Android Community |
- T-Mobile G2x Unavailable due to Demand, not Quality Issues
- Google Wallet to be open for all Merchants and Businesses [video]
- Google Wallet Demo shown on Nexus S 4G
- Google Wallet and Google Offers NFC Projects Officially Announced by Google
- Google Wallet NFC Payment System Launching Today
- HTC Puccini tablet to be mass-produced in June say sources
- XPERIA Play and Arc Android 2.3.3 update released with Facebook Inside [Video]
- WonderMedia unveils new Prizm WM8710 SoC for Android tablets
- Envizions EVO 2 game console brings Android gaming to your TV
- Sprint Samsung SPH-D600 mid-range WiMAX Android phone leaks
- Raving Babies for Xperia PLAY Review
- Xperia PLAY Comes with Screen Skin Protector Attached
- T-Mobile G2x Pulled From Site For Quality Issues?
- Acer Iconia Smart Delayed Till July Amid Japan Earthquake Aftermath
- Gun Bros for Xperia PLAY App Review
- Notifications Windows Music Controller Demo on LG Optimus 3D
| T-Mobile G2x Unavailable due to Demand, not Quality Issues Posted: 26 May 2011 10:41 AM PDT Yesterday there was a lot of buzz going around, and apparently just a big rumor mill that the T-Mobile LG G2x was pulled from inventory and the site for quality control issues. We covered that and you can read all about it by clicking here. TmoNews might have been the first to cover the story and everyone else jumped in on the action. It seems that T-Mobile has replied to and squashed these rumors already. The device is so popular inventory is low, they have no quality control issues and it has not been pulled.
There has been many reports about the G2x having screen bleeding issues, as well as random reboot problems and many have taken to twitter to express frustration as well as returning the device. So when it disappeared from T-Mobile’s online store everyone quickly jumped to conclusions. You can read all of the tweets by checking out @Tmobile. They are answering questions and have mentioned that the LG G2x is in fact in-stock and available at select stores, just not everywhere because of popular demand. Supply is low because all of T-Mobile’s 4G devices have been extremely popular and selling well said T-Mobile. Because of these high sales the G2x is no longer available online until more units can be received and supply restocked. So if you were looking to get in on the 4G dual-core action the G2x has to offer then start looking before it is all sold out. I do want to mention that my own unit did in fact have extremely bad backlight bleeding and was exchanged for a better device. There does seem to be some issues going on, so for people to assume it was pulled for QC is not far fetched. Maybe stock has not been resupplied until LG can iron out any issues they are having with manufacturing but we have not heard anything regarding this. We will update as we hear more. )
|
| Google Wallet to be open for all Merchants and Businesses [video] Posted: 26 May 2011 10:21 AM PDT If you haven’t noticed all the Google Wallet talk this morning you can see some of our coverage here. Today in NYC Google held an event all about NFC and Google Wallet and we covered all the details in the above link. Today Google said that the Wallet and system will be available for all merchants and businesses and no one will be left out. Merchants are excited about the future and we have the video below for your viewing pleasure.
Partners include Mastercard and PayPass. Mastercard will be using Paypass and it is fully integrated into Google Wallet, as shown above. Then we have Citi-Bank, Citi stated they are excited to be the first and biggest rollout partner here in the U.S and that they plan to push this hard. They are also proud and striving to be the worlds biggest digital bank.
We already mentioned many of the merchants and partners in our earlier coverage but I’ll mention a few again before showing the video. A small list of the over 100,000 in just the U.S and over 300k worldwide include businesses like Walgreens, Subway, Macy’s, Toys R’ Us, American Eagle, Jamba Juice, The Container Store, Foot Locker and many many more.
Many retail partners were shown in this video and some of those are mentioned above like Subway and American Eagle. This video shows why retail partners and merchants are excited about Google Wallet, and shows us why we should all be excited too.
|
| Google Wallet Demo shown on Nexus S 4G Posted: 26 May 2011 09:55 AM PDT Google Wallet looks to bring some exciting changes to the way we all purchase items online, and in person. The steps for Google Wallet setup are quite simple, says Google on May the 26th in New York: Attach your Wallet, Enter your Pin, Add your Credit Card, and lock. We originally mentioned Google Wallet this morning and you can read that here. For even more details about Google Wallet check out this post. They have demoed Google Wallet today on Sprint’s Nexus S 4G.
Obviously for many security will be a main area of concern, but Google has you covered. Google is working with the current industry standardards with smartcard-based payments like PayPass and SecurePay, plus an NXP which is NFC + security element. This NXP chip is built right into your Nexus S device. This chip makes your device safe via locks and safe from issues like data skimming. Security is top priority for Google and rest assured they will have that covered. So what do you all think, would you use Google Wallet today if you could or maybe wait til they iron out any possible bugs? Right on stage Google purchased a pair of pants from American Eagle using a 20% off code from Google Offers. It all looks super easy, secure, safe and better yet convenient.
A quote right from Google was that “by the end of next year half of all Android smartphones will have NFC.” That is a pretty bold statement and from the sounds of things they plan for Google Wallet to be a big hit.       )
|
| Google Wallet and Google Offers NFC Projects Officially Announced by Google Posted: 26 May 2011 09:38 AM PDT It is now official and Google has just announced not only Google Wallet, but also Google Offers. The new NFC payment system will be kicking off today for select beta testers in San Fransisco, and NYC with more cities coming soon and will officially launch nationally this summer. Google also mentioned it will work with the existing Mastercard Paypass.
Google is working to bring shopping offline and online together. They have stated that it is already rolled out and in place at over 300,000 stores and 100,000 in the U.S as well as having partnered with Mastercard, Citi, and First Data for Security, as well as Sprint and their Nexus S 4G. More details will be coming soon. Stores Google has partnered with is a huge list but a few they mentioned were Macy’s, Subway, Walgreens, Toys R’ Us, American Eagle and many many more. Some of the good bits of information is they will be supporting multiple cards, as well as a Google Pre-Paid card that you can load with funds from any debit or credit card like shown above. Obviously there is security concerns for Google Wallet and they have stated they’re working extremely hard to keep things and your data safe and data “skimming” will not be possible. The first thing you do when setting up Google Wallet is enter a password or pin code, as well as the app never actually showing your card or pin number (except on setup). Also launching is something called Google Offers. It will feature Google’s offer of the day and there will be many many offers of the day from many partners. You can save it with a click then tap your device at the merchant to purchase, or even simply show the offer on your device to the cashier while checking out. Google offers will also be partnering with multiple stores, they mentioned and showed American Eagle showing special Google Offer deals like 20% off store-wide for Google Offers users. You can see all these offers right on your device. Google plans to put everything in your Google Wallet from boarding passes, hotel keys and more in the future. Stay tuned as we hear more as the event unfolds. )
|
| Google Wallet NFC Payment System Launching Today Posted: 26 May 2011 08:53 AM PDT Today Google will be announcing their new NFC Payment system being called Google Wallet, the event will be starting soon so stay tuned right to AndroidCommunity for all the latest details and news. Apparently a site called The Container Store spilled the beans a little early as to what was going to be announced today at Google’s NYC Event and that is NFC and Google Wallet.
According to some news from thisismynext The Container Store mentioned Google Wallet, NFC and the summer event to them recently and then with the launch of the new Nexus S 4G for Sprint with NFC it looks to all be falling into place for a program to be launched by Google.
This event will be announcing a "contactless" payment system via payment through a mobile device. Unless Google announces another device it will most likely be through their Nexus S. So what is all this NFC stuff about. It is called Near Field Communications and you have probably read a little about it here and there. Tyfone is putting NFC into MicroSD cards so all phones can use it one day. For now NFC is just getting started and we have a feeling Google has some big plans for it in the future. Stay tuned for more information as the event today gets under way and as Google unveils “Google Wallet”. Watch the event live here at 9:00 PST [via SlashGear] )
|
| HTC Puccini tablet to be mass-produced in June say sources Posted: 26 May 2011 07:41 AM PDT We are all for more Android tablets hitting the market, especially if they are powerful and have a good price. We have talked about the HTC Puccini tablet a few times now with the latest being mid-May when the thing leaked and shots of the UI surfaced. The tablet sounds interesting enough and is said to be aiming at the LTE network on AT&T. Hardware wise the tablet is pegged to have a 1.5GHz MSM8660 dual-core processor from Qualcomm and a LCD with WXGA resolution.
DigiTimes reports that sources have told it that volume production is set to start on the Puccini tablet in June. The rumor fits with the other rumors that the launch date for the tablet had slipped a little. The tablet is also supposed to use a screen that will work with fingers or a stylus. That would make sense with the Notes app that has a cool pen menu on their HTC gear. Whether or not that will be on the Puccini is unknown. The OS is tipped to be Android 3.0.1 according to sources in the supply chain. The 10.1-inch panel used in the Puccini is supposed to be sourced from AU Optronics and Wintek. This is shaping up to be a nice little tablet and perhaps we can get or hands on it sometime this summer. )
|
| XPERIA Play and Arc Android 2.3.3 update released with Facebook Inside [Video] Posted: 26 May 2011 07:16 AM PDT Sony Ericsson has begun pushing out its Android 2.3.3 update the the XPERIA Arc and XPERIA Play. The update includes the new Facebook Inside XPERIA functionality which Sony Ericsson debuted on the XPERIA min and mini pro.
That inserts deeper Facebook integration through the various preloaded apps, including the ability to “Like” the track you’re currently listening to in the media player, share updates more quickly, and pull Facebook events down into the phone’s calendar. There’s also various other bugfixes and the like, along with Google’s own minor improvements in 2.3.3. It’s rolling out progressively across markets – no word on which is first at this stage – so don’t be surprised if the update doesn’t show up on your phone quite yet. Sony Ericsson has also confirmed that the Gingerbread update for the XPERIA X10 will include Facebook Inside XPERIA too.
|
| WonderMedia unveils new Prizm WM8710 SoC for Android tablets Posted: 26 May 2011 04:43 AM PDT
The key feature of the device is an energy-efficient ARM 11 core running at 800MHz. The SoC supports full 1080p resolution playback of video and has an OpenGL ES 2.0 compliant graphics processor. It also has a multi-standard 1080p video decoding engine, DDR2/DDR3 DRAM interface. It will also support multiple outputs with HDMI, LVDS, TV-out, DVO, and VGA. The SoC also supports a flexible networking and peripheral interface and has a hardware security engine as well. It has integrated interfaces for WiFi, 3G, and Bluetooth. WonderMedia will display a Prizm WM8710 tablet reference design kit at Computex along with a selection of innovative media tablets and smartbooks from various makers using the WM8650 platform. )
|
| Envizions EVO 2 game console brings Android gaming to your TV Posted: 26 May 2011 03:34 AM PDT If you are a big fan of Android gaming and you want to get some of those games onto your TV without having to hook your smartphone or tablet up to your HDTV Envizions has a very cool new product for you that can be pre-ordered right now. The gaming console is called the EVO 2 and it runs the Android operating system inside. The game console will include an EVO TV remote, EVO game controller, and a HDMI cable all at a price of $250.
The console uses a 1.2GHz Samsung processor inside and has 512MB of DDR2 RAM. The EVO 2 runs a modified version of Android 2.2 for the OS and the console is very compact measuring in at 170mm L x 111mm W x 30 mm T. The device is claimed to be the first Android gaming console that offers users a real time gaming playlist and social friends connections. There will be chances for gamers on the console to earn points to purchase premium Android games for free. The console will use game cloud storage and will use the Envizions Qquip SMS blogging reward service. The company plans to add other features to the gaming console as well with motion 3D sensors capability coming towards the end of Q4 2011. The console will ship this fall. Envizions says that developers will be able to start testing software via download from its site in two weeks. The console will be updated periodically after the system launches. I guess that means new versions of Android will come to the console.   )
|
| Sprint Samsung SPH-D600 mid-range WiMAX Android phone leaks Posted: 26 May 2011 12:51 AM PDT One of Sprint’s upcoming mid-range WiMAX Android smartphones has leaked, with the Samsung SPH-D600 turning up in the wild for a few blurry photos. Phandroid‘s tipster sent them the loot, a triplet of shots showing the DROID X-esque fascia, simple back panel and software screen confirming it’s Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread onboard.
Among the confirmed specs so far are a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 480 x 320 resolution touchscreen and a 3.2-megapixel main camera, while there’s also a front-facing webcam for video calls. That doesn’t exactly make for a groundbreaking product sheet, but it should hopefully mean that Sprint can offer this 4G handset at a more affordable price. With rivals like Verizon releasing a number of 4G LTE phones at the moment, Sprint needs to claw some attention back to its own 4G offering. A $99 or lower sticker for the SPH-D600 could certainly do that, and we see nothing in the specs that would really prevent it. No word on release date nor official name at this stage.    )
|
| Raving Babies for Xperia PLAY Review Posted: 25 May 2011 04:01 PM PDT Oh my goodness what kind of a weird game is this? It’s called Raving Babies, a game out exclusively on Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY being released on Verizon Wireless. The gameplay is simple enough – walk sideways and shoot your gun, defeating the enemies. Just like Ninja Turtles, Simpsons, NARC, and every other game from the 1990s. The difference here is that you’ve got it on your little screen and you’re playing it with an Xperia PlayStation controller. Also the objective is to placate a bunch of hostile babies with your pacifier gun so that you can scoop them up and let them know how bad they’ve been with a time out!
This is definitely a game for people with newborns, as any other time in my life, the idea of playing this game would have seemed just silly to yours truly, but now it’s a hoot. My wife recently gave birth to our first child, and using a pacifier gun to launch babies into a state of insta-sleep is more than appreciated by mine eyes. That said, the game is pretty darn basic once you’ve gotten past the simple charm. On the other hand, if you are looking for some nostalgia and would like to play a NEW game with babies in it instead of the Foot Clan, you’ll be in for a treat. I must also mention that I don’t believe that the developers of this game optimized the still-sitting graphics well enough because I can definitely pick out some big pixels sitting around the title screen and pause screens. Kind of yuck. The ideal price for this game would be $1.99, but it costs a bit more than that in the V Cast store. Buy it anyway, have a laugh or two. )
|
| Xperia PLAY Comes with Screen Skin Protector Attached Posted: 25 May 2011 02:23 PM PDT So you’re sitting there taking a look at your brand new Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY from Verizon and you notice something strange. Something feels a little – off. You think, what could it be? Could this device be broken somehow, am I just losing my mind? No, wait, what’s that, is there an extra layer over the screen here that I forgot to take off? No way, man, can’t be. But sure as heck it is, a protective plastic sheet attached to the screen, not the same as the rest of the standard packaging safeguards, but one that’s meant to stay on for life.
Should we feel happy because now we don’t have to install a screen protector ourselves, or should we be disturbed that Sony Ericsson or Verizon thought it necessary to add an element to the screen before they approved it? More than likely we should just be satisfied, says I, as you can just remove the plastic if you have sharp enough fingernails and nerves of steel (seriously, this thing is installed WELL.) Also the screen looks fine once you’ve gotten going with it, but if you take a peek here, you might startle, so watch out!
Also lemme take this opportunity to let you know that we’re going to go through a big batch of the Xperia PLAY specific games available via Verizon and they’ll all be up on Android Community over the next few days (and perhaps even weeks!) Let me and us know what you’d like to see us play, and let us know what you’d like to KNOW as well because we’ve got to review this mother! Preview: it’s good. This has been my initial review.
Also here’s how the phone looks with the layer attached still, for reference. This will drive you nuts!
    )
|
| T-Mobile G2x Pulled From Site For Quality Issues? Posted: 25 May 2011 01:50 PM PDT Perhaps the hottest phone on T-Mobile’s lineup, the G2x, has mysteriously disappeared from the carrier’s website. According to TMoNews, the phone may have been pulled for quality issues. A search for the device on T-Mobile.com currently only results in G2x accessories, but no sign of the device itself.
Despite the great specs and even our own positive review of the G2x, the device has run into several problems since its launch. Customers have voiced complaints of random reboots, light leaks, and other quality issues. Originally thought to be a firmware problem, the G2x being pulled could signal a much more serious hardware problem. T-Mobile was set to have a midnight sale today to include the G2x, but tweeted late last evening to change their offering to the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G instead. We’ll keep you posted on how this develops, whether T-Mobile confirms any of the issues and if so, whether they plan to recall and replace. [via TMoNews] )
|
| Acer Iconia Smart Delayed Till July Amid Japan Earthquake Aftermath Posted: 25 May 2011 01:16 PM PDT Have you heard of the new Acer Android smartphone? Nay? It’s called the Acer Iconia Smart, and it’s basically a phantom. Last time we heard from it, we were at Mobile World Congress 2011 and our good man Chris Davies was on the case. At that time it appeared that the phone would indeed be released by May 2011 (that’s what time it is now,) but newest news says that a delay is occurring because Acer needs parts from Japanese factories that just aren’t in commission at the moment.
Word comes from DigiTimes, reporting earlier today that a similar situation (though for different reasons entirely) was happening with This newest delay for the Iconia Smart they say industry sources familiar with the matter have the inner word on:
This device is set to be released with a 4.8-inch 21:9 aspect ratio display being powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Have a “long, narrow pocket”? This might be the phone for you. This device also comes packed with an 8-megapixel camera on the back, a 2-megapixel camera on the front, HSDPA, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. Flash 10.1 is supported, so you can watch all the really long movies you want, but beware of the plasticky feeling in the chassis. The horizontal keyboard is surprisingly broad, the portrait version being of course very narrow. Will it show its true colors in the summer? Hopefully this device doesn’t get caught in production heck.      [via DigiTimes] )
|
| Gun Bros for Xperia PLAY App Review Posted: 25 May 2011 12:48 PM PDT We’re about to go through a big fat marathon of reviews of the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY’s device-specific games here and we’ve decided to start with one that’s been out for a few months but seems custom-tailored to be played with the knobs this device offers. Where before we were stuck with placing thumbs on the screen to control the two virtual joysticks this game requires, we’re now allowed to use the two much more responsive (mostly due to placement) joysticks provided by PlayStation. Is it enough to make us want to move to Xperia PLAY to continue our game?
We learned about this game in earnest back at Mobile World Congress 2011 and have been enthralled ever since. It was free back then, now it’ll cost you a few bucks via V Cast Apps. It is through V Cast Apps that you’ll have to purchase this version of the game, this being a fine system since we’re not going to be able to work with it without PlayStations controls anyway. The same is true of all other Xperia PLAY-specific apps thus far. Once downloaded, you do have to go through an extra download step to get the necessary MBs of game from GLU, the developers who bring you the game. This may result in you pulling your hair out in anticipation, so beware. Once you’re in the game it’s basically exactly the same experience as you’ve had thus far with Gun Bros original save for the fact that you’re allowed to work with the PlayStation selection of buttons. It is with these buttons set aside from the screen that you’ll actually be able to win without missing enemies because they’re under your thumb hiding. If you’ve got big thumbs, this has been a problem for you thus far almost certainly. What you’ve got now is a game that works slick as ever, feels completely natural being played with these wild new joysticks from Sony Ericsson, and the game feels brand new. Well done! )
|
| Notifications Windows Music Controller Demo on LG Optimus 3D Posted: 25 May 2011 11:56 AM PDT Have you seen this little piece of candy before? It’s a cool little audio track controller present in the notifications pull-down menu on the LG Optimus 3D. It controls the music you’re playing with your stock music player and, since Music Beta force closes when you try to open it on LG Optimus 3D, that’s pretty much it. It does see album cover art, and does display that, then plays the track, whichever track you want to play.
Also the album cover connects directly to your stock music player. Once you’re there, you can select which track you’d like to play, then back out and have it continue to play, accessing your tracks by simply pulling down your notifications window. Sounds pretty awesome! Let’s give it a try here in a nice little video: Well now that was nice. We’re hoping some nice developers take this out of the LG Optimus 3D and put it in some sort of ROM or another. Also an important point to make is that this is a developer’s early hardware version of the device, thusly the final version to come out in the USA will have a slightly different and more complete build. Hopeuflly Music (beta) will work by then! )
|
If you are a fan of Android tablets, a new SoC has been unveiled for the platform called the 
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Community 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