Friday, April 15, 2011

Android Community

Android Community

HTC Pyramid ROM ported to HTC Desire HD

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 11:01 AM PDT

The gang at XDA has done it again, this time, “CapyChimp” has managed to port the HTC Pyramid Rom to the HTC Desire HD … and it only took 24 hours. Now granted, with such a slap dash effort to get it ported and out, there’s some more work to be done. A LOT of work, in order to iron out the bugs. But it does give users a chance to poke around the neighborhood some. Let’s take a look …

The ROM is running the latest Sense 3.0 UI, which CapyChimp has made available so that users can check out several 3D features. But not much else is working … yet. You can’t work either camera or camcorder app, nor sound effects on music. Image sizes are also distorted. But hey, it’s only been a day! CapyChimp also says that since the ROM will take up most of the on-board memory, users will have to store any apps on their external memory cards and then “symlinked” to system.

If Desire HD users want to give it a whirl, they can download the ROM here. HOWEVER, CapyChimp advises to backup and wipe completely. And also keep in mind that this will likely void your warranty. It’ll be interesting to see this one move along as more features are unlocked. Way to go Capy!

[via XDA Developers]

)


Viewsonic GTab Overclocked to 1.6 GHz [Let's Race!]

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 10:48 AM PDT

So a few minutes ago we were going ahead with some benchmarks of this brand new T-Mobile LGx and what did we find sitting right next to our result on MANDRO bench? That pesky Viewsonic G-Tablet! So we went hunting to find out more and what do you know? Those mad maniacs over on XDA developers have been at it again, overclocking their devices until they explode, and this time it’s the Viewsonic GTab. XDA user pershoot played around with the kernel until his device set its rockets for stunning and blasted off into outer space – GTab style!

This developer had the throttle at full, hitting a whopping 1.6 GHz – it was scaled down because of UV being applied to 1.4 GHz, but hey! That’s still pretty sweet, eh? First benchmarks have added up to be 57.657 on Linpack, 3088 on Quadrant, and 4433 on Smartbench. Sound pretty sweet? Run the kernel yourself!

But remember, this kind of stuff can really mess your beloved device up, royally. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re probably going to make it explode, or worse, brick. Take a peek back at the original thread to get all the info you need on making this masterpiece float.

[via XDA developers forum]

)


Samsung Galaxy Tab wireless TV streaming [Hands on]

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 09:44 AM PDT

Samsung has a new feature for their Galaxy Tabs coming out which will add wireless TV streaming. Chris Davies over at Slashgear got a look at it during IFA 2011. Originally announced back in February, the new feature enables users of the Samsung D7000 or D8000 HDTVs to stream wirelessly to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 out of the box. It’s very similar to Samsung’s AllShare DNLA client, but it works the other way, with the HDTV transcoding the signal and sending it wirelessly to the Galaxy Tab.

Coming in the form of an app that will be preloaded on both 8.9 and 10.1 Galaxy Tab models, the app is essentially the remote control software on steroids. It’s added a “watch TV option” and users can not only watch from their devices, but also use it as a kind of PIP and watch one thing on your TV and flip to another on your Tablet. It’ll also work on Android smartphones as well. Users will, however, notice there’s a little bit of a lag, considering the TV has to transcode the signal and stream it to your device.

But will users want to replace their Slingbox or Streaming Media Clients when their out and about? No word if it works over 3G, but if you’re working in the garage during the big game, it could prove useful. Samsung says that the updated app will be made available at the Samsung App Store within a few weeks to a month. And in addition to being preloaded onto new Tablet models, it will also be available for the 7-inch Galaxy Tab through the App Store.

samsung_smart_tv_streaming_ifa_2011_0 samsung_smart_tv_streaming_ifa_2011_1 samsung_smart_tv_streaming_ifa_2011_7

[via SlashGear]

)


Hannspree’s SN10T3 Tablet [HANDS ON]

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 09:10 AM PDT

Chris Davies over at Slashgear was able to get a hands on with the Hannspree SN10T3 Tablet and the first impression is, you get what you pay for. Because it’s screen resolution falls short of the 1200×800 display, it can’t incorporate Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), Hanspree was forced to settle for Android 2.2 (Froyo). In addition, it comes without the Android Marketplace installed because Hanspree didn’t provide all the phone functionality that’s required for the official Android Marketplace. So instead, it has a third party app store called Android PITs App Center. Still, there’s a lot under the hood to consider.

The SN10T3 (can’t they come up with a cool name like XOOM?) does have NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 processor though, and it has a 10.1 inch screen with a 1024×600 inch touchscreen. Just falling short of the resolution required for Honeycomb. But it also has a lower price tag, too, of around $500 (€349). Not bad for a Tegra 2 tablet.

It’s design is thick and robust, but it’s also mostly plastic with no metal case, meaning it could be easily cracked, if dropped. It’s WiFi only, has Flash player support, Bluetooth, HDMI, microSD cards, and a “split layout” virtual keyboard. Sadly, no cameras, so no video chat. And while it doesn’t come with Honeycomb, Hanspree has placed a custom UI known as TapTap that overlays Froyo and provides a usable interface. Hanspree has it earmarked for US release in Q3 of 2011, and should be able to take advantage of a budget minded tablet niche.

hannspree_sn10t1_hands-on_ifa_2011_21-580x440 hannspree_sn10t1_hands-on_ifa_2011_6 hannspree_sn10t1_hands-on_ifa_2011_13 hannspree_sn10t1_hands-on_ifa_2011_16 hannspree_sn10t1_hands-on_ifa_2011_20 hannspree_sn10t1_hands-on_ifa_2011_01

[via SlashGear]

)


T-Mobile G2x Dual-Core Optimized Benchmarks

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 08:52 AM PDT

In the following post we’ve got a few benchmarks, one of them not quite entirely ready for dual-core (Quadrant Advanced,) and a couple that are. What you’re going to find is that this T-Mobile G2x is a beast and can chew up and spit out basically any other smartphone you’re going to be able to throw at it. Have a look and notice the other veeery similarly titled phone that’s in contention with this one.

We’re using two tests here besides Quadrant, which even unoptimized for dual-core shows a fairly decent score. The other two tests are MANDRO Bench and Smartbench 2011, both of which show the TRUE power of the force. The great thing about Smartbench 2011 is that it can actually handle up to quad-core systems by natively using 4 threads for CPU-related test. What it reports are two scores: productivity and games. As you run the test, the results are automatically submitted to the general public via Smartbench’s website. As you can see, G2x is doing very well for itself.

Next is MANDRO bench which, interestingly enough, shows you what you’d get with a single core on your device vs what you’re getting with dual core, then shows how well you’re doing compared to the rest of its stored dual-core scores. We’ve done its Comprehensive Benchmark option here, it therefor running all of its tests 5 times, the scores averaged to get what it considers a fair result. Go go LG!

BONUS: actually should have done this in the first place – Linpack:

)


T-Mobile G2x Hands-On and Unboxing

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 07:13 AM PDT

Oh my goodness look at this amazing smartphone right here. This is the same phone we got to have a brief hands-on with back at CTIA at the Hawaiian Luau aka Pepcom. Now we’ve been sent out very own in the mail and it’s oh so sweet to behold. Inside you’re going to find a Vanilla version of Android 2.2 Froyo (that meaning no mods from T-Mobile, just pure Googly goodness,) on the outside you’re going to find front and back facing cameras including a fat 8 megapixel on the back – and smoothness. Simple designs breed simply awesome experiences, if I do say so myself.

And guess what’s inside? An NVIDIA Tegra 2 1GHz AP20H dual-core processor! What do you know? We’ve certainly got a fabulously powerful experience just waiting for us inside this little piece of monster. It’s got a 4-inch WVGA TFT capacitive touch screen display, it weighs in at 5 ounces flat, and its got HDMI out for mirroring of your favorite content to larger screens – win. There’s 8GB of internal memory, a microSD slot that allows a card up to 32GB in size, and it’s a Quad-band GSM world phone: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz. Hot!

The only additions to the regular set of Google-placed apps in this phone are the following: Need for Speed Shift HD, DTS Ultra Mobile (DTS Envelo and DTS Boost – for an enhanced audio experience [NOT AN APP from what I understand thus far],) a demo version of N.O.V.A. (we’ve got the full version lying around here somewhere so don’t worry, if we show it, it’ll be full,) T-Mobile TV (live TV on-demand,) Zinio (magazine app,) and Qik (for video chat.) I estimate immediately that the average consumer will try one or two of these, continuing to use Qik pretty constantly (or switching to Skype when it becomes available,) and rocking pretty hard on the driving game.

Have a look here at some nice close-up photos of the device and let us know in the comments section or by emailing chris@androidcommunity.com what you’d like to know about the device – and we’ll find out for you!

0014 0013 0012 0011 0010 0009 0007 0006 0005 0004 0003 0002 0001 0000 )


Guinness World Record app comes to Android

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 05:45 AM PDT

I would bet that you are all familiar with the Guinness World Records book and all the strange and weird records that the book lists for people to check out. The people behind that record book have made a new app that is available on Android and iOS devices called the Gamer’s Arcade Edition.

The app has five official record challenges to see if you can set your own record for the Gamer’s Edition of the record book. The five challenges in the app include Monkey Country, Mental Gears, Chest of Destruction, Hoover’s Hot Air Escape, Rupee Roulette, and Adventure Mode.

The top scores in all of the game will have a chance to be in the record book. That is pretty darn cool if you ask me. The app is on the Android Market as of today for 59p.

)


Skype for Android has flaw that leaks personal data

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 03:17 AM PDT

If you are an Android smartphone user that has Skype installed a flaw in Skype that exposes your personal information has been found. The issue surfaced over at Androidpolice when they took the new Skype Video app apart to see how it worked and found the way it handles personal data leaves much to be desired.

The geeks were able to quickly create an exploit that allowed them to harvest data from a user’s device using a rogue app with no need to root the device or gain special permissions. Androidpolice then went to examine the normal version of Skype for Android and found the same vulnerability existed for the roughly 10 million Android Skype users. Suck.

The flaw would let this rogue app harvest details for the users phone such as their account balance, full name, date of birth, city/state/county, home phone, office phone, cell phone, email, webpage, bio and more. That is basically the whole enchilada. Skype is reportedly investigating the issue, which apparently stems from improper permissions on key files the app handles.

[via Androidpolice]

)


Game industry body IGDA warns Android devs about Amazon Appstore terms

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 02:43 AM PDT

Android developers that are selling their games on Amazon.com’s new Android Appstore have cause to be worried according to games industry body IGDA. The problem that IGDA has with the Appstore terms is that they allow Amazon to change pricing on apps without the developer’s permission among other things. The clause in the agreement with devs that causes concern gives Amazon a choice on how to pay the developer.

The clause states that Amazon can pay the developer either 70% of the purchase price of the game or 20% of the developer’s list price, whichever is greater. “While many other retailers, both physical and digital, also exert control over the price of products in their markets, we are not aware of any other retailer having a formal policy of paying a supplier just 20% of the supplier’s minimum list price without the supplier’s permission,” explains the IGDA’s advisory.

IGDA also notes that an app making it into the 100 most popular and seeing the price cut by as much as 75% might not see enough of a sales increase to offset the loss in sales price. This is particularly true of the apps that are on the bottom of the list. The IGDA also worries that devs accepting these terms will lead to other app sellers adopting similar terms.

[via Guardian]

)


T-Mobile G2x on sale now

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 11:30 PM PDT

Just as expected, the T-Mobile G2x (aka the LG Optimus 2X) has gone up for sale on the carrier’s online store, a little under a weak ahead of in-store availability. Priced at $199.99 with a new, two-year agreement (and after a $50 mail-in rebate) the G2x has HSPA+ connectivity, a dual-core 1GHz Tegra 2 processor and an 8-megapixel camera.

There’s also the usual bevy of WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS, along with a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for video calling. OS is Android while the display is a 4.3-inch WVGA panel; the same size as the HTC Sensation but lower resolution.

In-store sales of the T-Mobile G2x will kick off on Wednesday, April 20.

)


Samsung Gem Review [a Unique Android Indeed]

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 09:55 PM PDT

There’s a soft spot in my heart for all of the odd iterations of devices running Android, especially when they provide essentially the same software as their brothers and sisters. What this phone represents is a bridge for scaredy cats to get into smartphones – people who’ve been using cellphones for a few years, but aren’t quite ready to experience the top Android phones and appreciate them for what they are. Instead, this phone has all the buttons it needs – physical buttons, mind you, to present itself as an easy to use phone that also has smartphone features and functionality – and it’s cute!

Before we go on, please feel free to take a look at our initial Hands-On and Unboxing of this device. Then, on with it! This is a phone that fits into the palm like it was made to do so. It’s got a smooth plastic back, an oddly shaped case, and several unique form features. When a person sees this phone in your hand, they’ll wonder what it is called. That’s an “Android phone, isn’t it?” They’ll say. “I’ve never seen that phone before, what’s it called?” They’ll question. “Why, this is a Samsung Gem on US Cellular!” You’ll scream.

What’s Inside

This phone features an undeniably tiny amount of pre-loaded apps at 31, the vast majority – aka ALL of which are required by Google in order to get certification so that the manufacturer might release the phone with the official Android Market. This means there’s less to trip over. One of the biggest reasons everyday hackers in the Android community hack is that they simply want to get rid of all the apps they do not plan on using. US Cellular did away with this extra step by simply not plopping their own apps on the device.

Once you understand that the device is indeed running what basically amounts to a Vanilla version of Android – that is, one that’s not changed by the manufacturer or carrier at all, you see that it’s just gotta be the hardware that you’ve got to judge. In this category, you’re not so stripped down. This is a phone that aims to compete with the rest of the smartphone world by offering a fully customizable experience on the inside and an interesting experience on the outside due to features that give the device real spunk and personality.

Physical Buttons

That front set of buttons is where this device will win or lose all of its potential customers. There’s a gigantic gem-shaped button in the center that both brings you back to your home screen from wherever you are in any app OR bring you to “recent apps” if you long-press it. To right right and left of this giant button are menu and back buttons, and to the right and left of these buttons are call and hang-up buttons. All of these buttons are physical, and as two of them (call and hang up) don’t appear on the vast majority of Android-laden phones, it should be clear that these are made to draw in unsuspecting feature-phone lovers who would otherwise dismiss an Android phone as, again, too difficult to understand.

Samsung Gem has the ability to hold up to a 16 GB microSD card, it has the ability to act as a mobile internet hotspot, and it comes stocked with Android 2.2.1 Froyo. It’s got a fat 1500 mAh battery which on this type of device essentially means over 24 hours with no battery and medium usage, (tested by me and confirmed here,) and its processor speed isn’t the worst in the world at 800 MHz. What more could you want out of a phone that only costs $29.99 after an $80 mail-in rebate?

An easier to understand payment plan.

Also let’s take a look at photos and video, which do look fairly decent considering they were taken with a 3.2 megapixel camera:

Photo Example

Video Example

Looks alright, right?

Wrap-Up and Final Verdict

The price of the handset is very reasonable, and if you’re able to wade your way through the data / talk / messaging plans US Cellular has listed, you’re going to be golden. This is a solid little phone that, if you gave to your aunt, she’d understand – and she’d want more, too! Like I mentioned above, this is an excellent bridge onto the ever-expanding castle that is Android.

Make your newb friends purchase this phone if they’re fearful of smartphones. It’s a goodie, it’s simple, and it’ll pump them up for the future.

IMG_20110406_184931 0000 0004 0006 0007 0019-540x405 0021-540x405 0010-540x405 )


LG Optimus V Review [On the Go Android!]

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 06:19 PM PDT

Before we begin, let me direct you back to a review I conducted some months ago on a very similar telephone by the name of LG Optimus U. This is essentially the same piece of hardware with a slightly different set of apps, costing a different price and having a different carrier. Comparing the two would be an exercise in futility because this isn’t the sort of phone you decide on first, then figure out what carrier you want later. This is the kind of phone you find while you’re shopping for a new phone on a carrier you trust. Who would buy such a phone? What uses are there for such a phone as this? Would I use this phone? Let’s talk.

Let’s take a quick peek at our unboxing/hands-on with this device in a video that would make Steven Spielberg and David Fincher weep with joy. Unboxing! The greatest epic:

Why and What

Lets continue on by noting how many apps this device comes loaded with – 34. That’s the next best thing to none. I challenge you to find a phone that comes with less that’s carried by a group that isn’t a Nexus S, and you know what I mean. It’s refreshing to see a group like Virgin Mobile releasing a phone like this with as few apps on it as it does. That said, lets discuss what this phone is for.

This phone comes in a box that’s meant to be placed on a shelf or hung on a metal bar like a Star Wars figure. It’s made to sit at Target next to the phones that are out on display looks magnificently pretty and absolutely simple to use. There’s about a million billion other products that use this same tactic, but not very many that use it in the same way. There’s a brand in Japan that uses this tactic, a clothing brand called Bape – you can find this brand in LA and New York as well – they do the same thing with $400 shoes. Because the product is in a simple plastic and cardboard case, the price becomes irrelevant.

Who and Where

The LG Optimus V is an Android phone that you purchase from a store, open the box, and activate on your own time with Virgin Mobile. It’s extremely simple and quick to do this. Once you’ve got the phone activated, you’ve got a full Android experience, Google’s Android Market, Android 2.2 Froyo (nearly the newest version of the OS,) and a generous camera for the price that the phone and its data plan add up to.

Photo Example

Video Example

As for specific bits beyond photo and video quality I’d be looking for in any Android phone, first of all, yes, you can install non-Market apps. This means you can buy apps from sources other than the Android Market and install them no problem. Next, you’re able to use GPS for maps, call and text, and have the browser-based Android Market send apps to the handset – all of these should basically be given on an Android phone, so if they’re not there, I’ll pretty much call the phone DOA. This one’s good on those bits. The only thing I’m seeing missing here that I’d definitely have trouble living without at this point is the option to turn the handset into a portable hotspot for internet that I can access via my laptop. I need it! V doesn’t have it.

But you can download apps, and the phone runs the very current Android 2.2 Froyo mobile OS. This means that this device can run most of the apps on the market (no one device can run ALL of them,) and run them relatively well. There is a bit of a downfall in this phone in that it’s not made for high-powered games that require things like dual-core processors. This should be recognized by you, the consumer, before you purchase, or you’ll be sorely disappointed. If you understand that this phone isn’t the most powerful unit on the market and use it for apps and games that don’t expect it to flip out for you, you’ll be good.

Wrap-Up and Verdict

The cheapest plan you can get this phone on is $25 a month – the only thing this limits you on is how long you can talk. Text messaging and data (how much you can download, upload, browse the web) is unlimited. This is an amazing deal, if you ask me, especially if you just want an email/music box in your pocket. Pandora and email everywhere you go, unlimited for $25 a month! This is super awesome.

Then there’s the reasons you wouldn’t get it: you want a bigger Android phone. That’s it. If you need a phone and want one that’ll give you data, but you don’t care how big the screen is or how powerful the games you want to play are – this is definitely the little man for you.

lg_optimus_v_example P1090016wtmk1 P1090013wtmk1 P1090005wtmk1 P1080995wtmk1 P1080994wtmk1 P1080991wtmk1 P1080989wtmk1 P1080987wtmk1 P1090008wtmk1-540x304 P1090001wtmk1 P1080992wtmk1 P1080986wtmk1-540x304 )


Android Community’s Gigantic XOOM Giveaway Reminder [Now with Comments from YOU!]

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 02:59 PM PDT

We’ve got basically the biggest fattest contest ever going on right now, one with a total of FIVE wifi-only Motorola XOOM tablets for you to be winning: 3 here on Android Community, and two more on out sister site SlashGear. You could win one of these dual-core masterpieces for free and, unlike other giant contests like this one, you barely have to do anything to enter! Click a couple times and you’re in!

Have a peek first at the basic rules for this contest, then go back to the expanded rules for a full understanding, check out the comments by your pals below, then get our there and enter!

To win one of these fabulous tablets, you must:

1. “like” us on Facebook: facebook.com/androidcommunity.com
2. Comment on the facebook.com/androidcommunity.com wall saying something nice like “Android Community and NVIDIA have no less than dual-core generosity!”

And that’s it! We’d also like to encourage you to participate in a post-win review of the tablet, but we’ll get into that once you’ve discovered you’re the WINNER. Next, lets have a peek at some of the odder and/or more enjoyable comments we’ve gotten on this contest thus far:

Finally, we’d also like to encourage you to join our Facebook page even if you don’t, for some reason, want a free XOOM tablet. We’ve got lots of exciting features and exclusive content coming up soon that you’ll only find in one place – the page!

)


Dell Re-Blasts Streak 7 as Ultimate Entertainment Experience [in the UK]

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 01:43 PM PDT

Now as you might very well know, we’ve had a pretty close look at this device already several times in the past. Never quite street-ready, but certainly working in a physical sense. As Dell writes in a press release today, they’re marketing this device, available now in the UK, as a device which will being you Ultimate Entertainment. Will this coupled with their unique Dell Stage interface make it a tiny tablet for your awesome app adventures? We shall see if it sinks or floats in this incoming wave.

In case you hath forgotten, this is a 7″ screen having Gorilla Glass covered NVIDIA Tegra 2 1GHz dual-core toting Android tablet that runs Android 2.2 Froyo. How can it possibly survive in a post-Froyo world? Simple. Most people don’t know the difference. That said, why don’t you have a peek at a gigantic review of the device as it stands over here in the USA.

If you’ve got a need for a relatively small tablet computer that’s basically a bit more powerful than the Galaxy Tab and has a little bit more hefty form factor, then this is for you. If you’re looking for a dual-core experience on a device that’s meant to blow you away with its awesomeness, you’re looking for the Motorola XOOM or the LG G-Slate. Have a peek at those. Meanwhile, here’s the Streak 7 again!

streak_back streak_tab1-540x303 dell_streak_7_ac_0

DELL UNVEILS STREAK 7 AS THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

BRACKNELL, UK, 14 April 2011 -Dell ‘s new
feature-rich seven-inch Android(tm) tablet, the Streak(tm) 7
is now available in the UK. The sleek
compact form factor preloaded with Dell Stage, Dell’s unique user
interface, makes Streak 7 the ultimate entertainment hub for families
and consumers craving a rich multimedia and web experience both at
home and on-the-go. With a wealth of features, Streak 7 adds to Dell’s
rapidly expanding mobility portfolio, which also includes the
acclaimed Streak 5 pocket tablet.

Portable, passable and easily shared, the Streak 7′s smooth, fast
performance makes Web browsing, video streaming and game playing an
enjoyable experience. Its brilliant seven-inch WVGA touch screen with
Gorilla ® Glass makes Streak 7
ideal for watching movies or reading books and magazines.

In addition to a rich entertainment experience, the Streak 7 easily
captures and shares life moments with the rear-facing 5 megapixel
camera for high-definition stills and video recording. With a Wi-Fi +
3G model of the Streak 7 coming later this spring, capturing
spontaneous moments with family and friends will be even easier.

Featuring Google’s(tm) Android 2.2 operating system, a dual core 1GHz
NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor
and full support for Adobe® Flash® Player, Streak 7 gives users access
to more than 100,000 applications, games and widgets from Android
Market ™.

“Dell is continuing to create the very best in entertainment, mobile
and gaming experiences,” said Aongus Hegarty, vice-president of Dell’s
Consumer, Small and Medium Business unit for EMEA. “With Streak 7,
families, students and mobile professionals will gather, share, and
find new ways to interact and keep in touch.”

The new Streak 7 will feature Dell’s innovative Stage
user interface, which provides a
seamless and unified experience for accessing all your favourite
content. Later this year, Dell will add syncing to Stage so people can
keep their photos, contacts, calendars and other personal content
synchronised across their Dell Stage-equipped devices, from tablets to
PCs, connected through their home network.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICING INFORMATION:

The new Dell Streak 7 Tablet with Wi-Fi is available now, starting at
£299 including VAT and delivery at http://www.dell.co.uk/streak
.

The Streak 7 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available later this spring.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS:

· Brilliant seven-inch WVGA (TFT) touch screen
display with Gorilla Glass

· Android 2.2 (Froyo) with Android Market

· 5 megapixel rear camera and 1.3 megapixel front
facing camera

· Stage User Interface – easy access to the stuff
you care about

· Connectivity over Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi + embedded
3G version coming later this spring

· Dual core 1Ghz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor

· SMS/MMS, SWYPE ® virtual
keyboard and stereo Bluetooth 2.1 capable

· Support for Adobe® Flash® Player

· Support for Microsoft® Exchange e-mail, contacts
and calendar

· 16 GB of internal memory and SD Card slot with
support for expandable memory up to 64 GB

· Dimensions: 7.87″ x 4.72″ x 0.49″

)


HTC EVO Gingerbread 2.3 build has just leaked

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 12:29 PM PDT

We have a little treat that just appeared. That treat is some Gingerbread cookies or some sort of Gingerbread. Yes you heard it right. Android 2.3 Gingerbread for the HTC EVO has just leaked. It has Sense UI and all, probably an insider source leak, so that is a good thing.

This is fresh out of the kitchen you can get the download from the XDA forums here .
This comes right after news that the Thunderbolt and the EVO would be getting updated to Gingerbread in June. Looks like a few people had different plans and you can get it NOW.

This is in the form of an official build with full HTC Sense and everything, a full system dump and now those XDA developers are hard at work making it a easy flashable zip for you all to love and enjoy.

[via XDA Forums]

)


Viewsonic G-Tablet hits Amazon for $279, gets 1.6 Ghz Overclock

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 12:09 PM PDT

I’m going to keep this short and sweet, as this was recently for sale at the same low price of $279 on woot.com . It is a great tablet for the price but it looks like woot didn’t sell them all, because now Amazon has it as the deal of the day for the same price. (Shipped & Sold by Woot).

Thew Viewsonic G-Tablet is the first dual-core Tegra 2 tablet to launch. It features Android 2.2 with a custom UI over the top of it. It has a huge following on XDA forums because it was the first dual-core tablet to be released. It is a great device for someone looking for a cheaper tablet, or can’t afford the expensive Motorola Xoom . My only issue was the terrible screen on the G-Tablet, it had bad viewing angles and made things hard at times, but it is very fun to use and I enjoyed it until I got my Motorola Xoom.

I do have some good news, Pershoot the extremely popular kernel building for many phones like the Nexus One also has kernels for the G-Tablet and has just released his latest kernel. You could get the G-Tablet for $279, overclock it to 1.6 Ghz and have the fastest Android tablet on the market. What a deal. Check out the entire G-Tablet kernel thread here, or get his latest release from droidbasement.

*Update: Apparently they overclocked to 1.6 Ghz and it was able to run benchmarks, but they’ve not released that kernel yet. For now the latest kernel supports overclocking the dual-core Tegra 2 inside the G-Tablet to 1.4 Ghz. Next update should take things higher.

[via Amazon]

)


Samsung Galaxy S II not coming til Q3

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 11:43 AM PDT

This doesn’t sound good. I know good things come to those that wait, but these are very crucial times and everyone has been pushing hard to get the latest and greatest out in terms of android phones. According to some new information the Samsung Galaxy S II wont see a launch til at least Q3. This is not good news, but then again they are working with all carries and will probably launch on Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint just like the first phone. So that might be part of the delay, that and building enough CPU’s.

According to Mobilesyrup during the Nexus S launch event this morning he had a quick conversation with Samsung VP Paul Brennan about the Galaxy S II we all know and love, I mean look at its quadrant score. Brennan mentioned that the incredibly thin and light device (meaning the SGSII) was still in carrier negotiations, and that it should be released in Canada sometime in early Q3.

There was no talk about pricing but we can expect the usual $199 with new contract here in the states. Oh, and the last bit of news is probably the biggest part for us in the States, and where this news starts to go south. VP Brennan stated that Canada might beat the United States in releasing this device. So that means we possibly wont see the Galaxy S II til Q3 or even later. I sure hope he is wrong, for our sakes, and Samsung.

[via MobileSyrup]

)


NOOK Color to be Sold at Staples

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 11:39 AM PDT

In a move that should strike some as odd, Barnes & Noble has moved to partner with Staples in a sales venture that’ll have their famed color touch Android tablet for reading being sold in Staples stores as well as at their Staples.com website. One of the reasons yours truly thinks its odd is that Barnes & Noble has thus far been pushing the device as one you’d carry with you everywhere, but especially whilst interacting with Barnes & Noble’s physical locations – the ability to do such things as preview books in the store built in.

Come this spring, May 1st to be exact, Staples will begging carrying the e-reader nationwide and on their webpage for $249. This tablet, incase you do not know, is a 7″ screen toting tablet made specifically to be used for reading and browsing texts as well as children’s books and magazines. This tablet also recently got a push for developers to create apps for the device, promising interaction with the manufacturers of the device as a promotion to bring these app creators in.

The tablet also recently experienced a surge in popularity in the hacking world, one thats quite large because of the relative enjoyability in doing so on Android devices, the NOOK Color showing great promise in hosting odd versions of Android including the tablet-centric Android 3.0 Honeycomb. An odd device indeed in both its form factor and its capabilities on the software front.

Check out our sister-site SlashGear’s extended weeklong review of this device over at [A Week with NOOK Color]

Check out the press release below:

Staples Announces Plans to Sell NOOK Color™,
Barnes & Noble's Award-Winning Reader's Tablet, in Stores and On-line Starting May 1
 
Highly Acclaimed Product Makes its Staples Debut Just in Time for Moms, Dads and Grads Gift-Giving Season 
 
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (April 14, 2011) – Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) today announced that Staples will be selling the NOOK Color™, the first full-color touch Reader's Tablet by Barnes & Noble, just in time for the Mother's Day, Graduation and Father's Day gift-giving season. The perfect gift for people who love to read everything, NOOK Color delivers digital books, magazines, newspapers, children's books and more in immersive, rich color, all in one beautiful, thin and highly portable device.  Staples, the only office superstore to carry NOOK Color, will carry the award-winning device in all of its stores nationwide and at Staples.com for $249, beginning May 1. 
 
"Staples is excited to bring this amazing product with its enhanced applications to our stores this Spring, which is just in time to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day with a gift of the newest technology," said Mark Mettler, senior vice president for consumer technology at Staples.  "We invite Staples customers to experience a live demonstration of the NOOK's many features in all our U.S. locations and also enjoy the convenience of free shipping when ordering on Staples.com."  
 
NOOK Color features a stunning 7-inch VividView™ Color Touchscreen which brings content to life.  NOOK Color customers can shop the vast and growing collection of more than 2 million digital books, more than 140 interactive, full-color magazines and major newspapers and more in the NOOK Bookstore. NOOK Color customers can also easily share books, recommendations, excerpts, reading status and more with friends through leading social networking sites and email.  And the highly acclaimed Reader's Tablet keeps getting better. Following a major, free update to the NOOK Color firmware this Spring, customers will be able to discover and enjoy an amazing array of popular apps for NOOK Color, along with full-featured email and other highly requested features.
 
"We are thrilled to partner with Staples to offer our award-winning NOOK Color Reader's Tablet, at only $249, the best value of any tablet on the market," said Chris Peifer, vice president, digital business development at Barnes & Noble. "NOOK Color is the perfect sleek, sophisticated and reading-centric tablet device for the mom, dad or grad who loves to read everything, surf the Web and listen to music."
 
NOOK Color is the latest addition in a wide selection of new technology products at Staples.  From e-readers to the newest tablets, the shopping experience at Staples extends far beyond office supplies and into a full suite of technology products and services.  Staples certified EasyTech associates are highly trained, and able to assist customers in selecting the best technology solutions for their needs.  

About Staples:
Staples is the world's largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 90,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes, and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.
Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staplestweets and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.

ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS), the world’s largest bookseller and a Fortune 500 company, operates 705 bookstores in 50 states. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, also operates 636 college bookstores serving nearly 4 million students and faculty members at colleges and universities across the United States.  Barnes & Noble conducts its online business through Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com), one of the Web’s largest e-commerce sites, which also features more than two million titles in its NOOK Bookstore™ (www.bn.com/ebooks). Through Barnes & Noble's NOOK™ eReading product offering, customers can buy and read eBooks on the widest range of platforms, including NOOK eBook Readers, devices from partner companies, and hundreds of the most popular mobile and computing devices using free NOOK software.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the company’s corporate website: www.barnesandnobleinc.com.
NOOK™, NOOK Color™, NOOK Books™, and VividView™ are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Follow Barnes & Noble on Twitter (www.bn.com/twitter), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/barnesandnoble) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/bnstudio).

)


Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)