Low-end ARCHOS 80 Cobalt 8-inch tablet announced

Today ARCHOS announced their new ARCHOS 80 Cobalt tablet. The 8-inch device is destined to be a lower-end tablet device, though it does contain a couple features that may be of interest to buyers. The basic specs include:

• 1.6GHz dual core processor with a quad core GPU
• 1GB of RAM
• 8GB of internal memory
• microSD slot capable of supporting up to 64GB
• front-facing 0.3 MP camera
• rear-facing 2.0 MP camera
• 1024×768 8-inch screen
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

LG Nexus 4 reappears on Carphone Warehouse for pre-order

After a false start at taking pre-orders last week for Google’s new LG Nexus 4 smartphone, prompting an apology from Carphone Warehouse, it looks like things are back on track for UK buyers to place their order. The pre-order page has reappeared with an expected delivery date of November 13th, the same date Google indicates the device will be available for purchase at the Google Play Store.

Pricing for the LG Nexus 4 via Carphone Warehouse is listed as free for customers signing up for a new line or upgrade starting at £31 ($50 USD) per month for the 16GB version, although adding data pushes the price up. Carphone Warehouse lists the device as being available for O2 or Vodafone subscribers. The LG Nexus 4 will be available for £239 ($383 USD) via the Google Play Store, so you will need to do your math to figure out whether a subsidized phone is the better deal. Hit the source link for more details or to start your order.

source: Carphone Warehouse

Samsung Galaxy Premier now official

Maybe it’s just me, but I thought Samsung really dropped the ball with the Galaxy S III Mini. I didn’t really see what it had in common with the Galaxy S III other than the design to warrant the Galaxy S III title. However, hopefully this is where Samsung rights the ship again. Enter the Galaxy Premier.

Samsung sure does have a way with odd naming conventions. When I initially heard the word “Premier” in the Samsung lineup, I immediately began speculating. What could be better than the Galaxy S III, I thought to myself. Turns out, it’s yet another device a step below the flagship device. Regardless, upon initial inspection, it does look to be a nice device, and certainly better than the Mini. The Premier will keep the overall same look as the Galaxy III, while rocking a slightly smaller 4.65-inch display. And, yes, it’ll still rock that same 720 x 1,280 Super AMOLED panel. Other niceties include a dual-core 1.5 GHz TI OMAP 4470 processor, 1GB of RAM and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It’ll also rock the same 8MP shooter as the Galaxy S III. As of right now, this device has only been announced in the Ukraine for a November release and a price of 5,555 Ukrainian hryvnias ($680 US).

source:  Samsung

Nexus 7 sales ramping up to 1 million per month

It looks as if early sales estimates of the Nexus 7 may not be too far off. Asus’ CFO, David Chang, revealed Nexus 7 sales numbers for the past couple of months. While perception for most may have been that the Nexus 7 was selling like hot cakes, however reality was that it was a bit slow by today’s standards. Chang revealed that sales were in the 600,000 and 700,000 units per month for the first couple of months. However, this past month it jumped to a million units.

Seeing as the holiday shopping season still hasn’t even ramped up yet, early estimates may not be far off. Asus is forecasting modest sales figures however, hoping to move 2.6 million units in the fourth quarter. This would be make initial estimates a bit short of the 8 million initially thrown out there. I’m thinking it’ll fall somewhere in between. Regardless, it’s a pretty sweet piece of hardware.

source:  The Wall Street Journal

Nexus Q disappears from landing page

Google has removed the Nexus Q from the Nexus landing page. Couple that with its Google Play Store listing which notes, ”This device is not for sale at this time,” and it paints a rather bleak future for the media streaming device. Google had originally said it postponed the July launch while it worked on “making it even better” and gave it away for free to those who pre-ordered. A Nexus Q launch in the near future now seems extremely unlikely.

The only word from Google on the matter didn’t shed much light on the subject either. In response to an Engadget inquiry Google said, “We don’t have anything to share at this time.” 

Source: Engadget

Skitch receives UI overhaul and deeper Evernote integration

It’s been over a year since Evernote released Skitch in the Google Play Store, and they’ve been hard at working keeping the app up to snuff, despite a few complaints from users. The new update brings a refreshed interface, a few new toys and tools to play with, (Pixelate and Highlighter) and a long overdue feature, Evernote syncing capabilities. It requires Evernote to also be installed on your device, but if you’re using Skitch, chances are you’re pretty comfortable with Evernote, anyway.

Could Google’s new Gesture Typing keyboard show up as standalone app in Google Play Store?

Earlier today some folks discovered apk files for Google’s “Gesture Typing” keyboard. As you may recall, Gesture Typing is a new feature included in the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update. The new functionality provides an input method similar to Swype, letting users glide their fingers from letter to letter on the keyboard instead of having to tap the letters.

According to reports, two different versions methods to install the keyboard were available. One was a plain apk file that could be loaded directly onto a device as long as one was running one of the many manufacturer’s UI layers like TouchWiz or HTC Sense. Those running a device with a plain or stock Android install, had to go through the additional steps of rooting their device then flashing the keyboard onto the device.

[Video] Banned iPad Mini promo spot released on YouTube

Yesterday we reported on Amazon’s shot at the iPad Mini on the Amazon homepage via a comparison to the Kindle Fire HD. This came after last week’s big reveal of the iPad Mini by Apple. We now learn that a video exists that probably could be used by Apple to fend off the potshots and jokes floating around targeting the small tablet.

Well, maybe not. Dubbed a “banned” iPad Mini promo spot, the short video by John Elerick provides a quick escape from our serious work to enjoy some humor at Apple’s expense. Hit the break and take a few minutes to enjoy the video.

AMD announces ARM-based processors, will possibly run data centers in 2014

I think we’re all well aware of the advancements and power of the latest microprocessors in devices these days. My realization came when Tegra 3- based games starting to roll out looking very much like the console games I’ve been playing for years, not to mention the Android-powered satellites and the in flight entertainment system on Boeing’s new super-jet, the 787.  It’s almost unbelievable what these tiny processor are capable of.

Given the power and potential of the tiny processors, today AMD announced that it’ll begin development of chips based on the designs of ARM chips, similar to the ones used in mobile devices. Since these chips consume less power, AMD says the new chips will be very efficient and offer a way for customers to cut the costs of running a data center by reducing power consumption and cooling needs. So, you can see the draw of the tiny processors given the huge cost-savings they’ll be capable of in data centers.

Once a power player in the technology industry, this new move couldn’t come at a better time with AMD’s struggling sales and margins. This move would immediately provide a new competitive advantage over their rival Intel since Intel doesn’t currently sell microprocessors based on ARM designs. You’ve got to think that this move will provide a boost in sales, if successful, while also reducing shipping costs thus adding even more to the bottom line. AMD aims to have the chips available by 2014.

source:  The Wall Street Journal

MetroPCS hits the 1 million LTE customer mark, makes $193 million profit in third quarter

In news that I’m sure will be pleasing to T-Mobile, MetroPCS has hit the one million mark in subscribed LTE customers (about 11% of its customers) and have also turned a profit of $193 million, even though they lost over 300,000 customers in the third quarter. How does one manage to turn such a profit while losing so many customers? MetroPCS credits “cash-saving exercises”, timely investments, and reducing a top priority of cell companies – churn. I’m sure a lot of MetroPCS and T-Mobile customers alike are wondering what the merger has in store for them. Hopefully it’ll end up benefitting the customer in some form or fashion.

source:  MetroPCS

LG Spectrum 2 now available on Verizon for $99

LG announced the Spectrum 2 available today on Verizon for $99 with a two-year contract. The Spectrum sequel gets bumped up to a 4.7-inch True HD IPS 720p display, sports a dual-core 1.5GHz processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 , 8-megapixel rear camera, and 16GB of internal storage with a microSD slot. If those specs sound familiar it’s because this is the same phone leaked by Best Buy last week.

The Spectrum 2 doesn’t quite measure up to LG’s quad-core Optimus G or Nexus 4 but at $99 your wallet won’t mind too much. Unlike the Nexus 4, it won’t run Android 4.2 just yet in favor of Ice Cream Sandwich, but it can take advantage of Verizon’s market-leading LTE network.

Full Press Release after the break

BASKING RIDGE and ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Oct. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless and LG Electronics USA today announced the Spectrum™ 2 by LG.  Exclusively for Verizon Wireless, the Spectrum 2 by LG will be available online on Oct. 30 at www.verizonwireless.com and will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

The Spectrum 2 by LG creates a unique wireless experience thanks to an ecosystem of features and accessories, allowing customers to avoid cables.  The unique battery cover allows wireless charging, and it’s included at no additional cost.  Contacts, maps and websites can be shared wirelessly using near-field communications (NFC), by tapping two compatible phones together.  NFC can also be used with the included reprogrammable LG Tag+ stickers to create special smartphone modes for the office, home or car by tapping the stickers with the Spectrum 2 by LG.  SmartShare also makes it possible to wirelessly view pictures and watch videos on a DLNA-enabled device.

The 4.7-inch True HD display will make the Spectrum 2 by LG stand out by enhancing the viewing experience when streaming movies, playing games and browsing the Web.  The HD display, paired with Corning® Gorilla® Glass, delivers vivid and accurate colors, crisp, sharp text and clear images.  Apps such as viewdini , make it easier than ever to find TV shows and movies that users can enjoy right on their Spectrum 2 by LG.   Football fans will also be able to take advantage of the screen combined with 4G LTE speeds to watch live games for an unrivaled viewing experience.

The Spectrum 2 by LG helps to capture precious moments with its 8-megapixel camera and then takes it a step farther with its Advanced Image Editor and Video Wiz features.  With these features, customers will have an editing studio in their hands to crop, rotate and add effects to photos and other multimedia documents that they can then share with friends over 4G LTE.  The 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera allows customers to video chat with friends and family to easily stay in touch from virtually anywhere.  Additional camera features include 1080p HD video recording, Intelligent Panorama Shot and Time Catch Shot to take photos before pressing the shutter button.

Accessorize and Protect

LG Premium Sleeve with Smart Display – provides protection and displays notifications on the screen to show the number of missed calls, text messages, emails and voicemails.  Customers can also customize the clock styles that are displayed when the Spectrum 2 by LG is inserted in the sleeve.  The Premium sleeve will be available in stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $24.99.
Additional Features:

• Wireless charging capabilities thanks to the unique battery cover included in the box
• 4.7-inch True HD Advanced High Performance (AH) In-Plane-Switching (IPS) display
• Global Ready™ so customers can have voice and data service in more than 220 countries
• Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
• Mobile Hotspot to share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices
• 16 GB of internal storage (formatted capacity is less) with microSD memory card support of up to 32 GB
• QuickMemo™ allows customers to capture screenshots and add their own personalized commentary or drawings with a finger
• Bluetooth® Version 4.0

Pricing and Availability:

The Spectrum 2 by LG will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Oct. 30 for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.   Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, or go to www.verizonwireless.com .

Droid World heads to San Francisco this February 2013

Leading Android developers, Google Android representatives, handset manufacturers and operators will be appearing on Apps World’s Droid World stage early next year at the world famous Moscone Center in San Francisco, California delivering valuable developer advice and ideas around the world’s most popular smartphone OS.

Some of the industry’s most successful developers will there to shed light on their creative, technical and business processes in open, interactive workshops where attendees will be encouraged to suggest discussion topics, debate and collaborate.

This year Apps World North America will be showcasing 6 niche workshop tracks, including Droid World, covering areas including Mobile Marketing & Advertising, Gaming & Web Apps, HTML 5, Mobile Payments NFC, TV & Multiscreen Apps, and Automotive Apps.

More info: Agenda / Register / Venue Info / What’s new for 2013

ZTE announces $160 Quad-Core Tegra 3 smartphone

ZTE, whose website proclaims is the world’s 4th largest manufacturer, announced the cheapest quad-core smartphone yet. The ZTE U950 packs a 1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM but its most impressive spec is the 999 yuan price (approximately $160 USD).

The low-priced Android device comes with a 4.3-inch display and is only 9mm-thick. It will have Ice Cream Sandwich at launch but appears to have the specs to support Jelly Bean. It has a 2,000 mAh battery, 5 megapixel rear camera and VGA front facing camera. No word on expandable storage or if the battery is removable.

The first 100,000 people to register on the U950 sign-up page will get to order the device starting November 11th. This is a China release only but might be precursor of what ZTE is planning for other markets. It hasn’t exactly set the US market on fire but an unlocked sub $200 quad-core device would certainly make a splash.

My Car Salon gets a Spooky Halloween Makeover

A lot of games are adding Halloween themed updates and My Car Salon is no exception. My Car Salon, created by Animoca, is a time-management game for car lovers. Characters such as Ratchet, Socket, Hammer, and Torque can now dress up like a ghoul, bat, pumpkin, monster, or other silly costumes. This update also includes an eerie new level involving ghosts and goblins that have taken over the repair shop.

Chances are you have already played My Car Salon since it has been downloaded over 2 million times. If not, and you’re looking for something new that includes the spirit of Halloween, then check it out because it’s available now and it’s free. Hit the break for a quick demo video, download links, and the press release.

EA Need for Speed Most Wanted now available in Google Play Store

Earlier this month we reported on EA’s teaser video for the latest installment in their Need for Speed franchise – Need for Speed Most Wanted. Today, the game was released and is available in the Google Play Store for $6.99. The game enables you to drive over 35 different cars using either touch or tilt controls. By logging in to the Origin service, players can check out who is most wanted either across different platforms or just among your friends, then challenge them to a street-racing showdown. Adding to the pressure of the competition is a police force trying to put an end to your fun and games.

Shoot The Zombirds gets a Halloween Update

Infinite Dreams recently released a Halloween-esque update to their app, Shoot the Zombirds. It’s an addictive little game that feels a bit like the NES classic, Duck Hunt. You play a crossbow-wielding hero, defending Pumpkids from swarms of undead birds. It’s simple, but it’s extremely polished and plays well.

The newest Halloween based update brings three new spooky characters, two new Halloween backgrounds, and a Halloween-themed game icon. If you’re in a creepy holiday mood and need a new time waster while waiting for the bus, it’s hard to go wrong with this (free) app.

EE Announces Additional Rollout Of 4G LTE Service To 11 Additional Markets

It’s no secret that 4G LTE has been a luxury only to a select few in the UK, but now more customers will be able to get in on the action thanks to wireless carrier EE. It has announced it will launch the incredibly fast network service to its customers in 11 markets including Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield and Southampton. While that’s a major start, EE doesn’t stop there as it has announced it plans to bring 4G LTE service to an additional 5 markets by year’s end. This means that those of you who plan on owning the Galaxy S III or HTC One XL will have a lot to look forward to— especially since you’ll likely be taking advantage of cutting edge features like streaming high-quality audio or video and the ability to access much more content or download faster on the go.

ADW.Launcher Gets Updated To Bring A “New Everything”

Many of you may not have the luxury of enjoying a stock or simplified launcher due to those pesky customized UI skins, but one of the better launchers in the game has just come back with a new update that’s sure to make many users happy. The latest ADW.Launcher update brings the software version to 1.3.3.7 and brings pretty much a new ummm…. “everything”— whatever that means. The hope is that there are new themes and even more customizations to make even the pickiest owner happy. As expected, users will be able to do anything from resizing widgets to developing specialized app folders and all.

Google introduces open-source Voter Information Tool in preparation for 2012 presidential election

Google has announced the introduction of its online Voter Information Tool, a resource that will provide in-depth and up to date information on the upcoming 2012 presidential election. Located on the site, users will find access to various helpful scripts and guides, including the ability to find nearby polling places and early voting venues. There’s also an exhaustive guide which covers the information regarding voting requirements, as well as links and details to provide you with the skinny on each of the presidential candidates.

Google has striven to essentially roll out this new Voter Information Tool to serve as a newer, updated version of its long-used US Voter Info website, which was launched leading up to the presidential election in 2008. Additionally, the new software is open-source, embeddable and completely customizable, so you can tailor it to your liking.

Source: Google Voter Information Tool

Google Play Store reaches 700,000 applications

 With all the excitement surrounding the impending launch of Google’s new family of Nexus devices, it isn’t surprising to hear that the company has reached yet another promising milestone. The folks from Mountain View announced today that the Google Play Store had surpassed 700,000 total applications. Keep in mind this is the same number of applications Apple said it had in its App Store just last week.

There’s no doubt the portfolio of games and productivity apps will continue to increase, ultimately beating out Apple for the number of total applications available to users. However, with the introduction of the Nexus 10, Google will need to make a push for tablet-specific applications if it intends to successfully compete in the 10-inch tablet space.

Source: Bloomberg 

Google Shows off Nexus 10, Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 in new commercial

In celebration of launching the Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 with mobile, Google has released the first commercial touting its versatile product line. The new 1-minute ad illustrates the company’s updated Google Now interface, ultimately showing the limitless use cases for the new software. Google’s Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 are slated to launch on November 13th for $299 and $399, respectively. These new additions will make their debut alongside a refreshed version of the Nexus 7 with 3G and 32GB of storage for $299.

T-Mobile to offer marked up Nexus 4 on contract alongside Nexus 7 plans

After Google announced the GSM-only Nexus 4 and new, data-enabled Nexus 7, it seemed like the devices would only be available unlocked through the Google Play store to be used on GSM carriers, such as T-Mobile and AT&T. In a bold move, it appears that T-Mobile will be offering the Nexus 4 like any other contract device. On November 14th, the 16GB model of the handset will be $200 with a two-year contract.

The device is offered through T-Mobile’s value plans, so your plan will cost an extra $20 per month for 20 months. Sounds good, right? Well, the math on that comes out to $600, which is quite a bit higher than Google’s asking price. It’s understandable to pay a bit more per month for a subsidized phone, but in this case, it’s a stretch. This could mean T-Mobile is trying to bring in a little extra cash on the Nexus hype, or Google is just willing to sell the device at a loss, which they have done before on other Nexus devices.

Pandora 4.0 overhaul to bring new interface, features to Android devices

Popular music service Pandora announced a major upgrade to the mobile versions of their app. Jumping to version 4.0, Pandora indicates their app will now be feature equivalent between iOS and Android. Pandora indicates the core functionality of the app has been improved, including the interface to make music controls more readily available. Users will now be able to shuffle specific stations, rename stations, and view station details on mobile devices. The expanded information is not limited to stations – users can also delve into artist information like album discographies, biographies and even lyrics.

Amazon touts Kindle Fire HD over iPad mini, declares more bang for your buck

With the iPad mini announcement creating a surgance in Kindle Fire HD sales for Amazon, it’s not surprising that the company would take advantage of these record-setting figures by comparing its 7-inch tablet against Apple’s new 7.9-inch miniature iPad.

To show the various reasons why a consumer may want to purchase Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HD instead of Apple’s new iPad mini, the online retail giant has posted a side-by-side comparison of both devices. The list touts the Kindle Fire HD’s High-Definition display, dual stereo speakers and its faster MIMO Wi-Fi chip. Although, the most attractive detail is the fact that Amazon’s new tablet costs only $199, compared to the sizable $329 price tag on the iPad mini.

Source: Amazon

T-Mobile cancels NYC event scheduled for Monday evening

T-Mobile has announced they are canceling their launch event that was scheduled for Monday evening in New York City. This really should be no surprise after Google canceled their own event on Monday and people throughout the northeast prepare for the “Frankenstorm.” T-Mobile indicates they will announce plans to reschedule the event at a later time.

We hope our readers who may be located in the path of the storm stay safe.

source: Android Central

Office Depot outs 32GB Nexus 7 for $249,16GB Drops to $199

Hopefully all of these leaks will subside soon by default, if anything. Like you, we were looking forward to Google’s event on Monday to hopefully quash the many rumors out there and to officially announce what we may already know. Today’s unofficial “announcement” comes by way of Office Depot regarding the 32GB Nexus 7. Going up today on display at Office Depots is the 32GB Nexus 7 for $249, and also providing proof that the 16GB version will drop to $199. There you have it; a two-for-one as it were.

It goes without saying that we’re very anxious to see how the cancelled Google event affects news coming out of the Google camp. Was the LG Nexus supposed to be available on October 30th via the Play Store? Were they going to officially announce the 32GB Nexus 7? When was it supposed to be available on the Play Store? You’ve got to now wonder about the logistics of all of this. We’ll keep you posted for any official news regarding the Nexus 7.

source:  Droid Life

One Power Guard will extend battery life for rooted and custom ROM users

Battery life might be the biggest concern of any Android power user. Custom kernels, scripts, and applications are some of the many tools users have to squeak out as much battery life as possible out of their devices. Of course, as batteries get better, so do the apps that we use to manage these batteries.

LG Nexus 4 spotted in Carphone Warehouse promotional materials

Carphone Warehouse just can’t seem to do anything right as it prepares for the highly anticipated launch of Google’s upcoming LG Nexus 4. A few days after prematurely listing the unannounced device on its official website, a slew of the company’s retail stores have begun displaying promotional materials for the handset, ultimately revealing some additional information.

Most of the details remain the same, including a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4, 8-megapixel camera and 12 hours of talk time. Although, the same listing shows the sim-free version of the Nexus 4 as being priced at £390 (about $504). Unfortunately, there’s no word on a release date, which isn’t at all surprising considering Google has postponed Monday’s Android event due to nasty weather conditions.

Source: XDA-Developers

Yet another LG Nexus 4 render

Even though Google has been forced to cancel their event on Monday, that has not stopped fans from continuing their search for any thing related to the LG Nexus 4 smartphone that was expected to be announced. While we wait on word from Google about rescheduling the event or some other means of revealing their latest technology, you can whet your appetite a bit with yet another leak of a render of the Nexus 4. There is not a whole of note in this latest image. Perhaps a better view of the bezel surrounding the back cover and a screen displaying a stock Android install are all we can glean.

Hang in there for more updates on Google’s plans for their events and to finally see the new Nexus 4 as an official Google smartphone.

source: @evleaks

HTC One X starts getting some Jelly Bean love

HTC has made good on its promise to bring Jelly Bean and Sense 4+ to the One X this month.XDA users are reporting the roll out has begun in HTC’s home country of Taiwan. The hefty 352.87MB update (software number 3.14.709.16) will bring the One X to Android 4.1 and Sense 4+.  No news on the One S or One XL, but we remain hopeful this One X roll out is the beginning.

Of course, if you’re not willing to wait for the update to make it to your region, there are other ways to get Jelly Bean early on the One X.

Source: XDA
via: Gotta Be Mobile

Motorola DROID RAZR HD AND RAZR MAXX HD Smartphones Get Minor Security Update

Verizon’s hottest smartphones for the fall may be only a few weeks old, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t get a  welcome update, right? Well Verizon and Motorola have announced a minor security update for the DROID RAZR/RAZR MAXX HD smartphones. The build— version 0.7.2.XT926— brings a “Google Security Patch”… which may or may not remove the ability for owners to partake in any shenanigans with the device.

The update is expected to reach owners sometime within the week, so if you’re an owner of either device, make sure you’re on the lookout for the update.

source: Verizon Wireless

Nexus 4 support manual suggests 8GB and 16GB storage options, wireless charging

Support manuals for the LG E960 have emerged on the company’s Australian and UK websites, ultimately confirming the ubiquitous Nexus 4 moniker. The documentation suggests that the device will be available in both 8GB and 16GB versions. As we have come to expect with Nexus-branded devices, the handset will not support expandable storage via MicroSD. According to the manual, the device will also include an induction coil to enable wireless charging by default, something that users have been interested in for what seems like forever.

Unfortunately, it looks as though we’ll have to wait indefinitely for an official announcement, considering the cancellation of Google’s Nexus event on Monday. You know what they say–safety before fun, right?

Google Nexus event cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy

Google just officially announced this Monday’s event has been cancelled. It will obviously be rescheduled, but they are taking a wait and see approach. We certainly aren’t surprised, and although this is disappointing, we hope Hurricane Sandy’s impact is as minimal as possible for all areas involved.

We are canceling our Monday morning event in New York due to Hurricane Sandy. We will let you know our plans as soon as we know more. 

Stay safe and dry, 

The Android Team

So there you have it. We will let you know the details as soon as we get it.

Carphone Warehouse apologizes for launching LG Nexus 4 pre-order page prematurely

A couple of days ago Carphone Warehouse launched a pre-order page for the upcoming Nexus 4 along with the full specs. The page  stayed live for several hours before they were even made aware of the situation.  They later stated “Unfortunately a pre-order page for a new handset that we plan to range went live prematurely. We’ve now rectified this and apologise for any confusion caused.” Neither Google or LG provided a comment about the page.

New DMCA ruling upholds rooting of phones not tablets

The latest ruling in the ever complicated Digital Millennium Copyright Act continues to list smartphones as exempt from the rules prohibiting rooting and Jailbraking as it did in 2010. Good news if you’re waiting for the Nexus 4, not so good if you’re waiting for the Nexus 10; tablets are not included in the exceptions.  The Library Of Congress listed five categories of exemptions which will go into effect on October 28, 2012 and will be valid for three years.

The Library of Congress found the definition of “tablet” to be too broad. The ruling determined“the record lacked a sufficient basis to develop an appropriate definition for the ‘tablet’ category of devices, a necessary predicate to extending the exemption beyond smartphones.”They cited “an e-book reading device might be considered a ‘tablet,’ as might a handheld video game device or a laptop computer.”

Canonical’s installer easily loads Ubuntu onto your Nexus 7

Have you ever imagined having access to a full fledged desktop experience on your tablet? Well, today the geniuses at Canonical have released the first version of their Ubuntu installer for the Nexus 7, effectively bringing the Debian-derived Linux desktop to your fingertips.

The whole process has been stuffed into a one-click installation tool, so users can easily install the special build (based on version 12.04) on their devices. Keep in mind that in order to properly install the software, you’ll need to have fastboot already set up and functioning, enter a few commands and, of course, have an unlocked bootloader. None of these things should be a problem though, considering it’s a Nexus device after all. In fact, you can find our in-depth directions on how to root and unlock your Nexus 7.

Unfortunately, the tool is currently only available as a developer preview for users with machines running Ubuntu 12.04 LTS or Later. However, it is expected that the service will expand with compatibility for other operating systems in the future. For full instructions and more information regarding the installation process, hit the source link below.

Source: Ubuntu (Instructions), Ubuntu (FAQ)

Xbox SmartGlass available for Android

A few days ago we reported on a new app coming from Microsoft, Xbox SmartGlass, that creates a connection between a user’s mobile device and their Xbox. The app is similar to immersive entertainment solutions like Netflix or IntoNow that enable you to watch content on your big screen TV while controlling the content from your device. These apps typically provide you with access to other information about the content and social media interaction with other fans. Xbox SmartGlass does the same thing for users who have an Xbox Live Gold subscription and the popular gaming platform.

When Microsoft released a video about Xbox SmartGlass, it appeared it would be released today only with support for Windows 8 devices. Android and iOS version supposedly would not appear until early 2013. Like Samsung’s announcement about the U.S. rollout of Jelly Bean for Samsung Galaxy S III devices that indicated “coming months,” only to be followed up a week later by Sprint’s rollout, it looks like someone at Microsoft decided sooner was better than later.

Samsung Galaxy Note II now available from Sprint

Sprint’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II is now on sale for $299 with a new two-year contract. Like it’s other US brethren, the device sports a 5.5-inch 1,280 x 720 HD Super AMOLED display, 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor, 8-megapixel rear camera atop Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Color choices include Marble White and Titanium Grey. As with nearly all of Sprint’s new devices, the Galaxy Note II supports the carrier’s newly-formed 4G LTE network, so long as you’re in one of the (very) limited number of markets.

Are you planning on picking up the Galaxy Note II? Let us know in the comments below.

Wacom launches Bamboo Paper app for several Samsung devices

Samsung has managed to snag an exclusive deal to lock Wacom’s Bamboo Paper app to the Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S III. Wondering what Bamboo Paper has to offer? Here’s a quick description:

Samsung releases 3 videos showcasing some of what’s best on the Galaxy Note 2 [Video]

Earlier I posted how Samsung released 3 videos showcasing their Galaxy S III and it’s advantageous features. Now they’re at it again with 3 videos showcasing their brand new Galaxy Note 2 and some of it’s best features.

First they show how much improved their new S-Pen is and the possibilities it has. Then the next two shows how easy and nice multitasking is on the Note 2 with it’s huge 5.5” screen, and how great of an entertainment system the Note 2 is such as gaming and watching videos. Head on over after the break and check out the 3 videos and let us know what you all think about them!

Samsung found guilty of violating 4 Apple patents by ITC, but wins mult-touch case in the Netherlands

Among the myriad of patent cases between Samsung and Apple, one has reached a critical decision. In 2011 Apple brought a case up against Samsung to the International Trade Commission for seven patent violations. Today ITC Judge Thomas Pender made the decision that Samsung violated four of those patents. The patents that Samsung were found to have violated include one for scrolling up and down, a variety of UI interactions, and displaying a semi-transparent image over another image. As for the other three patents, Apple dropped one and the other two were dismissed by the judge. The final decision will be made by a panel of ITC Judges in February on whether or not Judge Pender made the right decision.

On the bright side, Samsung was cleared of violating an Apple mutli-touch patent in a Dutch court so they continue to have friends in the Netherlands. So with a victory going to both corners today this very long and drawn out boxing match between Apple and Samung may be headed to an end, but only time will tell.

Swiftkey announces Swiftkey Flow beta to start for new app

Leading Android keyboard developer Swiftkey announced a new app today, Swiftkey Flow. This new app will enable users to “flow” a word by gliding their finger across the keypad instead of tapping letters, somewhat reminiscent of the input method found in Swype and other apps. Swiftkey indicates the new Swiftkey Flow app will be different because it incorporates their real-time prediction technology as a user is “flowing” a word. Swiftkey touts the power of its artificial intelligence engine by noting it can correctly predict the next word 30% of the time before any characters are even entered. Once two characters are entered, whether through traditional typing or using the new “flow” mode, the odds of correctly predicting the next word jump to 84%.

Swiftkey indicates they will start beta testing the new app with members of the VIP community before eventually releasing it in the Google Play Store. Hit the break for a video of Swiftkey Flow in action and the text of the full press release.

Sony Xperia TL hits AT&T on November 2 for $99 on contract

Earlier in the month AT&T announced they would release Sony’s Xperia T in time for the holidays as the Xperia TL. They just officially announced that it will be available starting November 2 for $99 on contract. That’s a screaming good deal for a darn good phone. As a reminder, the Xperia TL sports a 4.6-inch (1280 x 720) Reality display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4, 1GB of RAM, a 13MP camera, NFC, LTE, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Full press release and quick video after the break: