Transformer Prime GPS Dongle Demoed on Video, Locks onto 16 Satellites in Just Seconds

by Stacy Bruce on
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One of the most reported complaints about the ASUS Transformer Prime is the trouble it has locking on to a GPS signal. Now, whether or not that is even a valid complaint for a tablet can be argued until blue in the face. I personally think using a tablet for a GPS unit is a silly thought and would never think to Velcro my Prime to my cars window or strap it to my bike’s handlebars. But who am I to judge? And apparently ASUS doesn’t want to judge either because they want to keep their positive customer service in tact and have offered Prime owners a solution – a free GPS dongle.

All a Prime owner needs to do is simply register their tablet and in a few weeks will receive this tablet add-on in the mail. Speaking of receiving a dongle in the mail, our pals at Engadget already got their dongle and put together a little video showing how it can drastically improve GPS reception. The Prime managed to lock on to 16 satellites in only a matter of seconds and should prove to be more than enough signal for anyone. It may not be the prettiest of solutions, but hey, at least it free. Jump past the break to check it out in action. » Read the rest

ClockworkMod Touch Recovery Now Available for the Transformer and Transformer Prime

by Stacy Bruce on
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For those of you ASUS Transformer and Transformer Prime owners who enjoy a little custom recovery action every now and then you’ll be pleased to know the CM touch version is now available to you. Over the weekend Sir Koushik Dutta released the touch recovery for the two tablets, adding to the ever growing list of compatible deices. This will make it the first “tablet” versions added to the list, though.

If you have yet to use touch recovery on any of your devices, well, you are missing out. After using the handy touch controls on my Galaxy Nexus, the OG version on my Transformer Prime just seems so outdated. Not that there is anything wrong with the older scrolling method, I just prefer to tap away at my hacking. :-)

To get the newest CM recovery on your Transformer and Transformer Prime is a piece of cake. You can automatically flash it through the ROM Manger app for the small price 0f $2 (you really should support CM development), go to the CM source link for manual install instructions, or you can use the flashable zip below (created by XDA member jvscorp). Happy touching!

Clockwork Recovery 5.8.1.8 by JvS Corp.zip

source: ClockworkMod / XDA
via: Android Police

CyanogenMod 9 Nightlies For Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy S II, ASUS Transformer Series Now Available

by Ed Caggiani on
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Everyone’s favorite custom ROM, CyanogenMod 9,  is coming to more devices on a nightly basis with the addition of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Wi-Fi, Google I/O edition, and T-Mobile version), Samsung Galaxy S II (non-U.S.), ASUS Transformer, and ASUS Transformer Prime.

The addition of these devices comes on top of nightlies for the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, and Motorola Xoom. Remember, these ROMs are built every night and could be buggy and unstable, so flash at your own risk!

Download links after the break.

» Read the rest

ASUS Posts Teaser Video for MWC 2012 – Twice the Detail, Twice the Fun

by Ed Caggiani on
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A short 17 second teaser video about what ASUS will be showing off at Mobile World Congress 2012 has been posted to YouTube. The video starts with the simple question, “Eager to see more detail?” while we watch a bunch of bouncing balls arrange themselves in a box to form what is obviously a tablet running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It finishes by saying, “Twice the detail, twice the fun. Endless possibilities.

The post about this video on the ASUS Facebook page is filled with comments from people guessing what they are teasing. Many folks believe this is in reference to the Transformer Prime HD (TF700), which comes in at a sharp 1920 x 1200 resolution (that’s WUXGA 1080p, folks). This sure sounds plausible, especially since the video uses balls as pixels to make up a screen, alluding to screen resolution.

» Read the rest

Quick Rant: Why I Love My Motorola Xoom Wifi Tablet And Don’t Plan On Upgrading Anytime Soon

by Roy Alugbue on
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What does a tablet mean to you? To most, it’s something that lets you have productivity on the go— emails, social communication, reading articles and e-books, etc. Of course consumers realize it’s possible to do all that with a notebook computer or netbook. However, it’s no secret that notebooks are losing in popularity because people understand in this day and age, “less is truly more”. You could have a netbook as well, but then some individuals would be graced with keys far too small for big hands like yours truly, a small screen that’s sometimes just slightly bigger than that of a smartphone or the fact netbooks just aren’t powerful enough even to do the bare minimum like check emails, do some online chatting, etc. Manufacturers have realized consumers want something that can bring the best of both worlds and that’s why tablets have been developed now.

While Apple’s iPad is leading the revolution, it’s obvious there are many other successful tablets. There are many of you who own a tablet now and then there are many of you who will be looking to purchase a tablet in the near-future. The great thing about Android tablets is that they are a direct reflection of the Android platform in general. The Android platform allows for a variety of manufacturers to make unique and “customized” versions of the Android devices which are best suited for each user’s tastes. While there are popular options such as the ASUS Transformer Prime, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and of course the record-selling Amazon Kindle Fire, there’s one tablet that has won my heart and will continue to win my heart for the next year or two (or three or four). That tablet is the Motorola Xoom Wifi tablet. Introduced at last year’s CES, the tablet is still literally the model for which other Android tablets are developed and shaped. I will share with you all my thoughts and experience of owning this tablet. Of course many of you will disagree and want to throw in your two cents, but I just want to give you all some insights as to what the device means to me and how it fits in my lifestyle. » Read the rest

Grand Theft Auto III Gets Updated To 1.3, Brings Support To Transformer Prime & Ability To Install Game On SD Card

by Roy Alugbue on
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Grand Theft Auto III for Android has been updated to version 1.3 and it looks to enhance the overall experience for those playing the game. In addition to the game tailoring your visual experience with new video display settings, you can expect the following:

  • Added support for Medion Lifetab and the Asus Transformer Prime
  • Integrated with Immersion Haptic Vibration Feedback
  • Improved controls for supported gamepads
  • Improved controls for Xperia Play
  • Game can now be installed to an SD card
  • Gamestop Wireless Game Controller fully supported
  • Additional technical fixes

We’re sure you all will especially appreciate the idea of installing the game to an SD card and improved support for gamepads. If you own the game already, be sure to get the update ASAP— especially if you want to take advantage of the new features.

Android Market

[via Rockstar Games by Droid Gamers

How To Root The Asus Transformer Prime……Again

by Joe Sirianni on
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With all of the Asus Transformer Prime buzzing the internet lately it’s hard to keep up with what’s going on with this device.  Anyhow, if you want to quickly catch up on all of the TP news check out the links to our previous articles below.  In the meantime, if you were one of the few who experienced some funny business after the first and second OTA update and especially if you lost root access, this post is for you.  The folks over at XDA have been hard at work to get you root again and we’ve supplied the instructions below to make it easy for you.  This is completely unsupported so proceed at your own risk.  However, if you’re ready to take control of your device again, give it a go.  Hit the source link for the full thread and feel free to comment below and let us know how well the root method worked for you.  Enjoy.

Previous articles:

» Read the rest

Transformer Prime GPS Performance Actually Worse Off After Software Update?

by Joe Sirianni on
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It’s been a real sad state of affairs hearing all of the negative news surrounding the Transformer Prime lately.  Who would have thought the follow up device would have undergone so many fails in such a short time?  This week it’s being reported by a number of Prime owners that their already lacking GPS functionality has gotten significantly worse since the last update.  Quite a number of members over at XDA have reported that their already weak signal is now no longer present since downloading the second Android 4.0 update.  One of the members even reported leaving their TP on the window sill for over 25 minutes and it still didn’t latch on to a satellite.  Asus went on record stating that the “metallic uni-body design” is responsible for the weak GPS signal in that it ultimately interferes with the signal’s ability to reach the device’s sensors.  The company states that the new TF700 device is supposed to effectively fix the issue however.  Lets hope reports about ASUS charging their customers to fix the issue isn’t true.  Did you fork out for a Prime?  What do you think?  Feel free to rant all you want in the comments below.

[via Electronista]

Build 9.4.2.11 Rolling Out To An Asus Transformer Prime Near You

by Joe Sirianni on
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Those who experienced some “wacky” behavior after the most recent ICS update for the Transformer Prime, Asus has indeed begun rolling out their new update to make it up to you.  Build 9.4.2.11 should be rolling out to your device shortly and we’d definitely like to hear from you as to how well it’s working.  However, note that if you’re one of the individuals who rooted your device, THIS WILL BREAK ROOT.  Our own Editor, Stacy Bruce can attest to this as the OTA has recently rolled out to his rooted T-Prime.

“I noticed better GPS, less banding in apps and a faster browser”           - Stacy Bruce

He notes that you can use supercurio’s voodoo to restore root access, however.  And while there isn’t an official change log available we can note that the GPS is now showing version 6.9.13 from 6.8.13.  So, if you see anything different, be sure to report it in the comments below or in our forum.  In addition, it appears that the camera has been updated as well.  Stay tuned to the post as we’ll either provide the change log as soon as it’s available or create an entirely new post linking back to this one.  To check for the update on your Prime now, go to:  Settings—>About Tablet—>”System Firmware Update”.  And if you happened to miss our initial unboxing and hands-on of the device, be sure to check it out here.

[via Droid Life]

ASUS Says Don’t Hold Your Breath For 3G Transformer Prime Tablet, For Now

by Roy Alugbue on
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Those of you hoping for a 3G variant of the ASUS Transformer Prime tablet are in for some bad news. Despite earlier reports and rumors of a 3G variant of the device, ASUS has gone ahead and dispelled any such thought of such a device and even adds “no such product exists on its current roadmap”. However, the company does expect to launch 3G versions for other high-end products in the Transformer family in the future. So there you have it folks— don’t hold your breath on any 3G Transformer Prime tablet… for now.

[via Focus Taiwan]

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