Latest Android news, applications and forum discussion

May

22

2012

Amazon Officially Lists Quad-Core, Unlocked HSPA+ Version Of Samsung Galaxy S III Smartphone As Available For Preorder… For A Princely Sum Of $800

by Roy Alugbue
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Excited for the Samsung Galaxy S III, but don’t want to wait additional months before it arrives in the stores on American shores? Well you may want to visit Amazon ASAP. It has officially listed the 16GB pebble blue and white versions of the device as available for pre-order. That means if you want to be the cool kid on the block, you’ll have the opportunity to be among the first to own the quad-core-powered, unlocked HSPA+ beast once it’s shipped on June 1st.

Naturally you will have to pay a premium price in order to be the first to own this premium device. Interested parties will have to pay a measley $799.99 in order to own this puppy, so be prepared to spend a pretty penny. Or of course you can you know… wait for your carrier of choice to launch their version of the device.

source: Samsung Galaxy S III Pebble Blue | White

Categorized as Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Phones, Android Retailers | Full Post

May

22

2012

S Voice APK now fixed for non rooted users plus a slew of other apps pulled from the Galaxy S III available now

by Robert Nazarian
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As we reported, S Voice was pulled from the Galaxy S III over the weekend, but unfortunately stopped working when Samsung (or Vlingo) blocked any non Galaxy S III phone from the server. Yesterday we told you about a fix for rooted users, but now the APK has been re-built with the proper credentials to trick the server into thinking you have a Galaxy S III. This means its now open to all again.

There’s more good news because more treats were pulled from the Galaxy S III, which include Accuweather, stock analog clock, stock digital clock, wallpapers, the video player, and more. You have to love XDA!!! Hit the break for all the download links.

» Read the rest

Categorized as Android Development, Android Leaks & Rumours, Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Phones | Full Post

May

22

2012

Select Devices Get Beta Version Of “Test Drive” With New Amazon Appstore Update

by Joe Sirianni
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The Amazon Appstore has recently pushed out an update bringing it to version 2.6.53.  In addition to bug fixes, Amazon has now added their popular Test Drive capabilities to the little screen. For quite some time now you’ve been able to test drive an app on your PC in an emulator to see how it runs, looks and feels.  Well, Amazon is now bringing it to a select few devices.  Obviously, and for good reason, Amazon isn’t telling anyone how they’re pulling this one off and speculation is that it’s running off of their servers somewhere and not actually on your handset.  We’re not sure what the list of supported devices are just yet, but if you’ve happened to stumble upon it and it works, then please do sound off in the comments as to what device you’re using.

From the change log:

- Enabled the Test Drive feature.  Test Drive is a beta feature that lets you instantly try apps before buying them.  Test Drive is initially available on select Android phones and for a limited selection of apps. 

As of now, I’ve yet to see a Test Drive feature on my T-Mobile Galaxy S II.

source: Amazon Appstore

Categorized as Android Applications, Android Customization, Android Software, Android Updates, Free Amazon Apps | Full Post

May

22

2012

Verizon Confirms What We Already Knew: Certain Smartphones Will Be Updated For Global Use

by Roy Alugbue
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Verizon Wireless has finally let the cat out of the bag. After previously seeing a hint that some of its devices would be turned into global handsets, Big Red has gone out and confirmed well… some of its devices would be turned into global handsets. It mentions certain devices will receive special software updates which would allow them to connect to GSM networks outside of the U.S. The specific devices that have SIM cards and will receive the update are the HTC Rezound, Motorola DROID RAZR, DROID RAZR MAXX and DROID 4.

Once owners of those devices receive the update, it should be a fairly straightforward process to use your phone abroad. All you need to do is add on a global plan to your existing service and slap on the new SIM in your host country and you’re in business.

source: Verizon Wireless

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

May

21

2012

Sprint Says HTC EVO 4G LTE Pre-Orders will Arrive this Week

by Stacy Bruce
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Great news for you folks who pre-ordered a new HTC EVO 4G LTE! Sprint has just announced that they expect to begin shipping the device really soon (like tomorrow soon). A Sprint representative took to the Sprint Blog to announce the following:

Customers who pre-ordered HTC EVO 4G LTE…Your wait is almost over! Sprint expects to begin shipping HTC EVO 4G LTE for arrival on or around Thursday, May 24 to customers who pre-ordered the device online from Sprint.

So there you have it. It looks like the wait is almost over and you will have your new EVO 4G LTE in your hot little hands this week. You should receive an email containing your tracking order the moment it ships but you can also check the status of your shipment by visiting www.sprint.com/myorder. For those people who didn’t place a pre-order, Sprint expects to “provide details on the full national launch as soon as possible.” Hit the source link below to see the Sprint blog announcement for yourself.

Cheers @CoffeeRoomNews!

source: Sprint Blog

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

May

21

2012

Verizon Galaxy Nexus rumored to receive Android 4.0.4 tomorrow

by Tony Rosario
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Word from the grapevine is that Big Red is planning to finally release Android ICS 4.0.4 to the Galaxy Nexus masses with OTA (over-the-air) roll-out commencing as soon as tomorrow. This rumor supposedly comes from a Verizon customer who was visiting their local store and was briefly shown a Verizon proprietary document detailing the upcoming OTA update. So for those of you who didn’t want to manually install Android 4.0.4 to your GNex, the wait may finally be over. Only tomorrow will tell if this rumor pans out so be sure to keep a eye on your notification bar for a possible icy treat.

source: pocketnow

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

May

21

2012

The One X and Galaxy S III are top dogs for now but will become goats when Jelly Bean arrives

by Robert Nazarian
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There’s no question that right now the top two phones to buy are the HTC One X and the Samsung Galaxy S III, but they won’t be so popular 6 months from now. It won’t be because better handsets will be released, it’s more about Android version updates or lack thereof. Both phones come with Ice Cream Sandwich onboard, and for now seem like the latest and greatest. A little later in the year, Android 5.0 Jelly Bean will be announced and the SDK will be released. This will probably take place in October, and unfortunately neither of these phones will see Jelly Bean until at least March/April 2013. If you’re in the U.S. the prospects are even more dismal. So for now everyone is enjoying their new greatness, but come November, the crying and complaining will begin about why their phone isn’t getting updated.

In case you’re thinking that things will be different, unfortunately we go through this every year, and to be honest, things aren’t getting better, they’re getting worse.

» Read the rest

Categorized as Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Phones, Android Rants, Android Updates, Unique | Full Post

May

21

2012

Unofficial Port Of Classic PC Game “Theme Hospital” Hits The Google Play Store

by Joe Sirianni
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If you’re a huge fan of classic PC games then you’re in for a surprise.  Recently to surface in the Google Play Store is an unofficial port of the classic 1997 game Theme Hospital.  The game is available for download now and will run you $1.49.  The game can be played on smartphones and tablets alike.  The SIMs-esque game offers you the great task of running an entire hospital from nothing into a state of the art and up to date facility with full wards, standard operating rooms, offices and of course, staff members.  You’re the boss, so hire and fire as you see fit.  Some of the ailments from various patients are rather odd, but nevertheless, your job to cure them.  Ready to download?  Check out the Google Play Store link below or feel free to use the QR code as well.  Let us know what you think of the game in the comments below.

qrcode

Play Store Download Link

Categorized as Android Applications, Android Gaming | Full Post

May

21

2012

T-Mobile US pushing update to Galaxy S II – No Ice Cream Sandwich in sight

by Chris Stewart
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Don’t you just love turning on your phone to discover that you have a system update waiting for you. Cue the excitement of waiting to see what goodies Google and co. has cooked up for you this time. If you’re currently rocking a Samsung S II on T-Mobile US then keep your eyes peeled for update arriving any time now but the excitement stops there on this occasion as this is a small, incremental update that brings a few bug fixes and optimisations.

The update is rolling out right now and is expected to hit all users before June 22nd. You can check out the change log below.

» Read the rest

Categorized as Android News | Full Post

May

21

2012

Sony Xperia U all set for Three UK

by Chris Stewart
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UK network Three looks set to bolster its entry level line-up by selling Sony’s Xperia U on both contract and Pay as You Go. The Xperia U was introduced to the world during the Mobile World Congress however it was quickly overshadowed by the more glamorous high-end phones on display.

In case you’re wondering, the Xperia U is an Android 2.3 device sporting a 3.5″ FWVGA reality display, a 1GHz dualcore processor and a 5MP camera capable of 720 HD video capture. Whilst these are modest specs, the phone will be available for a wallet-friendly £169.99 SIM-free or for £20 per month with no up front charge on a 2 year contract.

This solid, stylish handset is also expected to hit the shelves of O2, Orange and T-Mobile in the coming weeks. If Three’s deals float your boat then hit the source link to get your order in.

 

Source: Three UK

Categorized as Android Carriers, Android Phones, Android Retailers | Full Post