HTC Rezound Android 4.0 update now available from Verizon

After countless rumors, leaks, and missed release dates, the Android 4.0 update for the HTC Rezound has finally arrived! Verizon has posted documents detailing the new update along with download/installation instructions on the Rezound’s software update page. Those not willing to wait for Verizon to push out the update can grab the RUU [...]]]>

HTC EVO 3D Android 4.0 update now available from Sprint

The Android 4.0 update for the HTC EVO 3D has finally arrived! We’ve heard multiple confirmations from users that the Ice Cream Sandwich build of Sprint’s 3D-enabled Android handset is being pushed out, delivering a slew of new features – including improvements to multi-tasking, face unlock, new browser capabilities, and access to Android 4.0 applications like [...]]]>

Samsung Galaxy S2 now available from Bluegrass Cellular

Despite the fact Samsung has rolled out the Samsung Galaxy S3, the Samsung Galaxy S2 is still making its way into new markets. Rural carrier Bluegrass Cellular has now added the device to their lineup for $110 with a new two-year contract. No doubt, it's a little on the higher end of pricing for the carrier but it's also one of the better devices offered.

One stand out item though is that they list the device as coming with Android 2.3 Gingerbread and no mention of Android 4.0. As we know it, Galaxy S2 variations have been getting updated to ICS for a while now but there's no telling if the update will be waiting for you as soon as you open the box or if you'll be waiting for Bluegrass Cellular to push it out.

Source: Bluegrass Cellular, Thanks Thoth19!

Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) source code now available

Source code for Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) has been released. We’re sure many of you will be downloading the new Android 4.1.1_r1 files simply to poke around, but CyanogenMod and countless other Android development groups around the globe will be spending countless hours pouring over every last line of code to see what changes [...]]]>

Red Galaxy S III for AT&T up for preorder 7/15, available 7/29

And in case a white EVO 4G LTE isn’t your thing, AT&T has announced its exclusive red Galaxy S III will be up for preorder on 7/15, with a release 2 weeks later on 7/29. Pricing for the garnet red Galaxy S III will remain at $199.99 for the 16GB model and $249.99 [...]]]>

The full SDK for Android 4.1 now available, along with new NDK and tools

Google has made the full 4.1 Android SDK available for download, along with a revised set of SDK tools (20.1.1) and the NDK (rev 8b). As always, the SDK and assorted tools are available for Windows, Mac and Linux, and are a must have for any serious Android application development. You can grab the updates through the SDK manager of your existing installation, or at the Android Developers site. 

Speaking of serious application development, Android engineer Nick Butcher has also written a great blog post about writing apps that take advantage of the new Jelly Bean API and the features found on the Nexus 7. He brings up a great point -- for most users, the Nexus 7 will be their first look at Jelly Bean. You want your applications to shine, and not just work. He gives tips and methods so that your apps can do just that.

The best time to learn about full SDK for Android 4.1 is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will reading to earn some valuable The full SDK for Android 4.1 now available, along with new NDK and tools experience while it’s still free

Source: Android Developers blog

Books now available from Google Play in France

The slow, global march of new markets receiving Google Play content continues. This time up, it's the turn of France, where as of today, Books are available to download from Google Play. 

In countries where Google Play content has been available for some time, we often take it for granted. But, if the Nexus 7 is to be a truly, globally loved device, then the content has to be there. For some it still isn't, but in France, today is a step closer. 

If you're in France, head on over to the Google Play Store now either on the web, or on your device, and browse all the reading material on offer. Don't forget too, to download the Google Play Books app, which you'll find a handy download link for below. 

Source: Google, Download: Google Play Books

XBMC for Android is coming soon, source code available for building and testing

XMBC, the very popular open-source media center software, has been successfully ported to Android. The folks at XMBC tell us this on their blog -

Today we announce XBMC for Android. Not a remote, not a thin client; the real deal. No root or jailbreak required. XBMC can be launched as an application on your set-top-box, tablet, phone, or wherever else Android may be found.

If you don't understand just what this is, think of having Windows Media Center running on your Android device, fully customizable, open-source, and with full Python plug-in support. Now think of it on Google TV boxes, Android-on-a-stick style devices, or the Nexus Q. Music, video, internet apps like Pandora, all running on Android device. XMBC does all this, and more. Have a look at Wikipedia if you're not familiar with the media center concept.

For now, no public builds are available. There's still some things to iron out, and the folks at XMBC only want folks who can actively help fix the bugs using it. They've released the source code to make this happen, and you can find it (and more info) at the link below.

Source: XMBC

AT&T Samsung Galaxy S III available in stores today

Can't take the wait anymore? Need to get your hands on that brand new AT&T Samsung Galaxy S III, and shipping just wasn't for you? As of today the Galaxy S III is available in your local AT&T store for your purchasing pleasure. Whether still on the fence, or just need something to get you a little more excited about it, be sure to check out our full review, and then get yourself up and head to your local AT&T store. Deciding on the device may be the easy part, but picking the color, that will be the challenge. 

Will you be heading to your AT&T store to pick one up for yourself today or this weekend and if so which color will you be taking home?

Georgie, a smartphone app for the visually impaired, now available

Addressing the smartphone market for the visually impaired is an ongoing task. Over the years, there have been plenty of advancements in this area with the introduction of numerous applications, voice technology and on screen accessibility features but now a new entrant into the market is seeking to help folks as well. Screenreader, a not-for-profit company, has now introduced the Android based Georgie app in the U.K where there 1 in every 30 people suffer from some sort of visual impairment.
Using existing Samsung phones like the Samsung XCover and Galaxy Ace 2, picked specifically to be easy to use for blind users, Georgie offers a whole new experience by allowing for such things as managing contacts, using speech input to send text messages and tag previous routes or hazards (like potholes or low hanging branches) using navigation apps.
Georgie is available for purchase on the Google Play Store in a number of different packages. The base package with all features is available for £299 with additional feature sets available for £149. You can look at the full press release below or check out the source link for video on how Georgie works on devices.

Source: ScreenReader

Verizon Galaxy S III available July 10

Verizon has officially announced release details for the Galaxy S III, and we'll be seeing the device on Big Red on July 10. Pricing is $199.99 for the 16GB version, and $249.99 for the 32GB model. For your money, you're getting the same great internals (dual-core S4 SoC, 2GB of RAM, 4.8-inch Super AMOLED) on Verizon's nationwide LTE network.

At this point there's not much else to say about the Galaxy S III. Everyone loves it, and now (well, seven days from now) everyone can have one. The good news is all the rumors and wild speculation can be put to rest. Read Verizon's full press release after the break.

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LG Prada 3.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update now available in Germany and Italy

If you happen to own the awkwardly named LG Prada 3.0, you can now take some joy in knowing that Android 4.0 is now available for download provided you're in Germany or Italy and have a non-carrier branded version.

Having launched with Android 2.3.7, the upgrade to ICS can be found by plugging your device into your computer and then using the LG Mobile Phone Support tool that is available for Windows PC's. If you're on a Mac, you'll have to find a Windows machine.

According to the documentation, the update should only take a few minutes and leave your device info intact though, a back up is suggested.

Source: LG Germany, LG Italy via: The Verge

HTC One V now available from US Cellular

U.S.Cellular customers can today pick up the HTC One V online and the device will be in-store starting Friday. While the Android handset may be a little overshadowed by its big brothers the One X and One S, the One V, as you'll recall from our review, does pack a pretty good punch for its price, which is $129.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate . Running Android 4.0 out of the box and complemented with the latest addition of Sense UI the One V is great looking and feels wonderful in the hand. It has the familiar 'chin' that we saw on the HTC Hero and Legend and whilst its 1GHz processor may not be as powerful as the One X and One S it certainly does a good job of making things run smoothly.

You can order the HTC One V online here and we have the full press release below for your viewing pleasure.

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HTC Raider and EVO 3D Ice Cream Sandwich updates now available for Rogers

Rogers hasn't had a great track record thus far of keeping folks in the loop when it comes to Ice Cream Sandwich updates but at least two of the devices in their lineup are now getting ICS rolled out to them via OTA. Owners of either the HTC Raider or EVO 3D can go ahead and check for updates and now find Android 4.0 available. The update should only take a few minutes to load up and then you'll be good to go with Ice Cream Sandwich.

Thanks, John!