Google and Samsung cooking up quad-core Nexus 10?

Is Google cooking up an updated Nexus 10 in conjunction with Samsung? Sources say yes, and go one step further, claiming the new tablet is already making the rounds wearing the case of the original Nexus 10. Bright Side of News says the prototype model was sneaking around the back halls of CES and could again make a covert appearance at MWC before a grand unveiling at Google I/O.

So what’s new in the rumored second-gen Nexus 10? A quad-core CPU with 8-core Mali-T678 graphics, an upgrade from the dual-core Exynos 5 found in the first iteration. According to the initial report, the folks at Bright Side of News were able to take the tablet for a test drive and benchmarks proved to be “night and day” by comparison.

Making thing a little more interesting, the rumor immediately called us back to a story from earlier today detailing new tablet models from Samsung. One in particular, codenamed Roma and carrying model number GT-P8200, appears lined up as the successor to the Nexus 10, which carries the model number GT-P8110. While talk of a quad-core version of the slate is strictly rumor at this point, the existence of this Roma tablet creates a good deal of intrigue.

If a quad-core model proves to be in development, don’t expect it to launch any time soon. Google reportedly plans to launch the device closer to the back-to-school fall season.

Source : http://phandroid.com/

Read more »

More Sense 5 screenshots spotted on a Droid DNA

Following today's leak of an unreleased version of Sense 5 running on the Droid DNA, we're now seeing more screenshots from users claiming to have their hands on the software as well. Member mdeejay at XDA has just put up several screenshots of what is said to be a stable build of Android 4.1.2 with Sense 5 running on the Verizon phone, as ported from -- wait for it -- a Sprint version of the rumored M7.

 
We're not sure if that answers more questions than it creates, but it certainly gives us a lot to think about. This probably isn't the last leak (or purported leak) we'll see in the coming weeks, as HTC is likely set to show off a number of new devices at MWC in February. You can take a gander at several more screenshots at the source link below.

Source : http://www.androidcentral.com/

Read more »

Motorola X Phone said to be headed for all carriers, sold through Google Play Store? [RUMOR]

We haven’t heard much about the Motorola X Phone other than it was supposed to be a high-end beast of a phone with Google’s heavy influence injected. It wasn’t necessarily said to be a Nexus phone, though early details would have anyone believing that’s exactly what it could become. Well, a new set of rumors have popped up and this is one doozie of a story.

According to information posted by a supposed trusted member of the community, which independent sources of Droid-Life’s seem to corroborate, the Motorola X Phone will be announced at Google I/O this may and all carriers will sell the device. An early July release date is said to be targeted, but things could obviously change between now and then.

The device won’t be marketed as a part of the Nexus line, and that unfortunately means Google won’t be guaranteeing updates straight from Mountain View as opposed to carrier-delivered upgrades. We imagine folks would still get timely upgrades for the most part, but as we learned with the Galaxy Nexus debacle nothing is promised.

The rumors state you will have to pay Verizon $15 per month if you buy the device and get it unlocked through them, but if you buy it through the Play Store you’ll get it unlocked with no fee to speak of. Staying on the topic of Verizon, it’s assumed their version will cost $300. It sounds like carriers can price the device according to their own tastes so it might not be the same for the likes of Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile.

Carriers will be permitted to install bloatware on the X Phone, but users can choose to remove any of it after they unlock the phone. This is an action that typically requires root so we’re glad to hear that we probably won’t need to wait for the community to enable us with that functionality.

As excited as you might get reading this, keep in mind that these rumors — although mouth-watering in some aspects and delivered by seemingly trustworthy messengers — are still to be treated as if they’re completely unsubstantiated. We don’t want people getting their hopes up only to be crushed in the event that none of this solidifies, so take it with a grain of salt and treat it as little more than a wishlist until we can gather up some more evidence. What would you say to these particular details?

Source : http://phandroid.com/

Read more »

Google pulls plug on Nexus Q, lists as no longer available for sale

The Nexus Q, which has been on ice since Google halted sales of the made-in-the-USA media orb shortly after its Google I/O unveiling, has run its course. Today, the Q’s status in the Google Play store changed from “not for sale at this time” to “no longer available for sale,” spelling an all-but-certain end for the device.

The cancellation shouldn’t come as a surprise. Most assumed Google at the very least would overhaul the design, find ways to make it cheaper (or at least increase its value by adding greater functionality) and then relaunch the Q at a later date. Either that or develop some sort of Nexus TV to replace it. While both of those scenarios could still play out, neither will do so as the Nexus Q we came to know only for a short period of time.

The Nexus Q was announced in June of 2012 and soon went up for pre-order before Google pulled the device, leaving its legacy in the hands of those developers attending the conference. All present were given the Q, and will likely remain the only members of the public to receive the device.

Source : http://phandroid.com/

Read more »

Samsung Galaxy Camera update to bring new shooting modes, more responsive camera app

The first major software update for Samsung's Galaxy Camera will add some new "smart" shooting modes, while addressing one of our main gripes with performance in the device's camera app. The update to Android 4.1.2 is available now as a ROM that can be flashed manually (and at your own risk) through the ODIN utility, though we're not yet aware of anyone having received it over-the-air through the usual channels.

Let's take a look at what's new...

The biggest change in the new firmware is the addition of four new options under the "smart" shooting mode --

Dawn - Take pictures that emphasize the dawn sky by making the blue more intense.
Snow - Take pictures that emphasize the brightness of snow by making the white more intense.
Food - Take pictures that emphasize the vivid colors of food.
Party/Indoor - Take pictures of parties or other indoor activities without blurring.
Additionally, a new option under Settings > Share in the camera app now allows the Galaxy Camera to be used with Samsung's Remote Viewfinder app on another device.

We're also noticing that the subtle input lag we experienced in the camera app (and reported in our review) is gone in this latest update. The touch controls are considerably more responsive, and animations in the camera app are smoother. This is particularly noticeable in the on-screen control wheels in "smart" and "expert" modes. Finally, the Weather app has been promoted to the app drawer, whereas before it was only accessible through a home screen widget.

So far we haven't noticed any image quality changes in the latest firmware. Nevertheless, there are some worthwhile improvements in this first major Galaxy Camera update. Hopefully all the various flavors of this device will start to see the update pushing out in the near future.

Source : http://www.androidcentral.com/

Read more »

Deal of the Day: Incipio DualPro SHINE Hard Shell Case for Galaxy Note 2

The Jan. 16 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Incipio DualPro SHINE Hard Shell Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 2. This hybrid style case protects your device with a shock absorbing inner layer of silicone layered with an acrylic outer shell featuring a brushed aluminum look. There's access to the camera, ports and buttons of the device -- and doesn't effect reception inside the case. Color options include black, gray, white and pink cores.

The Incipio DualPro SHINE Hard Shell Case is available for just $20.00, 43% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping!

Source : http://www.androidcentral.com/

Read more »

Sony Xperia ZL spotted in red ahead of international release

The Sony Xperia ZL may be coming to market in more than just black and white if these photos of a deep red model are to be believed. We had a look at the black and white versions of the Xperia ZL back at CES in Las Vegas and really enjoyed the quality of the handset, but the red version was nowhere to be found. The photo above is reportedly a prototype model handled at a South East Asia launch event, and word is that we shouldn't expect this for a worldwide launch like the other colors. The design is apparently identical, save for a back plate that's smooth rather than textured.

This is a touch confusing considering the white and black models were shown off so extensively at the major launch event in Las Vegas. Sony may have some final tweaking to do on the red model before it's ready for a consumer release, or it may be holding the third color as a special edition or regional device. Red version aside, we have no firm pricing or release date for the Xperia ZL (or it's brother, the Z) anywhere in the world. If you happen to be holding out for the device to make an appearance in the states, you may want to prepare to have it imported from overseas.

XperiaBlog has a good handful of pictures of the red Xperia ZL, if you're so inclined, at the source link below.

Source : http://www.androidcentral.com/

Read more »

HabitRPG turns your real life to-do list into an online role playing game

If you’re a big video game player, chances are you love in-game achievements. A lot of people do. Sometimes known as “trophies,” these are ways players in the virtual world gain badges for accomplishing a specific task in a game. Think of it like a reward system and/or bragging rights. How cool would it be if you could receive virtual achievements for accomplishing real life tasks? You know, in the real world? No, you wont have to bust up your pottery or cut down tufts of grass (although you really could). Just accomplish your own personal tasks.

That’s precisely the idea behind HabitRPG, an online to-do RPG that transforms you tasks list into an online role playing game. Epic right? Eat a full serving of vegetables? Gain exp (experience points). Spot a cute Samsung rep at a mobile convention? Make out with her and level-up! Fail, and lose valuable HP (hit points). You can use in-game tokens to equip your avatar with flare or armor which can lower the amount of hit points you lose for sitting on your ass.

HabitRPG is completely open sourced and already live via their website (though their servers are currently getting pounded from high traffic). As an Android users, exactly what does HabitRPG have to do with you? Well, the boys that invented the game are currently working on app versions of the game and are looking for funding from the Kickstarter community to make that happen (and help make the app available for free). As an Android user himself, the developer promises to follow all the guidelines Google has made available, so expect a fully functional and beautiful app experience. If you have any more questions, watch the video below and you can learn more about the productivity RPG by visiting their Kickstarter linked below.

Source : http://phandroid.com/

Read more »

Play Store now offering T-Mobile SIM cards with Nexus 7 purchase

If were interested in getting a 3G-enabled Nexus 7 from the Google Play Store but didn’t want to deal with the hassle of getting your SIM card and service setup at a separate time, then today’s news should delight most of you. Well… not as much as if you were waiting on the Nexus 4 to get in stock, but it’s delightful news nonetheless.

T-Mobile has announced that its SIM cards can now be bundled with a 3G Nexus 7 when they’re purchased from the Google Play Store. The SIM card doesn’t cost you anything extra to add so there should be no qualms at the point of sale. You’ll be able to enjoy HSPA+ speeds where available, and T-Mobile offers some pretty reasonable data packages for those craving data on the go.

No contract plans come in 300MB, 1.5GB, 3.5GB and 5GB flavors for $15, $25, $35 and $50 per month respectively. Head to T-Mobile.com or your nearest T-Mobile store to see how you can load up on these plans, and if you decide they work out better for you than AT&T’s options then grab one of these convenient combos for yourself in the Google Play Store.

Source : http://phandroid.com/

Read more »