Author: Jonathan Radande

Jonathan converted to the Android platform from Blackberry with the original Motorola Droid. He currently has a Samsung Galaxy Nexus complete with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on Verizon Wireless, a Motorola Xoom, and a Kindle Fire. Besides keeping up with Android news, he enjoys spending time with his family, gaming, reading, and computers.

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Categories
Applications News

Google Play Music gets updated and goes live in select European countries

Two good things happened to Google’s music player (Play Music) yesterday. It received a nice update and it also became available for people in some European countries.

If you live in the UK, Germany, Spain, France, or Italy, you can now take advantage of all the features offered by Google’s app. Since being released, only customers in the United States have been able to upload their music to the cloud, play their music from the cloud on their devices, and purchase music directly from Google. With the addition of these new countries joining the playing field, many more people will be able to officially use Play Music.

In addition to making the app available for many in Europe, Google also went ahead and updated the Android app with some new features and bug fixes. The updated Play Music app added the ability to keep Thumps Up, Last Added, and Free and Purchased playlists on the device; Auto-generated instant Mixes on Recent tab which are based on your favorite songs; Gapless playback support on devices running Android 4.1 or later; and improvements for keeping music on devices for offline playback.

The updated Google Play Music app is now available for you to download in the Google Play store. If you’re in France, the UK, Germany, Spain, or Italy, let us know how you’re enjoying Google Music!

Categories
News Phones

Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE now receiving maintenance update

If you’re a Sprint user with a Motorola Photon Q, there’s some good news for you in the form of an update. While the update isn’t Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, it does bring along some bug fixes and features that will improve the device.

The maintenance update, version 7.7.1Q-6_SPR-125_ASA-10, brings the following fixes and improvements to the Photon Q:

  • Improved text messaging when requesting usage and upgradeability through Sprint Zone; seamless international text messaging; Improved MMS functionality
  • Enhancements for WiFi hotspot in GSM/UMTS mode and adding new WiFi connections; select number of users to access Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Random power cycle when using Wi-Fi Direct
  • Manually send or auto-sync emails from outbox
  • Faster launch and playback using the YouTube application
  • Improved browsing with Google Chrome for Android Mobile Browser
  • More easily import contacts from SD card
  • Improved music playback, both streaming from Amazon Cloud or Internet Radio services and music saved to the phone – minimizes occasional skips or -repeats
  • Now supports 1080p HD video capture, and enhanced video settings for more responsive playback
  • Easier creating and accepting calendar meeting notices on the phone

The update will be rolling out in stages and should hit all Photon Q devices within the next 14 days. Let us know if you received your update and how your Photon Q is reacting to the update by leaving a comment below.

Source: Sprint Community | via AC

Categories
News Phones

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Smart Dock now available for $100

If you’re a Galaxy Note 2 owner who wants to get more out of your new Note 2, you might want to take a look at the Smart Dock from Samsung. The Galaxy Note 2 Smart Dock lets you hook up your Note 2 to an external HD display, USB keyboard and mouse, and even external storage, allowing you to be even more productive. Need to just hook it up to your TV to watch your movies and TV shows in HD, you can do that, too.

The new Smart Dock is available right now directly from Samsung’s website. Unfortunately, this thing isn’t cheap. Get ready to shell out $100 + tax (shipping is free on orders over $50).

Buy: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Smart Dock from Samsung.com

Categories
Carriers News

AT&T launches its 4G LTE network in 3 new markets

If you’re an AT&T customer with a 4G LTE device in Fort Myers, Florida, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Knoxville, Tennessee and surrounding counties, there’s some good news for you. Today, AT&T announced that it has turned on the 4G LTE switch in all three of these markets. With these three new markets, AT&T’s LTE network is now available in over 78 markets.

With LTE now turned on in these three new markets, customers will be able to take advantage of the fast data speeds that are available on the new 4G network.

So, if you’re in Knoxville, Tulsa, or Fort Myers, check your device for that 4G and let us know what type of speeds you’re getting by leaving a message below.

Source: AT&T 1, 2, 3

Categories
News Phones

Samsung makes the Galaxy Premier official with a 4.65-inch HD display and dual-core CPU

Looks like previous leaks on Samsung’s Galaxy Premier are true. The company announced the new phone the Ukrainian market today. The new Galaxy Premier looks and feels like the Galaxy S III, except that its internals and screen size have been dumbed down just a little.

The new Galaxy Premier features a large 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD display, 1GB of RAM, with a 1.5GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4470 processor. The phone will run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and features both the same 8 and 1.9-megapixel cameras currently available on the Galaxy S III.

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Premier has only been made official in the Ukraine. It is expected to be released in November and will sell for 5,555 Ukrainian hryvnias (about $680USD).

Source: Samsung Ukraine | via Engadget

Categories
News Tablets

Nexus 7 sales approaching 1 million per month

Things are looking good for Google and Asus and their 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, sales of the popular Nexus tablet is quickly approaching 1 million units per month.

The insight on sales figures were made public by Asus’s Chief Financial Officer David Chang during a conference call for the company’s third quarter financial results.

Mr. Chang said “At the beginning, it was, for instance, 500K units a month, then maybe 600, 700K. This latest month, it was close to 1 million”.

That number is surely going to increase. Earlier this week, Google announced new versions of the Nexus 7, specifically a 32GB model and one with HSPA+ mobile connectivity.

The Nexus 7 was released in July of this year starting at the low price of $199 for the 8GB model. It is Google’s first tablet that falls under the Nexus brand, similar to the phones Nexus phones they’ve released.

Source: WSJ

Categories
News Phones Tablets

Google cancels October 29th Android event due to Hurricane Sandy

Image via Simon Schmitz/Flickr.
Image via Simon Schmitz/Flickr.

We’re going to have to wait a little longer for Google to announce their latest Nexus devices. The Android event that was supposed to take place on October 29th has now been officially cancelled. The event was cancelled due to weather. As you probably know by now, Hurricane Sandy is quickly making its way towards the eastern coast of the United States, and will bring strong winds, rain, and even possible snow to New York (where the event was to take place) and other parts of the eastern U.S.

At the event, Google was going to announce the new Nexus 4, a 32GB Nexus 7 tablet, a 10-inch Nexus tablet, and Android 4.2.

Unfortunately, Google hasn’t announced an alternate date for the event. As soon as they announce a new date, we’ll be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, get ready for Hurricane Sandy.

Source: +Rosa Golijan

Categories
News Phones

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now available from Sprint for $300

If you’re interested in the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and would like to get it from Sprint, you can do so now. The new Galaxy Note 2, Samsung’s latest and greatest, is now available from Sprint for a good $300 on a new 2-year contract. For that amount of money, you are getting a Galaxy Note 2 with a 1.6GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos processor, a massive 5.5-inch 128 x 720 Super AMOLED display, front and rear-facing cameras at 1.9 and 8-megapixels, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, support for GSM/UMTS/CDMA networks, and much more.

The Galaxy Note 2 on Sprint is available in gray or white. If contracts aren’t your thing, you can always buy it contract-free for $650.

To get your Galaxy Note 2 from Sprint, head over to Sprint.com

Source: Sprint

Categories
News Phones Tablets

Google to announce new Nexus tablets and LG Nexus 4 phone, both with Android 4.2, on October 29 event

As you probably know by now, Google is getting ready to announce some new products at their October 29 press event that is taking place in New York City.

The guys over at The Next Web have obtained information on the products that Google is planning on announcing at the NYC event. On that day, Google will announce a new Nexus phone, new variants of the Nexus 7 tablet, a new 10-inch Nexus 10 tablet, and Android 4.2, an upgraded version of Jelly Bean.

LG Nexus 4

The next Nexus phone that Google is planning on announcing is going to be manufactured by LG. It will be called the LG Nexus 4 and it will feature a powerful 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The LG Nexus 4 will also feature a large 4.7-inch 1280 x 768 display, front and rear-facing cameras (1.3 and 8-megapixels respectively), and a 2100mAh battery.

The operating system on the LG Nexus 4 as well as the other devices being announced on the 29th will be the new Android 4.2.

32GB Nexus 7

In addition to the LG Nexus 4, Google will also be a version of the Nexus 7 tablet with 32GB of internal storage. The new 32GB Nexus 7 will be available in both Wi-Fi and with HSPA+ 3G connectivity for those who require constant connectivity.

Nexus 10 tablet

Google will also be unveiling a bigger version of its Nexus 7 tablet. The new Nexus tablet will feature a 10-inch screen and is developed by Samsung. Although the name of the upcoming tablet hasn’t been confirmed, it’s safe to guess that it will be called the Nexus 10.

Samsung has been working on the tablet, and internally, the tablet goes under the name “Codename Mantra”. The 10-inch Nexus tablet features a 10-inch display with 2560×1600 resolution and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Android 4.2

The new version of Android, version 4.2, will still be called Jelly Bean instead of Key Lime Pie. Android 4.2 will include new features such as “Content in the center” and “Tablet sharing”. Content in the center will allow users to access the Play Store from a widget.

Tablet sharing will allow multiple users to share a tablet. Users will be able to “switch users”, which will keep email accounts and apps completely separate from other users’ accounts.

Source: The Next Web

Categories
Applications News

Official Google Calendar app now available from the Play Store

The official Google Calendar app is now available for anyone to download directly from the Google Play store. What’s so special about Google making its calendar app available for all to download? Simple, not every device comes with the official calendar app installed. At the moment, only Nexus devices and other devices have the official Google calendar app installed. Those who don’t have it are forced to use the calendar app provided by the phone manufacturer or a different app from the Play Store.

The official Google Calendar app is available for any devices running Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich and higher and can be downloaded directly from the Play Store.

The app will let you manage your calendar and do additional things such as:

  • Snooze events directly from a notification if you’re not quite ready and want to be reminded later.
  • Use predefined messages to send quick “I’ll be late” updates to your event participants directly from the notifications or the event itself (of course, you can always write your own).
  • Pinch to zoom in and out of a day.
  • Set a home time zone to help you manage your time better when traveling.


      

If you’re an HTC device owner, beware; there are some issues affecting HTC devices that Google is currently working on. These bugs/issues include:

  • Day and week views may not work on some HTC devices.
  • Notes and pictures may be removed from all calendar events, but will still be available in HTC’s Notes app.
  • Local unsynced events may be lost after installing Google Calendar.
  • Notifications won’t make sounds unless HTC’s Calendar app is disabled.
  • Touching an email invitation in a mail app opens Calendar in the browser rather than the app.

To download Google Calendar for your Android device running 4.0.3 or higher, head over to the Google Play store today or simply scan the QR code below.

[qrcode]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.calendar[/qrcode]
(How to use QR codes)
Google Play Store

Source: Android Blog

Categories
News Phones

Android 4.1.2 update now rolling out to the Google Play Galaxy Nexus

If you purchased your Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play store, there’s some good news for you. The Android 4.1.2 update that has been rolling out to the Nexus 7 and international version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is now available to those who purchased their Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play store. The new Android 4.1.2 update is a minor update that fixes things and improves the overall experience with your device.

To get the update, simply check for system updates on your phone by going to Settings > About phone > System updates.

Sadly, if you’re a Sprint or Verizon Wireless Galaxy Nexus owner, you’ll have to wait just a little longer for the update to be available on your device.

via AC

Categories
News Phones

Google schedules Android event for October 29th in New York City

Mark your calendars, folks. Google has scheduled an event for October 29th in New York City. This isn’t just any event, it’s an event related to Android, of course. At this event, it looks like Google will finally be announcing their next Nexus (or Nexuses) device(s).

So far, it looks like LG will be the next Nexus manufacturer with the LG Nexus 4, a device based on its popular Optimus G. There have been multiple rumors of Google going a different route with their Nexus program and instead of releasing just one Nexus device from one manufacturer; they could be releasing multiple Nexus devices from multiple manufacturers. So far, other candidates have been Sony, HTC, and even Motorola.

Either way, October 29 is not so far away. We will surely be finding out what tricks Google has in store for us on that day.

The event will be taking place at 10AM on October 29th in New York City. Lucky for all, Google will stream the entire event live at Youtube.com/Android

via AC

Categories
News Phones

Black and Brown Galaxy S III now available at Verizon Wireless

If white and blue aren’t colors you’d like your Galaxy S III to sport, then maybe you will be interested in a black or brown version of the popular. That’s right, the black and brown versions of the Samsung Galaxy S III are now available to purchase from Verizon Wireless. Inside, it’s still the same Galaxy S III that you’ve come to love; outside, it just has a new coat of paint to go with your preference.

The phone will still set you back $199 for a 16GB model with a new 2-year contract. To get yours, simply head to VerizonWireless.com.

I still don’t know why Samsung decided to release the black version of this amazing phone so late. Everyone knows that when it comes to phones, black and white are the colors that people demand the most. Knowing that, Samsung decided to release the phones in white and blue.

Buy: Black/Brown Galaxy S III from Verizon Wireless – $199

Categories
News Tablets

Rumor: 32GB Nexus 7 to launch this week in the UK

If you’re in the UK and have been waiting for a Nexus 7 tablet with more storage to launch, there’s some good news for you if the information obtained by ITProPortal is correct. According to a tipster, the 32GB model of the popular Nexus tablet will start going on sale in the UK sometime this week, just in time for the popular holiday shopping period. What’s even more interesting is that the price of the 32GB Nexus 7 will stay at £199, which is what the 16GB model was previously selling more.

We first heard about a 32GB model of the Nexus 7 when a listing for the device showed up in Carphone Warehouse’s inventory system. One of the things that kept people from purchasing the Nexus 7 was its low storage options with no room for expansion. With 32GB of storage, we’re pretty sure that Google will be moving many more of these tablets now that storage won’t be so much of a problem.

Source: ITProPortal

Categories
News Phones

LG Optimus G coming to AT&T on November 2 for $199

Mark your calendars, folk. On November 2nd, the quad-core LG Optimus G will be available on AT&T. The phone, which features a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Processor with 2GB of RAM, will be available to consumers for $199 with a new 2-year contract. Those of you who like to pre-order will be able to do so here starting tomorrow.

The LG Optimus G was announced last week for both Sprint and AT&T. The AT&T model features an 8-megapixel camera, a large 4.7-inch WXGA True HD IPS Plus display, a large 2100mAh battery, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and more.

Are you planning on getting one? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Source: AT&T

Categories
News Phones

Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean now rolling out the GSM Galaxy Nexus

If you’re a Galaxy Nexus owner with the international version of the phone, there’s some good news heading your way in the form of an update. The Android 4.1.2 update that was released to the Nexus 7 is now starting to roll out to the yakju version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The yakju variant of the Galaxy Nexus is the model that was sold overseas with no Google Wallet support. Those of you who purchased the Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play Store have the takju variant, and that one will most-likely be receiving its update in a few days.

Unfortunately, if you’re a Verizon Wireless Galaxy Nexus owner, there’s no telling when you will get the update. As of right now, let’s just estimate that it will be available to us VZW customers in a few weeks (if not months).

Android 4.1.2 is a minor update from the previous 4.1.1. Unfortunately, on phones, it doesn’t bring support for landscape mode in the launcher; that feature is only available on the Nexus 7.

Let us know if you received the update by leaving a comment below. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out the source link below for the proper files to flash.

via XDA

Categories
Applications News

New Google Play Store 3.9.16 brings expandable notifications, removable entries, and more [download]


   

There’s a new Google Play store update currently being pushed out to Android devices everywhere, and you’re going to be happy once it arrives on your phone. The new update, which brings the Play Store up to version 3.9.16, brings a number of new features that many people have been patiently waiting to be implemented.

The number one feature that many will find useful in this update is the ability to finally remove apps from the All Apps list. At the moment, the All Apps list contains all the apps you’ve ever downloaded using your Google account. Unfortunately, for some that like to try out apps, the list has been growing really quickly.

With the update, you will now be able to select one or multiple apps and remove them from the list, which will tidy up things a bit.

Other features of the version 3.9.16 of the Play Store include:

  • Location tracking in lists: When you select an app from a list and return to the list, your location on the list is retained. No more scrolling you back to the beginning.
  • New notifications: The new updates notification now gives you more information on which apps have available updates. Instead of simply stating that x amount of updates are available, you will now get the names of some of the apps that have updates available.

    In addition, the detailed notifications, the icons for update notifications have also been updated. When an app is updated, gone is the generic updated notification icon. You will now see an actual icon of the app that has been updated.

The new Play Store update should be available on your device soon. If you’re not in the mood to wait, you can download it now using one of the download links below.

Let us know how you’re liking the new Play Store after you update by leaving a comment below.

com.android.vending_3.9.16.apk [mirror 1]
com.android.vending_3.9.16.apk [mirror 2]

Source: Android Police

Categories
News Phones

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update now rolling out to the Orange San Diego

If you’re an Orange San Diego owner in the UK, there’s some good news for you. Reports are starting to pour in of UK’s first Intel-powered phone receiving an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The Orange San Diego was the first Intel-powered smartphone to launch in the UK. Unfortunately, when it launched, it still ran on Google’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. Since the launch of the San Diego, many more Intel-powered smartphones have launched; the latest being the Motorola RAZR I and ZTE Grand X IN.

If you’re one of the lucky people who have received the update, let us know by leaving a comment below. If you haven’t sit tight, it’s going to hit your phone soon.

via AC

Orange, Orange San Diego

Categories
News Phones

Black and Brown Samsung Galaxy S III coming soon to Verizon Wireless

A few weeks ago, Samsung announced that Galaxy S III would be available in additional colors. Unfortunately, they didn’t announce which carriers or countries would have which colors available. If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer who has been waiting for one of these alternate colors, there’s some good news. It looks like Verizon Wireless will be offering the Galaxy S III in both black and brown (in addition to the already-available blue and white colors).

The news about the new colors appeared on Verizon’s website today. Unfortunately, Verizon didn’t announce when the new colors were going to be available. The only information available says that the new colors would be coming soon. Customers who are interested in the alternate colors can go to VerizonWireless.com to sign up to receive more information.

Source: Verizon Wireless

Categories
News Other Devices

Motorola to no longer work on Webtop app, will stop producing Lapdocks and other Webtop accessories

It’s official, Motorola will no longer be creating WebTop products for its phones. In a statement to CNET today, Motorola confirmed that it would no longer be developing devices that uses its WebTop technology. In addition, the company will no longer be producing new accessories such as the lapdock for devices.

WebTop was software that ran on the phone and provided a desktop environment when the device was connected to a television or docked into a special laptop called the lapdock.

With the lapdock, users could dock their phone into a laptop-looking device and get a full desktop. From the lapdock, you could browse the web using Firefox for desktop, launch apps, email, and much more.

It was first introduced on the Motorola Atrix 4G. Because of its high price tag, and additional data plan required to utilize the lapdock, the concept didn’t really take off with consumers.

According to Motorola, adoption to the WebTop app wasn’t strong enough. Instead using their resources on something that isn’t widely used, they have devided to move on. Here is their full statement to CNET:

Motorola’s Webtop app helps users extend their smartphone experience to larger screens. While consumers around the world have adopted Webtop and the concept spurred a lot of innovation in the industry, the adoption has not been strong enough to justify continued resources being allocated to developing Webtop on future devices. We have also seen development of the Android operating system focus on the inclusion of more desktoplike features. Beginning with Photon Q and Droid Razr M/Droid Razr HD/Droid Razr Maxx HD, we will no longer be including Webtop on our products moving forward.

Overall, I think that Webtop and the accompanying Lapdock were great features by Motorola. Unfortunately, pricing killed this great procuct right from the beginning. When the Atrix 4G was launched, the phone + Lapdock sold for $500. In addition, the use of the lapdock required an extra tethering plan that simply killed the idea to many users.

What do you think about Motorola saying goodbye to their Webtop app and lapdock? Will you miss it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Source: CNET