Android Central |
- How-To: Manually flash the OTA to your Galaxy Nexus
- Amazon Santa app for the Kindle Fire now available, make your wish list and check it twice
- No regrets, GPS Lock [From the Forums]
- Watch the story behind Wind-Up Knight
- Galaxy Nexus press photos extracted from Verizon website
- Zen Pinball THD now available in the Market for Tegra devices, and it's free
- Galaxy Nexus OTA update now rolling out with volume bug fix
- UNO is now free in the Android Market
- Gingerbread for Cellcom's Milestone X is now available
- HTC Sensation XL review
- Get your Android Central T-shirt yet?
- Plantronics InstantMeeting takes the pain out of dialing into conference calls on the go
- Letters for Santa aims to bring some holiday joy to your little ones
- Gingerbread for the Samsung Droid Charge rolling out now
- Sonos adds Android tablet support, Slacker Radio, new beta service
- Kindle Fire software Version 6.2 now available; update manually or over Wifi
- Editorial: Carrier IQ -- the 'evil' we agree to and hate that we did it
- More details about the Motorola Xoom's pending update emerge
- Time Warner Cable app for Honeycomb tablets now available in the Android Market
| How-To: Manually flash the OTA to your Galaxy Nexus Posted: 30 Nov 2011 04:17 PM PST With the OTA slowly rolling out today for the Galaxy Nexus, it's always nice to have a way to manually apply it. Things have changed a bit from how it used to be done, but Alex, Phil, and myself have been fooling around and have a method figured out to give yourself the OTA with no waiting. Fair warning -- this requires an OEM unlocked phone, fastboot drivers, and a few command line commands. Download the OTA package direct from Google. Then, download the latest ClockWorkMod recovery here. Store both these files on your computer desktop. If you haven't already, OEM unlock your Galaxy Nexus bootloader. Here's a handy guide for Windows 7. Note that this erases everything on your phone. (So hopefully you've done this already.)
When finished, reboot as normal and enjoy the OTA. See why everyone loves fastboot? This made no permanant change to your recovery, and without it we'd have to wait for the OTA to push to us all. Alex reports that the volume bug is fixed in his unit when booted up and running, and all went smoothly. If you feel uncomfortable doing this -- or if you're in the U.S. or other area not affected by 900MHz shenanigans -- just sit tight and wait for the OTA. And if you have any questions, jump in the forums for help. 
  | ||||||||||
| Amazon Santa app for the Kindle Fire now available, make your wish list and check it twice Posted: 30 Nov 2011 03:36 PM PST Believe it or not shopping for kids -- even kids at heart -- can be sometimes rather difficult. So to help make things easier, letting kids make a list of what they want for the holidays is often much better then guessing your way through it all. Luckily, Amazon knows this and as such has now made the Amazon Santa app available for the Amazon Kindle Fire. With it, Should you decide to go shopping yourself, each item on the wish list has direct purchase links within the app for easy check out through your Amazon account. The app is available now from Amazon for the Kindle Fire through the source link below. Source: Amazon 
  | ||||||||||
| No regrets, GPS Lock [From the Forums] Posted: 30 Nov 2011 03:02 PM PST Half way through the week, still no official Galaxy Nexus announcement from Verizon and we're already seeing and OTA for the device. No matter -- it's coming. Until then, make sure you hop on back and check out some of the news you may have missed and be sure to check out the Android Central forums as well.
If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today. 
  | ||||||||||
| Watch the story behind Wind-Up Knight Posted: 30 Nov 2011 02:16 PM PST We love Wind-Up Knight, there's little other way of saying it. While not everyone is a fan of it's pricing structure, no-one can deny that it has been gaining massive recognition since its release. For the developers, Robot Invader, this was their first foray into the mobile application world. In an interview with the AndroidDevelopers YouTube channel, they go into a bit of the back story behind the game and talk about their experiences developing for the Android platform. Long and short of it, they liked it! Check out the video after the break. If you've still to try the game for yourself, check out our review and hit the break for the video. 
  | ||||||||||
| Galaxy Nexus press photos extracted from Verizon website Posted: 30 Nov 2011 12:53 PM PST
Press images of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Verizon branding have been found in the source of the coming soon page on Verizon's website. Things look very similar to the current GSM Galaxy Nexus, (check out our review) and chances are without them side by side one would never be able to tell if it weren't for the Verizon 4G logo on the back. Before anyone gets too excited, there's no new rumored released date attached to this post. The files were embedded in the resources of a Flash animation, and Ytram from AndroidForums dug them out. I do have to mention that these are fairly new. Several weeks ago there was only the front face images stored there (we might have checked ourselves). What that all means about any upcoming release is left for you all to guess, as I'm out of clues and stamina. All we know is that it's coming. In the meantime, hit the break to see the rest of the pictures. Source: AndroidForums, via Android Central forums 
  | ||||||||||
| Zen Pinball THD now available in the Market for Tegra devices, and it's free Posted: 30 Nov 2011 12:33 PM PST If you're using a phone or tablet with a Tegra chip inside it, you'll want to check out Zen Pinball THD, which hit the Android Market today. It's a great game, using advanced physics for ball movement, has great tables included -- Marvel's Fantastic Four table is really, really, cool -- and includes multiplayer mode. All for free. To top it off, it's even OpenFeint-enabled for those who like a bit of competition in their mobile gaming. We've been fooling with the press demos, and it's a very well done piece of work. Gameplay is fast, realistic, and beautiful. Any pinball fan or mobile gamer should enjoy this one, and with the free price tag there's no reason not to try it. Hit the break for the download link and the gameplay trailer. 
  | ||||||||||
| Galaxy Nexus OTA update now rolling out with volume bug fix Posted: 30 Nov 2011 11:51 AM PST The promised volume bug fix for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is now rolling out over-the-air, with multiple Nexus owners reporting that updated software has arrived on their handsets. The OTA package weighs a little under 1MB, and updates the Nexus from build ITL41D to ITL41F, while the Android version remains at 4.0.1. So far it seems that the update contains only the volume bug fix, and that there are no other goodies hiding inside. If you've noticed the bug on your device, you'll want to head straight to Settings > About phone > System updates to grab the new software. At the time of writing, not all Nexuses have received the patch, so if you don't get it straight away then be sure to check back in the hours and days ahead. Unlike previous Nexus devices, there's no easy way to directly apply apply the OTA package without unlocking the bootloader and rooting the phone or other such hackery. If you're comfortable messing around with Android's software internals, though, we've figured out a way for you to apply the OTA update manually, without waiting. Check it out. Head over to the comments and let us know if you've already received your update. 
  | ||||||||||
| UNO is now free in the Android Market Posted: 30 Nov 2011 10:50 AM PST Gameloft has released a free version of its popular UNO app for Android, which is now available in the Android Market. For those of you who can't remember your childhood, UNO is the extremely addictive card game that matches numbers and colors until the winner is left with a single winning card. UNO for Android supports multiplayer matchups via online pairing or locally through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and is compatable with all versions of Android, including Honeycomb. Keep in mind that the free pricetag comes with embedded ads, so the $2.99 ad-free version is still available. Hit the break to download. 
  | ||||||||||
| Gingerbread for Cellcom's Milestone X is now available Posted: 30 Nov 2011 09:44 AM PST Cellcom customers patiently waiting for Gingerbread on their Motorola Milestone X will be pleased to know that the carrier has released its official update, which is pushing to devices as we speak. In addition to the usual Gingerbread-flavored goodies, update 4.5.604.en.US brings improvements to battery life, download management, the calendar, camera and contacts, as well as overall device security. It's 104.9 MB total and should be arriving on your device any minute now, though if you're not big on waiting, you can always pull it manually through the System Updates function in the settings menu. Hit the source link for Cellcom's official word. Source: Cellcom; thanks gmonkey88! 
  | ||||||||||
| Posted: 30 Nov 2011 09:22 AM PST There’s no doubt that HTC is getting behind Beats Audio in a big way. This summer the manufacturer ponied up $300 million for a 51 percent stake in Beats, and since then it’s been quick to bring to market phones like the Sensation XE and Rezound, which include Beats earphones in the box and a Beats-optimized music player. The latest phone to launch in Europe with Beats support is the Sensation XL. Originally unveiled at a glitzy event in London back in October, the 4.7-inch XL is pitched as the first European phone designed from the ground up around Beats Audio.
  | ||||||||||
| Get your Android Central T-shirt yet? Posted: 30 Nov 2011 09:09 AM PST What do you get the Android nerd who has everything? More Android! And we've got a bevy of T-shirts available with everybody's favorite Android Central mascot, Lloyd. A few things to note: We're selling this crop of shirts at cost -- we're not taking any commission on these initial designs. Premium designs are in the works. And these shirts are 100 percent Lloyd-approved. Accept no substitutes. So where do you obtain these fine fashion specimens? Just hit up the link below! Android Central T-shirts now on sale! 
  | ||||||||||
| Plantronics InstantMeeting takes the pain out of dialing into conference calls on the go Posted: 30 Nov 2011 08:16 AM PST We know you are all very busy people, and love ways to make your life easier in any way shape or form, and Plantronics realizes the same. While on the go trying to dial into a conference call can be quite a pain, dialing the number, then entering the ID for the call, and sometimes even more information than that, but that pain has to be felt no more. Plantronics InstantMeeting holds all your information for your call, reminds you of the call, and has a one click call button to easily dial into your meeting. So, stop fumbling around trying to remember your call ID's and times, and grab InstantMeeting to simplify your life. Download links after the break. 
  | ||||||||||
| Letters for Santa aims to bring some holiday joy to your little ones Posted: 30 Nov 2011 07:39 AM PST With the Holidays raplidly approaching, everyone is trying to get into the spirit, and while traditions differ, if you celebrate Christmas one thing nearly everyone can remember is writing letters to Santa. Letters for Santa is a great application available for your Android tablet that allows you to take some time away from work and everything else, write out a letter to Santa with your child, and virtually send it off. In addition to actually writing the letter you are able to read a story with the family, making the time truly special for the kids. This is yet another great kids application for Android, much like many of the others we have reviewed. For only $1.99 this is sure to be a great way to spend extra time with the family, and create a new family tradition for yourself. Hit the break for download links. 
  | ||||||||||
| Gingerbread for the Samsung Droid Charge rolling out now Posted: 30 Nov 2011 06:33 AM PST Last week we got word that the Samsung Droid Charge was set to receive its own official Gingerbread update, and now word in the forum is that the update is rolling out. Bringing a bunch of changes some of which include a new color scheme, a new download manager and added SD encryption. If you haven't already received the update notification be sure to head into your settings and check manually for the update! More in the Android Central Forums 
  | ||||||||||
| Sonos adds Android tablet support, Slacker Radio, new beta service Posted: 30 Nov 2011 05:09 AM PST Sonos, the maker of the high-end wireless stereo system, today announced that it's updated its Android application (check out our previous review) to include support for Android tablets. And, yes, that includes the Amazon Kindle Fire, which you see here. Also, Slacker Radio is now on board for yet another streaming music solution. In addition, Spotify's gotten an update, there's now support for AAC+ codecs, and Sonos has added a beta path if you like living on the bleeding edge and want to test features before anyone else. Full presser's after the break. More: Sonos 
  | ||||||||||
| Kindle Fire software Version 6.2 now available; update manually or over Wifi Posted: 29 Nov 2011 10:14 PM PST Don't blink. If you do, you might miss your Amazon Kindle Fire updating to software Version 6.2. Amazon's not really saying what's new in the update other than "provides improvements to the operation of your Kindle Fire." But know that it does break root, so you'll have to jump through that hoop again (which you should be more than willing to do if you did it once already.) The update's available over Wifi, or you can download it directly from Amazon, move it to your Kindle Fire yourself (just plug it in and drag the file onto it in your favorite file explorer), and go into the device settings and hit "Update your Kinde." It'll reboot a couple times, then all is well. Download: Software Version 6.2; More: Amazon 
  | ||||||||||
| Editorial: Carrier IQ -- the 'evil' we agree to and hate that we did it Posted: 29 Nov 2011 09:00 PM PST Seems like every time you turn around you'll see corporations using sneaky tricks to gain a competitive advantage over a different, yet equally sneaky corporation. That's usually how money is made by the people who are best at making lots of it -- at the expense of others. The cell phone industry is no different, even though we wish it were. Yes, I'm talking about Carrier IQ, and it's my turn to bitch. Carrier IQ sells a stock client for BlackBerry, Symbian, and Android. There's strong evidence that they also make client software for other smartphone platforms, and even semi-smartphone OS's like Bada or BREW. But they're only making it easy to get the same type of data your carrier has been collecting about you since the minute you turned your cell phone on. If they're collecting it in an insecure manner, which has happened, that's bad on them, and they need to fix it -- pronto. But they're not doing it on their own. They're doing it at the behest of the manufacturer and the carrier, who uses the data to determine how to make changes that get you to spend more money when they offer you the latest shiny. If 72 percent of the people use a certain feature, you can bet your last dollar that more work goes into making that feature "better" so it's a stronger selling point. Carrier IQ, as a company, could care less what you do with your smartphone, when you do it, or why. All they do is make it easier for the people you give your money to each month to see why you like your phone. I don't work for HTC or AT&T, but I'm sure easy data collection and aggregation makes for a compelling sales pitch. CIQ isn't doing anything it's not supposed to be doing, unless there's a software bug in play. The software was purposefully placed there in order to track what you're doing in real time. Apparently, it works pretty well. Some may argue that it's a rootkit, or a flaw of some sort, but to the people using the product -- again, the carrier and manufacturer -- it's a feature, one that they pay money to include. Remember, you are not HTC's (or Samsung, or LG, or RIM, etc.) customer -- companies like Verizon and Sprint are, and all parties find the data that's collected pretty damn useful, so they aren't likely to stop collecting it. It could be argued that you don't have a choice in the matter. You bought the phone. And while there might be (and usually is -- see the picture above from a CIQ enabled HTC phone) some vague reference to the phone collecting data about how you use it, you likely skipped over that section, and it's not all that up-front about what's being collected or how it's being done. But on the other hand, that's probably true about 90 percent of what your phone's doing at any given time. It works exactly how it's supposed to work. Getting mad about it after the fact isn't very productive, and isn't going to solve the problem any time soon. Vote with your wallet. You have the option to say no to this sort of data collection software, and that's done by not buying phones that use it. Every major carrier in the world now carries one of those. Yes, I think Carrier IQ is a bad thing, done by unscrupulous people so they have more pennies to count. But all the hate towards the company that writes and sells the software is misguided. They are only filling a need, and if they stop someone else will step up to replace them. Enough words have been written about it, yet the solution for Android fans only needs three: Buy a Nexus. 
  | ||||||||||
| More details about the Motorola Xoom's pending update emerge Posted: 29 Nov 2011 06:42 PM PST If you recall, we told you a few days ago about a new soak-test for the Motorola Xoom, and today new details about what is being updated have come forth. To start with, it's not Ice Cream Sandwich, and no amount of wishing will likely change that one. The Verizon LTE model is getting an update that should appear "invisible" to the end user, and it simply provides improved support for pay-as-you-go customers on Verizon. Users participating in the test have received an e-mail explaining how to go about providing feedback:
If you're using your Xoom 4G on a month to month basis, this one's for you. For everyone else, it's important to make sure it doesn't break anything. We still expect ICS on the Xoom in short order, just not this time around. Thanks, Anon! 
  | ||||||||||
| Time Warner Cable app for Honeycomb tablets now available in the Android Market Posted: 29 Nov 2011 05:15 PM PST Time Warner Cable has announced that its TWC app for Honeycomb tablets is now available in the Android Market. Compatible with any set-top box or DVR running the Time Warner "Navigator" program guide, the app doesn't allow live streaming of television shows but it has some pretty cool features. You can see seven days of TV listings, control and program your DVR through the app, search TV listings by title or episode name, and even use your tablet as a remote control for supported cable boxes and DVR's. TWC says the app has been "certified" to run as intended on the Motorola Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, but should work just fine with any tablet running Android 3.1 or higher. It's free in the Market, and you can find the download link after the break. Source: TW Cable untangled, via BusinessWire 
  | ||||||||||
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android Central - Android Forums, News, and Help To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
Comments