Canonical announces Ubuntu Touch builds now available for additional devices

by Roy Alugbue on
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Canonical_Ubuntu_Touch

 

Canonical may have released the Ubuntu Touch preview last week, but its initial release was only meant for Nexus devices— which certainly caused a more than a few frowns out there. Well cheer up as the developer has announced that it plans on adding support for additional devices out there. Among the devices that have a somewhat functional build working are the Samsung Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note II smartphones, ASUS Transformer Pad 300 and the Sony Xperia T smartphone. Canonical also confirmed that additional devices such as the Motorola XOOM Wifi, Samsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X and One X+ will also be get a functional build as well.

Of course it may be slightly difficult trying to flash Ubuntu Touch on your respective device, but if you’re feeling a little lucky—- you can check out more details and the different images at the source link below.

source: Ubuntu

Nexus 10 review: Finally an Android tablet with a beautiful display that’s priced right

by Robert Nazarian on
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Android tablets have been around since late 2010 starting with the Samsung Galaxy Tab, but the first mainstream Android tablet was the Motorola XOOM, which debuted in the spring of 2011. Soon after, we saw tablet after tablet after tablet get released, but nothing seemed to gain any major traction. Things started to change with the Amazon Kindle Fire in late 2011, but it was the Nexus 7 that seemed to really change things for Android tablets. Although the 7-inch size has proven its popularity, there is still a need for a premium well priced 10-inch Android tablet for those that want more real estate. The Nexus 10 appears to fill that need with the highest resolution display available today and at a reasonable price. How does it stack up with the “99″ other 10-inch tablets? Hit the break to get started.

» Read the rest

Motorola issues updated Android 4.1 upgrade timetable

by Colton Kaiser on
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Motorola has revised its software upgrade timetable yet again, this time denoting specific devices that will be updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Surprisingly, the list is larger than we had anticipated. The chart indicates that every device released after the Droid Bionic will receive a taste of Jelly Bean. This leaves the following devices eligible for the firmware upgrade:

  • DROID RAZR M
  • DROID RAZR HD
  • DROID RAZR MAXX HD
  • ATRIX HD (MB866)
  • PHOTON Q
  • ELECTRIFY 2
  • DROID RAZR
  • DROID RAZR MAXX
  • DROID 4
  • DROID BIONIC
  • MOTOROLA XOOM WiFi-Only
  • MOTOROLA XOOM WiFi + 3G/LTE

 

Considering Motorola’s disappointing history with software updates, it would probably be wise to take the above information with a rather large grain of salt. As always, Motorola says it’s still evaluating things and updates are subject to change. Head past the break for Motorola’s full list of currently planned US software updates. » Read the rest

Android 4.1.2 now available for Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi

by Colton Kaiser on
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Well, it looks as though Google’s full line of Nexus and AOSP devices are poised to receive the update to Android 4.1.2, as Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi owners should now be seeing the OTA update live on their tablets. The software bump comes just hours after Google released the new firmware for GSM Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S handsets. As usual, the update is rolling out in stages, so if you don’t see the update just yet, you won’t have to wait much longer. You can also check for it manually by heading to Settings > About tablet > System Updates. Or, if you’re the impatient type, you can always install the official update from Google via the download link below.

Source: Google (download)

 

 

Rumor: Upcoming Nexus Featuring Android 4.2 To Feature New Customization Center, Updated Google Now And Project Roadrunner

by Roy Alugbue on
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As we all await the arrival of the latest Nexus device (or devices if all holds true), we are also eagerly awaiting what Google has up its sleeves in the latest Android OS. Well it looks like the gang at Android and Me may have the inside scoop on not only the latest OS which is expected to be software version 4.2, but details on the direction of its Nexus line of devices. According to an anonymous source, Google is trying to promote its Nexus line among all major manufacturers. The various manufacturers will work directly with Google in regards to the hardware and driver details, though Google will be responsible for the hardware updates directly. Moreover, although these special Google devices are part of the Nexus line, they don’t necessarily need to be called Nexus as part of its name– sort of like of what Google did with the Motorola Xoom WiFi tablet. The thought is that by manufacturers joining the Nexus program, it would allow for the special variations of the devices to have even more access to specially-optimized Google content.

Of course since there will be added content, it’s only natural to have an idea of what exactly the Nexus devices will feature in regards to the newest Android OS, Android 4.2. The biggest features in the new OS are rumored to be identified as the new Customization Center, Project Roadrunner, an updated Google Now and revamped Play Store. The new Customization Center will be useful for all Android users as it essentially allows users to update the base Android OS, without having to wait for OEM manufacturers to update their skins. Here’s how it works: it is basically a way for you to do basic customizations through a range of options through the Play Store. When a new update is available, new items like filters and icons would be available via the Play Store. So when Google upgrades Android and a manufacturer doesn’t provide a compatible version of their custom UI initially, the device reverts simply to the stock UI or wait for the upgrade until the manufacturer catches up.

» Read the rest

Motorola backtracks on software updates: Atrix 4G and Photon 4G likely to be denied ICS

by Colton Kaiser on
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Software updates are a dreaded nuisance for any smartphone owner. Today, Motorola has solidified our stance on the issue, as it has retracted numerous of its previous upgrade promises. The new timeline pushes the Android 4.0 update for the DROID XYBOARD 8.2, DROID Bionic and Motorola XOOM Family Edition back until next quarter. Additionally, Atrix 4G, Atrix 2 and Photon 4G owners may be out of luck. Whereas the previous timeline showed the devices would be receiving their Ice Cream Sandwich update in Q3, the new list only entails that “further plans [are] coming soon.” What this means exactly is still unclear.

While this wasn’t completely unexpected, it’s a sad day for early adopters. Constantly manufacturers are revealing new groundbreaking hardware with behind-the-curve software. As an Atrix 4G owner, I’m ashamed that such a travesty couldn’t be avoided. The phone may have launched with Android 2.2 Froyo, but underneath lie the internals of the world’s first superphone. I’ll continue to use the handset, but Motorola needs to realize that it’s this type of thing that will prevent me from being a returning customer. For the full run-down, we’ve included the official upgrade timeline below. » Read the rest

Motorola Xoom WiFi Soak Testers Get Confidential Email Indicating Another Update Is On The Way

by Roy Alugbue on
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If you’re a Motorola Xoom WiFi owner out in the US, it looks like you have a minor update to look forward to. We just got word that a survey has just been sent to the various soak/beta testers indicating a minor update to the existing Jelly Bean OS is definitely on the way:

 

Hi,

Thanks for joining the Motorola Feedback Network. We are inviting owners of the Motorola Wi-Fi Xoom (U.S. only) to participate in an early preview of a new software release, and provide feedback.  If you are not currently using a Motorola Wi-Fi Xoom, please excuse and ignore this email.

Click this link — https://___________ — to take the enrollment survey if you wish to take part. Note that you must be a member in good standing of the Motorola Owners’ Forums to be included. The registration window could close without notice so please respond as quickly as possible.

This is a confidential test under the terms of the Motorola Feedback Network. Do not post any details or information about this on any public sites.

Thanks — please understand that start times are always fluid. We ask for your patience if you register but don’t hear from us right away.

Matt
Motorola Owners’ Forums
Motorola Feedback Network

 

Whatever the update may be, it looks like both MOTO and Google are looking to get it tested and rolled out ASAP. Keep it locked here with Talk Android and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on whatever it is this update may be.
Cheers Dave!

How The Nexus 7 Has Changed My Device Use Habits

by Ed Caggiani on
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There’s no question that Google’s Nexus 7 tablet is a success. Google and ASUS have managed to create something extremely compelling for such a low price point. Typically, when I spend $199 on a device of this nature, I’m not expecting it to be a premium, high-end device. But the Nexus 7 has proven itself to be not only a serviceable tablet, but something that belies its budget price tag.

Since receiving my Nexus 7 at Google I/O this year, I have noticed a shift in my device use habits as the 7-incher has wedged itself right smack dab in the middle of my daily use patterns. How has adding a device to my daily routine changed how I interact with all my other devices? First, I should list out the devices I use on a daily basis. I currently have an HTC Evo 4G LTE phone, and a Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi 10.1-inch tablet. The use of these two devices in particular has been impacted by the Nexus 7. I also have a Sony NSZ-GS7 Google TV set-top box, and a Nexus Q.

Hit the break to find out how the Nexus 7 has impacted my Android device usage.

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Google Posts Updated 4.1.1 Binaries for the Nexus S 4G

by Justin Crouch on
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Last month we reported that Google had resolved issues regarding the Nexus S 4G’s full aosp support, adding they could now “…properly distribute its CDMA and WiMAX binaries.” Today this goes a step further with the publishing of the, latest binaries (JRO03H Android 4.1.1) for the Nexus S 4G (Sprint). It’s a bunch of technical talk meaning one major thing: loads of new AOSP Jelly Bean ROMS.  » Read the rest