Android Phone Fans |
- Zack Morris, The Terminator, Rick Astley, Miley wear Google Glass [CONTEST WINNERS]
- The Last Glass Invite: Android Forums Staff Appreciation
- Galaxy Note 12.2 passes FCC as Samsung looks toward bigger tablet
- Switching between launchers in Android 4.4 KITKAT [VIDEO]
- How to enable lock-screen widgets in Android 4.4 KITKAT [VIDEO]
- LG G Flex hits Korea next week, European launch confirmed — where else?
- Mobile Roar Podcast 20: Nexus 5 thoughts, iPad Air review, and more!
- Limited edition OPPO N1 with CyanogenMod shipping internationally this December
- Signs point to Moto Maker opening for all major US carriers soon
- Nexus 5 now available from Sprint — get it for as low as $50
- Motorola DROID Ultra, DROID MAXX and DROID Mini updates rolling out to all users
- Dr. Who fans will love this Android Google Now Easter Egg
| Zack Morris, The Terminator, Rick Astley, Miley wear Google Glass [CONTEST WINNERS] Posted: 08 Nov 2013 05:37 PM PST Our Great American Glass Contest is finally over and many of you are wondering who was crowned champion of several outstanding contests; namely our Nexus 5 Forum Frenzy Contest, Photoshop Contest, #GlassPhan Contest, ConsoleCopter Contest, and Developer Appreciation Contest. Here is the post you’ve been waiting for. Photoshop Contest Winner The Photoshop Contest was the most entertaining and our random winner came from these 3 gems:
The Terminator makes you smirk after a quick second of thinking about it, the Rick Astley Rick Roll Glass is absolutely genius, and the Zack Morris Google Glass is absolutely hilarious. Our random number generator selected Rick Astley’s Google Glass as the winner- from AF member “maped” – although we would have been perfectly happy with ANY of these as winners. Awesome stuff! There were some other great Glass Photoshops, too, which you can find at the bottom of this article. But first let’s share our other winners. Developer Appreciation Contest Winner: Andrew McSherry Nexus 5 Forum Contest Winner: AGx ConsoleCopter Contest: CW Larson #GlassPhan Contest: corey0928 And now… for your viewing pleasure… some more of our Glass Photoshop entries!
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| The Last Glass Invite: Android Forums Staff Appreciation Posted: 08 Nov 2013 04:24 PM PST
If you haven’t joined Android Forums… you should. It’s an amazing resource and an amazing community. It allows people with similar devices, issues, problems, ideas, and interests to share tips & tricks, offer support, and help everyone get the most out of their Android device. But Android Forums wouldn’t be possible without staff and an amazing cast of loyal members. (Check out our Nexus 5 Forums) We reserved this last Google Glass invite to one member who expressed immediate interest in buying the device and using their experience to help other Google Glass Explorers on Android Forums. The last Google Glass invite goes to jhawkk who has racked up an astounding 7,900+ posts and has been “thanked” an outrageous 2,400+ times. Jhawkk is a prime example of the type of people that make Android Forums so awesome. We don’t have unlimited invites to share, but wanted to take the opportunity to symbolically thank all of Android Forums staff and premium members and loyal members for contributing to the site. There’s a good chance a few more invites will be thrown that direction depending on a few winners we’re still waiting to hear back from. Here was the recap of our 9 day Google Glass Invite contest… The Great American Glass ContestWe’re giving away 9 Glass invites in 9 days and you don’t want to miss an opportunity to score big… so check out our schedule below to see which contests are still open!
Announcing the winners…We’ve already announced winners for Day 2, Day 7, Day 8, and Day 9… but that leaves 5 more winners to announce. Stay tuned. In the next hour I’ll be announcing those winners along with some hilarious photoshops of Glass on celebrities. Thanks again to jhawkk and all of the Android Forums Staff, Premium Members, and loyal members! |
| Galaxy Note 12.2 passes FCC as Samsung looks toward bigger tablet Posted: 08 Nov 2013 11:58 AM PST Samsung's next tablet could be the company's largest yet. Reports indicate that the Korean mobile maker has plans to bring a slate with a 12.2-inch display to market early next year. Seen here passing through the FCC with model number SM-P900, all signs point to the tablet earning a place among Samsung's Galaxy Note lineup. What will likely launch as the Galaxy Note 12.2 sometime early next year (the January/February convention season could mark its debut) surfaced only recently, but surrounding buzz suggests other than the larger display the device could end up with a familiar hardware compliment. The S-Pen toting tablet will borrow from the build of the Galaxy Note 10.1 204 Edition, if we are to believe initial reports. This could include a 256×1600 display and Snapdragon 800 CPU (or Exynos 5420). Samsung isn't the only company expected to introduce an extra-large tablet next year. Rumors also claim that Apple could get in on the act with a 13-inch iPad as analysts see the market segment picking up steam in the wake of Microsoft's Surface. |
| Switching between launchers in Android 4.4 KITKAT [VIDEO] Posted: 08 Nov 2013 11:00 AM PST To say that switching between multiple replacement launchers in Android has been a pain would be a vast understatement. It sucked, and for a lot of users — particularly those who don’t consider themselves “power” users — it was downright confusing. Thankfully, Google looked to address that in Android 4.4 KITKAT with a new menu option under settings. Simply dubbed “Home,” this menu houses a list of all the different home-screen / launcher replacements you have installed on your phone. Touch one, and that is now your default launcher. It’s extremely simple, but it’s a change that’s going to save a lot of people a lot of headache (especially if you’re the type to switch launchers about as often as you switch underwear). I should note that this menu also gives you the option to uninstall said launchers, though you obviously won’t be able to rid your device of the one that came pre-installed. No biggie, there — it’s always good to have a backup plan. Watch the video above to see how this simple, yet powerful feature works. |
| How to enable lock-screen widgets in Android 4.4 KITKAT [VIDEO] Posted: 08 Nov 2013 10:00 AM PST When I first received my Nexus 5, the first thing I was obviously interested in was taking a stroll around Android 4.4 KITKAT. It’s always fun digging into a new version of Android to discover the bits and pieces Google didn’t tell us about. One of those pieces was a new lock-screen widgets setting that is now disabled by default. So, no, you’re not crazy. Lock-screen widgets definitely aren’t there the first time you boot KITKAT up. Instead, you’ll have to jump into the security menu inside Settings to check a nice, big box. Turn off your display, turn it back on, and voila — lock-screen widgets! You’re probably wondering why Google would make such a change. For starters, they want to get serious about security. How secure is a phone that displays potentially sensitive information before you even go to unlock the thing? So Merry Christmas, and a happy new year. Watch the video above for the visual cue on how to do this. |
| LG G Flex hits Korea next week, European launch confirmed — where else? Posted: 08 Nov 2013 09:47 AM PST Folks in Korea will be able to get their hands on LG's take on the the curved smartphone next week, according to an official news release from the company. The LG G Flex will be available beginning November 12th at a price of 999,900 won, a number that equates to about $940. The release also confirmed a European launch on Orange France for December. The only question remaining is whether or not we will see the phone, which features a flexible OLED panel, make its way to the United States. LG and Samsung have been in a bit of a curved OLED dogfight that began with the larger panels of their television lineups before the technology made its way to smartphones with the G Flex and Galaxy Round. Both handsets show the early promise of bendable displays, but neither is realized as a truly foldable smartphone, a concept shown off in early mockups and prototypes showcasing the technology. LG's model has, however, been demonstrated to a show a good deal of mailability. The fact that these curved phones are niche devices acting more as proof-of-concept pieces, it wouldn't be surprising if they remain relegated to smaller markets. A full-fledged release in the States is unlikely for either device, but it might not be out of the question to see the G Flex surface on a lone American carrier. [via Newswire] |
| Mobile Roar Podcast 20: Nexus 5 thoughts, iPad Air review, and more! Posted: 08 Nov 2013 09:17 AM PST This week on the Mobile Roar Podcast we celebrate our 20th episode with some great mobile news. Kevin talks about his iPad Air review, and then we get sidetracked by how awesome Star Wars Tiny Tower is. Chris shares his thoughts on the Nexus 5 and specifically the camera. Of course we also have your usual off-topic banter and Sprint bashing. Won’t you join us!? Show Notes
Wins and Fails of the Week
Email: podcast [at] mobileroar [dot] com Joe Fedewa (@jayzeroeee) - WinSource.com
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Limited edition OPPO N1 with CyanogenMod shipping internationally this December Posted: 08 Nov 2013 07:49 AM PST Back in September we heard all about the new OPPO N1, which would be among the first Android smartphones to ship with support for flashing popular Android ROM CyanogenMod. We also heard about a special edition of the phone that would come with CyanogenMod pre-installed. A news release issued today sheds further details on when and where eager buyers can expect to get their hands on the device. The limited edition phone will be available in December and will ship internationally with a version of CyanogenMod tailored to the N1 in tow. This includes support for special features like the handset's O-Touch panel and O-Click Bluetooth remote. The software will also incorporate elements of OPPO's ColorOS, including the ability to wake the phone by double-tapping its screen. As part of the limited run of smartphones, OPPO is bundling a few CyanogenMod-flavored extras with the device. The phone will come with a special edition case, stickers, and other goodies. How much extra will it cost to get CyanogenMod out of the box? Not a cent. Those purchasing the limited edition version of the OPPO N1 can expect to pay the same price as the standard variant. [via Oppo] |
| Signs point to Moto Maker opening for all major US carriers soon Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:45 AM PST The problem with Moto Maker, perhaps the single defining feature of Motorola's Moto X, is that it has been exclusive to AT&T customers since the phone launched. Representing a new approach to purchasing a smartphone, Moto Maker allows buyers to customize their own personalized Moto X handset, choosing colors, an inscription, and greeting message, and even allowing to have the phone set up with a Google account at the factory. The X is a respectable phone overall, but this unprecedented sales model was its real selling point. It now appears Google and Motorola will be able to truly test the manufacturing prowess of the new factory the company opened in Texas to process custom Moto X orders as all signs point to Moto Maker soon going live for all major US carriers. The latest leak showcases a few Moto Maker exclusive color options with Verizon branding, while news from earlier in the week speculates Sprint could see the service launch on November 11th. Famed leakster @evleaks posted a note to his Twitter account that T-Mobile could gain Moto Maker access as early as today, but the claim was not elaborated upon further. When Moto Maker does expand, it could come with new customization options, including the wooden back plates showcased at Motorola's launch event for the phone. At the time, Motorola indicated that the company had plans to continually expand options for Moto X customers, but the service as it stands still presents the same color and material choices as it did on launch day. Will Moto Maker's second wave help the Moto X to realize its full potential? Did Motorola's experiment in customizable smartphones meet their expectations? What do you think? [via @evleaks]
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| Nexus 5 now available from Sprint — get it for as low as $50 Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:14 AM PST The Nexus 5 is now available for Sprint and is ready for purchase online and in stores. The Android 4.4 KitKat flagship starts at $149.99 when signing a new two year agreement, but purchasing from Sprint's site could drop the handset's price to as low as $49.99 after added savings and instant rebates are applied. Made by LG and based off their powerful G2 handset, the Nexus 5 features a Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.2GHz, 5-inch full HD display, and 8MP camera. Its tri-band hardware means it will be among the first devices to gain access to Sprint's ultra-fast 1 gigabit Spark network when the carrier unveils the service to the public likely sometime in 2014. For those not wishing to sign a two-year wireless contract, the Nexus 5 starts at $349.99 for a 16GB model when purchased outright from Google. Going the contract-free route inexplicably costs $100 more for the same device from Sprint at $449.99. Are you a new Nexus 5 owner as of today thanks to Sprint? Be sure to keep it tuned here to Phandroid for continuing coverage of Google's latest flagship. For even more discussion, head over to Android Forums and let us know what you think. [Sprint] |
| Motorola DROID Ultra, DROID MAXX and DROID Mini updates rolling out to all users Posted: 08 Nov 2013 01:09 AM PST Last week, we learned about an OTA upgrade — version 12.15.15.en.US –going out to Motorola’s latest DROID phones for Verizon. The updates first came as part of a soak test, but it was later discovered that some folks had gotten the green light to download it without being part of Motorola’s feedback program. Not everyone got in on the fun, but Motorola’s VP of Product Management Punit Soni has mentioned that the upgrade should now be rolling out to all of the latest DROID phones. Most of the updates pertain to the camera, but there are some other key changes you’ll want to take heed to:
And now for the camera stuff, which is the same suite of fixes Moto X users have been enjoying for quite some time:
It’s not the Android 4.4 KITKAT many of you are likely craving, but this is still a significant face lift that should make many folks eager to get their hands on this upgrade. Be sure to hit Settings > About Phone and check for the firmware update right now. You’ll want to be on WiFi, of course, as this will be a sizable download. It also wouldn’t hurt to get your battery charged up to at least 30%. Oh, and don’t forget that some of Motorola’s older DROIDs on Verizon’s network have received minor OTA upgrades recently (as one gracious soul at AndroidForums kindly pointed out). We’re talking about the Motorola DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD. That should bring us improved HDMI connectivity, fixes for GPS indicator issues, the ability to charge via Rapid Charger while the device is off, and an updated version of Backup Assistant. The same deal goes for these phones as the latest DROIDs — WiFi, 30% battery, then head to Settings > About Phone. Hop to it! |
| Dr. Who fans will love this Android Google Now Easter Egg Posted: 07 Nov 2013 10:06 PM PST Dr. Who fans will undoubtedly appreciate this Easter Egg that can be found by popping open Google Now and searching for “When am I?” on your Android phone. Do it. Seriously. Right now, do it… I’ll wait right here in this smartphone booth. See? Told you it was worth the effort and I’m still right here waiting for you. For those not following along at home, here is what we’re audibly told (SPOILER):
I won’t pretend to be a Dr. Who expert and after getting schooled by Wallie Hawkins in the comments, am passing along his far superior explanation of the TARDIS (you can read more here):
Clearly there is at least one, and probably many, Dr. Who fans at Google. I’m a bit obsessed with time travel movies myself, but never got entrenched in Dr. Who. Perhaps this will kick off my next unhealthy Netflix binge. [Via Thomas Maiocco] |
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