Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

You Knew the Next Rumored Launch Date for the Galaxy Nexus Was Coming, Now it’s Dec. 13th

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 05:31 PM PST

By now, if you’re anything like me, you are all steaming with frustration right now wondering why the heck Verizon keeps postponing the Galaxy Nexus launch for who knows what reasons (we have our suspicions: 1,2). Some of you may have gone as far as tweet-bombing the shiz out of them hoping that would undoubtedly make you feel better. I can personally say it doesn’t, nor does it make the release happen any sooner. As it stands right now, Verizon store managers aren’t even privy to the reason for its delay. Although unannounced, they all thought this Friday was going to be Galaxy Nexus launch day just as much as you and I did and were equally surprised to know that we have yet to receive any official announcements surrounding the launch and its delays. So, venting your anger upon your poor local Verizon employee isn’t going to help any, especially if you still plan to steak out in Big Red’s parking lot first thing Friday morning still in hopes of some miraculous surprise. We will see it when we see it I guess and “before the end of the year” is the only official detail we have right now.

So that brings me to our next best option if this Friday doesn’t actually pan out. According to a recent leak, internal info shows the new launch date of next Tuesday, December 13th. I know Tuesday seems a bit odd for a launch day but you must remember that the Motorola XYBoard’s are rumored to drop the day before and Verizon wouldn’t want to hinder Moto sales in any way, would they? In the grand scheme of things though, whats one extra day compared to all the waiting we have been through already!

So there you have it. Another rumored launch day for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus to mark on your already rumor-filled calendars. But who knows, we may be pleasantly surprised come Friday morning and finally get our just deserts. We will continue to follow the madness and keep you updated with its latest lunacy’s.

Get Into The Season Early With Snowfall Live Wallpaper For Android (Video)

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 04:48 PM PST

Get into the season with this new and fantastic Live Wallpaper from developer Kittehface Software.  Kick the winter off fresh right from your smartphone’s home screen.  Snowfall Live Wallpaper offers you the scenery of a gentle and light snowfall onto some swaying pine trees.  The application supports any size screen and also works well in landscape mode.  There are quite a few settings for you to keep busy with such as tons of color options, Christmas tree lighting, “time of day tracking” and various camera speeds.  In addition, Santa sightings can easily be arranged for an added bonus.  The app will run you 99 cents and can be downloaded from the Android Market.  We’ve also added a QR code for anyone wanting it.  Check out the extra screen shots below and don’t forget to hit the video to see the app in action.  Feel free to drop a line in the comments as well.  That being said, Merry Christmas ya’ll.  

Click here to view the embedded video.

snowfall2 snowfall3 snowfall4 snowfall1

Android Market Link

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Verizon Wireless on 4G LTE data outage: ‘We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.’

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 04:05 PM PST

Many of you have been experiencing 4G LTE data outages. Problems started yesterday, and some have speculated that it’s the reason for the delay of the Galaxy Nexus release. Apparently things have gotten worse today and Verizon made the following statement:

Verizon Wireless engineers have been working to resolve an issue with 4G LTE service that is affecting some customers' 4G devices.  3G data and voice devices are unaffected.  All customers' voice calls and text messages continue to go through. In the past 24 hours, some 4GLTE customers have reported their devices are operating on 3G data service where they would normally get 4G.  Some have reported no issues, others that data access is either intermittent or unavailable.  We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

This doesn’t affect everyone as for whatever reason, things are okay here in upstate New York. I’m sure Verizon will resolve this issue sooner rather than later.

 

Sprint Begins Rolling Out Samsung Epic 4G Update to Fix Signal Loss Issues

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 12:05 PM PST

A couple weeks back we told you that Samsung had promised that a patch was in the works to fix the Epic 4G Touch signal loss problem and today is the day it finally is released. For those of you who have been power cycling your Epic 4G Touch to regain signal, here’s hoping this patch solves your annoying problem. Also, if you are experiencing a 4G hotspot signal loss when in a phone call, this update should address that as well.

The update will roll-out in random selection and could take up to 10 days to reach all devices.  You should see a message in your notification bar when your device is within the selected batch to receive the update. If you are antsy and want to see if you can force the update, press Menu–> Settings–> About–> System Update. From there, if you device is ready to receive the EK02 update, you should see an update option, if not, you’re just going to have to wait it out. To see the short but official changelog, hit the source link below. There you will also find a discussion link in case you have any further question or concerns.

Motorola Details How Devices Will Get Upgraded To Android 4.0

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 11:58 AM PST

So you’re like me and own a Motorola device, but are wondering how Moto plans on upgrading the respective devices? Great– because you’re in for a treat. The fine folks at Motorola Mobility took some time out and detailed the extensive process and steps needed before releasing upgrades. This explanation is specifically aimed at those of you who have purchased a MOTO device within the last 10 or so months expecting to receive that sweet, sweet new treat. Among the steps needed are getting the source code, merging it with its existing frameworks, bug-testing, getting carrier certification, doing an initial pre-release with some of us in the real world (aka the “soak test”) and finally, releasing the upgrade.

Ok, many of you are thinking that’s fine and all– but which specific devices will be upgraded to ICS? We have a funny feeling that Google’s new involvement with MOTO will certainly impact Android 4.0′s development on MOTO devices– for the better, of course. As it stands, the most recent premium devices such as the DROID RAZR, XOOM tablet and DROID BIONIC are on the short list at this time. Don’t fret though– the list is ever-growing and they even state they “will provide more precise guidance on timing after post-public push of Ice Cream Sandwich by Google, as well as any possible additions to this list of devices“. That means that owners of Motorola devices— specifically ‘premium’ devices purchased in the past 10 months or so should see their device on tap for an ICS upgrade at some point in the coming year.

Check out this ICS/Sense hybrid live wallpaper: Mood ICS

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 11:23 AM PST

Here is another great live wallpaper for you that is subtle yet attractive. Mood ICS live wallpaper is a hybrid of both the ICS phase beam LW and the HTC Sense LW. Once installed, it transforms your home screen into continuous movement of glowing light orbs and you can change the wallpaper’s color within the app’s settings.

The app is available for free and includes 2 colors, or you can spend $1.19 for the pro version that includes 8. I guess if you are not a fan of blue or pinkish-purple, then you may want to spend the $1.19 for the pro version so you will have the option to chose almost any color. Also within the pro version is the ability to tweak the appearance to your liking, with features such as:

- Beautiful abstract mood colors
- Setting widget
- Custom Particle color
- Custom foreground color
- Custom background color
- 8 mood themes
- Particle settings
- Use 3D hardware to render images, save battery
- Support most resolutions including Android 3.0 tablet

The graphics are rendered with 3D hardware so this LW should be fairly easy on your battery, since I installed it on my device I have yet to notice any increased drain. The developer hasn’t done much testing on many devices so some may not be compatible. I suggest you give the free version a spin first and if it works properly then go for the paid.

I am usually one to switch up his wallpaper quite frequently but I have been rockin’ Mood ICS since I downloaded it, it’s a keeper. To see a few more screenshots and for download links jump past the break.

Android Market (free)

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Android Market (paid)

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Mood mood1 mood2 mood3 mood4



Contest: Win one of five pairs of touchscreen friendly Glider Gloves, Special offer for Talk Android readers

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 10:22 AM PST

Here we go with yet another Talk Android giveaway! Now is your chance to win 1 of 5 pairs of the awesome touchscreen friendly Glider Gloves! They are available in three different colors and two different thicknesses. If you win, you will get to pick a combo of your choice! All you have to do is head over to our forum thread and follow the rules.

You have until Saturday, December 10, at 11:59pm EST. We will pick 5 random winners and announce them on Sunday, December 11. If you win, you will receive an email in the one associated with your forum username.

Click here to enter

Be sure to check out our full hands on video and review. If you are in a hurry and want to get a pair NOW, you can use a couple of promo codes to receive a nice discount at GliderGloves.com. Tell them Talk Android sent ya!

talkandroid - gets you $3 off per PAIR until December 13th
talkandroid3$ - Gets you $3 off your COMPLETE ORDER until January 4th

 

Galaxy Nexus Delayed Due To Verizon Violating Spectrum Rules In Google Negotiation?

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 09:40 AM PST

And morsels of speculation for the Galaxy Nexus just continue to poor in like flash floods.  According to a post by the National Journal, it’s possible that Verizon Wireless violated a spectrum policy on the C-block deal from several years ago.  So, what was the violation?  It looks like Verizon violated the policy when the company asked Google not to include the Google Wallet application on its Galaxy Nexus device because it stood in direct competition with another mobile payment app they support, ISIS.  According to Matt Wood, a Free Press attorney, Verizon may have caused the violation against the federal requirement since it was forbidden to not deny, limit or restrict the ability for consumers to use handsets and applications of their choice while on Vz’s network.  If you’ll recall, the FCC added the rule to a spectrum license when Verizon purchased the C Block of spectrum several years ago.

“We think this could very well be a violation of the C-block conditions,”…  "When you have a powerful network operator, it can wield a lot of influence. But Google Wallet should be allowed to compete with Verizon."

Verizon was quick to defend its take on the decision and stated that it was not aiming to “block” the application but instead noted that Google Wallet operated in an unusual way and also stated that it was still discussing matters with the search giant as we speak.

Big Red stated:

 "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."

So what does all of this have to do with the Galaxy Nexus?  Well, we’re putting two and two together and speculating this could be the reason for the major delay in launching the latest flagship.  We know you guys are super anxious for the device to finally hit the market.  However, if Google and Verizon don’t sort this out soon the fate of the G-Nex is up in the air.  Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned to Talk Android as we’re on standby and digging deep for the latest scoop on anything Galaxy Nexus related.  Feel free to chime in and leave a comment below should you want to rant.  My guess is that both Verizon and Google don’t want to see this drawn out any longer than it needs to be and will work hard to release this device soon.

 

Amazon Kindle Fire Decides It Wants To Taste A Little Ice Cream Sandwich Goodness

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 09:28 AM PST

So you’ve purchased a brand new Amazon Kindle Fire, but feel Gingerbread 2.3 isn’t sweet enough for you? Well great because you’re in luck! G1011999 has successfully ported that sweet, sweet new treat to the tablet. Oh and what’s more is he wants to tease you by sharing a video of the Kindle Fire not only booting up but the UI appearing to be fully functional. As with any beta and early build of a ROM being ported, the port has its fair share of bugs, but it shouldn’t take too long for ROM to be smoothed out and released for all Kindle Fire owners. Looks like we have an additional reason past the attractive $199 pricing point to go out and splurge on this device. Be sure to check out the video below to see the ICS port in action!

Click here to view the embedded video.

December 9 could come and go with no Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 09:08 AM PST

We’ve said it a million times, but until an official announcement is made, a speculated release date means nothing. It really doesn’t matter who confirms it, it needs to be in a press release or in some other public announcement.

We are hearing from numerous Verizon employees this morning that the Galaxy Nexus won’t be released this Friday as planned. The issue is that no reason has been given.

There is some speculation that it could be for some current 4G LTE issues or maybe even a change in heart for Google Wallet. Also Droid-Life noticed the equipment guide now says “coming soon” when all along, it had December 9.

From what we were seeing this past week, Verizon was planning a soft launch all along anyways, so seriously, they could still decide to launch it anytime. It’s all speculation and non of this means a thing until a public announcement of some kind is made.
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