Latest Android news, applications and forum discussion

Jan

15

2012

Swappa – Buy and Sell Gently Used Android Devices

4

by Jim Farmer
tagged ,

Well CES has come and gone and we saw a lot of great new devices as well as some questionable ones. That being said, many of you are itching for some new hardware. There’s been quite a few blockbuster Android releases here lately and a handful more in the immediate future, so…what happens to your current Android? Being the Android fans that you are I’m sure many of you have well kept devices and the fact of the matter is, there’s a market for them. You have likely sold items online before, but let me introduce you to a tool you may not be acquainted with. It’s called Swappa, and its a market dedicated solely to exchange of used Android devices. If you have ever tried selling a phone on ebay the ordeal can really be likened to a chore. Swappa streamlines the process dramatically, you can even log in with just your Facebook account if you wish and from there its only a matter of time. How much time you ask? In some cases not long at all.

Swappa user Shelby writes,

I posted my Nexus One for sale on Swappa.com. It was bought in under 30 seconds. Yeah. Wow. I am still in shock.

What are others saying? Well, Swappa user David now lives without that dilemma many of us have experienced,

So what happens if you just bought your Android phone and are already pining for another? Have no fear, Swappa.com is here.

As easy as it is to sell on Swappa, its arguably even easier to buy. One thing that’s particularly nice about Swappa is that it acts like a store. You don’t have to spend any time negotiating or connecting with the seller. You just buy the product like you would at any online store.

Swappa is indeed special in that it is a site by Android lovers for Android lovers. So if you’re perhaps trying to ditch your device for the latest and greatest or looking for that barely used phone released last month, Swappa may be the end of your troubles.

*By the way, every device sold on Swappa that has CyanogenMod installed results in a $5 donation to the developers of CyanogenMod AND If you are a Reddit user and you buy or sell a device on Swappa they will buy you a month of Reddit Gold to show their appreciation.

Categorized as Unique | Full Post

Jan

15

2012

IconBit announces Four new Android TV/Media Player Set-Top Boxes at CES, Two with 3D Functionality

0

by Stacy Bruce
tagged , , ,

Most of you are familiar with Google TV, but I am sure not that many of you have heard of an Android TV. Yes, Android TV. Imagine having the capability of a full blown android experience on your television just by adding a neat little set top box. A Russian based company called IconBit has created just that — a line of set-top boxes that will bring the Android OS to any HDMI compatible television.

We had a chance to meet with the IconBit team at CES and got a rundown on their latest Android endeavors. They have created 4 different boxes that all access the Android Market and a couple that come with a gesture controlled remote (think Nintendo Wii). One of the more exciting bits of news was the announcement that all 4 devices will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in the near future. All units provide a tablet-like experience on your home television and can be linked up with an external hard drive for storing your favorite media files. » Read the rest

Categorized as Android Manufacturers, Google TV News, Unique | Full Post

Jan

15

2012

Leaving Gingerbread in the Rear-View Mirror — You’re Doing it Wrong

3

by Jim Farmer
tagged , , , ,

CES brings us fantastic new gadgets each year, but there’s no secret that plenty of strange and even utter crap gadgets grace the showroom floors. This…well I’m not really sure where this falls. Introducing Rhydeen’s Android Rear-View Mirror. On the one hand, the Android fan boy in me thinks “Oh yeah, that is freaking legit. Android can run on anything”.  However, there’s also that whole notion of the terrible accidents this could play a role in. The world simply isn’t ready for Angry Birds on the freeway. OK, to Rhydeen’s credit, what they previewed at CES was not what they intend to bring to market. By release I’m sure they will have thoroughly tweaked the UI. That being said, the company expects to have a finalized mirror by 2013 but honestly, even if they prevent it from performing dangerous feats, who wants fingerprints on their rear-view mirror?

More photos after the break.  » Read the rest

Categorized as Android Accessories | Full Post

Jan

15

2012

Like Fast Paced Puzzle Games? Check Out Speedx 3D For Android (Video)

1

by Joe Sirianni
tagged , , ,

If you’re into fast paced arcade & action games and you want to make the best out of your CPU, GPU and accelerometer, then boy do we have the game for you.  While Speedx 3D for Android isn’t new, it has received some hefty updates to be optimized for running optimally on your Android device.  The game offers stunning 3D graphics as you use the accelerometer driven controls to tunnel race your way through various objects in an attempt to whiz by unscathed.

“Challenging and addictive gameplay” – AndroidAndMe.com

“A slick, stylish and addictive Android exclusive” – PocketGamer.co.uk

“Like many excellent games, Speedx 3D starts with a simple premise that quickly becomes addicting”. ***** review – PCWorld.com

As you make your way through the 3D tunnel, your challenge is to avoid, as best you can, a multiple array of colorful blocks all using tilt motion functionality on your device.  But be aware, as you progress, the level of difficulty only increases with every level.

Collect bonuses to increase your shield resistance, destroy blocks, break warnings or to slow your speed. In addition, Speedx is a first game on the market which supports red-cyan and green-magenta 3D glasses!

Ready for the challenge?  Head on over to the Android Market for the download or hit up the QR code below for an added convenience.  Don’t forget to hit the break to check out some more screen shots and to watch a quick demo of the game in action.  Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.  Happy racing. » Read the rest

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

Jan

15

2012

All White Galaxy Tabs Spotted in Vietnam, White Bezel Included

2

by Stacy Bruce
tagged , , , ,

Notice something a bit different in the image above? You should. Those are the all new, all white versions of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 7.0 Plus, as spotted in Vietnam. A tipster sent these images in to GSMArena and that’s about all we have at this moment, no mention of pricing and availability.

Yes, you can currently get white versions of these tabs, but if you will recall, the bezel is still black (image below). In my opinion, a black bezel provides for a better multimedia experience and allows the display’s border to blend into the screen — providing more of an unobtrusive viewing experience. Either way, once these tablets hit the market I imagine they will still sell like hotcakes. I mean look how widely successful the all white iPad has been.

 

As far as specs go, these white G Tabs will remain unchanged, according to GSMArena. I also presume the price tags will remain the same as well. To see a full gallery of pictures, jump past the break.

So what do you think? Is an all white tablet in your future, or do you prefer a black bezel? Let us know in the comments below.

» Read the rest

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

Jan

15

2012

CES 2012 Breaks All Prior Records

0

by Stacy Bruce
tagged

This year was my first year in attending CES and what an event it was. According to CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) 2012 was the biggest CES event to date, bringing in more than 153,000 attendees which included 34,000 people from overseas. Talk about BIG! The show floor(s) consisted of 1.861 million net square feet of exhibit space which was filled with more than 3,100 exhibitors who all wanted to show you what great things they have in store for 2012. While it was my job to focus solely on Android, I found it difficult to pass by all the other great technology advancements that were on display at this years show. From amazing TV’s to 20MP pocketable cameras, I was a kid in a candy store.

Among the thousands of people in attendance to this year’s CES, more than just techies and journalists made the trip. Many government leaders from the US and other countries were present, as well as some well known Hollywood stars including Eliza Dushku, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Ludacris, 50 Cent, Wil.i.am, Wayne Brady, Jillian Michaels, LL Cool J, Ryan Seacrest, Will Smith and Kelly Clarkson.

All in all, after returning home from a grueling work filled week in Vegas, I can honestly say I loved every minute of it. Not only did I get to see awesome gadgets and meet some really influential people, we were able to complete a couple months worth of work in a matter of 4 days. In an effort to keep you guys, our readers, up to date, it behooves us to attend events like these and we will continue to do so whenever possible. After all, you are the reason why this team works so hard and we appreciate having you around and hope you enjoyed all the cool videos and write-ups we gave you throughout the week of CES 2012. :-D

Jump past the break to read the full CES stats press report.

» Read the rest

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

Jan

15

2012

Official Galaxy Nexus Accessories Coming to the UK Sometime Soon

2

by Jack Holt
tagged , , , , , , ,

Well the UK may have seen the Galaxy Nexus release before us US folk did but the one thing they didn’t see was the release of the official accessories. Heck, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus saw those even before the phone was actually out. Well those of you UK folk left in the lurch will only have to wait for a short time longer as retailers are starting to hint at release dates on the accessories for your Galaxy Nexus.

Both Expansys and Clove Technology have begun to offer actual time frames for receiving their stock of accessories. However their release dates are different. Clove suggests that the first stock is “expected mid-January.” Which is a heck of a lot sooner than that of Expansys who is expecting to see the release of these items on February 29th.

So all in all this is good news for you folks in the UK rocking the Galaxy Nexus. Look for those OEM accessories soon and when you get them let us know if they make your Nexus experience complete!

 

[via Expansys and Clove]

Categorized as Android Accessories, Android Carriers, Android News, Android Phones | Full Post

Jan

15

2012

Early ICS build for HTC Rezound Leaks

5

by Jim Farmer
tagged ,

An ICS kernel and system.img has been leaked for the  HTC Rezound and we have it here for you to download. However it should be said that this is a very clearly an engineering build and therefore certainly not a daily driver, rather, think of it as a glimpse at HTC’s work so far. When finished, ICS for the Rezound is expected to incorporate Sense UI and from the look of it a bit of Sense 3.5 is mixed in to this build. Upon downloading the zip you should be able to rename it to PH98IMG.zip and flash in hboot, Just be sure you’ve made a nandroid backup first.

*As always, TalkAndroid cannot be held accountable if flashing this zip damages your phone.

Check out the RootzWiki thread for more discussion.

Download PH98IMG.zip

[via DroidLife]

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

Jan

15

2012

Meowch! Help felines find freedom in this new game

0

by Jim Farmer

Take control of three runaway cats and guide them to freedom.You’ll have to maneuver down roofs while evading the clutches of the cat lady, survive  skyscrapers whilst being tormented by gusts of wind, and don’t forget, Animal Control will be waiting on the ground to snatch you up unless you find a place to hide… Meowch! Meowch features 36 levels through three stages, each with new challenges and a distinct visual style. Meowch! is a universal app with interactive menus and environments that will keep you tapping. Play casually or compete against the clock and your friends on OpenFeint. I definitely recommend this one to those of you who enjoy Angry Birds, Doodle Jump, and Bouncy Mouse. Its starting out strong, holding a perfect 5 on Android Market. Pick it up now for $1.99. Gameplay video, screenshots and QR code after the break.

» Read the rest

Jan

14

2012

White Galaxy Nexus Spotted in the Wild

2

by Jim Farmer
tagged

We’re all aware that a white Galaxy Nexus is coming to market sometime in late February, but aside from a couple renderings, we have yet to catch a glimpse of one in the wild. Well it seems one has finally slipped through the cracks and into the hands of HDBlog.it. These pictures reflect what we saw earlier in the renderings, that is to say a black face with white covering the rest. Jump past the break for a full gallery.

» Read the rest

Categorized as Android Phones | Full Post