Samsung Pushes Jelly Bean Update To The Korean Variants Of The Galaxy S III Smartphone

News has surfaced that Samsung has (finally) pushed the coveted Jelly Bean update to the Korean variants of the Galaxy S III smartphone. According to the gang at SamMobile, the update is now up for owners of the different Korean versions of the smartphone and can be downloaded via Kies Desktop Software or through OTA. The massive update will bring the Android software version to 4.1.2 and the build to JZO54K, while bringing the usual goodies like Multi-View, Smart Rotation and revamped Notification Panel.

As exciting as this news is— the rest of the world is still waiting for the other versions of the Galaxy S III getting the Jelly Bean update. At least we’re seeing the devices get the update— one step at a time.

source: SamMobile

SoundCloud updated to feature redesigned UI and new sharing features

SoundCloud is one of the most popular cloud storage and sharing apps for music. Today, SoundCloud has updated its app on the Play Store to bring in an updated interface, new search capabilities, and a brand new repost feature, all of which are welcome changes. If you’re looking for an easy way to make some music and get it out for people to hear, it’s hard to go wrong with SoundCloud. Hit the link below for the links.

Play Store Download Link

Ice Cream Sandwich Rolling out to Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 3G

Most of us by now are a little spoiled having enjoyed at least Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for a while now. However, there are still numerous owners with devices that still haven’t been officially upgraded to the newer Android OS. You can now put a check beside the 3G version of Samsung’sGalaxy Tab 8.9 (GT-P7300) as being officially on the list of devices with Android 4.0. Updates are beginning to roll out via OTA and reportedly are available through Samsung Kies. The update should definitely make your tablet run more efficiently, quicker, and also boost battery life.

source:  SamMobile

Skype updated to version 3.0 for Android devices, adds tablet UI improvements

Skype released an update today that focuses on Microsoft’s move to use the service in place of Windows Live Messenger and to introduce improvements in the tablet experience. Skype’s tablet UI changes include little things like re-positioning navigation buttons and menus to better use the screen real estate afforded by tablet devices. The window for video is larger as well. However, early adopters of this new version are already complaining that the app forces the use of landscape mode.

Readers may already be familiar with Microsoft’s decision to abandon their Live Messenger application and move their user base over to Skype. To help with that change in direction, Skype now makes it possible to sign in to your Microsoft account. Besides the improvements to the tablet UI and easing the Microsoft login process, Skype also made improvements to audio quality and incorporated some bug fixes in this latest version. To get a copy or upgrade your existing install, use one of the Google Play download links below.

Google Play Download Link

Sony Xperia Tablet S Gets Minor “release6a” Update

While the Sony Xperia Tablet S may just be getting over its physical defects, it is now getting some love thanks to a minor OTA update that is being pushed out to the tablet. This minor update dubbed “release6a” brings a major VPN fix to users who encountered issues trying to log onto corporate or enterprise networks. Sure the minor update still keeps the tablet on Android 4.0.3, but any update is better than no update, right?

If you own the tablet, be sure to head on down to your Settings and System Updates in order to grab the latest update immediately.

source: Xperia Blog

Light Flow update released to support Nexus 4 and GMail 4.2

Rage Consulting has released an update to their popular LED control app Light Flow bringing it up to to version 3.3.0. The new update adds support for LG Nexus 4 devices just in time for that device’s release. Along with the new handset support, Light Flow now supports several additional applications, most notable among them being GMail 4.2. For those not familiar with Light Flow, the app enables users to customize the LED notifications on your device. You can configure different colors for different notifications, set priorities, match these to sounds or vibrations, and establish sleep modes to help conserve battery life.

The app does have some specific hardware requirements, with HTC devices presenting the biggest challenges. If you are interested in Light Flow, grab the $2.49 app using one of the download links below or opt for the Lite version that is available for free.

Multi-Window OTA update for Sprint’s Galaxy Note II rolling out

One of the unique features of Jelly Bean running on the Samsung Galaxy Note II is the multi-window feature. It is so popular that Samsung decided to make it available on their Galaxy S III device. Oddly enough, when Samsung made the Galaxy Note II available for the U.S. market, the Jelly Bean build that shipped did not include the multi-window function, even though it was available on international versions.

The good news today is that Sprint has received the code to implement multi-window on Galaxy Note II devices and has completed their processes to prepare it for deployment to their users. According to Sprint, this feature and some other tweaks will start rolling out to device owners as an OTA update, L900VPALJC, starting today. Sprint indicates they anticipate all devices will be updated within five days. Along with the multi-window function, the update includes tweaks to the GPS lock settings, sending emails to the outbox when there is no coverage or when in airplane mode, and a text message notification that will beep when on a voice call.

If you are one of the early adopters of the Galaxy Note II and want to check for availability of the update, just head to Apps > Settings > System Update > Update Samsung Software > Check Now on your device.

source: Sprint
via: Android Police

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.

LG Spectrum’s ICS update finally approved by Verizon; Should arrive in a couple of days

It took quite a bit of time, but I suppose it’s better late than never right? It looks like Verizon’s LG Spectrum ICS update has finally been approved by Big Red and should hit devices shortly. The build is VS920ZV7 and should start hitting devices in a matter of a couple days. You can also check out the source link for Verizon’s page the details the update and shows off the new features that you’ll be receiving!

Google rolls out Android 4.1.2 OTA update for Google Play Galaxy Nexus devices

More good news for owners of Galaxy Nexus smartphones. Those who purchased their devices through the Google Play store or who have flashed the “takju” version of the firmware onto their device should be receiving an over-the-air (OTA) update to bring their device up to Android version 4.1.2. The update mirrors the version that rolled out a couple days ago for Galaxy Nexus devices purchased from sources other than Google Play. Like the earlier variant, it appears this is a minor update that primarily provides some performance enhancements “under the hood” as opposed to new features for users.

If you haven’t been notified yet of the update’s availability for your device, you might want to check in your settings.

LG releases Jelly Bean update schedule for some devices

LG’s Korean site released information today regarding their plans to roll out Jelly Bean updates to some of their devices. It appears the first device to get the official update will be the LG Optimus LTE II starting some time in November. Translating the Korean page is a bit of challenge, but it appears a Jelly Bean update for the LG Optimus G will be pushed out in December. As 2013 opens, LG indicates both the LG Optimus Vu and LG Optimus Vu II will get Jelly Bean updates during the first quarter.

According to Jong-Seok Park, LG’s Vice President of the Electronics Mobile Communications division, the updates will include both Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and some of LG’s own apps and UI modifications. Among the changes that are touted are increased touch screen response speed and enhanced “Q” apps. The changes are expected to create a user experience that is similar to what users get with a Jelly Bean device out of the box.

LG does not indicate whether the time frames and devices listed apply to markets outside Korea.

Firefox for Android gets update to include new Reader Mode, performance and security enhancements

Long-time Firefox users who enjoy both the desktop and mobile versions will be pleased to know Mozilla is working to keep the mobile version’s updates consistent with the desktop version. Mozilla was not the fastest developer in bringing their web browser to Android devices, but now that they have it available, they certainly seem to be moving ahead at full speed in supporting it and trying to keep it up-to-date. Yesterday they released an update to bring it up to version 16, which puts it slightly ahead of the desktop version which saw version 16 released today and updates have not yet rolled out to all users.

Headlining the new features in this update is a new “Reader Mode” that promises to improve readability by transforming cluttered web pages to make them easier to read, a feature that sounds similar to Evernote’s Clearly add-on. A new “share” feature enables a simple click to be used to sync tabs between devices and the desktop version of Firefox for users who enable the “Firefox Sync” option. Mozilla indicates they have addressed a security hole involving tel: URLs that could wipe a user’s phone, included improvements related to JavaScript, and addressed some CSS3 issues.

Whether Firefox can catch up to some of the other popular mobile browsers remains to be seen, but improvements like this should help close the gap. The size of the app, at 19MB, will not help though, especially for users with memory strapped devices.

Use one of the download links below to check out the latest version of Firefox for Android.

Google Play Download Link

Ready-to-flash official Jelly Bean ROM’s for certain HTC One X’s available

Gotta love leaks right? Looks like several leaks of HTC’s upcoming Jelly Bean ROM for the HTC One X has been leaked and ready for flashing for certain One X’s with the supported CID’s. These ROM’s are based on the One X+’s firmware and features Android 4.1.1 with Sense 4+. If one of these CID’s matches your device, then you’re lucky as you are able to give it a shot!

• cidnum: HTC__001
• cidnum: HTC__E11
• cidnum: HTC__203
• cidnum: HTC__102
• cidnum: HTC__405
• cidnum: HTC__Y13
• cidnum: HTC__A07
• cidnum: HTC__304
• cidnum: HTC__M27
• cidnum: HTC__032
• cidnum: HTC__016
• cidnum: HTC__J15

Any brave flashers wanna give this a shot? Let us know how it is!

Google Maps update now syncs searches across devices

Yesterday Google released an update to the Google Maps for Android app to make it more useful. Perhaps the biggest change involves syncing between mobile devices and the desktop browser version of Google Maps. When signed in to Google Maps with web history enabled, you will get search and directions history synced to your mobile device. On your smartphone or tablet, just go to My Places within the Google Maps app and click on the “Search” or “Directions” tab to access a history of the places you have searched for. Besides syncing with your desktop, the app saves your search history making it easier to access places and businesses for which you’ve already completed a search.

As in previous versions of Google Maps for Android, if you have established locations such as “home” or “work”, you can just type these in the search box on your mobile device to call them up. All of these changes are designed to make it easier and quicker to find directions while on the go.