HTC Support confirms HTC Rezound Android 4.0 update coming before the end of July

By now, many of you are already looking forward to the Android 4.1 update for your device – but let’s not forget that there are quite a few people still craving for a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0). Verizon’s HTC Rezound owners are among those who still have not received the Android 4.0 update [...]]]>

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

Samsung Galaxy S III unlocked GSM model may be coming to Best Buy

From the "stranger things have happened" files, there's a couple pictures of a supposed Best Buy computer screen showing order details for the Samsung Galaxy S III -- with the same model designation as the unlocked international version. According to the screens, Best Buy is making shelf space for the Pebble Blu i9300, which is the same model number as the version sold internationally, and the screen notes it is an unlocked GSM version. Of course, the quantity is at zero with none on order, so we're not 100-percent sure what it is we're looking at. We've put some feelers out and have come to find that Best Buy has sold GSM unlocked Samsung Galaxy S II phones in major markets and online, with the same i9100 tag as the ones sold elsewhere in the world. As we find out more, we'll forward it along. In the meantime, hit the Galaxy S III forums to see the original post and join in the discussion.

Thanks, razortaz18!

Galaxy S III coming to AT&T July 6th, starting at $199.99

The flagship Android device of 2012 is going on sale at AT&T stores this Friday, July 6th. Pricing will match that of other carriers, with the 16GB variant going for $199.99, and the 32GB model retailing at $249.99. In addition to the Marble White and Pebble Blue options, AT&T will be offering a red [...]]]>

Samsung Galaxy S III coming to five major US carriers in June

Tonight Samsung announced the Galaxy S III will be coming to five major US carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular. The device will arrive in June and retail pricing will start at $199 with contract. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the five carriers in the coming weeks.

[...]]]>

LG Optimus L7 coming to Rogers and Fido according to Future Shop

The LG Optimus L7 has already made its way to Europe and Asia and now it has appeared online for Canadians via the Future Shop website. There is still no actual release date listed for the high-end model of the L series phones but we do know with it you'll be getting 4.3-inch screen and running a new Android 4.0 based Optimus UI. We'll keep our eyes on this one and let you all know when they fully go live on Rogers and Fido. Until then check out our hands on with the device from Mobile World Congress.

Source: Future Shop via: Mobile Syrup

Official: T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4.0 update coming May 16

After months of delays and broken promises, T-Mobile has finally made it official! The Android 4.0.3 update for the HTC Sensation 4G will be available on May 16 – just two days from now. This new information comes from the HTC Sensation 4G’s support page on T-Mobile’s website, following news from the first week of May which claimed the Android 4.0 update would be available “very soon.”

Once Wednesday rolls around, you can manually check for the Android 4.0.3 update on the HTC Sensation 4G. From your home screen, press Menu > Settings > About Phone > Software Updates > Check. T-Mobile is recommending that you have at least a 50% charge on your device to make sure your battery does not deplete during the update process.

To add to the good news, T-Mobile has updated the HTC Amaze 4G support page, stating its Android 4.0 update will be available in the “coming weeks.” We’re not sure how much longer Amaze 4G owners will actually have to wait for their Ice Cream Sandwich update, but we’re hoping T-Mobile makes it available before the end of the month.

Are any of you excited for the official Android 4.0.3 update for the HTC Sensation 4G? Did any of you give up and buy a new phone or flash an unofficial Ice Cream Sandwich ROM to your Sensation?

Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)Sense 3.6System bar enhancements to easily view recent apps.Re-sizeable widgetsLock screen actions including pull down notifications and adjust volume while device is locked.Data usage controls.Face UnlockHome screen foldersImproved battery lifeNote: HTC Sensation 4G will be required to add Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot feature in order to use the service after completing this update.

Optimus 4X HD coming to Europe in June

LG’s first quad-core superphone will be making its way to store shelves in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Poland next month. Powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processor and a 4.7? True HD IPS display, the Optimus 4X HD has its sights set squarely on the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S III superphones, giving users a solid alternative if they haven’t been blown away with either other device just yet.

The Optimus 4X HD takes full advantage of the larger display, and offers phablet features such as a new Quick Memo, which allows users of the 4X HD to jot notes over a screen image, and Media Plex, which provides desktop-like image and video playback.

The Optimus 4X HD will head to Asia, South America, and Central America in coming months, though no official word of a US release has been given. We expect this device to launch as the T-Mobile G4X later this year, perhaps shedding LG’s updated UI Overlay in favor of stock Android 4.

Confirmed specs of the Optimus 4X HD include:

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with updated LG UI Overlay1.5 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor4.7 inch 720p True HD IPS display8 megapixel backside illumination rear camera1.3 megapixel front camera1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage2,150 mAh batteryBluetooth 4.0, NFC, WiFi 802.11b/g/nMHL, DLNA, etc.8.9 mm thickSHSPA+ 21 Mbps supportShow Press Release

LG’S FIRST QUAD-CORE SMARTPHONE
HEADS TO EUROPE IN JUNE
LG Optimus 4X HD with Advanced User Experience (UX) Offers
Fast Performance, Superb IPS Display and Biggest Battery in its Class

SEOUL, May 15, 2012 – LG announced that the Optimus 4X HD, which was first introduced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February, will be available next month in key markets starting in Western Europe.

Beyond the fast NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, LG’s latest Android 4.0 device boasts the biggest battery among Quad-Core smartphones at 2,150mAh and a superb high resolution viewing experience with in the 4.7-inch True HD IPS display. Since MWC, the Optimus 4X HD has been upgraded with new SiO+ battery technology, Quick MemoTM to enhance productivity and Media PlexTM for an advanced multimedia experience.

The Optimus 4X HD is fitted with NVIDIA’s 4-PLUS-1™ Quad-Core mobile processor, the Tegra? 3, which utilizes a fifth core for the best power efficiency and outstanding performance. For maximum performance, Tegra? 3 runs on all four cores but when in standby mode the processor defaults to the fifth, battery-saver core. In a future upgrade, LG will introduce Eco-Mode specifically for the Optimus 4X HD which will allow users to manually shut down any of the Tegra 3’s cores for even more control over power consumption and performance.

The removable 2,150mAh battery utilizes advanced SiO+ technology to provide higher energy density for more power and longer run times without adding bulk to the phone’s already svelte form factor.

“Beyond the fast processor, superb display and largest-in-class battery, the Optimus 4X HD is the first LG smartphone to feature the new User Experience (UX),” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “As the smartphone segment consolidates even further, it’s becoming more and more apparent that both great software and great hardware are crucial to stay on top of the game. LG intends to be a strong contender in both areas and the Optimus 4X HD is our proof.”

One of the new UX features in the Optimus 4X HD is Quick MemoTM, which first appeared in the Optimus Vu:. Quick MemoTM is not an app but is integrated into the operating system of the Optimus 4X HD so that it can be activated within any application, including games or video players. It gives one the ability to jot memos or notes over a screen image for saving or sharing with others. The version of Quick MemoTM found on the Optimus 4X HD is a newer version that allows URLs imbedded in memos to directly connect to web pages.

Media Plex TM is the newest addition to the Optimus 4X HD. This is a collection of software features that take image and video playback on the smartphone to a level that until now was only possible on a PC or laptop. Some of the innovative features offered by Media Plex TM include:

l Fingertip Seek that shows a preview of any video frame simply by touching the progress bar;
l Live Zooming which allows viewers to zoom in and out by pinching during video playback;
l Video Speed Control for precise control of the playback speed of a video;
l Thumbnail List Play which enables users to view thumbnails of videos playing while watching another video full screen.
The advanced 8.0MP BSI (backside illumination) sensor camera of the Optimus 4X HD comes with a powerful new feature that allows users to select and save the best shot among the images taken just before pressing the shutter button.

And with MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), there are multiple ways to connect the phone to TVs and other devices in the home.

The Optimus 4X HD will be rolled out in Europe followed by countries in Asia, CIS, South and Central America in the coming months.

Family data plans coming soon to AT&T

AT&T has finalized plans to offer a shared data service to families, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega told CNET yesterday. The plans are set to be unveiled later this year, though de la Vega was unwilling to provide details as to timing, plan details, or pricing. AT&T joins Verizon as the two companies considering rolling out a shared data plan as early as this summer.

Many wireless customers gripe at having to pay two separate data plans on family lines, especially when neither person comes remotely close to the standard 2-3GB limit most companies offer. Some would rather pay for the ability to share the same allotment of data and mitigate the need for costly separate plans. Of course, data plans tend to be where carriers make their money, so we’ll have to wait and see what AT&T come up with as final products for shared data services.

We should be learning more details of AT&T and Verizon shared data plans in coming weeks, perhaps as soon as a few days as the wireless industry settles into the big easy for the CTIA Spring 2012 show. Our own Taylor Wimberly is on hand in New Orleans, and we’ll be bringing you all the goods from the show floor as it emerges.

HTC One V coming to the US this summer

The HTC One V has gotten much less attention than its beefier brothers, the One X and One S smartphones making their way to AT&T (One X), Sprint (One X), and T-Mobile (One S) as early as this month. HTC has just announced that the entry-level One V will be shown off at CTIA later this week in New Orleans, and that the One V will go on sale on “a variety of US partners” later this summer.

The HTC One V is an entry level device that has the benefit of the beautifully-designed HTC One line. This is not your average entry-level phone, with the looks of the One S and One V with entry level specs that should see the device come with an extremely low price tag. We don’t yet know which partners will be getting their hands on the One V, but we expect this to receive a widespread US launch in just a few months.

If someone prices this device at around $300 unlocked, we can see it flying off store-shelves. Full specs for the One V are as follows:

1GHz single-core Qualcomm processor3.7-inch TFT capacitive display (480 x 800)HTC Sense 4.0Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)512MB RAM4GB built-in storage5-megapixel camera w/ LED flash and AFMicroSD card slot (up to 32GB)Bluetooth v4.0 w/ A2DPMicroUSBDimensions: 120.3 x 59.7 x 9.2mmWeight: 115g

We’ll bring you the details as we learn of US releases for the HTC One V. Anyone out there considering the One V as a cheap alternative to the ever-more-expensive crop of devices hitting the market?

Harry Potter coming to Kindle Lending Library June 19

Amazon made many a reader happy last fall when they introduced the Kindle Lending Library, and they're about to do it all over again. Starting June 19, all seven books in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series will be available to borrow from the library. This is on top of the other 145,000 books available, as well as over 100 New York Times bestsellers available through Amazon's program. 

To use the lending library you'll need to have a Kindle device and be an Amazon Prime member, which carries an $80 yearly fee. If this sounds like you, and you're an avid reader, be sure to check them out come June.

Source: Amazon

Sony Xperia GX and SX reportedly coming to Japan in July and August

Sony announced the Xperia GX and Xperia SX just a couple of days ago with an estimated "summer" launch window for both devices. But today leaked documentation obtained by XperiaBlog offers a little more granular detail. According to info obtained by the site, the Xperia GX will arrive in July, with the Xperia SX following shortly after in August. (This roughly matches a leaked Sony roadmap which appeared back in January.)

The documents also reveal plans for NTT Docomo branding atop the Xperia GX's 4.6-inch screen, as well as size and weight info. Apparently the device will weigh 127 grams and measure 131mm x 69mm x 10.2mm. As it features the same arched back design as the Xperia Arc, the thinnest point of the GX measures 8.6mm, same as the Galaxy S III. Apparently it'll also ship with a 1700mAh battery, which should hopefully be enough to power its 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and 720p Sony Reality Display. As we reported earlier in the week, other specs include a 13MP rear camera with 1080p video recording, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.

And in Xperia SX news, renders included in this latest leak reveal that the phone will apparently ship in pink and orange, in addition to the already-revealed black and white flavors.

Unfortunately there's no news on when (or if) either device will see an international release. Sony tells us that these phones are "designed specifically for the Japanese market," adding "we have not made any announcements with regards to possible availability in other markets."

If you like poring through Japanese technical documents, you'll find more info from today's leak over at the source link.

Source: XperiaBlog

LG Eclipse, coming at the end of 2012, will have specs relevant for the end of 2012

The folks at BriefMobile got hold of some info about an upcoming LG LS970 for Sprint, and it has some impressive specs -- namely the quad-core Krait S4 and 2GB of RAM. All the info they have certainly looks legit, and it's very likely we'll see this one sometime in Q4. But while everyone is in awe of those impressive innards (including most of us here at AC) we have to remember that these are exactly the components we expect to see at the end of this year. We're ready for the next generation of hardware, but unfortunately we'll have to wait a while longer for it.

Source: BriefMobile

HTC EVO Design 4G coming to Boost Mobile

Pre-paid carrier Boost Mobile has announced that it's to pick up its first Wimax smartphone -- the HTC EVO Design 4G. The EVO Design, which first appeared on Sprint back last November, will be available for $299 from May 31 in Boost Mobile stores and "select independent wireless dealer locations." Generally considered to be the EVO 3D's little brother, the EVO Design combines a 1.2GHz single-core CPU with a 5MP camera, 2GB of storage, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and HTC Sense 3.6. As we pointed out in our review, it's a decent mid-range handset, albeit one that's a little lacking in star quality.

Boost says it'll sell the EVO Design 4G in conjunction with its "Android Monthly Unlimited" plan, with payments that start at $55 per month and shrink down to $40 per month with successive on-time payments. We've got the full presser after the break.

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Coming soon: N.O.V.A. 3 for Android, first teaser trailer out

Gameloft series producers announced that Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance (N.O.V.A.) for Android will soon get a new addition to the family. N.O.V.A. 2 is an action-adventure video game released for Android about a year ago and clearly inspired by Halo and other similar action games. And just recently, the much anticipated third installment has released its very first teaser trailer.

The N.O.V.A.  franchise has not given an official release date yet but its teaser sure did keep a lot of fans on their toes. Even though the video clip didn’t provide any details about the actual gameplay, it’s visuals are pretty amazing.

The images are said to be “actual game footage” and show Kal Wardin, the game’s lead character, crash-landing on Earth as he prepares to land in San Francisco. The game's storyline is hard to predict at this point, but if the same kick-ass graphics, excellent controls and the great multiplayer experience of N.O.V.A. 2 is retained, there’s no doubt it will be another hit.

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• android apps
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• nova 3 android

Flipboard comes to Android via the Galaxy S III, wider launch coming soon

I’m not ashamed to admit that I own an iPad to go along with the 3 Android tablets currently on my desk. There are just several applications available for the iPad that haven’t yet made their way to Android tablets, or (perhaps, worse) as scaled up Android phone applications that are not pleasant to use.

One application I use religiously to consume a multitude of content on the iPad. Flipboard presents a personalized magazine out of information being shared with you on RSS feeds and social networks, and presents it in a photo-centric way. Flipboard integrates with Pocket and Instapaper, applications that allow you to save stories for later consumption.

In short, I’ve been hoping for ages that Flipboard would be coming to Android, and it appears the wait will soon be over. The newly-unveiled Samsung Galaxy S III will have an exclusive Flipboard application for a period of time, and Flipboard will then travel to various Android devices after a few months. You can sign up to be notified of when Flipboard is fully-available for Android by visiting their website.

We’ll bring you the latest from Flipboard for Android as more information is unveiled. Stay tuned!

Samsung Galaxy S III coming to US carriers “this summer”, optimized for the fastest LTE and HSPA+ networks

Today Samsung announced that the Galaxy S III would be coming to some international markets by the end of May, but they were not very specific about the US release date. Thankfully Samsung Mobile US sent us a statement that narrowed down things a little bit. Read on for the full details.

“Samsung Mobile is planning a U.S. version of Galaxy S III, optimized for the fastest LTE and HSPA+ networks in the U.S., which will be available in the summer of 2012.  Exact timing and retail channel availability is not being announced at this time. We believe the Galaxy S III is the most anticipated product in the 20-year history of Samsung Mobile; therefore, we will continue to share information as it becomes available.”

We also spotted on Samsung’s site that is says, “Specifications may differ on the LTE version.” No processor model has been announced, so the US version could end up with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 chip as rumored.

Hopefully, we will get some more information next week at CTIA Wireless in New Orleans.

Update: Various sources are reporting the Galaxy S III will arrive in the US in June. Chris Ziegler of The Verge says sources told him it is coming to Sprint.

HTC Rhyme OTA coming soon with call volume adjustments and more

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

If you are the proud owner of the HTC Rhyme, but have had a few gripes with the device's software, you will be happy to know Verizon will soon be pushing an update. Unfortunately this update will not be the one that brings Ice Cream Sandwich to the device, but HTC and Verizon have managed to squeeze quite a few changes in this one. Some of the changes in this latest update include --

Device Features

• “ Ringtones” has been replaced with “Edit Home” when the Menu key is pressed
• on the home screen.
• Updated signal strength meter to 5 bar Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).
• Mobile networks no longer disabled when using Power Saver.
• Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.

Device Dock Features

• Default applications in Dock Mode have been changed to “Phone” and “Calendar”.
• In-call volume control has been added to Dock Mode.
• “All Apps” option has been added to Dock Mode.
• Resolved issue of dock volume changing to 20%.

Applications & Widgets

• Device displays available music on the device and provides an option to purchase ringtones from the MOD application when a user is attempting to set a new ringtone through a pre-populated list.
• Mail shortcut now shows unread mail count

Verizon is set to push this update out "soon" so that means keep checking manually for the update, and be sure to let us know how the update goes for you! Full details about the new firmware, and update procedure are available at the source link below.

Source: Verizon Wireless

Samsung announces the Exynos 4 Quad, coming to the 'next Galaxy'

Samsung couldn't contain the excitement, and just had to let us know the details about the chip powering the "Next Galaxy" that's coming on May 3.  It's called the Exynos 4 Quad, and it looks impressive. What, exactly, makes it so special?  It's built on a 32nm HKMG process, which is geek talk for high-performance with low power consumption. How good is the performance? Samsung claims it's twice as fast as it's predecessor, the 45nm Exynos 4 Dual, while consuming 20 percent less power. To further help power consumption, each core can be turned off when it's not needed, and the ones that are running can adjust their clock speed to match the demands of what you're doing.

Each core will be running at 1.4 HGHz, and are based on the Cortex A9 architecture. It has the other essentials as well, with support for 1080p/30fps recording, boasts an embedded image signal processor, and has support for HDMI 1.4 output. They didn't give any specifics as to what GPU they are pairing it with, though, but it's sure to be impressive. Excited yet? I know some of you are.

Discuss it in the Android Hardware forum!

Source: Samsung

Max Payne Mobile coming to Android April 26th

If you dig third-person shooter games then chances are you've checked out Max Payne at some point since its original release in 2001 and now, Rockstar Games is taking Max Payne to new territory. As announced on their blog, Max Payne Mobile will be arriving on Android devices come April 26th and will feature the full classic game optimized for mobile experiences and include HD graphics, high-resolution textures, Social Club connectivity and user-customizable controls. Sadly, Rockstar has yet to announce which devices will be compatible at launch but that will come soon enough and it should be a broad range.

Source: Rockstar Games