Latest Android news, applications and forum discussion

Jan

21

2012

Counter-Strike Esque Like Game Comes to Android Devices

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by Joe Sirianni
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If you were a huge fan of the popular FPS (First Person Shooter) hit PC game, Counter-Strike, we’ve got some good news for you.  The hit game has made its way to an Android device near you and takes many of its design ques from the original game.  However, this game is a more of a port as it was built from the Unity 3D tool.  The game is a near exact replica as far as game play goes.  You’re either a terrorist or a counter-terrorist.  Plant bombs, diffuse them or just flat out kill the entire opposing team.  Counter-Strike Portable, as it’s called, is a cross-platformed multi-player game also offering options to play on both Facebook and Kongregate for those looking to get their game on in their browser.  The game is also available as a native app on your Android device.  Devices running Android 2.0-2.2, there’s the 5-series application and for devices running Android 2.3 or higher there’s the 6-series app.  Keep in mind the game is still in its early phases but is coming along rather well.  If you experience any bugs feel free to pass it on to the dev so as to improve the overall game play.  If you want to give it a go, simply point your browser towards the source link and have at it.  Xperia Play owner?  Guess what?  It’s optimized for your device too.  Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.  Check out the screen shots below along with a quick video demo after the break.

Categorized as Android Applications, Android Customization, Android Development, Android Gaming, Android News | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

FCC Gives Go Ahead For AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note

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by Axl Logan
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Well, following the quick look at the AT&T branded Samsung Galaxy Note at CES 2012, it looks like the FCC is wasting no time at all in assisting to push the monster handset on to its final destination.  The AT&T branded device should hit the ground running as model SGH-i717 sporting bands for UMTS & HSPA+ up to 21Mbps.  In addition, there will be support for GSM/EDGE global radios as well as bands 4 and 17 on AT&T’s LTE network.  Stay tuned to Talk Android as we attempt to scour the web for a release date and pricing.

[via Engadget]

Categorized as Android Carriers, Android Customization, Android Manufacturers, Android Phones, Android Tablets | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

Recent OTA Updates For Sprint’s EVO 4G, EVO Design 4G And Epic 4G Confirms Removal Of Carrier IQ Software

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by Roy Alugbue
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Sprint is doing whatever it takes to keep its customer’s trust and happiness. We mentioned to you a few days ago that Sprint provided some security updates to a handful of its devices, but were unsure if the updates included the removal of some dreaded spy software. We now have confirmation that the recent updates being pushed out to a HTC and Samsung devices completely removes Carrier IQ thanks to the gang at XDA. As previously highlighted, the recent updates include both the removal of Carrier IQ software and minor software enhancements. HTC devices will receive automatic notifications starting on January 24th (or you can manually check right now), while the Epic 4G’s update is being pushed out in phases until January 29th. While owners of the EVO Design 4G, EVO 4G and Epic 4G won’t have Ice Cream Sandwich, they will have a piece of mind at least knowing they won’t have tracking software of their devices anymore.

[via Sprint Community 1, 2, 3 by XDA]

Categorized as Android Carriers, Android News, Android Phones, Android Security, Android Software, Android Updates | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

Deal: U.S. Cellular Offering $100 Off All Smartphones Now Through February 14th

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by Stacy Bruce
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Yesterday, U.S. Cellular announced that they have discounted $100 off all of their smartphones. Now would be a great time to pick up a new Android device if you are within their coverage area. You can grab good deals such as the Motorola Electrify for only $149.99, the HTC Hero S for $99.99, or the Huawei Ascend II and the Samsung Repp for a mere penny. The deal ends on Valentines day, February 14th, so you may want to act quick!

This may be U.S. Cellular’s way of blowing out some 3G phones before launching their upcoming 4G LTE network in the near future.

[via U.S. Cellular through Android Central]

Categorized as Android Carriers, Android Phones | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

Notion Ink Formally Announces Adam II Tablet, Features OMAP 4400-Series Processor

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by Roy Alugbue
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Notion Ink continues to generate some interesting buzz. We recently told you about how it teased us with a mysterious Adam Android tablet, but Notion Ink has finally let the cat of of the bag by introducing its newest tablet, the Adam II. It comes boasting impressive features too. The Adam II tablet believes there’s no better way to take advantage of Android 4.0 than to feature a TI OMAP 4400-series dual-core processor powering the device. Oh and what’s more is the tablet is featuring a PowerVR SGX500-series core.

The tablet will feature an additional interesting feature. It will feature a slight variation of the Android OS. No it’s not a custom skin as most of us loathe, but rather the OS would have a new structure called the Modular Based Software Architecture, which would let users customize apps through a drag-and-drop system. Basically this allows users to access “every single hardware feature”, according to Norton Ink.

No word on when we can expect the device, but we anticipate it will be here sooner than later. But Notion Ink has stressed it plans to design many more of the parts in-house rather than outsource them to prevent any type of problems caused by outsourcing. Boy this mysterious tablet can’t come soon enough.

[via Electronica through Phandroid]

Categorized as Android Development, Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Tablets | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

Image of the Sony Ericsson ST25i ‘Kumquat’ Leaks, Looks Like a Smaller Xperia S

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by Stacy Bruce
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Hot on the heels of last weeks leak of the Sony smartphone roadmap, pictures of the Sony (Ericsson) ST25i “Kumquat” have just shown up as well. XperiaBlog was able to get their hands on what is reportedly the first leaked image of the device, and it sure looks a lot like a smaller version of the Xperia S.

According to the leaked roadmap, we should see the “Kumquat” sometime in April with a €262 ($339) price tag. Reports are showing that the device is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, has a 5MP camera and a 3.5-inch qHD (960 x 540) display. Not much else is known about the phone at this time, but I imagine we will learn more at the Mobile World Congress event at the end of February. For those of you looking for a higher-end device without a large screen, this may end up being a top contender. Stay tuned as we will fill you in as we learn more.

[via XperiaBlog through Android Central]

 

 

Categorized as Android Leaks & Rumours, Android Phones | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

Google’s Sky Map Officially Open-Sourced

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by Roy Alugbue
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One of Google’s more interesting apps is set for a major evolution. The Sky Map application has gone from being a modest app highlighting the Android platform’s capabilities to becoming one of the most popular apps on Android devices, as 20 million Android users use it. As part of the app’s continued growth, Google has decided to “donate the Sky Map to the community”.

Google is tag-teaming with educators and astronomy enthusiasts to bring the future of the Sky Map to the masses. It will collaborate with Carnegie Mellon University which will see further development of the Sky Map through a series of student projects. Moreover, Google has made the app open-sourced, allowing astronomers to “take the code and augment it as they wish”.

If you don’t have the Sky Map on your Droid, why not give it a whirl today? You can find it at the Android Market or using the QR code below.

Android Market

[via Google Research Blog]

Categorized as Android Applications, Android Customization, Android Development | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

Tablets in the Schools: Motorola Believes the XOOM is the Best Way to Empower Students [Video]

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by Robert Nazarian
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We saw the introduction of  iBooks 2 for schools the other day, but Motorola has already been working with schools on a program of their own. Recently, they gave XOOM tablets to one San Diego high school to use as they wish. The administrators chose to utilize the tablets in math and science classes for students that were identified with learning challenges. What did they find? The students became more excited and eager to learn through hands-on activities, educational games, and digital books.

“San Dieguito Union High School District has been working to redesign our schools to represent 21st century classrooms, and bringing tablet technology to our students was one of the first projects we initiated in order to meet that mandate,”  said Bruce Cochrane, Executive Director of Pupil Services for the San Dieguito Union High School District.  But why the Motorola XOOM? “Motorola XOOM tablets were the most logical choice not only due to their highly usable design, but also due to the tight integration of the hardware with the Honeycomb OS; our district is moving to Android and applications such as Google Docs, so the Motorola XOOM was an ideal platform to be able to share capabilities across all devices for teachers and students alike.”

» Read the rest

Categorized as Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Tablets | Full Post

Jan

21

2012

NBC Releases Its Own Android App, Full Episodes Coming Soon

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by Jack Holt
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The National Broadcasting Company or NBC for short has recently launched its own Android app that allows personalization and customization for regular viewers. The app will feature a whole slew of features that include video galleries, reviews, previews, and trivia games among other features. It even offers local listing support in its schedule line up so you won’t miss that episode of The Office you’ve been dying to see.

The NBC app will offer more personalized experiences for subscribed users as they can tailor make their NBC feeds and TV episodes. If you haven’t subscribed there is a handy feature built in that will allow you to do so in the app. As of right now, you cannot watch full episodes but NBC promises that you will be able to soon.

So with that hit the break below for the links and QR codes to obtain a copy of this app. Enjoy! » Read the rest

Categorized as Android Applications, Android News, Android Phones, Android Software, Android Tablets, Previews | Full Post

Jan

20

2012

Sony Xperia S Arriving This Month

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by Jack Holt
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The Xperia S is a sleek and stylish phone. Given that it’s the first handset from Sony after they bought out Ericsson from Sony Ericsson they are coming in with a bang. Quite anticipated after its announcement at CES this year users from the UK will be happy to know that the Xperia S is scheduled to drop January 30th even though it was expected March 5th. Given that Samsung dropped the bomb about their Galaxy SII HD not coming to the UK it is certainly good news to see another gorgeous phone coming to the UK.

You can pre-order the device at Play.com for £450 which is the cheapest you can get your hands on the device right now. Both Clove and Ebuyer will let you pre-order device as well. Most of the major UK carriers will offer the phone at cheaper per contract prices. So expect this device soon and if you’re wanting this phone and are having a hard time waiting, check out the hands-on video from CES. Hopefully it’s enough to tide you over.

[via GSM Arena]

 

Categorized as Android Carriers, Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Phones, Android Updates | Full Post