Android Phone Fans |
- Sprint EVO 4G LTE wont receive Android 4.3 over-the-air, HTC begins trial for those willing to update manually
- HTC One users on T-Mobile and AT&T should expect Android 4.4 KitKat within the next few days
- HTC USA promises to support new flagships with updates for 2 years, exploring KitKat for the One X
- HTC now taking your questions live on Reddit sans Robert Downey Jr.
- HTC teases an easy fix for broken displays, in-house repair service incoming?
- Is this render our first look at the Samsung Galaxy S5?
- Mobile Roar Podcast 32: Flappy dies, but the LG G Pro 2 lives
- Is this the Xperia Z2? Sony’s next flagship pictured with Xperia Z and Z1
- Google+ Valentine’s Day easter eggs include plenty of hearts
- Google Play’s web store now keys you in to in-app purchases
- Galaxy Gear on sale today for $150 at Best Buy
- Free Apps, Games, Movies, Music, and Books in the Google Play Store for Valentine’s Day
- Samsung will face Apple again in court after mediation attempts reportedly fail
- Samsung Galaxy Core Prima, Ultra, Max, Ace Style, Atro and Flybell pop up at USPTO
| Posted: 14 Feb 2014 04:47 PM PST HTC EVO 4G LTE owners on Sprint haven’t had it easy. Essentially an HTC One X with a kickstand, EVO 4G LTE owners have had to sit and watch as the HTC One X recently found itself updated to Android 4.2.2, with the prospect of Android 4.4 KitKat in its future. Ouch. Other than its flashy red kickstand, it looks like there’s another area that sets the EVO 4G LTE apart from its One X cousin: the partition size. Apparently, this is the reason HTC/Sprint have been having so much trouble updating the device to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (promised in back October, but later delayed until mid-February). That being said, do you guys want the good news or the bad news first? The Bad News It’s been decided that because of the memory constraints with the EVO 4G LTE’s partition, this device will not be seeing Android 4.3 rolling out over-the-air. Boo. The Good News HTC has already begun developing a new process that will allow more “technical” EVO 4G LTE customers the option of updating their devices manually. Awesome. This actually sounds like the perfect compromised and shows HTC’s commitment to providing updates to those that really want them (technical users), while leaving customers who couldn’t care less about Jelly Beans or updates the opportunity to live out their lives in blissful ignorance. The best part? HTC is considering ways to streamline the update process by providing customers with ways direct apply updates themselves. No details were provided on what they might have up their sleeves, but HTC asks us to stay tuned. Those looking to get a head start on updating their HTC EVO 4G LTEs to Android 4.3 can sign up for the new trial by emailing HTC at: HTCTrial@htc.com (wont go live until later tonight). Now, HTC, about Android 4.4 KitKat… [HTC] | |||||
| HTC One users on T-Mobile and AT&T should expect Android 4.4 KitKat within the next few days Posted: 14 Feb 2014 04:00 PM PST While not as quick as say, the Moto X, the road to KitKat for the HTC One has been a relatively speedy one. Right towards the tail end of January, Sprint became the first carrier in the US to update the HTC One to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Soon after, the Verizon Wireless version of the device joined Sprint’s in the winner’s circle. Still waiting for the update are AT&T and T-Mobile users, but after keeping a close eye on HTC’s Reddit AMA, we learned that T-Mobile’s update is now in the final steps of its certification, and that the update will be pushed out to HTC Ones any day now. This information was furthered confirmed by HTC President Jason Mackenzie on Twitter, who also mentioned AT&T users should be expecting the update as well sometime next week. We’ll be keeping an eye out, and if anyone notices the update hitting their HTC One, feel free to drop us a line at press@phandroid.com, or hit me up on Twitter: @Gamercore. Cheers! | |||||
| HTC USA promises to support new flagships with updates for 2 years, exploring KitKat for the One X Posted: 14 Feb 2014 02:10 PM PST Before questions could even kick off, HTC revealed in their Reddit AMA that — although they may not have the best track record when it comes to delivering timely Android software updates in the past — they’re hoping to change this image moving forward. How, you ask? Well, HTC has formally announced their new commitment to support all future flagship devices with major updates for 2 years after they’ve been released (US-only initiative). Pretty bold words, considering HTC recently announced that the HTC One X and One X+ would no longer receive updates past Android 4.2.2 (which just rolled out last month, by the way). But according to HTC, it was a lack of support from NVIDIA that caused them to drop support for the global One X and One X+ (which ran the NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset). So then what happened to the One X/XL in the US that uses a Qualcomm processor? Apparently, they didn’t feel like it would have been fair to only update X, while leaving the X+ users high and dry. But, after much feedback from the One X community, HTC is now announcing that they’ve changed their tune, and are “actively exploring” how they can upgrade the HTC One X to Android 4.4 KitKat. Holy. Crap. For more info as it breaks, keep it locked to Phandroid or tune into the HTC AMAA on Reddit for yourselves. | |||||
| HTC now taking your questions live on Reddit sans Robert Downey Jr. Posted: 14 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST Yesterday we told you guys about HTC’s plans to host a live AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit (although admittedly, forgot to include the timezone). For those that may have missed yesterday’s post, HTC’s AMAA (ask me almost anything) on R/Android is now officially live with the North American Product team taking questions. We didn’t want you to miss it, as we’re sure to receive some added insight on what makes HTC tick, as well as their views on Sense vs stock Android, the HTC M8 (seriously, they’re not going to reveal anything), and any other concerns you may have as a current or potential HTC customer. But there are some things HTC wont be talking about:
Should be good! For those who’s job doesn’t afford them the luxury of browsing through Reddit, we’ll be sure to keep an eye on things should anything newsworthy come out of the AMA. Link below. | |||||
| HTC teases an easy fix for broken displays, in-house repair service incoming? Posted: 14 Feb 2014 12:41 PM PST Just before HTC’s big AMA on Reddit, the Taiwanese manufacturer began teasing some kind of new repair service they may begin on offering on Twitter. No details were given, only HTC hinting that broken screens are easily replaceable and that more would be revealed on February 18th. I think we can all agree, there’s probably no worse feeling in the world than when you drop your phone and find the display (or back) has been shattered (also, no better feeling when you find out the screen is intact). If HTC has some sort of cheap solution to keep our phones looking their best — whether it be an in-house repair service or affordable insurance ala Apple Care — we’re all ears. [Twitter] | |||||
| Is this render our first look at the Samsung Galaxy S5? Posted: 14 Feb 2014 11:35 AM PST Got your salt shaker ready? The image above comes along with claims that what we see depicted might just be our very first look at the Galaxy S5. If so, the handset remains characteristically Samsung while embodying a greater design leap than the company managed for the move from the Galaxy S3 to the Galaxy S4. Then again, this could simply be a decent enough fake hacked together from previous renders and composites. I will leave that determination with the pixel detectives for now. Fake or not, Samsung has said in the past that it will opt for a new look with the Galaxy S5 compared to previous models. A schematic claiming to showcase the design of the phone caught our attention earlier this week. The two leaks feature a look that is similar enough, including thinner bezels and slightly smaller home button than previous Galaxy S handsets. Samsung is scheduled to host an Unpacked event during Mobile World Congress where it is expected the Galaxy S5 could make its debut. Samsung has done a good enough job keeping the final look of the phone under wraps. As the phone gets closer to breaking cover, we might expect more leaks to follow. [via Move Player] | |||||
| Mobile Roar Podcast 32: Flappy dies, but the LG G Pro 2 lives Posted: 14 Feb 2014 11:24 AM PST ANNOUNCEMENT: We are now on Stitcher Radio! You can subscribe here. This week we recap the Rise and Fall of Dong. Of course, we’re talking about the developer of Flappy Bird. We also talk about the latest iPhone 6 leak and hoax, the dozens of Windows Phone 8.1 leaks, Edgar’s love of everything with the letter “G,” and Verizon’s latest shady move. Thanks for listening! The News
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This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | |||||
| Is this the Xperia Z2? Sony’s next flagship pictured with Xperia Z and Z1 Posted: 14 Feb 2014 10:12 AM PST The handset first described under the codename Sirius has leaked in a series of photos depicting the device next to previous Sony releases, the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z. The device shown does not make any grand departures from the design language of the older handsets, lending credibility to rumors that the phone could launch under the Xperia Z2 banner. The Sirius/Xperia Z2 does appear to be slightly larger than the other two phones shown here, suggesting whispers of a 5.2-inch display could be in the right ballpark. The Xperia Z and Xperia Z1 both featured a 5-inch display. While the Xperia Z2 may take over the mantle as Sony's flagship device for early 2014, the handset is not expected to be a major upgrade to the Z1. Potential specs include a Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB RAM, and a 20MP camera that would be practically identical to the optics featured in the Z1. The same set of leaks also indicates it should be available in both light and dark color variants. Expect black and white like previous Sony handsets. Evidence points to Sony potentially unleashing the Xperia Z2 as early as Mobile World Congress. If things pan out, we should be getting our first official glimpse at the latest member of Sony's flagship Xperia Z lineup in less than two weeks. [via Digi-wo] | |||||
| Google+ Valentine’s Day easter eggs include plenty of hearts Posted: 14 Feb 2014 09:01 AM PST Can you feel the love in the air? Have you had enough candy hearts? In case you haven't got your fill of Valentine's Day, Google+ has a few easter eggs that should put you right in a lovey-dovey mood. The first thing you might notice when clearing your notifications comes as a strike from Cupid himself. Mr. Jingles has transformed into a heart. Yes, Mr. Jingles is most definitely feeling the love today. But in case the always-excited notification bell and Google+ mascot really isn't your thing, the fine folks at Mountain View are giving you your own way to share your love with your real special someone. Just as sparkly lights adorned Christmas photos and falling snow has made magic out of winter wonderlands, Google+'s auto-awesome photo technology will scan your photos for instances of hugs and kisses and complete them with a shower of hearts. Uploaded photos can then be shared at large or kept private between you and your Valentine. If you are the type that perpetually slacks on making dinner reservations, buying chocolates, and sending out flowers, it really is the very least you could do.
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| Google Play’s web store now keys you in to in-app purchases Posted: 14 Feb 2014 08:18 AM PST Love 'em or hate 'em, in-app purchases continue to grow as a means of monetization in today's app economy. Whereas paid and ad-supported models reigned in the past, developers increasingly are turning to so-called "freemium" software in order to provide a best-of-both-worlds solution. As an update to the Google Play app for Android did last December, the web version of the Android app marketplace has been tweaked to now make it easy for users to find out if an app contains in-app purchases. While developers for the most part keep in-app purchases as an optional aspect of an app or game — the full experience is typically available but enhanced with add-ons or unlockables at an extra cost — it's nice to know what you are getting into ahead of time. For parents who often allow their children to play on a smartphone or tablet connected to mommy or daddy's credit card, knowing which apps could potentially lead to a little one amassing thousands of dollars worth of unwanted charges is no doubt a welcomed addition. We have no problems with the freemium model as long as it is clear when in-app purchases become a factor in the app experience. The latest moves by Google make sure that info is brought to the forefront. Next time you are downloading an app, pay attention to the text located underneath the install button on the Play Store's web interface. You will know right away what to expect. | |||||
| Galaxy Gear on sale today for $150 at Best Buy Posted: 14 Feb 2014 07:22 AM PST The Samsung Galaxy Gear is today's Best Buy deal of the day with select color options going for as much as half off the normal retail price. Normally priced at $299.99, today only the Android-powered smartwatch can be purchased for $149.99 in a variety of colors. Here are the ones getting the discount: Other colors, including Jet Black and Mocha Gray, still see their prices discounted, although the savings aren't as steep. Those models are on sale at $249.99. Samsung's Galaxy Gear sales have been slow, to say the least. While we haven't been updated on numbers in recent months, between the time of its launch in September 2013 and mid-November of the same year the smartwatch had reportedly only sold 50,000 units. In some regions Samsung has had to resort to permanent price cuts in the same range as today's Best Buy deal. The Galaxy Gear's slow launch can be attributed to its limited compatibility with only the Galaxy note 3 at the time. Since then, Samsung has rolled out support for other handsets in their flagship lineup, increasing the number of users that can take advantage of the Gear. While the larger potential userbase should equal increased sales, Samsung has declined to discuss sales figures. When a company is not discussing sales figures, that really can only mean one thing… If you have been eyeing the Galaxy Gear but looking for the perfect opportunity to grab one, here is your chance. We're sure Samsung will appreciate it. | |||||
| Free Apps, Games, Movies, Music, and Books in the Google Play Store for Valentine’s Day Posted: 14 Feb 2014 06:58 AM PST Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether or not you’ve got a Valentine of your own, don’t fret, both Google and Phandroid love you. We might not have gotten you flowers or chocolates, but Google is giving you a bunch of pretty sweet stuff for free on the Google Play Store, and we’re signing our name on the bottom of the card.
12 Free AppsIncluding Ink Cards, Big Oven, and iHeartRadio 40+ Free GamesFIFA 14, Bejeweled Blitz, Including Pacific Rim, Asphalt 8, and many more! Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story
Free MusicFree albums and songs from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Drake, Paul McCartney, and Boyz II Men!
Books .99 cents and up!They might not be free, but apparently that’s the price you pay for having paperback literature covered with shirtless men. Let us know what you downloaded and what from the on sale items you would recommend!
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| Samsung will face Apple again in court after mediation attempts reportedly fail Posted: 14 Feb 2014 06:42 AM PST Samsung and Apple's long-running patent infringement feud had hopes of reaching a peaceful resolution after reports surfaced of a planned mediation meeting between the companies' CEOs. According to several Korean outlets, that meeting has already taken place, and let's just say Apple and Samsung's legal teams should keep their calendars open for March 31st and beyond. Samsung co-CEO JK Shin and Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly were not able to reach an agreement during their discussions, which took place in the US last week. The meeting itself was shrouded in secrecy. Many believed it would not occur until closer the February 19th deadline to reach a mediated settlement, but those close to the matter indicate Shin has no plans to travel to the United States before that date. Last month during pre-trial hearings Samsung was already dealt a small blow in the case when Judge Lucy Koh threw out a counter-infringement claim for multimedia sync and sided with Apple on a keyboard autocomplete patent. The rulings, though not a life-threatening blow to Samsung's defense, do not bode well for the Korean mobile giant. Koh previously ruled over the 2012 edition of Apple v. Samsung. That one didn't end so well for good ol' Sammy. While both parties have shown a willingness to settle without forcing a long, grueling court case, the likelihood of that happening now seems close to nil. A final pre-trial conference is set for March 5th before the main event kicks off at the end of next month. [via The Verge] | |||||
| Samsung Galaxy Core Prima, Ultra, Max, Ace Style, Atro and Flybell pop up at USPTO Posted: 14 Feb 2014 06:02 AM PST Mobile World Congress 2014 is right around the corner and we’ve already got a pretty good idea that Samsung will show off at least one thing: the Samsung Galaxy S5. That’s thanks to their clever branding of the Samsung Unpacked event with the number “5″. But if there is one thing we know about Samsung, it’s that they never announce just one thing, they’ve usually got a lineup of tech goodies for us techies to feast on. Consider these potential products as possible additions to that lineup, with Samsung having just passed them through the FCC on February 7th:
As you can imagine, the Galaxy Core line were submitted as mobile phone trademarks and we could see them being solid entry-level or mid-range devices with that “Core” branding sounding like a no frills basic Galaxy device. The Ace style would like be an extension of Samsung’s already existent Samsung Galaxy Ace. What interests us even more are the other two trademarks. The Samsung Flybell is described as a “wireless beacon and corresponding software”. The company has already pushed to make a huge impact with NFC and their TecTiles product, having launched TecTiles 2 with corresponding software last year. Could Samsung Flybell be related or perhaps another type of technology altogether? The name Flybell doesn’t ring any bells when considering the type of product it might be, but dare we say the word “beacon” has us leaning more towards an Applesque iBeacon setup that allows devices in close range to talk-to-eachother Bluetooth. Even that, though, is unlikely given current market conditions. And lastly the Samsung Atro is listed as a tablet. Samsung has kept their line of tablets rather slim, instead preferring to focus their brand equity on the Galaxy Tab series and recently expanding to include the Galaxy Tab Pro. Where would the Samsung Atro fit into the product mix? As with all names that pass through the USPTO, take them with a grain of salt. In the end it’s just a name reservation system and there’s always a decent chance Samsung doesn’t sit down to eat at the USPTO table for these. Any idea or wishes what these products might be? |
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