Android Central

Android Central


Coming up Thursday night: We're answering all your Verizon Galaxy Nexus questions live!

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 04:58 PM PST

Android Central Podcast - Galaxy Nexus Special

Here's the deal. We're just as excited about you are about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus finally hitting Verizon this week. It's about damn time, even if Verizon still hasn't officially said anything. No matter. It's coming this week. (It better come this week.)

So on Thursday night's edition of the Greatest Android Podcast in the World, we're only going to talk about the Galaxy Nexus. But even better than that, we're only going to answer your questions. Yeah, the user manual's floating around. Yeah, you've read the prelease theads. But we've got two people who have been living the Galaxy Nexus for weeks now, and more who have been swimming in Ice Cream Sandwich. It's time to really pick our brains.

Here's how to ask us about the Galaxy Nexus, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, or anything else having to do with Verizon, galaxies or the odd celestial nexus:

This is going to be fun. Or end with someone in tears. But it won't be me, because I know to get to the settings by pulling down the notification bar. And knowing is half the battle.



Secure tokens will cause issues with NFC and battery swapping on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 03:55 PM PST

Galaxy Nexus

One of the little bombshells dropped from the Verizon Galaxy Nexus training materials concerns NFC and the swappable battery.  Because the NFC chip resides on the battery itself, the hardware changes when you change the battery.  Not only does your replacement battery have to have NFC capabilities, but the system and NFC chip use a token to match things together for security.  We're speculating that ISIS requires this sort of extra layer, but that's just an educated guess.  Note that this doesn't mean things won't work, Verizon simply says:

Customers attempting to use more than one battery with the Galaxy Nexus may have less than an optimal experience since the NFC chip within the battery must register a token between the device and the battery each time the battery is swapped.

Less than optimal may mean different things to different people, so this may mean that it takes a bit longer for the system to initialize, NFC settings will need adjusted, not all apps will work properly, or the whole enchilada may not work.  We'll know more when the Verizon version hits the shelves.  Hopefully, that's soon.

Thanks, +Butch Yon for the heads up!



Required reading: Carrier IQ around the web

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 03:00 PM PST

 

Carrier IQ

Our mantra around here is that you should aways start and end your day with Android Central -- we're the center of the Android Universe, after all. But when we're not busy stroking our own egos, we're busy stroking other people's and reading everything we can get our hands on. And there's been some damn fine work regarding the Carrier IQ saga from people we respect that you must read. Here's a recap:

  • Lance Ulanoff, Mashable: "From the moment I read about Carrier IQ’s explanation about what its software does and watched this video, I recognized it as pretty much run-of-the-mill debugging and diagnostic software."
  • Paul Thurrott, WinSuperSite.com: "Trevor Eckhart is many things, perhaps, but he's not a security researcher. ... His accusations set off an incredible torrent of news and recriminations, especially for Carrier IQ, the company that makes the eponymously named software. But I'm pretty sure almost all of this is baloney."
  • Sascha Segan, PCMag: "Your carrier can read your text messages, sniff your packets, and listen in on your phone calls, [Carrier] IQ or no. So what's changed? Immediacy and trust."
  • Rene Ritchie, TiPb: "Does that mean it’s wrong to feel violated? Certainly not, but right now a lot of the attention is being focused on Carrier IQ and that’s a lot like blaming a gun — what you really want is the shooter. It’s the carriers and the manufacturers who are implementing Carrier IQ."
  • Sean Hollister and Dieter Bohn, The Verge (extended interview): "Other technical details — including how exactly Carrier IQ stores and transmits its data and how carriers utilize it — are both comforting and disquieting by turns. ... At the very least, how Carrier IQ’s software is implemented on various devices needs wider scrutiny from both security experts and regulators."

Take some time and give 'em a read. You'll be smarter for it.



Market apps on ICS, Unknown icons [From the Forums]

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:58 PM PST

Android Central

With Galaxy Nexus news creeping out everywhere, we've been keepin up-to-date on it all so, if you missed any of the news -- make sure you skip on back a page or two and get caught up. If you're looking for more Android discussion jump on into the Android Central forums.

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



Holiday gift guide: What to get the fitness nut

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 02:32 PM PST

 

Android Central Gift Guide

With the holidays right around the corner, we're staring down the ugly double-barrel of gifts and the inevitable New Year's resolutions. Finding the right gifts for the fitness freak in your life can sometimes be a chore, but here at Android Central, we've got you covered.

And what about those folks who'll pledge to be more active and exercise more in the new year? Well, there's gifts for them on this list, too.

Join us after the break for the whole shakedown of what'll get yours (or their) blood pumping.

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GTA III finally gets priced and dated, not everyone can play just yet

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 01:40 PM PST

Android Central

It's been teased for sometime now, but it's now been revealed that the 10 year anniversary mobile edition of the epic Grand Theft Auto III shoots it's way onto selected Android handsets on Dec. 15.

It'll set you back a measly $4.99, way less than we paid for it 10 years ago but sadly, at launch at least, not everyone will be able to enjoy this masterpiece. 

Supported devices at launch are: 

  • Phones: HTC Rezound, LG Optimus 2X, Motorola Atrix 4G, Motorola Droid X2, Motorola Photon 4G, Samsung Galaxy R, T-Mobile G2X
  • Tablets: Acer Iconia, Asus EeePad Transformer, Dell Streak 7, LG Optimus Pad, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1, Sony Tablet S, Toshiba Thrive

There are going to be a lot of disappointed people out there, not least anyone who's just bought or planning on buying a Samsung Galaxy Nexus. But, our guess is that more devices, especially the Nexus, won't be far behind. Meanwhile if you're fortunate enough to own one of these devices, salivate over the Android version screenshots after the break, and try to wait patiently for the next 9 days.

Source: Rockstar Games

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Future Shop drops the price of the Rogers Samsung Galaxy S II LTE to $20

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:46 PM PST

Future Shop

While Rogers is still looking to charge you $150 for the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE online, Future Shop is a little more forgiving on your bank balance and is now offering the device for only $20 in retail locations across Canada. That won't save you from the 3-year contract required but hey -- getting the device cheaper is better then a swift kick in the arse, right?

Source: Future Shop



Financial Times finally arrives on Android, beta tag in tow

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:10 PM PST

Android Central

The Financial Times may have parted company with the iOS App Store, but they haven't given up on native applications completely as the financial news powerhouse brings their Android offering to the table. 

First things first, if you own a shiny new Galaxy Nexus, hold off a moment as the beta available for download isn't yet compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich. If you're somewhere above Android 2.2 on phones and 3.1 for tablets then you're in luck, and it promises to automatically optimise for your device's screen size for the best user experience. Auto-downloads of the latest edition for offline reading are also along for the ride.

The app is free to download, but the FT does operate as a subscription service. The free registration allows access to eight articles per month, so it's at least possible to try it out without ponying up the cash first. 

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Ice Cream Sandwich coming to Archos G9 series in Q1 2012

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:47 AM PST

Android Central

Archos sends word that its G9 series of tablets, which includes 8-inch and 10-inch models, will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich during the first quarter of next year. The Archos 101 G9 and Archos 80 G9, which launched with Honeycomb (version 3.2 to be precise), were unveiled earlier this year as Archos' first products to ship with the Android Market.

With a dual-core OMAP CPU inside and an update to ICS now assured, we have to admit that £199 (around $279 in the US) price point is looking ever more tempting. Check out our hands-on coverage for more on both G9 tablets.



Best Buy getting its Galaxy Nexus stock starting today (but don't tell anyone)

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:39 AM PST

Best Buy Galaxy Nexus

Shhhhh. Don't tell anybody, but Best Buy's starting to get its Samsung Galaxy Nexus stock today. And don't bother asking, though, cause they can't tell you that it's starting to get its Galaxy Nexus stock today. But we can, and we did.

Now only if we knew when it was going to be released. Hmmmmmmmm.

Thanks, anon! More: Galaxy Nexus forums



US Cellular tells its employees it doesn't use Carrier IQ

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:16 AM PST

Android Central

Chalk up another carrier in the "No" column when it comes to Carrier IQ, apparently. Regional carrier US Cellular, in an internal memo, USC says unequivocably, "None of our devices have this software/applications embedded." Here's the full skinny:

Many of you may have received inquiries from customers regarding USC's usage of Carrier IQ Software that has been in news articles the last few days. At U.S. Cellular®, we take customer privacy very seriously. None of our devices have this software/applications embedded. If you receive any further customer inquiries please let them know that our devices do not have this and we do not monitor this type of information.

We've got the full memo after the break.

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Verizon says it's not blocking Google Wallet, it just doesn't have it because of an integration thing

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:56 AM PST

Google Wallet

We're just going to let this one from Verizon hang out there:

Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.

Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.

We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.

Whether it's Verizon doing the blocking, as 9 to 5 Google's anonymous source reportedly said, or if it's just not allowing the app, or whatever -- or if it's the current deal with Sprint that's keeping Google Wallet off every other Nexus device -- it's still bad for Google Wallet in short term, not to mention disappointing for those who don't want to hack their phones. Will Google Wallet survive in the long term? Just have to see. 

Source: Verizon



Google officially announces 10 billion app downloads, more 10-cent apps to come

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:16 AM PST

Android Market downloads

Our intrepid readers figured it out a little early this morning, but Google's just made it official: The Android Market has surpassed 10 billion downloads. And as you can see from the chart above, the numbers have skyrocketed over the past several months.

And the really good news: Google's not just promoting the same 10-cent apps for the next week and a half. Check back each day over the next 10 days for all new 10-cent apps. It's a great gift from the maker of the world's best damn mobile OS, that's for sure. 

Source: Google+; more: Android Market



DroidDoodle - Quad-core

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 09:33 AM PST

DroidDoodle - Quad-core

Don't even ask where his fifth companion core is.



Samsung Galaxy Nexus in Verizon stores on Dec. 9, Droid 4 on Dec. 8, according to leaked screen

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 08:53 AM PST

Galaxy Nexus Launch Date

We have been waiting, and speculating, and hoping that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus launch date would get confirmed by Verizon, and while it hasn't, Engadget received a nice tip. It appears as though all the merchandising materials will be showing up for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Dec. 8 -- just two days away -- and also on that day the Motorola Droid 4 will be launching. Unfortunately their source tells them that Thursday won't be the launch day for the Galaxy Nexus, and we will have to wait a whole 24 hours more until Dec. 9 to get our paws on it. Here's to hoping for an official Verizon announcement!

Source: Engadget; More: Galaxy Nexus forums



Deal of the Day: Seidio Innocell 3200mAh Super Extended Battery for LG Thrill 4G, Optimus 3D

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 08:38 AM PST

Seidio Innocell 3200mAh Super Extended Battery for LG Thrill 4G, Optimus 3D

The Dec. 6 Deal of the Day brings us the Seidio Innocell 3200 mAh super extended battery for the LG Thrill 4G and Optimus 3D. That's more than double the stock battery that comes with the Thrill 4G and Optimus 3D. The extended battery also comes with an extended battery door, featuring Seidio's signature soft-touch coating. The entire kit also is compatible with Sidio Innodocks. And best of all, it's available today only for just $44.95 -- that's 36 percent off! Get yours while supplies last!



Google's 10-cent app sale part of 10 billion downloads promo

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 08:16 AM PST

Android Market 10 billion promo

Looks like Google's taken the lid off of this 10-cent app thing. The Android Market's now promoting 10 days of offers -- top premium apps -- 10 cents per app. Dive into that Market page and you see the "10 billion promo" page. That 10 billion's got to refer to app downloads -- a milestone if we've ever heard one.

Here are the 10 apps on the 10-cent promotion for the next 10 days:

Figure we'll see some sort of announcement from Google at some point. In the meantime, hit the links above and get downloading!

More: Android Market



Verizon announces Droid RAZR in white

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 07:54 AM PST

 

White Motorola Droid RAZR

Verizon this morning also announced that the new Motorola Droid RAZR (read our complete review) will be available in white for the winter holidays. No availability date was given other than "this month," but it'll cost $299.99 with a new two-year contract. You'll also have to have a $39.99-a-month voice plan and $30-a-month data plan.



Verizon officially announces pair of XYBOARD tablets

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 07:49 AM PST

Verizon Motorola Xyboard

Verizon this morning officially announced it will carry the Motorola Xoom 2 and Xoom 2 Media Edition as the XYBOARD 10.1 and XYBOARD 8.2, respectively. Both tablets will launch with Android 3.2 Honeycomb but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The XYBOARD tablets also both feature 1.2 GHz processors, 1GB of RAM and have Gorilla Glass on their displays. They each have 1 5MP rear-facing camera and a 1.3MP shooter up front.

No actual release date was announced, just "this month." As for pricing: The XYBOARD 10.1 will be available in a 16GB version for $529.99, a 32GB version for $629.99, and a 64GB version for $729.99. The XYBOARD 8.2 will cost $429.99 for the 16GB version and $529.99 for the 32GB version. Also,  you'll have to sign a two-year contract with a (minimum) $30-a-month data plan. However, Verizon will take off $100 and throw in $50 worth of accessories if you also buy a new Droid RAZR on contract. 

Full presser's after the break.

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A slew of popular apps suddenly are 10 cents in the Android Market

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 07:10 AM PST

Minecraft for 10 cents

Something interesting is going on in the Android Market this morning. A bunch of our favorite apps are suddenly going for a dime, with no real rhyme or reason for the discount. @dirkyd3rlc and @Pat_Huey on Twitter alerted us to SwiftKey and Minecraft on sale for 10 cents, and we've found others. (Update: And in the UK, the apps are going for 10p each, not 6p, which would be converted from 10 cents U.S. We definitely smell a trend here.)

Here's the list as it stands.

There may be others. (Sing out in the comments if you spot any.) Can't tell if this is a glitch (which seems a tad unlikely), or some sort of coordinated effort. Regardless, might as well take advantage.

via @dirkyd3rk, @paul_huey



C Spire gets the Xperia Play

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 05:44 AM PST

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

U.S. regional carrier C Spire (former Cellular South) announced today that it's carrying the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play for $49.99 on contract (and after $50 rebate). The so-called Playstation phone -- nicknamed for its Playstation-like slide-out controls -- is the same as we've crawled all over for the past year or so, with a 4-inch display, 1GHz Snapdragon II processor, 5MP rear camera and a slew of available games.

We're not yet seeing the Xperia Play on C Spire's website, but you can call telesales (855-277-4734) or get it in a C Spire store.

Source: Press release
More: Read our Xperia Play review



Facebook app apparently poised for a bit of a refresh

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 05:35 AM PST

FacebookFacebook

Looks like Android's Facebook app is getting ready for an update, according to some screen shots leaked to Engadget. Codenamed "Katana" (which was, for as long as we can remember, always been the code name for the app -- it's in the com.facebook.katana package name), navigation, menus and search are getting revamped, and check-ins may get their own standalone icon. 

No word, exactly, on when it will drop, or how long it'll take the inevitable bugfix update to follow.

Source: Engadget



Google adds Arabic and Hebrew to Voice Search

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 05:27 AM PST

Google Voice Search

Good news for many of our readers in the Middle East: Google has announced that its Voice Search service now recongnizes Hebrew and Arabic if you're in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, the UAE and Israel.  It'll understand Gulf, Levant and Egyptian dialects. And the more people use the service, the better it'll recognize voices in the future. (Google says it used 1 million "utterances" to train the system.)

If you're running a phone with Android 2.2 or above, you're good to go. Otherwise, you'll need to download the Voice Search app from the Market. We've got download links after the break.

Source: Google Mobile blog

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Google confirms no Google Wallet on Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 04:44 AM PST

No Google Wallet on the Galaxy Nexus

We already knew that Google Wallet wasn't going to be on the Galaxy Nexus, but until now, it was purely speculatory. Unfortunately, Google has confirmed themselves that Wallet won't be on Verizon's Galaxy Nexus, and it was at the behest of Verizon themselves (shocker, I know).

Says Google:

Verizon asked us not to include this functionality in the product.

Yeah, we know it's probably because of that whole ISIS thing, but still, is it too much to ask for a pure Google phone these days?

Source: CNET


Verizon Galaxy Nexus coming Dec. 9? These documents seem to say so

Posted: 05 Dec 2011 09:49 PM PST

email about Galaxy Nexus

While we can't guarantee the validity of this document and e-mail leaked to RootzWiki, if they are true we should be seeing the elusive Verizon Galaxy Nexus this Friday, Dec. 9.  The e-mail and PDF file state that stores will start receiving stock on Dec. 6, which we know is true, and they will have them on the shelves along with whatever fancy promotional materials there are to display Friday. Match that up with the fact that some Verizon stores are already selling accessories, and you have a very plausible situation.  We hope it's true, you all hope it's true, but until we hear someone from Verizon say it on the record we have to go on hope alone.  Hit the jump to see one more image you'll love.

Source: RootzWiki. Thanks everyone who sent this in!

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