Two Minute Walk Through Of Ice Cream Sandwich Surfaces, Courtesy Of Lucky eBay Recipient (Video)

by Joe Sirianni on
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Say, you wouldn’t be interested in checking out a 2 min video showing a walk through of Android’s latest and greatest, Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), would you?  Oh yeah, you would?  Great, because we’ve got a taste for you courtesy of our friends over at Engadget.  We’re not surprised that leaks would begin to surface, especially since the OS will most likely be available some time over the next couple of months.  However, this was a bit out of left field.  One lucky eBay member looking forward to receiving a Nexus S he purchased on the popular online auction received a little more than he thought he would.  After snatching this bad boy out of the box and noticing something a bit off.  He noticed the OS was slightly revamped, so naturally, he hightailed it to the “About Screen”.  To his amazement, he found the blissful words “IceCreamSandwich” for its OS version.  We know what you’re thinking.  ”You lucky b!@#%*d”.  Well, don’t worry, as we can provide you with the next best thing.  How about a 2 min walk-through of the device running on an updated build, IRK48 and kernel 3.0.1?

Note in the video that there are some extremely noticeable hints of honeycomb on the device, such as the vertical multitasking menu found on tablets.  Short cut keys now include room for four icons instead of two.  In addition, Google has added a Google Apps icon which gives you instant access to all of your favorite Google products.  You’ll notice UI changes as well when it comes to the camera, several menus and the notification bar.  As the folks over at Engadget note, it’s possible that this could just be a slick ROM placed on the device, which is where Im personally leaning.  However, we have to admit it and give credit where credit is due.  Even for a ROM, it looks slick as hell.  Hit the break to check out the video courtesy of a tipster at Engadget and don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.   » Read the rest

Samsung Nexus Prime (GT-1950) receives Bluetooth SIG

by Robert Nazarian on
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We know the Nexus Prime, which may or may not be called that, has a model of GT-1950, while another variant slated for Verizon (possibly DROID Prime) has the a model of SCH-I515, which received Bluetooth SIG about a month ago. Model GT-1950 just passed so rumors of Verizon getting the device first (SCH-515) followed by other carriers (GT-1950) seems plausible now as they are about 1 month apart in certifications.

The rumored release date for the Verizon version is November 3rd, followed by a November 24th release on AT&T. If the Verizon date is to hold, we need to see it clear the FCC ASAP. Ultimately, I think we will see both of these beasts soon.

[via bluetooth]

T-Mobile Nexus S Gets Bumped To Android 2.3.6 (build GRK39C)

by Joe Sirianni on
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If you bought a Nexus S to use on T-Mobile’s network and have been waiting for your Gingerbread maintenance update, the wait is finally over.  Following the Nexus One update, the Nexus S has now joined the Gingerbread 2.3.6 list of supported devices.  The update offers a plethora of bug fixes and security patches for the device and will weigh in at just 17.5 megabytes.  The new build, GRK39C, is available for a manual update as well instead of having to wait for the OTA.  Major fixes include, tethering issues and NFC bugs which should now be all wrapped up.  We’ve provided the update information after the break if you’re not the waiting type.  Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.   » Read the rest

Canada can now enjoy HD “Movies on Android Market”

by Stacy Bruce on
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Earlier in May at the Google IO conference Google announced a steaming movie rental service for Android phones dubbed “Movies on Android Market.” Android users in the U.S. have been enjoying the luxury of watching HD movies on their mobile devices while Canadians could only wait patiently until the service would become available north of the border. The wait is finally over, yesterday Google announced that the HD rental option would now be available in Canada and will even include many Canadian titles.

To make a rental purchase just head to the Android Market and choose your title from under the movies section.  Most range from #3.99 – $4.99. Once a purchase is made Google allows a 30-day a “Rental Grant Period” in which you have until the 30th day to watch your video. After you initially press play you will have only 48 hours to finish watching your movie.  To enjoy HD movies on your Android phone or tablet your device must run on OS 2.2 or higher.

Rent HD movies from the Android Market.

[via mobilesyrup]

Google-Branded SIM Card May Suggest Future Google Cellular Service

by Justin Routhier on
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Well look at what we have here: a Google-branded SIM card. Could this be a foreshadowing of a future Google cellular service? The card is said to have come from Spain, where it is being tested by engineers with the Nexus S. Another picture has surfaced showing ‘Google_Es’ identified as the carrier with the SIM inserted.

It has long been rumored that Google would expand into the realm of cellular networking, even if only as an MVNO, meaning it would provide mobile services, though not actually own a licensed frequency. Could this be what we are seeing the early signs of now? The questions continue to mount from here: Will the possible Google service be limited only to Europe? Would it feature the seemingly perfect ‘Google Voice’ moniker? Is this all just wishful thinking?

Hit the break to peek at that carrier identity screenshot.

» Read the rest

TBS and TNT apps coming to Google TV, Will require authentication

by Robert Nazarian on
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Turner broadcasting confirmed that it has TBS and TNT apps in development for Google TV, but they will be limited. Both apps will require viewers to sign in with an account linked to a traditional TV service to watch. We have seen authentication with mobile apps, but never for the TV, mostly because of limited third-party apps.

We know Google is readying Honeycomb for Google TV, so it’s probably a safe bet that we will see these apps when that is released. According to a representative at Google, this could “bring more content to users.”

We know Google TV has been dismal so far, but are you guys excited for this next release?

[via electronista]

Visa Jumps On Board With Google Wallet

by Harold Williams on
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Google Wallet just launched yesterday in case you missed it, and now Visa has jumped in to join the party. With Google acquiring worldwide licensing for Visa payWave, Visa debit, credit, a pre-paid account owners can now enjoy paying with Google Wallet with a wave of their phones. NFC support in Android phones it pretty slim right now, so unless your a Nexus S owner at the moment, you’ll have to wait and see how Google’s NFC sticker solution will come into play. In either case, it looks like Google Wallet is going to keep forward momentum going before it’s even available to the masses. Check out the full press release after the break.

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Nexus and Prime were never meant to be married?

by Robert Nazarian on
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Our friends over at The Droid Guy are back at it again with more rumors on the DROID/Nexus Prime or whatever you want to call it. If you remember they got their hands on the next Nexus, and reported that it would have only one physical button, which we immediately questioned. They are changing their tune, and are now saying that the information was misunderstood by Kyle, who wrote the article. Apparently, it had only a power button along with a volume rocker on the side. They also added that the MHL and HDMI are on one port.

They also suggest that a Nexus Prime does not exist, at least by name. They believe that the Nexus and Prime are two separate devices. We have seen two models floating out there, SCH-I515, heading to Verizon Wireless, and GT-I9250, supposedly for other carriers. We also reported about the post on 4Chan that states the device they saw was called a Galaxy Nexus. I am actually starting to wonder if  ”Prime” is just a codename.

» Read the rest

Introducing Google Wallet

by Jim Farmer on
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What did we tell you, Google Wallet is here today. In fact the Wallet app is pushing out right now to Sprint Nexus S owners through an OTA update. Currently Wallet is only available on the Nexus S, but expect more NFC enabled phones, and Google’s NFC sticker solution in the future; hopefully before the end of this year since Google is adding a $10 free bonus to the Google Prepaid Card if you set it up in Google Wallet before the end of the year.

Video after the break. » Read the rest

DROID/Nexus Prime could have a keyboard

by Robert Nazarian on
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Yesterday we showed you the first part of our favorite Panda’s (@black_man_x) latest riddle-poem (released though @tfleming123) which revealed the release date for the DROID/Nexus Prime on Verizon Wireless. Right now the speculation is November 3rd. The rest of the poem has now been released, and it reveals that the Nexus Prime will have a keyboard or there will be a variant with a keyboard.

First, lets recap what was already released:

While things that go bump in the night, surely give you a fright, It’s all in good fun as I share treats and panda fun. So Instead of filling your belly with candies, jellies and other hollows eve fare, perhaps your palate will cast a ballot, for an ice cream sandwich instead. With an internal date now set and LTE a sure bet Those that get Tim Cook’s new pet will be filled with green eyed regret. But wait you cry for what date can you buy? This the panda did shall share…Fore on the date Bruce Wayne’s true father did die; you shall in fact be able to buy in stores of red and black.

Now, here is the dramatic ending:

But those who pay other masters don’t fret, over exclusive deals and bets. For in many other favors you will get your treat be they GSM or wimax radios inside, the nexus brand will ride world wide. But as he lays in the corner with a Beer and a boner the Panda said with a sigh…Be it a Droid or Nexus branded new toy, with dual cores “hd” screens, fancy new widgets and more….The one with the keyboard is what I enjoy”

» Read the rest