Facebook’s new “home on Android” will actually be a forked OS called Facebook Home

by Jared Peters on
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Facebook recently sent out an invitation to an event on April 4th where they’ll be showing off their “new home on Android.” Well, we’ve got some new rumors about what that’s going to be a few days ahead of the event.

That home on Android is actually going to be called Facebook Home, and it’s going to be a forked version of Android specific to the Facebook phone(s). There’s no word on whether this will still feature traditional Google apps and be more of a heavy overlay like HTC’s Sense, or if Facebook is going all the way and completely cutting ties with Google like with the versions of Android that ship on Amazon’s Kindle devices. Considering how well the HTC ChaCha didn’t sell, though, I think Facebook is likely going to want to take the Amazon approach here and tweak the entire experience around Facebook, not just adding a handful of extra apps.

Aside from that, they’re still in discussion with carriers about the device, so hopefully we’ll learn more in a few days when it becomes official.

source: 9to5 Google

TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for March 25 – March 31, 2013

by Robert Nazarian on
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We had another busy week at TalkAndroid so here’s a recap of all the top stories. The HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S 4 continue to dominate the news, but things are starting to heat up regarding the Motorola X phone as well. Google made a few updates to their apps, and word is that they are working on an all-in-one messaging system too. It’s time to get caught up and get ready for another exciting week.

Reviews

Aces Gin Rummy [Cards & Casino]

Jokes HD [Entertainment]

Guides

How to automatically receive MMS picture messages

How to send SMS or MMS text messages from your PC or tablet using your Android phone number

Accessories

When To Expect Samsung’s Galaxy S 4 Accessories And For How Much

Image of Samsung Galaxy S 4 wireless charging accessory

» Read the rest

Facebook to unveil “new home on Android” April 4th

by Jared Peters on
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Facebook is planning something pretty big for a large unveiling on April 4th, according to their latest press invitation. What big thing, you may ask? Their “new home on Android.” What exactly does that mean? We don’t know, but we can make some pretty good guesses.

Facebook has recently been testing the waters with updates through their app outside of Google Play, so it makes sense that they may be launching something, like a phone that’s been in the rumor mill for ages. We’ve heard all kinds of rumors leak about the “Facebook phone,” and with Amazon’s success with their Kindle lineup, it wouldn’t be too hard to imagine Facebook taking another stab at the phone market, despite their first attempt not doing so well.

While all the signs point towards a Facebook phone announcement on April 4th, it’s important to remember they are still rumors. Facebook could just announce more changes to their Android application, or anything else. When the 4th rolls around, though, we’ll be sure to let you know.

source: The Verge

TalkAndroid Daily Dose for March 27, 2013

by Robert Nazarian on
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With hectic schedules, it can be hard to keep track of everything in your news feed. That’s why we created the TalkAndroid Daily Dose. This is where we recap the day’s hottest stories so you can get yourself up to speed in quick fashion. Happy reading!!

Reviews

Aces Gin Rummy [Cards & Casino]

Apps

Verizon Announces Playphone Games Portal, Coming Q2 2013

The original Sonic the Hedgehog coming to Android in April according to SEGA

Google Translate gets offline language packs

Google adds info cards to Play Movies app

Live Transit Information Added for Washington D.C. and Salt Lake City in Google Maps

Action Launcher Makes Widgets Cool Again With Shutter Feature

Gameloft announces Iron Man 3 for Android on April 25th

Google Play shows off “Featured Android Apps for Tablets” page on website

Carriers

UK carrier Three to launch 4G LTE, just not before the end of the year

Google Glass

The first batches of Google Glass could be made inside the U.S.

Google TV

Amazon Prime Content Comes to Google TV’s PrimeTime

Phones

Amazon Kindle smartphone to go into production in Q2 with a 4.7-inch display

T-Mobile’s 4G LTE can be accessed with Nexus 4 under right circumstances

Free Tablet From Carphone Warehouse When You Pre-Order The Galaxy S 4 Starting March 28

Samsung Galaxy S 4 goes through extensive battery testing, shows it can stay on for possibly 3 days

Sony Xperia A ‘Dogo’ and Xperia UL ‘Gaga’ heading to Japan this summer

Updates

Android 4.1 scheduled for Motorola Droid Bionic during 2nd quarter of 2013

Miscellenous

Samsung to break smartphone sales record with 70 million units for Q1

Apple Claims Reduction Of Samsung Damages Was An $85 Million Mistake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon Prime Content Comes to Google TV’s PrimeTime

by Jack Holt on
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If you’re a user of Amazon Prime and own a Google TV then you’ll be excited for this next tidbit. Amazon Prime content is now viewable on Google TV’s PrimeTime TV guide. This new feature comes on top of other bug fixes. The other feature that it has now is a subscription selector that makes it easier to customize your subscriptions. Netflix, HBOGO and Amazon Prime will show up as “free” if you’re subscribe to those services. So if you have a Google TV, Amazon Prime and use PrimeTime you’ll be able to access your content easier. Happy viewing!

 

source: Google Play Store

Amazon Kindle smartphone to go into production in Q2 with a 4.7-inch display

by Robert Nazarian on
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Yes I know, an Amazon phone has been rumored for what seems like an eternity, but the latest rumor is they will go into mass production during the later part of the 2nd quarter. As far as specs go, it’s rumored that it will come with a 4.7-inch display. Apparently they were initially going to go with a 4.3-inch display, but they went bigger since that’s what everybody (other than Apple fanboys) seems to want these days. The rest of the specs aren’t confirmed and supposedly Amazon is still “enhancing other specifications”, which could be the reason for the delays we reported about a couple of weeks ago. This one should be interesting so stay tuned.

source: DigiTimes

Fieldrunners 2 coming to Android in April

by Jared Peters on
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If you were a fan of the original Fieldrunners game, we’ve some great news for you. Fieldrunners 2 is definitely happening, and it’s definitely happening soon. The game is already on iOS, but it’s slated for an Android release in April. It’s currently in beta to get the minor kinks worked out to prepare for a full release.

Like any sequel, Fieldrunners 2 will have more features, levels, weapons, the whole nine yards. The campaign will have 20+ hours of gameplay by itself, so that’s definitely a time waster worth looking forward to. The developer is looking for beta testers with many different Android devices, so if you’re interested in possibly getting your hands on the game a bit early, hit the press release below to see how to get a spot on the testing team. » Read the rest

TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for March 18 – March 24

by Robert Nazarian on
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We had another busy week at TalkAndroid so here’s a recap of all the top stories from this past week. Most of the coverage concerned the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S 4, but there were some juicy tidbits regarding the upcoming Motorola X phone, smartwatches and Google Glass. It’s time to get caught up and get ready for another exciting week.

Editorials

How HTC Can Get Its Groove Back

Is Android vulnerable because of Samsung’s dominance?

Accessories

Samsung’s new Game Pad accessory up for preorder for only $113

Apps

Reviews

Jetpack Jinx [Arcade & Action]

Movie Twist [Entertainment]

XnRetro [Photography]

» Read the rest

Archos Releases GamePad, 97 and 80 Titanium Tablets in US

by Jack Holt on
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For those of you in the US that are itching to get your hands on the newest tablets from Archos; you’re in luck. The GamePad, 97 Titanium and 80 Titanium tablets are breaking US soil through various retailers. The tablets that made their debut at CES this year will be available through Adorama, Amazon, B&H Photo, Brandsmart, Beach Camera, Hastings, and J&R.

Both the 97 Titanium and 80 Titanium tablets will house a 1.6GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, dual cameras, 8GB of storage and both will run Android 4.1. The differences between the two are  what display each will have and pricing. The 97 will run a 2048×1536 9.7-inch display where the 80 will come with an 8-inch 1024×768 display. They’ll both come in under $300 with the 97 coming in at $249 and the 80 at $169. » Read the rest

Is Amazon Working on a $99 7-Inch Kindle Fire HD? Rumors Say Yes

by Jack Holt on
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Word around the rumor mill has Amazon pegged as creating a 7-inch Kindle Fire model that would sell for $99. If rumors are true, it would carry the same TI processor as its predecessor and come with a 1280×800 display. With Amazon slashing prices on its current models, one can expect to see a new version coming soon. While a sub-$100 seems to be a bit on the low side, Amazon has been known for its cheaper tablets with its forked version of Android.

While it may not entice those looking for a more robust tablet like the Nexus 7, it would certainly appeal to those who don’t want to spend a lot. This would make an enticing entry in a market flooded with tablets from unknown manufacturers found at your local pharmacy or Bed, Bath & Beyond stores. IDC Research Director on tablets, Tom Mainelli, believes this to be a reasonable move. He was quoted to say:

» Read the rest