT&T, LetsTalk Offering Motorola Atrix 4G Laptop Dock Bundle for $250

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 02:00 PM PST

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It was learned earlier this week that several third-party retailers would no longer stock and sell AT&T handsets and contracts. One of these retailers is LetsTalk, the company that runs Walmart’s online wireless portal. As a parting gesture, LetsTalk has decided to mark down the newly released Motorola Atrix 4G and laptop dock bundle from the $499 on contract AT&T is asking to a remarkably low $250. Now that’s the sort of price we were expecting to begin.

You better act quick, as LetsTalk and Walmart’s time as an AT&T reseller is quickly running out, and we suspect at this price their stock will, too.

[via Engadget]

Users Report of Screen Discoloration on the Nexus S after Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread Update

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 01:16 PM PST

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With all of the work Google has put into the Android 2.3.3 update for the Nexus S it seems one major flaw was overlooked. Many users are reporting screen discoloration after updating their Nexus S handsets to the latest version Android. The typically beautiful Super AMOLED display of the S takes on a yellowed and washed out look when running 2.3.3 as can be seen in the image above.

The issue is widespread enough that several threads have been started over at the Google Nexus S support forums with users expressing concern. Google’s official response thus far is that the new colors are actually a correction of the original color temperature set for the Nexus S:

“With your new OTA complete, you may notice a slight difference in the way colors are displayed on your Nexus S. For Nexus S, we have adjusted the color temperature settings to more accurately reflect darker colors at all brightness levels. The Gingerbread UI being darker, we found that the colors were not as accurate when the device was being used at lower brightness levels. For example, some users reported that the initial color temperature was too high leading to some darker grays having a reddish tone; with the new color temperature this is no longer the case.”

For better or worse, it looks like Google might not have plans to issue a further correction to the Nexus S color palette. Anyone out there experience this discoloration?

[Thanks, Kunal | Image via AC]

Monster Madness Gets Ghoulish on Android: Available Now for Tegra 2 Devices

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 12:55 PM PST

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Now that NVIDIA Tegra 2 devices are starting to trickle out into the market, it’s about time we get some high-quality gaming to go along. Monster Madness is based on the Unreal Engine and promises a console-quality gaming experience thanks to the power found in dual-core devices. We have seen this top-down shooter in action a few times during various Motorola XOOM, Honeycomb, and Tegra 2 demos, and we must say in terms of mobile gaming this one looks at the top of the pack.

Aside from full 3D graphics featuring over 70 types of enemies spanning five environments, over Wi-Fi multiplayer co-op adventure mode lets you and a friend pummel hordes of monsters together. For all of this, the game isn’t the cheapest we have seen. It will set you back $9.99, and that is the launch sale pricing. If you are looking for something to test out the power of your new XOOM, we recommend giving this one a try.

HTC Desire HD, Desire Z and Incredible S Join Desire in Spring Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 12:39 PM PST

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We heard back at Mobile World Congress that the HTC Desire would receive an upgrade to Android 2.3 shortly after the new Desire S hits shelves. Now, an HTC spokesperson is adding a few more handsets to the list of devices receiving 2.3 this spring. The two other Desire handsets, the Desire HD and Z, will be graced with Gingerbread along with the upcoming Incredible S, the only phone revealed at MWC to feature an older version of Android with 2.2.

As with all Android updates, don’t hold your breath too long. Spring leaves a lot of flexibility for the update to begin, and there is still a chance it could be pushed back even later than that.

[via Electronista]

Android Market Listed in the Android Market, Paradox Ensues

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 12:30 PM PST

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Take a minute to mosey on over to the Androidify page at the Android Market website. Peak under at the “More from Developer” heading. Notice anything strange? A link to an Android Market page for the Android Market. Alas, clicking that link brings us to a “Not Found” page. We won’t be downloading the Android Market from the Android Market anytime soon.

So what gives with this strange paradox? Is the ability to install the Android Market on other platforms coming soon? Doubtful, since you’d need the Android Market to download the Android Market. It just doesn’t make sense!

Chances are the Market APK is simply listed among the rest of Google’s apps on their servers and this information has been fed directly into the webstore’s database. A little glitch that should ultimately mean nothing…right?

[Thanks, Lukas!]

HTC Thunderbolt Display and Cases Show Up in Best Buy, Still No Thunderbolt

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 11:48 AM PST

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If you are like me, you’ve probably given up on trying to keep up with the latest HTC Thunderbolt release date rumor. Yesterday I think we heard March 3rd or 4th, and today it has switched up to March 10th. Who knows where we will be by this time next week, but if a few things turning up at Best Buy are any suggestion maybe we’ll have the phone in our hands. One of our loyal readers found HTC Thunderbolt cases already out and on sale and an accompanying display advertising the Thunderbolt, but holding a Samsung Fascinate

It may mean nothing. There is a chance Best Buy was just going with the original date for accessory release and store display change with the release of the phone no where in sight. We continue to hope it is a good sign.

[Thanks, Will!]

Samsung Galaxy S to Receive Android 2.3 Gingerbread in March?

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 11:37 AM PST

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We’re not too sure of the validity of this one, but Samsung supposedly announced today at an event in Frankfurt that Android 2.3 Gingerbread would be headed to the Samsung Galaxy S I9000 this March. We presume the event coincided with the release of the Samsung Galaxy SL, and the only news of the update comes from a German blogger attending. The addumption is that the update would be slated for the international version of the Galaxy S.

US residents just now receiving Android 2.2, we encourage you to cherish it and ignore this news. In all likelihood the States won’t see Android 2.3 on the Galaxy S for a while.

[via SamsungHub]

Google Pulls Popular Voicemail App for In-App Payment Violation

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 11:25 AM PST

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Over recent months Google has pulled some pretty high profile apps from the Android Market without warning, taking an active role in policing the wares distributed therein. The latest, the popular app Visual Voicemail, was pulled for violating the terms of section 3.3 of the Android Market distribution agreement. The violation arrises from PhoneFusion, makers of the app, collecting in-app payments through a system other than Google’s.

Now that Google has officially announced their own means of collecting in-app payments, it seems the tech giant is buckling down on apps using third-party methods to process payments. PhoneFusion claims they were given no warning that their app was violating any specific rules. The app was pulled and PhoneFusion was told to see the above mentioned section of the distribution agreement. Visual Voicemail had over one million downloads before it was pulled. We expect PhoneFusion will make the proper updates and return the app to the market shortly.

[via BusinessInsider]

Android Gets another Honeycomb-Specific App with USA Today for Tablets

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 10:59 AM PST

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While all Android apps currently available will run just fine on your shiny new Motorola XOOM, a handful of Honeycom-specific apps have begun to emerge. The latest is the new tablet version of USA Today. While The Daily goes about making a name for itself as the first digital news source distributed via tablet alone, USA Today takes a history of reporting and informative graphics and brings them into a new interactive format.

All the news coverage you need laid out across the larger space of a 10.1-inch screen. If there was any complaint it would be that the UI isn’t the most exciting or original design we have seen on a tablet, but perhaps that’s all the better.

[via Electronista]

Survey: Consumers More Likely to Buy Android Over iPhone

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 09:45 AM PST

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I’m not sure how many of these research reports and studies we’ll post before we stop, but here’s another (that probably sounds a lot like 100 other reports out there): consumers are more likely to buy Android devices over iPhone. They found that 34% of those surveyed are looking to buy a Android device this year, while 21% were looking to buy an iPhone. 12% were said to be looking for a new Blackberry.

We can’t vouch for this survey in relation to the real world – especially since we don’t know what the sample size was. But considering all of the trends from other high-profile research firms – such as IDC and Gartner – mirror this particular survey, we can’t say we’ll doubt its accuracy. [Market Force Research via Android Community]

HTC Merge FINALLY Officially Announced, Headed For More Than Just Verizon This Spring

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 08:29 AM PST

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We were just talking about how the HTC Thunderbolt is the new HTC Merge and now they’ve finally officilally announced it after weeks and months of leaks, speculation, missed dates, rumors of cancellation, and more.

What’s more is that we’re learning it’s a CDMA world phone, and that Verizon won’t be the only carrier to offer it. (We don’t even know if they’re still set to offer it – HTC’s only mentioned that “multiple North American operators” will be getting it, and that could totally refer to our Canadian brethren up north.)It’s a 3.8 inch device with Android 2.2, HTC Sense, a 5 megapixel camera that can record HD video, and has a hardware keyboard. Read on for full press details.

The HTC Merge™ Smartphone Brings Android™ and HTC Sense™ to HTC’s First CDMA Android World Phone

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC Corp., a global designer of smartphones, today announced that the new HTC Merge smartphone will be made available through multiple North American carriers beginning in spring 2011. The HTC Merge smartphone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the power of Android 2.2, the HTC Sense experience, a large 3.8-inch touch-screen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience for those looking for a truly complete smartphone. The HTC Merge is also HTC’s first Android-based CDMA world phone.

“HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment,” said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. “Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it’s at home or travelling around the world.”

Customers will appreciate seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with the Android Market™ with more than 100,000 applications. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.

In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smartphone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p video.

Availability

HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011.
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