Android Phone Fans |
- Android Overload: Samsung Goes Big Against Apple, Atrix 4G Laptop Dock on Dale, and More
- HTC Thunderbolt Receives Update With Enhanced 3G Connectivity and Messaging Fixes
- Droid Line Gets a Pair of Branded Headphones from Motorola
- Motorola Atrix 4G HSUPA Update Ready to Roll, AT&T Preps Support Page
- HTC Inspire 4G Update Going Out Now, Enables HSUPA Support
- LG Ally to Receive Android 2.2.2, Will Require Update Utility App
- Revue Not Bringing Home the Expected Bacon, Logitech Still Enthusiastic about Google TV
- FCC Listing Points to AT&T HTC Wildfire S
- Carriers Cracking Down on Wireless Tether Applications
- Qualcomm Leaks Details of Next Generation Snapdragon Processors
- Poll: Which Dual-Core Android Devices Are You Most Interested In?
- HBO Go Available Now, Actually
- Verizon to Include Warning Stickers About Location Data on Phones
- Use Motorola Updater to Get ATRIX 4G HSUPA OTA
- Radio Shack Offering Some Decent Discounts on AT&T Devices May 1st
| Android Overload: Samsung Goes Big Against Apple, Atrix 4G Laptop Dock on Dale, and More Posted: 29 Apr 2011 03:39 PM PDT  Looking back on this week in Android some pretty big stories stand out. Verizon launched two new Android devices and delayed another, the Samsung DROID Charge due to 4G LTE outages; the Atrix 4G and Inspire 4G finally received HSUPA support through new updates; and then there are the leftovers, which you can find below. TGIF!
|
| HTC Thunderbolt Receives Update With Enhanced 3G Connectivity and Messaging Fixes Posted: 29 Apr 2011 03:31 PM PDT
Remember that new HTC Thunderbolt software that leaked a little over a week ago? It’s prepped and ready for installation, as Verizon has updated their support page to reflect the latest tweaks and enhancements that will hit their first 4G LTE handset. The main fix here is enhanced 3G data connectivity, which should alleviate some of the 4G/3G switching problems some users have experienced. Messaging fixes correct incorrectly displayed SMS and MMS messages. As is usual, expect this one to roll out over the next couple of weeks, so don’t panic if it doesn’t hit your handset this weekend. See the full release notes at the source link below, and let us know in the comments when you receive your update. [via Verizon]
|
| Droid Line Gets a Pair of Branded Headphones from Motorola Posted: 29 Apr 2011 02:53 PM PDT
It looks like the Droid line’s foray into accessories doesn’t end with the CommandOne Bluetooth headset. Motorola is reintroducing their S10-HD Bluetooth headphones complete with Droid branding and packaging. For a wallet munching $99.99, they’ll even throw in a special edition Droid armband. So far Motorola has been the only brand to grab the Droid name on their accessories, but Verizon seems keen on using the tag to push products that otherwise might not get much play. [via DroidLife]
|
| Motorola Atrix 4G HSUPA Update Ready to Roll, AT&T Preps Support Page Posted: 29 Apr 2011 01:33 PM PDT
Yesterday we heard word that an update to version 4.1.83 for the Motorola Atrix 4G was due today, and though it was uncovered on Motorola’s site earlier the official over-the-air version is ready to roll. In preperation, AT&T has updated their Atrix support page with complete instructions on what to do when your handset is prompted to update. It isn’t exactly rocket science, but if you are new to Android and OTA updates it might be good to give the once over. Aside from enabling HSUPA data speeds on the Atrix, the update also includes 2G/EDGE mobile hotspot support and the ability to use Yahoo email over a Wi-Fi network. But those are added bonuses. Anyone see the update pushed to their handset yet? [AT&T via AndroidForums]
|
| HTC Inspire 4G Update Going Out Now, Enables HSUPA Support Posted: 29 Apr 2011 12:50 PM PDT
Following right behind the HSUPA-enabling update for the Motorola Atrix 4G, the HTC Inspire 4G is receiving its update to alleviate data speed caps. The update is being pushed to AT&T subscribers over-the-air, but for the impatient out there HTC’s support page recommends doing the old check for updates trick by selecting the AT&T Software Update option under the settings menu. The update also includes enhancements for email including auto-configuration for Hotmail, Live and MSN email and an improved email setup process. AT&T said the update would come in April and they got it in by the skin of their teeth. That counts for something, right? [via HTC, Thanks all who sent this in!]
|
| LG Ally to Receive Android 2.2.2, Will Require Update Utility App Posted: 29 Apr 2011 12:36 PM PDT
The LG Ally is about to receive an update to Android 2.2.2, according to a text message being sent to owners of the handset. While the update itself is mostly concerned with patching a few holes and squashing some bugs, the interesting thing to report is that in order to receive the update users will need to download the Upgrade Utility for Ally from the Android Market. There is no word on why, exactly, an application is needed to install the update, as the move from Android 2.1 to 2.2 came via a traditional over-the-air push. Users who have installed the app so far are reporting no update is available yet, but Verizon has posted the details of what we can expect over at their support site. Head over to the source links below for more info. Android Market Link: Upgrade Utility for Ally [Verizon via AndroidForums]
|
| Revue Not Bringing Home the Expected Bacon, Logitech Still Enthusiastic about Google TV Posted: 29 Apr 2011 12:19 PM PDT
Aside from some clever commercials starring Kevin Bacon, that is. The Logitech Revue missed earning expectations last quarter, falling short of the projected $18 million after earning $22 million in its first quarter of availability. The drop-off was quite significant, bringing in a mere $5 million for the company. It’s no secret that the Google TV platform has some things to figure out, but we have been and still are big supporters of the concept, taking both the good and bad into account. Likewise, Logitech doesn’t plan to give up on the platform any time soon. Their CEO Gerald P. Quindlen stated during the quarterly earning report that the company remains “enthusiastic about Google TV.” For others to agree, Google needs to step its game up and deliver highly anticipated features such as the Android Market. The ability to download and install Android apps onto your Google TV box has been promised in a future update for some time now, though when that update might surface remains a mystery. [via CrunchGear]
|
| FCC Listing Points to AT&T HTC Wildfire S Posted: 29 Apr 2011 11:51 AM PDT
You may recall the HTC aria, on of AT&T’s first Android phones. That handset bore a pretty big resemblance to the original HTC Wildfire. It should be no surprise, then, that the carrier would want to give their lower-tier Android lineup an update with the followup to the original Wildfire. An FCC filing is suggesting just that, pointing towards the HTC Wildfire S arriving on AT&T sometime in the near future. The FCC listing shows AT&T’s GSM 850 and 1900 bands along with WCDMA bands II and V, making the release of the handset in the US almost a sure thing. No word on exactly when we might see it, however. [FCC via WirelessGoodness]
|
| Carriers Cracking Down on Wireless Tether Applications Posted: 29 Apr 2011 11:19 AM PDT There is a reason why carriers charge add-on fees to enable devices for wireless tethering and data sharing: they don’t profit off of something that can easily be accomplished for free. It was only a matter of time, then, until carriers started to crack down on the many applications available in the Android Market that turn your phone into a mobile hotspot. Our friends over at DroidLife were tipped off that Verizon had blocked the application Wireless Tether on devices tied to their network. Doing a bit more investigating revealed that the app did not appear on the Android Market for devices on VZW, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Attempting to go through the Android Market webstore revealed the app was indeed blocked.
The move follows a warning issued by AT&T earlier in the week chiding customers using tethering without an accompanying service plan and informing them their accounts would have the extra charges added to their account. Looks like other carriers took notice and followed suit. Say goodbye to the days of free tethering. [via DroidLife]
|
| Qualcomm Leaks Details of Next Generation Snapdragon Processors Posted: 29 Apr 2011 11:17 AM PDT
Thanks to a leaked internal document from Qualcomm, we now have a glimpse into the future of what the company has in store for their popular line of Snapdragon processors. Looks like the first of these fire breathing dragons will be based off their new Krait design. The MSM8930/8960/8270 and APQ8064 will all be capable of reaching speeds up to 2.5Ghz and use only a fraction of the power seen on today’s SOC’s. Apparently, these next gen Snapdragons will offer support for quad-core processing, 20MP cameras, 3D hardware and promise to be 5 times faster than what is currently available on the market. The onboard Adreno GPU will offer “console quality graphics” and will rival gaming handhelds like the 3DS and Sony’s Next Generation Portable.
Before you get your Android panties in a bunch, the world isn’t ready for this kind of power just yet. Current OS’s have yet to fully take advantage of even dual-core processors so we’re going to need a few more desserts from Google before then. The new Snaps will be made available for manufacturers later this year so you can expect to see these in your favorite smartphone sometime in 2012. [Via MobileTechWorld]
|
| Poll: Which Dual-Core Android Devices Are You Most Interested In? Posted: 29 Apr 2011 09:55 AM PDT
Dual-core has become something of great desire in the ranks of the Android faithful and it’s finally beginning to get widespread. Phones already released – such as the Motorola Atrix 4G the T-Mobile G2X and the Samsung Galaxy S II – are now in the hands of consumers. More are in the pipeline, too, with the DROID Bionic/ Motorola Targa (we’re still not sure if the former will end up being the latter), the DROID X2 (which Verizon has yet to officially announce) and HTC’s EVO 3D and Sensation. And most likely a ton more we haven’t heard of yet. Then there are tablets – the Motorola XOOM, ASUS’ Transformer, Acer’s Iconia Tab, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab, Dell’s tablet – I could go on and on with how many dual-core tablets are soon headed our way. Which ones are you most looking forward to, though? I know quad-core is on the horizon but until we get more of an idea about who will be utilizing it and when, let’s not consider it just yet. Vote in both polls below and let us know – we really are very curious!
|
| HBO Go Available Now, Actually Posted: 29 Apr 2011 08:55 AM PDT
We were originally led to believe that HBO would be bringing HBO Go – an app that’ll let you stream a sea of HBO content right to your device for free (if you have an HBO subscription) – on May 2nd, but it’s just popped up in the Android market ready to download. They warn that select devices won’t be supported and a quick look at our list shows the Motorola XOOM and the LG Optimus 2X grayed out when trying to download. The original Motorola DROID also seems to be giving folks issues judging by Market comments. They’re probably working on a Honeycomb-specific version of the app in the case of the XOOM, and the LG Optimus 2X has not been released in the USA. (The T-Mobile G2x should work, though.) Anyway, if you’re an HBO customer with a supported provider (U-Verse from AT&T, Charter (Beta), Cox (Beta), DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon and Xfinity) you can go ahead and check this one out in the Android market. HBO assures everyone that even more television providers will be supported soon.
|
| Verizon to Include Warning Stickers About Location Data on Phones Posted: 29 Apr 2011 08:41 AM PDT
Verizon’s looking to put out a messy fire before it gets started as they are drawing up plans to include warning labels on devices to let buyers know about Android’s location data features. It’s no doubt in response to the uproar that has risen over the “discovery” that Google (and other software vendors) store anonymous location data in order to make things such as local search and navigation easier and faster to use. Google was even sued by two women who are concerned for the privacy of everyone with an Android phone. Big Red doesn’t want to deal with any lawsuits, though, so they’re trying to nip any potential legal nuisances in the bud. They wrote a letter to the United States House of Representatives detailing what goes into the gathering of the day, how it’s used, and why it’s used. There’s a lot of legal mumbo-jumbo here that we probably shouldn’t care about. And, to be honest, the sticker isn’t all that exciting, either. Nor do I think it’s the least bit necessary. No matter what phone or device you’re on, Google will allow you to immediately disable location services and they will never store information about where you’ve been. And even if you do use it and have become concerned, it’s quite easy to get rid of that data – go to settings, applications, then manage applications and find Location services. (Name may be different depending on your device.) Clear data on that application and you can take that tin foil hat right off your head. Read the full document from Verizon here if you’re into that sort of thing. [via PhoneScoop] PS: This sticker is going on the iPhone too. If you’re going to sue Google for something this stupid, why don’t you go ahead and give Apple, HP, RIM, Microsoft, and others a call?
|
| Use Motorola Updater to Get ATRIX 4G HSUPA OTA Posted: 29 Apr 2011 07:21 AM PDT
Reports are flying in from AndroidForums.com that the HSUPA upgrade from Motorola can now be had through their update software at Motorola’s support site. Folks are confirming it is indeed Android 2.2.2 and build 4.1.83 that’s said to be bringing HSUPA goodness and improved Skype functionality. If you don’t want to wait for the OTA update and would rather get it now, give it a spin over at Motorola’s support site. (Select the Atrix 4G to get started.) [Thanks Zack!]
|
| Radio Shack Offering Some Decent Discounts on AT&T Devices May 1st Posted: 29 Apr 2011 07:09 AM PDT
If you’re looking to pick up the HTC EVO 4G, the HTC Inspire 4G, or the Motorola ATRIX 4G soon, consider what Radio Shack has to offer. The EVO 4G can be had for $200 but only after trading in your own device for a guaranteed $50 store credit. Two high-end Androids from AT&T are also up for grabs, too, with the HTC Inspire 4G and the Motorola ATRIX 4G comig in at $50 and $100, respectively. The promotion begins May 1st and ends May 7th. Not the greatest deals (in fact Best Buy has the Atrix 4G for $30), but options are options. As a bonus, the Samsung Captivate for AT&T is being offered for free as part of their Mother’s Day sale between May 4th and May 8th.
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Phone Fans To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment