ANDROID Community
Rdio app undergoes a facelift, Android 4.0 support included
Those of you who were Rdio users prior to purchasing a Samsung Galaxy Nexus were probably wondering when it would be updated to Android 4.0. It is now perfectly compatible, and even underwent a much welcomed UI transformation. Like other music streaming apps, Rdio offers an great collection of over 12 million songs that can be instantly streamed to any Android device.
Just like Spotify and Grooveshark, songs can be cached for offline playback. It’s hard to decide which one to subscribe to – as all offer access to so many songs. But more likely than not, you’ve already taken a liking to one prior to reading this. And there, you’ve made your playlists and populated your music library through your personal account.
So why would you jump services if all offer the same features? You wouldn’t. And that’s why survival and growth completely depends on future device compatibility. As long as Rdio, Spotify, Grooveshark, and many others continue to support the latest firmware and devices – they’ll be able to retain there subscribers.
Story Timeline[via MobileBurn]
Android Community Evening Wrap-Up: February 6, 2012
We had quite a few stories today, and the most interesting may well be the rumor of some Android-based HUD glasses from Google. There have been rumors suggesting a secret project is in the works to bring some augmented reality glasses to public testing soon. It will apparently only be for one eye, and on the side. Unfortunately, it’s not likely they will be see through – so don’t plan on becoming a ‘terminator’ quite yet.
Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus had an update to 4.0.4 leak today, and it has proved to improve users’ signals in just about every way. It hasn’t officially rolled out yet, but isn’t difficult at all to install. Find out more information on how to upgrade here.
Have you checked Facebook lately on your Android smartphone or tablet? The official Facebook app should see mobile ads incorporated starting in March, so enjoy your ad-free application while you can! Adding inline ads could potentially boost their revenue to unheard-of amounts. There’s no doubt you’ve accidentally tapped one of those ads while navigating through countless other applications.
And we were also graced with another Samsung Galaxy S III rumor – one that suggests it will be 7mm thin! So now we’ve got a 7mm, waterproof, 12MP camera, and full-touchscreen display that spans . At this point it’s hard to imagine an area of improvement for the device.
LibreOffice Android port progresses to prototype
A few months ago we brought you news that LibreOffice, the open source offshoot of popular free office suite Open Office, was headed to Android. While it would be wrong to say that the team of developers is making rapid progress, progress is nonetheless being made. The prototype app for Android tablets (Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich) was recently shown off in a single screenshot. Without passing too much judgement this early in development, I can say this: for those frustrated with the relatively sparse feature-sets of mobile office suites like Google Docs, it’ll be well worth the wait.
LibreOffice is published by a series of volunteer developers called The Document Foundation. The team is mostly former members of the Open Office project who left when Oracle bought Sun Microsystems, who had previously funded Open Office. With more than 8 million downloads in 2011 alone, it’s fast become one of the favorite free office suites for desktops, and is included by default in many Linux distributions. In addition to Android and iOS versions, The Document Foundation hopes to create online editions of the various application in LibreOffice using HTML 5.
LibreOffice includes all the basics of an office suite: a Word-style document manager, spreadsheet program, presentation program (PowerPoint-style), database manager, vector tool and formula editor. It’s not clear which of these programs will make it to the Android port, though the first three would seem to be a given. There’s clearly a lot of work that needs to be done (especially to create a powerful yet touch-friendly interface) but the project remains an exciting one for work-focused Android users.
[via ArsTechnica]
Cowon extends its PMP line with Z2 Plenue
Believe it or don’t, there’s still plenty of people out there who just want a little flexible media playing in their mobile device, and at least six or seven of them haven’t already bought an iPod Touch. For that market, Cowon makes some stylish and acoustically sound products, which they’ve lately been loading with Android. The latest is the Z2 Plenue, and no, we don’t know what “Plenue” means, either. The device is on sale in South Korea now, but probably won’t make it outside of Asia for a few months at the very least.
With a 1Ghz processor and 512MB of RAM, not to mention a 3.7-inch 800×480 OLED display, the Z2 Plenue is the equal of the original Nexus One and HTC Incredible, at least as far as power and visibility goes. Storage options range from 8GB all the way to 32GB, with the extra trick of being NTFS-formatted, so files larger than 4GB (like, say, HD video rips) can fit on the device’s storage without issue. If even that isn’t enough, you can augment it with the open MicroSD card slot. Connection options include the basic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and you get an FM tuner to sweeten the deal.
While three capacitive navigation buttons are shown, so is a pretty heavily modified Android skin, to the point that it’s impossible to tell which version of Android is running underneath it. Based on the promo photo there appears to be some kind of proprietary app store that’s definitely not the Android Market. If you’re interested and you’re in Korea, you can pick up a Cowon Z2 Plenue for $200-300 in local currency, depending on storage capacity.
[via Geeky Gadgets]
HTC makes “Studio” design division under CEO
HTC doesn’t look so hot at the moment, at least from a financial point of view. But that doesn’t mean they’re resting on their laurels. The Taiwanese manufacturer announced a new department, code-named “Studio”, which will report directly to CEO Peter Chou. The Studio division (which probably isn’t its final name) will be compromised of leading designers and engineers, with the purpose of overcoming some of the company’s identified shortcomings in its 2011 devices.
Two design aspects in particular that they identified as needing revision are thinness of phones’ profiles and the relationship between LTE connections and battery drain. Anyone who’s owned an HTC ThunderBolt can identify with these problems, and its successors the Rezound and Vivid aren’t all that much better. All this is compounded by smaller and for the most part better phones from HTC’s primary competitors: the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE (AKA the Skyrocket on AT&T) and the Motorola DROID RAZR. HTC’s obviously working fast, as the much-leaked HTC Ville headed to Mobile World Congress is already shaping up to be a thin, powerful phone.
Also of note in their conference call was a hint towards a more “open-minded” attitude when it comes to selecting components. The HTC representative specifically mentioned CPUs in this context. Considering the Ville’s supposed launch partner, the HTC Edge, that makes a lot of sense: the Edge will probably be the first smartphone to use an Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, as opposed to HTC’s usual Qualcomm SoC’s. Both devices are expected to make an appearance at HTC’s pre-Mobile World Congress event in late February.
Story Timeline[via Unwired View]
Samsung Galaxy Nexus in White official: Coming February 13
We knew it was coming but today Samsung made it official. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus in white is real, and coming soon. It will be available starting on February 13th and will be identical to the regular model — only white as snow. Sadly it being available so late it has missed the snow for many markets, but then that depends on where you live.
Like mentioned above, the white edition will be on sale starting February 13th in locations throughout the UK, and we can expect more to follow shortly. No US carriers have announced any plans yet but most likely we’ll see it hit some 3rd party retailers like Amazon, RadioShack and others eventually — only the GSM version.
We first saw some pre-orders followed by officially leaked pictures but today Samsung has officially confirmed the handset. Since these are GSM and unlocked Samsung will be offering them for a pretty penny, but you’ll be able to choose from the 16GB and the 32GB models. Samsung themselves didn’t offer any official pricing but being unlocked they probably wont be too cheap.
Do you want a white Galaxy Nexus?
Story Timeline // startHeight ? startHeight : newHeight; box.animate({height:newHeight,duration:500, easing:'bounceEaseOut'},function(){ if(boxH > startHeight){ jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See More'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_down.gif) no-repeat'); } else {jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See Less'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_up.gif) no-repeat'); } } ); }); }); // ]]> Device Specifications and Information Device Info- Device Name : GALAXY Nexus
- Manufactuer : Samsung
- Carrier : Verizon
- Announced Date : October 18, 2011
- Release Date : December 15, 2011
- Also Known As : Nexus Prime
- Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
- Resolution : 1280x720
- Screen Type : Super AMOLED
- Height : 5.33 Inch
- Width : 2.67 Inch
- Depth : 0.35 Inch
- Weight : 135 Grams
- Battery Type:
- Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity : 1750 mAh
- Talk Time : NA
- Stand By Time : NA
- Android OS:
- 4.0.x
- Audio Playback:
- AAC
- AAC+
- AMR
- MID
- MP3
- WAV
- WMA
- Video Playback:
- h.263
- h.264 / AVC
- MPEG-4 (MP4)
- Messaging:
- SMS
- MMS
- CPU : OMAP 4460
- CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
- Core : 2
- Ram : 1000 MB
- Internal Storage : 32 GB
- Front Facing Camera :
- Camera Resolution :5 MP
- Camera Features:
- Auto focus
- Flash
- 1080p Video Recording
- Sensors:
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light
- Proximity
- QWERTY :
- Network Technology:
- GSM
- CDMA
- GSM Band:
- 850
- 900
- 1800
- 1900
- Wi-Fi:
- 802.11b
- 802.11g
- 802.11n
- Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth 3.0
- Location Features:
- Compass
- GPS
- Cellular location
- Wi-Fi location
- FM Radio :
- NFC :
[via SlashGear]
Google clarifies CDMA debacle: still supporting developer phones, not publishing AOSP code
After a firestorm of controversy late last week, Google, Verizon and a lot of others caught flack for apparently abandoning support of the CDMA flavors of its developer devices: the Galaxy Nexus and Motorola XOOM on Verizon, as well as the older Nexus S 4G. After the devices disappeared from the listings on the Android.com developer portal. The only thing remaining for any CDMA device is the early builds for the Galaxy Nexus, and those are marked as “for reference only”. This led to speculation that Google had halted support for said devices, and in a way, they have.
Google will no longer publish the updated system software images for the three devices, because connecting to a CDMA network requires digital files and programs signed by the operator of that network, which can’t be open-sourced. Technically, this means that the entire ROM can’t be called “open source”, and therefore doesn’t belong on AOSP (Android Open Source Project). However, Google has updated its initial statement on Google Groups, reassuring device owners that they will continue to support the software even though it isn’t being posted to the AOSP repository.
Here’s their second statement in full (emphasis added):
Hi, all! Thanks for all the questions. Here’s a quick omnibus to answer thequestions folks have asked… First, just to be clear this change is only related to AOSP support forthese devices — that is, personal custom builds. These are obviously still officially-supported Nexus devices for everyday use, they will receive official software updates, and so on. Similarly, these are still fully-supported development devices for app developers.
Second, as I noted at the top of the thread, Nexus devices will still haveunlocked bootloaders, and we’ll continue to make available as many of the closed-source binaries as we can. CDMA support in AOSP has always been morechallenging than GSM, and this change is a reflection of that reality.
On that topic, here’s a quick clarification on the core issue. Every devicehas a number of closed-source software packages included on it. Though Google distributes some of these binaries for Nexus devices for use with AOSP, Google does not own the software. Rather, this software is variously owned by the device manufacturer, the carrier, and their suppliers. We tryto get distribution rights for as many of these binaries as possible, butin some cases it is difficult or impossible to obtain these rights. (CDMA specifically has a tricky history of intellectual property.) Combined withthe technical issues of needing to sign the apks correctly, this has prevented us from obtaining the distribution rights we need to supportthese devices in AOSP.
Finally, we will of course continue to work on improving support. If we can resolve these issues, we’ll certainly restore CDMA support to AOSP. In the meantime, we’ve updated our docs to be more accurate about the degree ofsupport.
So what it boils down to is this: Google either had some sort of agreement with the owners of the copyrighted code in the CDMA portions of the Android software images, or the owners either didn’t know or didn’t care about its distribution. Apparently, that’s no longer the case. Google has lost the right to distribute this code, or never had it in the first place and it’s now being enforced. GSM and WiFi operate on a collection of open standards, so this isn’t a problem for other phones like the standard models of the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S or the WiFi-only XOOM.
Google claims that they will continue to support CDMA phones to the best of their abilities, particularly when it comes to the binaries that developers need. They also hope to restore CDMA support to the Android Open Source Project at some point. This still leaves Android users with two questions: one, does this limited support include software updates directly from Google, or must the CDMA devices get them after the carriers and manufacturers have added their copyrighted code? If users can’t download the latest software from Google, how could they get it any other way?
And two: why the sudden change in policy? Why is this CDMA restriction in the open source code being enforced now, almost a year after the XOOM became the first developer device on a CDMA network? At this point, Google isn’t being particularly chatty on either subject.
Remember that Nexus and developer devices have always come with, and will continue to come with, unlockable bootloaders. The impact that this move has on custom ROMs for Nexus phones and the XOOM is almost zero. Even so, this change sets a worrying precedent for anyone who wants to use a developer device on the CDMA network of their choice.
// startHeight ? startHeight : newHeight; box.animate({height:newHeight,duration:500, easing:'bounceEaseOut'},function(){ if(boxH > startHeight){ jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See More'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_down.gif) no-repeat'); } else {jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See Less'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_up.gif) no-repeat'); } } ); }); }); // ]]> Device Specifications and Information Device Info- Device Name : GALAXY Nexus 4G [Verizon]
- Manufactuer : Samsung
- Carrier : Verizon
- Announced Date : December 14, 2011
- Release Date : December 15, 2011
- Also Known As : Nexus Prime
- Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
- Resolution : 1280x720
- Screen Type : Super AMOLED
- Height : 5.33 Inch
- Width : 2.67 Inch
- Depth : 0.37 Inch
- Weight : 150 Grams
- Battery Type:
- Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity : 1850 mAh
- Talk Time : NA
- Stand By Time : 150 hours
- Android OS:
- 4.0.x
- Audio Playback:
- AAC
- AAC+
- AMR
- MID
- MP3
- WAV
- WMA
- Video Playback:
- h.264 / AVC
- Messaging:
- SMS
- MMS
- CPU : OMAP 4460
- CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
- Core : 2
- Ram : 1000 MB
- Internal Storage : 32 GB
- Front Facing Camera :
- Camera Resolution :5 MP
- Camera Features:
- Auto focus
- Flash
- 1080p Video Recording
- Sensors:
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light
- Proximity
- QWERTY :
- Network Technology:
- CDMA
- CDMA Band:
- 900
- 1900
- Wi-Fi:
- 802.11b
- 802.11g
- 802.11n
- Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth 3.0
- Location Features:
- Compass
- GPS
- Cellular location
- Wi-Fi location
- FM Radio :
- NFC :
Rumor: Google’s Android-based HUD glasses getting public trials soon
We heard rumblings about a secret project deep within the bowels of Google back in December: that the company’s skunkworks division, known as “Google X”, was working on a heads-up display technology that runs on Android. Now 9to5Google is claiming more insider information, most importantly that the augmented reality glasses will be seeing a public testing soon, in the same fashion that the CR-48 Chrome laptop was distributed in early 2011. The source claims that Google is still ironing out the details, but whatever the company does, it’ll be “soon”.
The Google Glasses cram a surprising amount of tech into a small package, that reportedly bears a strong resemblance to Oakley’s Thump MP3 sunglasses from way back in 2004. Unlike the more scifi-inspired designs of TV and movies, the HUD screen is only on one lens, and isn’t transparent – it’s more like IBM’s designs for wearable computers from decades ago. A tiny camera and flash allow for augmented reality, as well as regular photos and presumably videos. The user interface navigates by a head-turning motion for scrolling and clicking. The miniaturized computer hardware is apparently equal to an Androied phone from about a year ago, and yes, it can make calls.
If this all seems a bit out there, remember two things: this couldn’t be less official if it was hand-delivered to us by a leprechaun, and Google loves to try crazy stuff. Their driverless car program is one of the best in the world, and while it doesn’t necessarily have much to do with their core business, neither did Android when they purchased it over four years ago. If the above information is accurate, and it turns out that Google really is interested in pursuing this as a possible consumer product, we’d throw out our Ray-Bans and be the first in line to try it. Now pardon me: I have to go re-read Daniel Suarez’s Daemon.
Andru Android Robot Micro-USB charger and collectible hands-on
Meet ANDRU. This little Android robot collectible powered by a new company called Gen can sit at your desk as you show off your love for Android with the included stand, then transform and charge your phone at the same time. Already an iconic image — the Android robot mascot now doubles as your charger. We were lucky enough to get one for a quick hands-on video and a few pictures so check it out.
There really isn’t much to say here other than this little charger is awesome. If you love Android gear this is for you. It’s a charger that will power all Android smartphones with micro-USB and it can also sit and look pretty on you desk at home, or work. Being only 2.5″ it is small and lightweight. ANDRU is made out of a soft matte covered rubber and is soft to the touch. The robot antenna’s are always a worry for many. Here they’re made from rubber that bends, and wont break like many other collectibles.
The stand easily pulls off, but clicks into place so you wont have to worry about it falling or getting lost. Andy’s eyes glow white once plugged into the outlet in standby mode, then glow blue while charging. It isn’t anything revolutionary and wont magically charge your device cable free — but it is neat, fun, and can be yours for only $25 — available today.
ANDRU USB Charger hands-on
“Android Winning” T-Shirts available now, get the entire collection
Who is ready to show their Android pride and spirit? Our favorite T-shirt maker is back with another Android themed shirt to go along with his awesome collection. From King Kong Andy to Dark Knight Andy and more. The new shirt available now is a follow up to the popular “Andy Versus” shirt released last year.
Whether you just love rocking the Android logo, or need another shirt to show off to friends we have you covered. I think King Kong Andy is still my favorite shirt of the entire collection but this latest version “Android Winning” is a close second. All the shirts are available from the links below.
As always these awesome shirts will run you just $17 a piece but are printed on high quality and comfortable American Apparel cotton tee’s. They have all sizes and even offer shirts for both men and women. Hit all the links below to see pictures of each version from the Andy collection. Be sure to buy them all and support this awesome Android fan and creative artist.
Story TimelineLenovo ThinkPad Tablet Android 4.0 update detailed and coming soon
Lenovo has just detailed and tipped our friends from SlashGear off regarding their update timeline for the ThinkPad Tablet. While they didn’t give us an extremely clear idea they were nice enough to mention the update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich will be here inside of Spring 2012. Basically within the next few weeks, or a couple of months.
Along with the awesome UI and performance improvements from 4.0 ICS we’ll also get the face unlock features shown on the Galaxy Nexus too. The ThinkPad tablet was one of the few Honeycomb tablets to also come with built-in navigation buttons, and those obviously will be sticking around with Ice Cream Sandwich as they are a part of the tablet. So we’ll have two options for navigation.
Lenovo didn’t give any details on their K1 tablet but we should expect an update to land for both of their Honeycomb tablets within a similar time frame. Along with the improved browser, voice input, face recognition, and more the stylus and mouse support will be even more present with Ice Cream Sandwich. This was a business minded tablet before — and will be the same moving forward. Users can expect the over-the-air update to land soon, so stay tuned.
Story Timeline // startHeight ? startHeight : newHeight; box.animate({height:newHeight,duration:500, easing:'bounceEaseOut'},function(){ if(boxH > startHeight){ jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See More'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_down.gif) no-repeat'); } else {jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See Less'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_up.gif) no-repeat'); } } ); }); }); // ]]> Device Specifications and Information Device Info- Device Name : ThinkPad Tablet
- Manufactuer : Lenovo
- Carrier :
- Announced Date : July 19, 2011
- Release Date : TBA
- Also Known As : Lenovo ThinkPad Honeycomb Tablet, Lenovo Android ThinkPad
- Screen Size : 10.1 Inch
- Resolution : 1280x800
- Screen Type : IPS LCD
- Height : Inch
- Width : Inch
- Depth : Inch
- Weight : Grams
- Battery Type:
- Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity : 3250 mAh
- Talk Time : NA
- Stand By Time : NA
- Android OS:
- 3.1.x
- Audio Playback:
- MP3
- CPU : Tegra 2
- CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
- Core : 2
- Ram : 1000 MB
- Internal Storage : 64 GB
- Front Facing Camera :
- Camera Resolution :5 MP
- External Storage:
- MicroSD
- MicroSDHC
- SD
- Sensors:
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light
- Proximity
- QWERTY :
- Wi-Fi:
- 802.11b
- 802.11g
- 802.11n
- Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth 2.0
- Location Features:
- Compass
- GPS
- Cellular location
- Wi-Fi location
- FM Radio :
- NFC :
Swype for Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich only “days away”
The popular 3rd party keyboard maker Swype promised an update to support Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich back at the beginning on January. Stating it would arrive before the end of the month. Now that we are slowly getting into February it should be coming any day now. Who is ready for some official Swyping on their Galaxy Nexus?
We say who is ready for official Swype because an unofficial hacked version with full Swype support has been around for well over a month. The Swype team was just making sure it is perfect before releasing it to the public. According to a few new tweets an update is only “days away” that will bring Ice Cream Sandwich support and tons of other goodies too.
Make sure to be signed up for the Swype Beta right here, as it will be available to beta testers first and then be pushed as an over the air update to official Swype users after a few days of testing as long as all goes well. Swype should be updating soon and we’ll also learn what these new “goodies” are that were mentioned in the tweet above. Stay tuned for more details.
Note: The tweets were from February 1st so this update should be here any minute now.
Story Timeline[via Droid-Life]
Facebook bringing mobile ads to Android devices starting in March
Latest rumors have Facebook set to tap into another market for revenue — as if they didn’t have enough money already. According to the Financial Times and Reuters Facebook will be adding in-line ads to our mobile devices, possibly inside the popular Android application. First filing for a public $5 billion IPO, and now this.
There doesn’t seem to be any concrete evidence to support these claims but coming from the likes of the Financial Times I’d say it is quite likely. Facebook is looking to tap into new revenue streams and mobile ads being a large market this could potentially be huge for them and their millions upon millions of users.
The quiet word on the block is that Facebook wont add the typical ad banner across the bottom of devices in an out of the way area. Instead it will be integrated right into your stream or feed as a “featured story” for easy (and pesky) viewing. We might soon have ads that they call “features” integrated right in the middle of your Aunt saying she walked the dog, and some girl you don’t remember from college complaining about her boyfriend.
Thoughts? Time to get out the pitchforks? Move to Google+? I have an idea — maybe Facebook will introduce mobile ads, then offer a paid $0.99 cent app with the ads removed. I can see the angry mob lining up already!
Motorola DROID Bionic update coming soon, soak test under way
Motorola is getting set to release yet another update to their popular Motorola DROID Bionic 4G LTE smartphone. After countless delays before launch the device has been riddled with little problems and bugs, but at least they’ve been updating frequently. New details on another “soak test” starting have been confirmed and we should be hearing more soon.
Many are assuming this will be Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the popular Motorola device – and it very well could be. Motorola has mentioned multiple times in the past they are aiming to update to ICS quickly in the beginning months of 2012 so we are hopeful.
We saw some leaked information on an upcoming update back in late January that has yet to land on devices. It’s also possible Verizon and Motorola may have made a few small changes and are getting ready to push that update yet again, but again nothing has been confirmed regarding what the update actually is. The last few updates for the Bionic has really improved the device in the few areas that were needed. Hopefully we’ll be hearing more and we will be sure to update once anything comes in.
Story Timeline // startHeight ? startHeight : newHeight; box.animate({height:newHeight,duration:500, easing:'bounceEaseOut'},function(){ if(boxH > startHeight){ jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See More'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_down.gif) no-repeat'); } else {jQuery('#toggle_device a').text('See Less'); jQuery('.ac_device_spec a').css('background','url(http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/themes/ewdisonv2/images/acw_device_up.gif) no-repeat'); } } ); }); }); // ]]> Device Specifications and Information Device Info- Device Name : DROID Bionic
- Manufactuer : Motorola
- Carrier : Verizon
- Announced Date : August 24, 2011
- Release Date : September 08, 2011
- Also Known As : Targa
- Screen Size : 4.3 Inch
- Resolution : 540x960
- Screen Type : qHD
- Height : 5.00 Inch
- Width : 2.60 Inch
- Depth : 0.40 Inch
- Weight : 159 Grams
- Battery Type:
- Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity : 1735 mAh
- Talk Time : NA
- Stand By Time : NA
- Android OS:
- 2.3.x
- Audio Playback:
- MP3
- Video Playback:
- MPEG-4 (MP4)
- Messaging:
- SMS
- MMS
- CPU :
- CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz
- Core : 2
- Ram : 1024 MB
- Internal Storage : 16.384 GB
- Front Facing Camera :
- Camera Resolution :8 MP
- External Storage:
- MicroSD
- MicroSDHC
- Camera Features:
- Auto focus
- Flash
- 1080p Video Recording
- 720p Video Recording
- Sensors:
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light
- Proximity
- QWERTY :
- Network Technology:
- GSM
- CDMA
- GSM Band:
- 850
- 900
- 1800
- 1900
- CDMA Band:
- 800
- 1900
- Wi-Fi:
- 802.11a
- 802.11b
- 802.11g
- 802.11n
- Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth 2.0
- Location Features:
- Compass
- GPS
- Cellular location
- Wi-Fi location
- FM Radio :
- NFC :
— Thanks Nickolas
Change DPI and Market settings easily with build.prop Editor
If you’re a dedicated Android modder, you’re probably aware of the myriad tweaks you can apply via the build.prop file, located in the /system folder. It’s a popular method of changing your phone or tablet’s screen density (as in our Galaxy Nexus Tablet experiment) or fooling the Android Market into thinking you’ve got a different phone than the one you have. But Android’s built-in text editor leaves something to be desired, and the only alternative to a root-enabled file browser has been the tedious ADB method of backing up and swapping in modified build.prop files.
Until now, that is: generous XDA member “nathanpc” (Nathan Campos) built an app specifically for rooted users to quickly and easily alter their build properties file. The build.prop editor is now in its 1.0 release, and while it’s a simple little app, it makes a common advanced process blessedly easier. Just install the app, grant it root permissions via the Superuser pop-up, and you can instantly modify any entry in the build.prop file to your liking. Both the property name (which in most cases, you won’t want to change) and the property key can be modified for each entry, and new properties can be added. Reboot to apply your changes.
Modder beware: messing with your build.prop file in the wrong way can give your Android phone or tablet some serious headaches. While the Editor generously includes a backup and restore function, it’s probably best to make your own backup as well before making any serious changes. With that warning out of the way, head on over to the Android Market to read Nathan’s warnings too, then download the app for free.
Android 4.0.5 for Galaxy Nexus gets teased by SFR
After the update to Android 4.0.4 was just leaked for both the Galaxy Nexus and even the Nexus S this past week, we are now hearing rumors regarding the Android 4.0.5 update for both devices. According to a new roadmap leaked by France’s SFR we are now seeing a full list of when they expect updates to hit — and for what devices.
From looking over the list shown above. It appears the update to Android 4.0.5 will possibly be landing in March for both the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus S. The other interesting note here is the fact they’ve also listed the HTC Sensation, Galaxy S II and others all seeing updates to a version of Ice Cream Sandwich around the same time frame.
With Android 4.0.5 we don’t expect any major changes other than Google fixes issues and improving the performance of their new Ice Cream Sandwich. For the others, they’ll finally be receiving official Android 4.0 updates to get them on the latest frozen treat rather than Gingerbread. We’ve seen leaks from HTC in the recent past, and expect updates to start rolling out for their popular devices soon. Could we see them by March? Who knows but I’m sure they are looking to hurry. Most likely Android 4.0.5 will be landing on the GSM Galaxy Nexus first, since the Verizon model just started seeing 4.0.4 this weekend.
Story Timeline[via Android Police]
Verizon and RedBox combine forces for Netflix competitor
Rumors of more robust Verizon video service have been flying for a while now, but it just became official. Big Red announced a partnership with popular vending machine rental company RedBox, with the aim of creating a “New Consumer Choice For Video Entertainment”. Details are thin on the ground, but the new service will be subscription-based (as opposed to RedBox’s current pay-per-play model) and is scheduled to launch in the second half of this year. Language in the press release hints at an online video service complimented by access to RedBox’s kiosks scattered at locations around the United States.
Verizon has had a deep longing for content-based revenue for the better part of a decade, and watching the likes of Apple, Google and Netflix load up on mobile content hasn’t helped them with their envy. RedBox is extremely popular in the US as an alternative to NetFlix, especially in areas where poor or non-existent broadband make streaming video impractical. While Netflix has had a few hiccups in the last year thanks to poor business decisions and a fluctuating library, RedBox continues to dominate the retail rental space. Teaming up with a well-known brand is a good move on Verizon’s part.
The partnership will almost certainly mean that Verizon customers will have exclusive access to RedBox’s digital content, at least on the mobile side of things. That indicates Android and iOS apps, and considering how far out they’re throwing this thing, the apps will probably launch with the service. Pricing is a no-show, but expect it to compete with the likes of Netflix and Hulu Plus in the $10-15 a month area. If the two companies can wrangle enough content to turn heads and somehow leverage RedBox’s retail presence, it could be a winner.
HTC Ville leaks again in new spy photos
HTC just can’t keep a lid on its new workhorse model, code-named the HTC Ville. The phone leaked in render form months ago, then in a surreptitious spy video showed the slinky phone running Ice Cream Sandwich. The Ville has once again popped up before its debut, this time in a series of blurrycam photos from Japanese site Ameblo. They don’t show anything we haven’t seen before, but the photos confirm the design, including its impressive thinness, a first among HTC’s usually chunky smartphones.
The Ville is expected to be HTC’s mid-range entry for 2012, matching the relative market location of the Sensation in 2012. Leaked specs include a dual-core 1.5Ghz processor, and a 4.3-inch QHD screen with an AMOLED panel. Details on other phone specifications are scarce, but the device is said to be a mere 8.9mm thin – a record for HTC, and admirable even in today’s crowded market. Naturally the phone runs Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC’s Sense 4.0, though you’d be hard pressed to spot the differences from these photos alone.
The smaller size and lower power of the Ville contrast with the HTC Edge, expected to have a 4.7-inch screen, Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor and a 720p screen. The Ville’s relatively mid-market status gives credence to the idea that we’ll see it first on T-Mobile in the US, probably replacing the Amaze 4G. While there’s certainly something going on at HTC’s pre-MWC event on February 26th, there’s no telling what it might be – though the quick removal of a previous version of the Ville video indicate that the company would prefer you don’t know about this phone just yet. See you in Barcelona.
Story Timeline[via Android-Life]
Samsung schedules March 22nd event in France
Samsung’s announced a new event! Quick, let’s dig through the Galaxy S III rumor mill and see what they’ll debut! Hold your horses, Samsung faithful – there’s reason to believe that the latest Samsung event isn’t the one the company hinted at when delaying the newest flagship. Two things point to a smaller announcement: one, it’s in March, just three weeks after Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. And two, it takes place in France, and apparently in French as well. Meaning no disrespect to our French readers, that indicates a regional announcement, probably a modified existing model like the Galaxy S Advance or a partnership with a local carrier. The lingua franca (so to speak) for the tech world is English, and announcements tend to come as such wherever they are: see Google and Samsung’s Hong Kong announcement of the Galaxy Nexus.
The announcement was revealed via invite to a handful of french publications, including FrAndroid. While the fan site didn’t reveal a location or exact time, it’ll take place on March 22nd. This date also points to something other than the Galaxy S III, since one of the major reasons that Samsung chose to exclude the GSIII from its Mobile World Congress showing is thought to be that they want to wait to give the device better footing against the iPhone 5. For the last three years Apple hasn’t announced a new iPhone earlier than summer.
That said, what do we expect to find at this announcement? The current flagships are allready released throughout France and the rest of Europe, and it isn’t Samsung’s style to hold a press event for anything less than a showstopper. If I had to guess (and please bear in mind that it’s only a guess) I’d say that the company will probably reveal the rumored 11.6-inch Galaxy Tab at Mobile World Congress, then use the French event to announce partnerships with local carriers for existing phones and tablets. In any case, we’ll be keeping a close eye on it to see if Samsung has any post-MWC surprises.
[via UnwiredView]
Android most popular among first-time buyers in Q4, says NPD
Despite a strong 4th quarter showing for Apple thanks to the launch of the iPhone 4S, Android continues to kick digital butt all over the world. Contradicting earlier numbers, analytics firm NPD reports that Android is even more popular among first-time smartphone buyers. Among US buyers from October through December, 57% chose Android, 34% chose iOS and just under 10% chose something else. Android led the overall race as well, with 48% of sales as opposed to Apple’s 43%. Android’s total US market share, as reported by a handful of firms, remains in the 46-48% range.
It’s not hard to see why Android continues to win in the US. A wide variety of form factors and price points give first-time buyers more than a single design and single screen size to choose from. While the iPhone is now available of three out of four of the big US carriers, Android is available basically anywhere, from top-tier providers with headline devices to small regional carriers with budget smartphones. The fact that mid-range Android phones tend to be a lot cheaper than their Apple counterpart doesn’t hurt, either.
The takeaway message here is that Android continues to grow, even in the US, where many thought it to be over-saturated. Both Android and iOS are still stealing market share from Windows Mobile/Windows Phone and BlackBerry, whose percentages have dropped in every quarter of the last year. With their combined share in the United States reaching 90%, soon enough Apple and Google will have no one left to pummel but each other. Is it any wonder that Cupertino is spending hundreds of millions to keep Android OEMs wrapped up in legal red tape?
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