Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Deal Of The Day: $16 HTC EVO 4G Premium Extended Battery With Back Cover (3500 mAh)

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 06:46 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

If you own an Evo you’ve probably run into this problem before: terrible battery life. It can take all the enjoyment out of an otherwise awesome phone when you have to dim the brightness all the way down or disable background synching.

Those are some tips I am forced to use when I wont have the luxury of plugging into a wall socket all day (like at an amusement park). But as we all know, one of the many benefits of owning an Android phone is the ability to switch out it’s battery!

I’ve browsed extended batteries in the past but I can’t say I’ve ever seen a 3500 mAh battery for anything less than $40 – $50. Needless to say, I was pretty jazzed when I came across this fatty for $15.99.

Better hurry before the deal is up. Enjoy… and if you’ve ever used an extended battery let us know good and bad experiences with different brands and retailers!

Samsung Galaxy S II Gets Gently Shoved Back to May

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 05:28 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Samsung Galaxy S II seems to have missed its intended ship date according to UK retailer Clove’s website. Originally slated for a March release date, Clove has re-listed the device for a vague May release.

Without a contract, the disturbingly thin phone will sell for £528 ($860) for the 16GB model and £708 ($1,152) for the 32GB.

I can’t tell you how much I’ve looked forward to this phone since it was announced at MWC. Despite Samsung’s poor track record of updating their handsets, something about the Galaxy S II line keeps pulling me in. Any UK Phandroids planning on snatching up this phone when its released?

NOTE: the Clove link stopped working shortly after publishing… someone make a boo boo or just a coincidence?

[Via Electronista]

LG Optimus 2X and Black Prep for Global Domination

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 05:15 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Today, LG announced that their powerful dual-core Optimus 2X and sexy Optimus Black will be hitting the country of India. According to LG, their new lineup will be available at all retail outlets with the Optimus 2X being sold for 30,000 INR ($676) and Optimus Black at 27,000 INR ($608).

I was impressed with both of these phones when I got the chance to manhandle them at CES. With the 2X already launching in the UK and Australia, I’m glad my Android brothers in India will get some LG love as well.

[Via AndroidOS.in]

Acer Liquid Metal’s Official Gingerbread ROM Leaked

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 03:46 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

A user by the name of “LIQUID_USER” at MoDaCo has uploaded a leak of Acer’s Gingerbread ROM for the Acer Liquid MT (Metal.) The device launched with Android 2.2 a couple of months ago, and although we haven’t heard a bunch about its success it seems it did well enough for Acer to continue supporting it. Give it a shot on your own MT by using the multiupload link but be sure to check back at MoDaCo to see if there’s a mirror in case it goes down. [Thanks Ahsan!]

Samsung Officially Announces the Galaxy Prevail for Boost Mobile

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 03:23 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

A couple of leaks preceded this announcement, but Samsung’s gone ahead and made it official: the Samsung Galaxy Prevail will be Boost Mobile’s first CDMA Android handset. It’s not the most exciting device we’ve ever seen with its 2 megapixel camera, 3.2 inch display and Android 2.2, but you can’t really argue with $179.99 for a pay-as-you-go device. (And their service plans are nothing to underestimate, either, with unlimited everything plans going for $50 per month.)  Read on for full press details.

Why Settle When You Can "Prevail" with the new

Android-powered Phone from Boost Mobile and Samsung

The new Samsung Galaxy Prevail combines all the features of Android with Boost Mobile’s $50 Monthly Unlimited plan, which includes nationwide talk, text, Web,

e-mail and payments that shrink

IRVINE, Calif. - Boost Mobile, the top carrier in the recent 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Wireless Non-Contract Customer Satisfaction Index StudySM, unlocks the power of Android with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Prevail™, available exclusively with Boost Mobile on the Nationwide Sprint Network. As the first CDMA Android device on Boost Mobile, the Galaxy Prevail is designed to provide an uncompromised Android experience while maintaining the great value of Boost’s $50 Monthly Unlimited plan with no hidden fees and no contracts required.

 

The Galaxy Prevail will be available late April for $179.99 (excluding taxes) at Boost Mobile’s exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations across the country and at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping. By the middle of May, the Galaxy Prevail will be available in select retail outlets nationwide.

 

"We are excited to partner with Samsung to launch this innovative touchscreen phone for wireless users who are interested in upgrading to an Android experience without spending more on their monthly plan," said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. "The Samsung Galaxy Prevail delivers the power of the Android platform to our customers’ fingertips while bringing tremendous value to our customers’ wallets."

 

The Galaxy Prevail will be available on Boost Mobile’s $50 Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage plan, where the longer you stay, the less you pay simply by making on-time payments. For every six on-time payments, a Boost Mobile customer’s monthly cost will shrink by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $35 a month for unlimited nationwide talk, text, Web, e-mail, IM and calls to 411. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone. The first wave of Boost customers will be hitting their first six-month milestone this month and will be paying $45 per month for Monthly Unlimited service.

 

Galaxy Prevail features include:

·         Android 2.2 with Access to Android Market™

·         3.2-inch touchscreen

·         2MP camera with video

·         GPS enabled

·         Bluetooth® capable

·         Easy access to Gmail™ and Google Talk™

·         Wireless Web enabled

·         Switch between portrait and landscape

·         Speakerphone with voice-activated dialing

·         Telenav navigation, free and unlimited

·         Supports microSD™ cards up to 32GB (2GB card included)

·         Voice mail, caller ID, call waiting and three-way calling

With Android, consumers can create their own arsenal of fun and productivity by selecting from more than 100,000 applications. In addition to the features listed above, the Galaxy Prevail’s preloaded applications include SCVNGR™, Poynt™, Twidroyd™, Facebook©, Hookt™, ThinkFree Office© and YouTube©.

 

Customers can also protect their Samsung Galaxy Prevail with Phone Insurance that is now available for Boost Monthly Unlimited customers. For $5 per month customers are covered if their device breaks, is lost, stolen or damaged - even by liquid. Go to www.boostmobile.com for more information.

About Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands and recently recognized by J.D. Power as Highest-Ranked Non-Contract Company in Overall Customer Satisfaction Performance, offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its $50 Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage no-contract service where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, Web, e-mail, IM and calls to 411. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 277 million people, and on the Nextel National Network, reaching more than 278 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from Motorola, Sanyo, Research In Motion (RIM) and Samsung, ranging from entry-level to high-end devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target and Walmart, Sprint retail stores, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at MySpace, Facebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.

 

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of (US) $116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

 

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play System Dump Now Available

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 03:11 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

You had to guess it was coming. With the launch of Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play, we’re sure many-a developer wanted to get their hands on one of the most unique gaming-centric devices to come out in a while. As is usual with these high profile releases, a system dump has appeared online for all you chefs out there.

Inside is everything you’d expect on a Sony Ericsson Xperia Play device off the store shelves including the games that are preloaded onto devices. (We’re not sure which games are inside this one as the list of pre-loaded titles differ from region-to-region.) You don’t have to be a developer to take a peek inside, either. If your curiosity is piqued, take a look inside and let us know if you find anything of interest. [XDA via AliWaqas, Thanks Manny!]

Sony Ericsson to Provide Bootloader Unlocking Website for New Line of Xperia Phones

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 02:13 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

A while back, Sony Ericsson said it wanted to do things better in 2011 with how they approach developers and the security of their devices. Fortunately, they’ve stayed true to their word as XperiaBlog.net spotted a comment by one of their engineers who confirmed that the process would be publicized in the upcoming weeks.

They’ll have a website for those interested to go to where they can submit their IMEI number. Upon doing so, you’ll receive an unlock key for the bootloader that you can use in Fastboot to free those proverbial chains. Sounds like exciting stuff and I wish a certain someone else (coughstartswithanMcough) would follow suit. [Xperia Blog via AC]

Epic Says Android is Too Inconsistent to Develop For Compared to iOS

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 01:35 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Epic’s back at it again reiterating that they won’t be focusing on Android for the time being. The tune hasn’t changed much since the last time we heard from Epic when Mark Rein said they were thinking about Android support in their game development engine but didn’t consider it a top priority.

This time, Tim Sweeney has gone on record saying that great looking games like Infinity Blade won’t come to Android because they can’t guarantee a quality experience for every device.

Even if targeting high-end devices with the latest in chipset technology, Sweeney points the finger at carrier and OEM customization as reasons why a game might be better on one phone as opposed to another with similar specs.

That’s just one of many reasons why Google wants to help standardize Android and the hardware surrounding it with new initiatives put into place recently. While we’re not terribly hurt by this news (it really isn’t a surprise), it does sting a bit and does well to make us realize that there are still some patches of grass that aren’t as green as we’d like them to be. [via Electronista]

Dock4Droid Helps You Switch Between Applications Mac OS-Style [Video]

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:50 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Dock4Droid is a simple application, but one I’m sure many people will appreciate tremendously if they’re the type to want a bit of eye-candy (Apple style) added to their substance (Android functionality). It mimicks Apple’s Mac OS X dock and while it isn’t nearly as feature-packed as that, it’s a great little addition to help facilitate beautiful multi-tasking on Android devices. The free version itself is great, but the full version is only $.98 and comes packed with a ton of customization options. Take a quick look at my use of the dock in the video above.

Photile Live Wallpaper Makes Your Homescreen a Living Mosaic of Any Image [Video]

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:36 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Here’s a live wallpaper a few of you may be interested in. It’s called Photile and allows you to use any image on your phone as a customizable mosaic for your homescreen. It comes with a ton of options and allows you to apply the effect that looks most beautiful to you. The free version is great, but the cost of admission to fully customize it is only $.99 and – trust me – it’s worth every last one of those pieces of copper. Be sure to check out more offerings from Joko Interactive while you’re at it. [via AP]

Three Stocking The HTC Desire S, Bringing Gingerbread to Samsung Galaxy S in Two Weeks’ Time

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:28 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Three’s making more ripples as they’ve just made available he HTC Desire S It’s a follow-up to the original and comes pre-installed with Android 2.3 and HTC Sense 2.1. A 3.7-inch display dons this one with a front-facing camera above it to compliment the one on the rear. It’ll have a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor inside.

They’ve offered it for free starting at a 30 pounds per month tariff which affords you 1GB of data, 500 voice minutes, and 1000 text messages. If you’d rather buy it outright, you can get the device for 359.99 pounds.

In related Three, news, they’ve confirmed that their Samsung Galaxy S will be getting Android 2.3 Gingerbread in the next couple of weeks. Samsung may have gotten a bad reputation for slow updates here in the United States, but their Gingerbread rollout in Europe proves that they shouldn’t be taking the full blame. [via EuroDroid, Android Central]

Angry Bird Seasons Easter Update Coming; Rio & Original Versions, Too

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:12 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

Rovio has mentioned via Twitter that Angry Birds Seasons will be getting an Easter update. It’s said to be out sometime before the fun holiday so folks will have enough time to get into spirit. It’s a perfect match for a game about pigs who steal eggs – I’m sure some sort of “hunt” will play into the storyline.

In related news, they’ve confirmed that both Rio and the original version of Angry Birds will be getting new level updates. No details were given on what they’d include and how many levels would be coming, but we’re told not to expect it this month as they’re aiming for a May release. Now excuse me while I go hide these freshly-painted easter eggs from those horrible, horrible bags of pork. [via Android Community]

Fring Beta Bringing 4-Way Group Video Calling [Video]

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:03 PM PDT

This image has no alt text

The folks at Fring have made even more significant advances to their instant messaging, VoIP, and video-calling client. The folks there have today announced an update that will allow users to participate in 4-way video calls between Android and iOS devices – this is something a lot of folks have been waiting for.

They’ll introduced the feature at an astonishing price of $0 for those who wish to take part. Unfortunately, things are only in beta right now and they’ve only invited a limited amount of their user-base to help test the new functionality.There’s still hope if you head over to Fring’s website and fill this form out. Check out a video demo of the feature above.

BlueStacks to Bring Easy Android Virtualization to Windows

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 11:45 AM PDT

This image has no alt text

Ever since Android’s introduction, folks have been wanting to emulate the mobile operating system on their desktop and laptop computers. The SDK made this a reality, but it’s not the fastest and most practical way to do things. (It’s really only intended for developers to test their applications without having an actual device.)

Then there was android_x86, but it’s not the easiest installation and maintenance process to wrap your head around. Introduce BlueStacks, a contender who looks to make running an Android environment on your desktop as simple as installing an application and subsequently opening it.

Not only will developers get a kick out of this, but consumers may find value here. Imagine being able to run Honeycomb (whenever Google decides to release the source code) on your netbook just as you would on a tablet? We’re not sure just how fast the solution is, but we can’t imagine it’d be slower than – say – running Linux itself inside a virtualization environment. (Which is pretty darn fast depending on the hardware.)

It also supposedly interfaces very well with your Windows installation. Here’ an excerpt from the source:

Even more impressive is the fact that it uses all of Windows utilities and drivers. For example, you are in an Android app and need to print something. You just go to the top of the menu bar and hit print and it uses the Windows printer drivers. Or if you are in an Android Skype application, it uses the Windows drivers to handle the audio or video calls.

Suddenly this is sounding like something I’d want to get my hands on ASAP if only to feed the geek inside me. But more than that I think it can become a great utility for developers and even for a select group of consumers. You have our attention, BlueStacks. [via SlashGear]

Motorola ATRIX, XOOM Sales Still Poor, Says Analyst

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 11:26 AM PDT

This image has no alt text

Although the Motorola XOOM and Motorola Atrix 4G are fantastic dual-core Tegra 2-enabled devices, it’s no secret that it’s gotten off to a shaky start. Earlier reports told of uninspiring sales for Motorola’s first Android 3.0 tablet and analyst James Faucette from Pacific Crest confirms that the clouds still loom over Motorola and for another one of their devices as well – the Motorola ATRIX 4G.

I’m not terribly surprised to hear that the ATRIX 4G is struggling. Although it’s a great device, it contends with the likes of the iPhone 3GS and HTC’s Inspire 4G which are both priced at $50 on two-year contracts. (And don’t forget about the iPhone 4.)

Faucette added that Motorola would need to ”substantially differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack,” but didn’t offer an opinion on how the company should go about doing this. Recent rumors have been swirling that suggest Motorola is building their own web-based operating system for mobile devices. Motorola naturally declined to confirm or deny it, but instead chose to reiterate its commitment to Android. [via Forbes]
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)