Saturday, May 21, 2011

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play [Video Review] – Get Your Thumbs Ready

Posted: 21 May 2011 12:23 PM PDT

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If you’ve been keeping up with Android news and release dates, you would know that the release of the Sony Xperia Play for Verizon is fast approaching us (May 26th to be exact). While attending Google I/O last week I was actually one of the lucky few who walked away with an Xperia Play. Since then, I’ve been getting loads of messages asking if the phone is worthy of a purchase and/or upgrade. After messing around with the device for about a week now, I am excited to finally bring you my review on Sony’s first gaming smartphone.

I have to say, I haven’t really heard too much buzz about the device other than the fabled PSP Phone that was rumored since before there was an actual PSP. But maybe it has something to do with the fact that the handset is not yet available in the U.S., or possibly because most of the uber-techie Android snobs already have their sights locked on some of the many dual-core options coming out later this year. I have to admit, I was on that boat as well. Don’t let the fact that the Xperia Play comes with a single-core processor dissuade you. I found it snappy and more than capable of handling all the 3D games from the Android Market I could throw at it. Not only that, in the UK version I’m reviewing, Sony’s Timescape UI thrown on top does nothing but enhance the user experience (note- the Verizon version delivers a stock, plain, vanilla Android Google experience). One thing you should know about me, I’ve always preferred the super, chunky monkey, rocky road, chocolate fudge brownie UI’s like that of HTC’s Sense with all the polish and added functionality that comes along with it.

Alright, before we jump into the video, lets start by listing off some quick specs of the phone for those that are curious (and for others to scoff at). It comes pretty much standard with what you expect from a mid-level-ish handset these days. A 4-inch, 800×480 Super LCD display is found on top along with a VGA front facing camera. On the back you have a 5MP camera that focuses and adjusts exposure during the LED flash and delivers perfectly exposed and clear photo snapping. Was very impressed.

Just underneath the handset’s “L and R” gaming buttons, there are 2 stereo speakers tucked away out of sight. Don’t forget the noise cancelling microphone on the back that lets you know Sony Ericsson didn’t cut any corners when it came to features on the device . Inside we find a 1GHz, 2nd generation Snapdragon processor that seems to be aging rather gracefully and a 1500mAh battery that delivers easily 9 hours+ of juice even with light gaming.

On the software side, we see that the handset is running the latest version of Android (for smartphones) 2.3.2 Gingerbread. Sony has also gone on the record as saying their Xperia line of phones will come with easily unlocked bootloaders and even provided links on their website for those that like to tinker around with that kind of stuff. I should also note that although generous of Sony Ericsson to include some free games pre-installed on the device, they CANNOT be uninstalled. This results in far less internal memory on the device for your own apps and games. Couple this with Verizon’s own bloatware and we’re talking maybe about 226MB of internal storage in the end making rooting of the device almost a necessity.

So, for the main event, lets just jump straight into my video review to see how I really felt about the world’s first Android gaming smartphone. Will it be another mid-level snoozer? Or will Sony’s latest offering turn out to be something truly unique in a world of smartphones not suitable for the gaming enthusiast?

Asus Transformers Now In Stock At Best Buy [Update: STILL In Stock]

Posted: 21 May 2011 10:59 AM PDT

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I know you’ve been seeing these posts all week about Asus’ elusive Transformer tablet going on sale at various stores around the net, only for the post to be updated with “Sold Out” before we can even publish.

Well, looks like Best Buy may have received more than 4 units of this hot ticket item. Phandroid reported earlier this week that Asus was planning on upping production of their Tickle Me Elmo tablet. Yesterday, when we found out they were available at Best Buy, we sent out a tweet notifying our followers and like clockwork, the 32GB version sold out in minutes. Upon checking BesyBuy.com this morning, I couldn’t believe my eyes to see that the 16GB version is still available. Of course, I could have been raptured in my sleep and I suppose it’s possible that heaven has a never ending supply of Honeycomb tablets.

Either way, grab your Transformer before they sell out (again) and don’t forget — you can always save yourself some extra moolah by picking up the 16GB version and plopping down $30 for a 16GB micro sd card to shove inside. Thank, gawd for expandable memory!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

AT&T Now Allowing Inspire 4G Users to Install Non-Market Apps?

Posted: 20 May 2011 08:29 PM PDT

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Yup. You just heard right, folks. I received a Phantip from a reader today that almost like magic, his AT&T HTC Inspire 4G was all of a sudden allowed to download and install third party apps. I tried to dig a little deeper and find out if there was an OTA update that was pushed to his phone, or some kind of prompt that popped up notifying him of these changes but apparently… nothing. He was kind enough to supply these pics though.

Looks like AT&T is keeping true to their promise and have already begun allowing their customers to finally enjoy apps like Swype and the Amazon Appstore, starting with Inspire 4G users.

If you want to test this out for yourself, jump into your phone’s Settings > Applications > and check the box that says Unknown Sources. To save you some time, I’ve included this handy link here that you can click from your phone’s web browser which will begin downloading the Amazon Appstore. Once the download is complete, click on the app from your notification bar to install. Oh yeah, and make sure you don’t forget to try their “free paid app of the day!”

Can anyone else on AT&T verify if this working, other than/including Inspire 4G users? Chime in below.

[Thanks, to Chris Wofford for sending this in!]
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