Oct 31 2011

Google+ for Android update now rolling out – UI changes and bug fixes aplenty

Google+

Google+ is getting some love tonight. The latest version has just been pushed to the Android Market and should be showing up for most folks. If not, you'll just have to sit tight for a little while longer. This release -- created during the Ice Cream Sandwich developement brings a few changes to the table.

Most notably the UI and styling of the app is more in tune with how Android 4.0 looks and for those who loaded up the previously leaked version -- it will look familiar but others changes can be found within as well such as:

  • Battery life improvements
  • Navigation and performance improvements
  • Significant notifications improvements
  • Brand new posting UI
  • Several bug fixes
  • Support for Google Apps users
  • Ability to sign out
  • Add people to a circle from circle profiles

All in all, a nice update that will hopefully correct a lot of concerns some have had. You can fire up the Android Market or grab it from the link below, where you'll also find some more screenshots

Source: Ben Eidelston

read more


By Chris Parsons • android, android smartphone, Applications, google, google+ app, News • 0

Oct 31 2011

Rezound announcement, Vivid LTE [From the Forums]

From the Forums

It's all Hallows Eve and we here at Android Central all hope you have a safe and happy Hallowe'en. That said, after you've raided all the candy you can get your hands on make sure you check out the latest here posts on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums.

If you're not already a member of the Android Central Forums, you can register your account today.


By Chris Parsons • From the Forums, News • 0

Oct 31 2011

Nyan Droid Live Wallpaper in the Market

Nyan Droid Live Wallpaper

Looks like we're really going there. Just remember, what has been seen can never be unseen. Download links are after the break.

read more


By Joshua Munoz • android, App, live wallpaper, nyan, nyan droid live wallpaper, nyancat, nyandroid, Software Reviews, Wallpaper • 0

Oct 31 2011

Redux for Google TV brings quality, curated content right to your living room

Redux

With all the Google TV news the past few days, we wanted to let you guys know about Redux.  Back at Google I/O Redux was featured by Google as something Google TV was all about -- quality content you can view right in your living room via Google TV.  Their HTML 5 app has been in the GTV spotlight (Google's app picks for the Google TV platform) for a while, and to be ready for the Honeycomb rollout, they already have their Android app ready in the Market.  That's cool -- Redux is ready for you, but what exactly is Redux?  hit the break to find out, and get information where you can check it out right now.

More: Redux

read more


By Jerry Hildenbrand • android, Applications, curated content, Google TV, internet tv, logitech, logitech revue, News, redux, revue, social medai, Sony, sony internet tv • 0

Oct 31 2011

Android Theme Review: Ice Cream Sandwich CM7 Theme


YouTube link for mobile viewing

Ed. note: This theme requires use of the Theme Chooser.

When Google finally unveiled Ice Cream Sandwich to the world, we all knew it was going to be the new hotness. How much it changed things, though, I'm not sure anyone could have really predicted. Fortunately, it didn't matter. Once the event was over, I knew I wanted it, period.

Thanks to one enterprising developer, there's a wicked theme for CM7 that gives you all the aesthetic polish of ICS on your current-gen, non-ICS phone. It's done by the same guy who made Tangerine and Arctic Green (to name a few), and as good as those were, Ice Cream Sandwich CM7 Theme rules the roost in terms of look and quality.

For starters, all of the system apps we've come to know and love have had their icons updated to their Ice Cream Sandwich counterparts. That means Calendar, Camera, and the like have fresh, new looks, while Gmail is finally the icon we've become accustomed to from Honeycomb.

The notification bar and its respective icons have been all TRON'd out, as they're sporting the new blue color that was first introduced in Honeycomb and is being carried over into Ice Cream Sandwich. The text in the pulldown bar (such as your carrier, the date, and the word 'Notifications') are similarly colored.

Text on your actual notifications is a bright white, which stands out nicely compared to the darkness of the pulldown and makes everything easy to read. Instead of a 'Clear' button, there's just a blue X, but its purpose is obvious. It also looks much sleeker than the button of Android's yesteryear.

The dialer is sporting Roboto Light (or something close to it) and looks all the better for it. The numbers are in blue and the letters are in grey, but it all comes together nicely.

Check boxes inside menus have also been rendered blue, with a subtle glow to them. (No, it doesn't pulse.) Anything highlighted is the same blue, and the force field that appears when a list hits the top of bottom of the screen is colored the same, too.

For anyone else who can't wait for Ice Cream Sandwich to officially drop (and has a rooted phone running CM7), I'd pick this theme up, posthaste. It's clean, works like a charm, and best of all, it's free. Plus, if you use LauncherPro Plus, there's an additional app you can download that themes your widgets to look all Ice Cream Sandwichy, too.

We've got a few pictures and download links after the break.

read more


By Joshua Munoz • acvideo, android, App, App review, cm7, cyanogenmod, cyanogenmod 7, Ice Cream Sandwich, ice cream sandwich cm7 theme, ice cream sandwich theme for cm7, ICS, root, Smartphones, sonny, sonny sekhon, t-mobile theme chooser, theme, theme chooser, theme engine, theme review, tmobile theme chooser, video • 0

Oct 31 2011

Samsung Galaxy Note European carriers and release dates

Galaxy Note

Samsung recently gave more details on the availability of the Galaxy Note across Europe. The device launched over the weekend in Germany, and will roll out across the UK and mainland Europe between now and Nov. 25 on a variety of carriers.

Here's your country-by-country breakdown:

  • Germany (out now) - Vodafone, DT, O2
  • Netherlands (Nov. 1) - KPN, Vodafone
  • Belgium (Nov. 1) - KPN, Vodafone
  • United Kingdom (Nov. 2) - Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U, O2
  • France (Nov. 2) - SFR, TPH
  • Poland (Nov. 4) - Plus, Mediamarkt
  • Hungary (Nov. 4) - Panon
  • Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia (Nov. 5) - Swisscom, MOT, Three, Mobitel, SIM-free
  • Spain (Nov. 7) - Telefonica, Vodafone, Orange
  • Italy (Nov. 10) - Vodafone, Three, TIM
  • Portugal (Nov. 10) - Fnac, Worten, TPH, TMN
  • Greece (Nov. 11) - Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind, SIM-free
  • Romania, Bulgaria (Nov. 14) - Vodafone, M-Tel, Globul, Vivacom, SIM-free
  • Lithuania (Nov. 14) - Omnitel, LMT, EMT
  • Finland, Denmark, Sweden (Nov. 22) - Telia, Telenor, TPH, Elkjop, DNA
  • Croatia, Serbia (Nov. 23) - Telenor, VIP, TOP
  • Czec Republic (Nov. 25) - XSK, VDF, XEZ, ORS

Check out our hands-on feature for more Galaxy Note-based goodness.


By Alex Dobie • europe, galaxy note, international, News, Phablet, phone tablet, samsung, samsung galaxy note, Smartphones, stylus, Tablets • 0

Oct 31 2011

T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q to be available Nov. 2

Android Central

Having been previously announced as arriving 'in time for the holidays', T-Mobile has now given more firm dates for the T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q availablity. Planned roll-out will start happening on the T-Mobile website come Nov. 2, with Nationwide availability happening on November 9th,  No matter which device you pick, each will cost $79.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying classic voice and data plan. Shared specs include Android 2.3, a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 5MP camera with 720p video.

Source: T-Mobile Facebook


By Chris Parsons • android, lg, lg mytouch q, mytouch, mytouch q, News, smartphone, Smartphones, t-mobile, t-mobile mytouch, t-mobile mytouch q • 0

Oct 31 2011

Samsung Galaxy W now available on Three UK

Android Central

British network Three has announced that it's now stocking the Samsung Galaxy W, Sammy's latest mid-range offering, with a 1.4 GHz chip and a 3.7-inch Super LCD display. On the software side of things, you've got Android 2.3 Gingerbread, along with Samsung's TouchWiz 4.0 UX.

Three customers can pick up the Galaxy W for free on 24-month contracts of £22 or more per month, or on Pay As You Go for £249.99 (~£400) up-front.

Source: Three UK


By Alex Dobie • android, galaxy w, Gingerbread, international, News, phone launch, samsung, samsung galaxy w, Smartphones, three, three uk, touchwiz, uk • 0

Oct 31 2011

AT&T Announces Two LTE Smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket and HTC Vivid

Looks like AT&T is trying to bring out their big guns, announcing two Android powered phones that are LTE compatible – which is basically their 3.5G network. First we have a second, yes a second, Galaxy S II on AT&T. The Skyrocket looks pretty awesome with even more awesome specs. Which one reaches higher?

Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket

  • 4.5-inch 480 x 800 SuperAMOLED Plus display
  • 1.5GHz dual-core processor
  • 8MP rear shooter, 2MP front camera
  • 16GB built-in storage, microSD card slot
  • Android 2.3.5

HTC Vivid
  • 4.5-inch qHD 960 x 540 display
  • 1.2GHz dual-core processor
  • Enhanced 8MP camera with f2.2 28mm wide angle lens and 1080p video capture at 60fps
  • 16GB built-in storage, microSD card slot
  • Android 2.3.5 with Sense
Both devices are going to be available on November 6th, for $249 and $199 respectively, on contract. AT&T will be expanding its LTE network to four new markets on November 6th, which will bring Boston, Washington DC, Baltimore, and Athens, GA to the list of cities with LTE currently from AT&T. Packing incredible hardware, which one do you think is better?
Full Press Release below:

First LTE Smartphones for AT&T Customers Available Nationwide Nov. 6

HTC Vivid and Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Both Android Smartphones, Will Run on AT&T’s 4G LTE Network

Dallas, Texas, October 31, 2011

Starting next week, more AT&T customers will be able to enjoy fast 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) speeds on new devices – including the first AT&T 4G LTE smartphones – in even more markets.

Key Facts

  • AT&T* introduced two new Android™ smartphones, the first to be AT&T 4G LTE-capable.
  • HTC Vivid™ and Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™ will arrive in AT&T company-owned stores and online Nov. 6.
  • AT&T 4G LTE service will launch Nov. 6 in Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Athens, Ga.
  • AT&T offers the only smartphones able to utilize both LTE and HSPA+ 4G speeds, for a consistently fast connection in and out of LTE areas.
  • The Nov. 6 launches expand AT&T’s 4G LTE network to 9 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, and it plans to reach 15 markets and 70 million Americans by year-end 2011.
  • AT&T exceeds commitment to offer 20 4G devices in 2011, addition of LTE smartphones on Nov. 6 brings 4G total to 22.
  • AT&T far exceeds commitment to deliver 12 Android devices in 2011; new LTE smartphones bring total to 21.

HTC Vivid

Realize the full power of LTE on the HTC Vivid with fast web browsing, powered by a dual core 1.2 GHz processor and a brilliant 4.5-inch qHD display. Music and Android Market apps download and are ready in a snap, or photos and video are a breeze to upload after using the exceptional camera for low-light photos and full widescreen HD video.

HTC Vivid features the acclaimed HTC Sense user experience, which includes a customizable active lockscreen that transforms the display into a real-time window to your most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply waking up the display. Sharper graphics, vibrant animations and new widgets make HTC Sense better than ever and, by continuing to focus on the details, HTC provides a more cinematic and immersive multimedia experience with stunning imagery and audible weather effects.

  • 4.5-inch qHD display (540×960 pixels)
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
  • Enhanced 8-megapixel camera with f2.2 28mm wide angle lens for low light photos
  • 1080p HD video recording at 60 frames per second, slow motion playback and on-device trimmer to optimize social media uploads and memory space
  • 16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB

The HTC Vivid will arrive in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online Nov. 6 for $199.99 with a two-year commitment. Customers can learn more at www.att.com/speed.

Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™

Lightning fast reflexes powered by a 1.5 GHz dual core processor and AT&T 4G LTE speeds make the Galaxy S II Skyrocket faster for Web browsing and all your favorite apps.  A SuperAMOLED Plus display spanning 4.5-inches is the brightest, most colorful screen on the market.

  • 4.5-inch SuperAMOLED Plus display(800×480 pixels)
  • Android Gingerbread (2.3.5)
  • 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, with 2-megapixel front-facing camera
  • 1080p HD video recording
  • 16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB

The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket will arrive in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online Nov. 6 for $249.99 with a two-year commitment. Customers can learn more at www.att.com/speed.

LTE Data Plans

Customers can choose from tiered data plans starting as low as $15 per month. Existing smartphone customers do not have to make changes to their data plan. All plans include access to AT&T’s national Wi-Fi network of more than 29,000 hotspots.

  • DataPlus provides 200 megabytes (MB) of data for just $15 per month. An additional 200 MB of data usage is $15.
  • DataPro provides 2 gigabytes (GB) of data for $25 per month. An additional 1 GB of data is $10. Customers who want to use their device as a mobile hotspot can sign up for DataPro 4GB for $45 a month, which lets you tether or share your data connection across multiple devices.

Customers can view all smartphone data plans at www.att.com/dataplans.

LTE Deployments

AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE footprint. The four markets launching Nov. 6 join Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, which were launched in September. AT&T is the only U.S. carrier providing 4G service using both HSPA+ and LTE. HSPA+, when combined with enhanced backhaul, provides customers with 4G speeds, meaning customers get a faster and more consistent 4G experience, even when outside of an AT&T LTE area. Customers of other carriers that have transitioned to 4G LTE without further speed upgrades to their existing networks are likely to see a jarring drop-off in speeds when they move out of LTE coverage.

 

Related posts:

  1. Top 5 Android Smartphones Challenging The Samsung Galaxy S II
  2. Samsung Slaps HD Display, Faster Processor, LTE, Bigger Screen onto Samsung Galaxy S II
  3. HTC Amaze 4G, Samsung Galaxy S II Coming to T-Mobile on October 10


By Alexander Maxham • 4g, Android Phones, Galaxy S II, galaxy s2, HTC Vivid, lte, Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, Vivid • 0

Oct 31 2011

Google+ Now Has Its Own Free Photo Editor, Look Out Photoshop, Flickr, Instagram

Google+ is leveling up with Apple by adding controls similar to that of Instagram to its photo section, including basic editing tools and filters. Since Google+ shares photos using Picasa, any edits using the program will be reflected on the site.  Google has  just made photo editing within the site a whole  lot easier.

Unfortunately, the controls can only be accessed in the desktop version by clicking the edit button. In full screen view, you can start editing photos by selecting the ‘Creative Kit’ option, so that you will be directed to an editor powered by PicNik. From this page, you can directly tweak and crop any photos that you like, plus apply filters that are similar to what’s available in Instagram. Google+ basically, offers a powerful photo editor with features such as the ‘Sunless Tan’ tool, which allows you to use a brush for applying tan and working out on edges. You can even join the festivities by making use of the website’s seasonal toolkit. This Halloween, you can add gravestones, blood splatter, and other Halloween related images and effects to your photos. Awesome!

Before you can make use of Google+ photo editor, you need to make sure that you have the latest version of Flash installed in your computer. Since the Creative Kit runs on it, there is no way you can avail the wonders of the photo editing tool when signing in to Google+ using an iPhone. However, if you have an Android tablet or Android phone with 2.2 or above, then it might be worth a try.

The Creative Kit in short, is a good replacement for Photoshop for a lot of computer users with its features and speed thus, posing as a big threat for sites such as Flickr. All in all, Google+ users can expect a reliable editor for their photos without the need for opening a separate photo editing tool such as the Photoshop.

Via: Ars Technica

Related posts:

  1. Photo Editor Wrapped Along with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
  2. The Power of Photoshop is Now Available for Android Devices
  3. First Glimpse of Samsung Illusion Shows up in Flickr Photo


By Bern Oliver • Android News, google, Instagram, photo editor • 0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »