Facebook for Android updated to v1.9 with improved performance, new messaging features, and shortcuts

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

A freshly updated version of Facebook for Android has now landed in the Google Play Store and is ready for download. Getting bumped to v1.9, this release fixes some old bugs and introduces some new features to the app as a whole:

• Messenger and Camera - Shortcuts will now appear in your app tray after you update.
• Messaging Features - Taking from the standalone app, v1.9 now offers Mobile/online status, contact sorting by frequency, adding to group chat on the fly.

Keep in mind the new features are not standalone apps, they're now integrated right into Facebook. Not sure what exactly that means for the Facebook Messenger app itself, but integration with the main app is nice and makes sense. You can hit the break for the download link.

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One of the EVO 4G LTE's most important features may be one you hate the most

I worry about my HTC One X. I live in fear that I will render its camera -- one of the more important parts of the phone -- useless by scratching the camera lens to no end. On the One X, which is made up of just a single piece of polycarbonate, there's no easy way to replace the lens cover. That's not the case with the EVO 4G LTE. The lens cover is a part of the removable cover.

And that's a bit ironic, don'tcha think? The part that is the subject of much controversy (some folks are little upset over the design) could well be the phone's savoir. The camera on the HTC One series -- as well as the HTC EVO 4G LTE -- is one of its most important features. If you're looking for another way the E4GLTE might best the excellent HTC One X, here it is.

Samsung Galaxy S 'value pack' comes to Korea, adds ICS features to Gingerbread

Despite some confusion as to whether it was or wasn't real, the fabled Samsung 'value pack' for original Galaxy S phones (the 'GT-i9000' GSM version, that is) has now started rolling out, beginning in Samsung's native South Korea. The pack attempts to make up for the fact that the OG Galaxy S isn't getting an official Ice Cream Sandwich update by bringing a handful of high-profile ICS features to the current version of Gingerbread. Same goes for the mid-range Galaxy K and Galaxy U.

These include face unlock, the ability to snap photos while recording video, enhanced photo editing features, and improved folder functionality in the Launcher. We're there are some who will settle for nothing less than a full ICS update, but it's nice to see Samsung offering something? to owners of the Galaxy S, which launched in mid-2010 with Android 2.1 Eclair. The good news for anyone still holding out for ICS is that there's a great selection of Android 4.0 custom ROMs available for the phone, if you're willing to root.

No word on anyone outside of Korea getting this update, and we're not holding our breath when it comes to the U.S., where original Galaxy S hardware (and branding) is all over the place.

Source: Samsung Tomorrow; via: Engadget