Samsung Captivate Glide gets Ice Cream Sandwich November 10th

AT&T today announced the forthcoming availability of Ice Cream Sandwich for the Samsung Captivate Glide. The upgrade will bring the usual enhancements which Ice Cream Sandwich is known for, as well as a few Samsung-specific things that you probably won’t see in other smartphones.

AT&T has mentioned the addition of a new browser with tabs, a new lock-screen experience that now allows you to unlock a device straight to the camera, text or phone apps (in addition to the usual homescreen option), face unlock, a new typeface for better readability and more.

The upgrade will be headed to the forefront of your device starting tomorrow, November 10th so you’ll have all weekend to play with it before work and school ruin all the fun.

Jelly Bean it is not, but I’d go for some custom ROMs for that because its arrival is looking a tad doubtful at this point. More details should go live here by this time tomorrow so be sure to reference that page if you find yourself not sure what to do.

[via AT&T Consumer Blog]

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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Titanium Backup for root users gets new flashable zip backups Titanium Backup for root users gets new flashable zip backups

Easily one of the most useful apps to ever come out of the Android Market, the fan favorite Titanium Backup (Pro) saw a noteworthy update in the Play Store today. One of the most important tools in any ROM flashers utility belt, Titanium Backup was one of the first apps ever to give rooted users the ability to backup all their apps (including data) onto their SD card/internal storage.

Today, the app was updated to version 5.7.0 and now gives users the option of creating flashable zip files of their backed up apps, cutting down on the lengthy restore process. Now, you can zip up your must-have apps and/or their data, and flash them quickly from recovery whenever you jump to a new ROM. This was a much requested feature and as usual, developer Titanium Track listened to customer feedback. The feature is only enabled for the Pro unlocked version of Titanium Backup and can be downloaded from the Play Store for $7.

[Play Store Link]

Easily one of the most useful apps to ever come out of the Android Market, the fan favorite Titanium Backup (Pro) saw a noteworthy update in the Play Store today. One of the most important tools in any ROM flashers utility belt, Titanium Backup was one of the first apps ever to give rooted users the ability to backup all their apps (including data) onto their SD card/internal storage.

Today, the app was updated to version 5.7.0 and now gives users the option of creating flashable zip files of their backed up apps, cutting down on the lengthy restore process. Now, you can zip up your must-have apps and/or their data, and flash them quickly from recovery whenever you jump to a new ROM. This was a much requested feature and as usual, developer Titanium Track listened to customer feedback. The feature is only enabled for the Pro unlocked version of Titanium Backup and can be downloaded from the Play Store for $7.

[Play Store Link]

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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Forget The “I Voted” Stickers, Let Facebook Take Care Of That For You – And Can You Vote On Your iPad?

Are you ready to get out there and vote today?  I hope so… but forget about putting one of those “I Voted” stickers on your chest.  Why not let tell millions of more people you just voted by taking your accomplishment to Facebook?

And no, for those of you who are wondering, you cannot official vote on your iPad?  The security concerns are just too great at the moment and no one particular jurisdiction is willing to step out there to make it happen.  So for now, you’ll just have to go to your local voting station.

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Exposing Apple, iOS 6 WiFi Problems, & The IPv6 Protocol iPad Mini Cases Already? 6 Benefits To Using An iPad Keyboard Case Dog Chase Game for iPhone, iPod Touch, & iPad Offering Prize To Best Scoring User Kindle Fire Tip: How To Enable Flash & Full Web Browsing [VIDEO] Most Expensive iPad and iPhone Apps Money Can Buy 12 Best New iPad 3 User Guides BeatBlaster For iPad, Taking The iPad Music Player To A Whole New Level

More topics:  august, facebook, ipad, top, vote on ipad, voting

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HTC Droid DNA (DLX) shows up at the FCC, cleared for takeoff on Verizon Wireless

Customers on the nation’s largest wireless network who have been eyeballing the HTC Droid DNA (DLX) better have most of their pennies saved up. A filing at the FCC today hints that the moster-spec’d device is making a b-line straight for Verizon Wireless. Okay, so that part we’ve known for quite sometime, but without a specific date on when we should crack open our piggy banks, it looks like we’re finally one step closer.

What is essentially a US variant of the HTC J Butterfly we told you guys about a few weeks back, the HTC Droid DNA will feature an industry first 1080p 5-inch SCLD3 display, 1.5GHz Qualcomm S4 Pro quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and possible 8MP camera (that part is still a little fuzzy). While those specs might seem like overkill to the uninitiated, that means a display that will faithfully produce images equal to real world print. Count me in.

The filing lists the device’s product number (HTC6435LVW) as well as the usual radio bands showing support for Verizon’s unique CDMA/LTE combo, as well as global bands for the Android globetrotter.

Hopefully this device wont suffer from any delays (Verizon has a history of extensively testing devices on their network), in which case we should expect it in time for the holidays. Still up in the air is whether or not we’ll see other variants for other carriers (like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint). But with AT&T set to receive the One X+ next month, T-Mobile on a limited budget, I’d be willing to bet we’ll see this arrive as an EVO sequel for Sprint (yes, that’s pure and baseless speculation). Those of you not on Verizon, would you like an opportunity to pick up for your carrier?

[via FCC | Engadget]

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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Federal judge throws out Apple’s case against Motorola over FRAND patents

Good news for the Google-owned Motorola coming this afternoon from Wisconsin. Right before trial was set to begin today, Federal Judge Barbara Crabb has just thrown out Apple’s case against Motorola dealing with Moto’s “unfair” royalty rates on their standards-based patents (covering UMTS, GPRS, GSM, and 802.11 wireless standards).

The judge gave both parties until today to explain whether a court determined FRAND rate would even solve the patent dispute at hand. Apple said it would only help resolve this case by figuring out if Motorola’s royalty rates were fair. If not deemed fair, then they could argue later over what a final going rate should be.

Apple’s response wasn’t good enough for the judge and the entire case was dismissed with prejudice. Judge Crabb later said:

“Apple’s response was not satisfactory and did not assuage my concerns about determining a FRAND rate that may be used solely as a negotiating tool between the parties.”

Motorola was pleased with the decision, issuing their own statement:

“Motorola has long offered licensing to our extensive patent portfolio at a reasonable and non-discriminatory rate in line with industry standards. We remain interested in reaching an agreement with Apple.”

Apple originally told the court they didn’t want to pay a penny more than $1 per iPhone to license Moto’s FRAND patents and have yet to issue a statement on the ruling. Guess there’s always the possibility of an appeal or far (FAR) less likely settlement. This isn’t over, folks.

[via Reuters | FOSSPatents]

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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NFC: Bridging the Gap Between Paperbacks and E-Readers

Last week I wrote about a new NFC mobile payment option we launched with some of our partners. Today, I wanted to take a moment to give you some more information about NFC (near field communication) and how it will turn smartphones into “smarter phones.”

In a nutshell, NFC is a data transfer. NFC possesses two types of information transfer: emulation or peer-to-peer (P2P). In emulation mode, it allows a user to replicate all activities directly from their NFC-enabled mobile device; in P2P mode, information can be shared back and forth between mobile devices.

One of the coolest things I’ve observed lately is the integration of NFC on devices beyond smartphones and tablets. Recently, Dutch publishing firm Elektor International Media released the first NFC-enabled book: Catch the Sun, a book about ballooning, features NFC tags on its cover and select pages within. When readers with NFC-enabled BlackBerry® devices click a tag located within the book, they are directed to an Elektor-hosted website to get more information about the section of the book they’re reading. I love that this is a meaningful way of bringing technologies like traditional book consumption into a digital age.

With all the possibilities of NFC-enabled BlackBerry devices – such as enhancing foursquare “Check-in Stations” and automating your life – where do you see NFC going from here? Let us know by sharing your opinion in the comments below.

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• Replace Access Badges with BlackBerry Smartphones: HID Launches New Secure Identity Services for Enterprise

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LG Optimus G, Sony Xperia TL now available from AT&T

The LG Optimus G and Sony Xperia TL are now available through AT&T. The devices can be found online and in stores, and pre-orders should be arriving at doorsteps today. The handsets serve as their respective manufacturer’s flagship Android devices for the second half of the year and both feature hardware that includes an HD display.

The Optimus G’s 4.7-inch screen is paired with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM. Unlike the version of the device that went on pre-order for Sprint yesterday, however, a 13MP camera has been switched out for an 8MP sensor. During testing, we found the phone to be quite impressive. The Xperia TL does feature a 13MP camera along with a 4.6-inch display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and 1GB RAM.

Both devices ship with Ice Cream Sandwich and feature 4G LTE connectivity. The Optimus G is available for $199.99 on a new two-year contract while the Xperia TL comes in at an affordable $99.99. If you are planning on picking up either, head over to AndroidForums and join the discussion at our Optimus G and Xperia TL sections.

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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iPad Mini Starts Selling During US Chaos Caused by Sandy… Big Crowds Appear

Since today is November 2nd, expect queues and big crowds at the iPad Mini and iPad 4 launches all over the world. US is a particularly troubled market these days, with Hurricane Sandy causing trouble, but that didn’t stop people from causing chaos at the US launch of the products, as shown in the picture below.

There’s also the problem with a lot of retailers and businesses that have to face Sandy and get the goods to their customers fast. Will supply chains take the heat of both a tropical storm and Apple’s stormy product launch? 250 Apple stores in USA take part in the launch and almost 150 stores in other countries. Two NYC stores, the SoHo and West 14th Street locations are closed because of the storm’s effects, so two less places to queue in front of. 3 stores in New Jersey are also affected, according to Apple’s site.

Also, for stores that are open, like the famous Fifth Avenue cube store, there’s the problem of transportation, with the flooded subway and crowded streets with cars because of that. Much of the public city transit system still feels the effects of Sandy, so it’s basically rampaging chaos for this launch.. Obviously, you can order online, unless you want to get the new 7.9 inch slate in your hands. The people who preordered the products are also a challenge, since they have to get the goods in due time… Will Apple handle this potential disaster?

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2. iPad Mini Pricing Leaked by Media Markt German Retailer! Starts From 249 Euro!
3. LG Display Caused iPad 2 Shortages?

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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APP OF THE DAY: Band of the Day review (iOS)

AOTD BOTD

Today,?App of the Day on Pocket-lint goes under a different name. Today it’s Band of the Day. Why? Well, because that’s the name of the app that we’re reviewing. Welcome one and all, to Band of the Day.

Band of the Day

Platform

iOS

Price

Free

Where

iTunes

Band of the Day is website that’s got itself together into both smartphone and tablet forms to bring a little mobile love to iOS devices everywhere. Sorry peeps, no Android version at moment.

The service, if you’ve never used it before, is a simply enough premiss. It’s a music discovery system packaged up into an alternative and entirely uniquely useful way. Rather than getting lost in Led Zeppelin radio, listening to the tracks you don’t actually want to hear by artists that you know anyway, Band of the Day presents just one band each day for the punters to try out. You get free access to stream a bunch of that artist’s tracks, and previews of some others, as well as, if anything, rather too much info on the artist themselves.

To be fair, that information is presented somewhat beautifully - particularly on the iPad version - allowing you to swish about a look book-like profile with lots of nicely rendered pictures, albums, track lists and even a Mix Tape section where you can listen to hours and hours of songs from the most liked artists on the system.

Naturally, there’s all social pushes and pulls that this kind of service thrives upon but it’s the touches like the Airplay support that makes Band of the Day a class act.

Wherever you are, this app is free. So, don’t delay. Download today.

Tags: Apps App of the day Band of the Day Music Websites iPad apps iPhone apps

             

APP OF THE DAY: Band of the Day review (iOS) originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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Air Patriots by Amazon – Game for iOS and Android Now Available

With an expanding ecosystem of vast proportions it’s no wonder that Amazon is prepared to start walking the path of app development for the mobile platform. Starting today you can give Air Patriots a try on your Android or iOS device – the first game developed by Amazon. For Android the title is available both through Amazon and the Play Store.

Air Patriots is a aerial combat oriented strategy tower-defense title for mobile. Players will find themselves going for a more unique approach with this title then what we’ve seen with other games belonging to the genre. In Air Patriots players are given control of mobile planes rather than the stationary turrets you build with other games. The title utilizes Amazon’s GameCircle - social platform for things like achievements and high scores, as well as Whispersync for Games for sharing save data across devices. The mentioned two features are however available only for Kindle Fire owners.

Download Air Patriots for free for iOS, Android or from Amazon Appstore.

Related posts:

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2. Amazon Kindle Fire Gets Coolest Android Games Around: Shadowgun and Blood & Glory, Shown in Action (Video)
3. Amazon Gunning for Mobile Segment Takeover, Big Plans in Tow!

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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There are now 700,000 Android apps in the Google Play Store

With the news of shiny new Google devices bombarding your your favorite media outlets today, I think it’s safe to say today was a huge day for Android. But, besides a slue of new Nexus devices soon making their way to your doorsteps, there’s still a few stories left unsung. Apparently, the Google Play Store has officially reached its 700,000 apps milestone. This, according to Bloomberg, and while we await an official announcement/blog post from Google HQ, this is still another big milestone for company who at one time was ridiculed for having a less than robust app market place.

By comparison, the Apple App Store hit the same 700K mark back in September of this year, at which time there were 675,000 apps in the Play Store. And while this sounds great on paper, rummaging through that many apps is a daunting task for anyone, with many quality apps getting lost in the shuffle. Don’t worry, we’ll continue letting you guys know whenever a good one comes our way. Pinky promise.

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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Google Delay Nexus Launch

Google have unfortunately had to cancel today’s Nexus launch event due to a hurricane moving in on the East coast of the US.

I have family in the area so hope it passes by uneventfully, stay safe people.

Google have promised to reschedule soon and we’ll let you know as soon as we hear more.

Nexus Product Announcements

It was thought that a few new products would be announced:

• ASUS Nexus 7 32gb version, and possibly a 3G model
• Nexus 4 Phone from LG
• Nexus 10 tablet from Samsung

It is also thought that a new version of Android would also be announced, you can read the latest on Android 4.2 here.

Whilst we wait for news, here is a short clip of what is thought to be leaked footage of the new Nexus 10 in action.

Nexus 10 YouTube clip:

It’s probably too short to be all that interesting but some photos have also been uploaded over here to give you a better idea of what to expect.  As always, take these leaks with a pinch of salt.

32gb Model @Argos

We’ve also heard a number of stories about the 32gb version being listed in a new Argos catalog under reference 508/9325.

A big thanks to the Twitter user who decided to check this out in store, having tapped that reference into the stock checker he found the Nexus 7 listed up for £199.

@nxtab twitter.com/Secretsniper/s…

— Typical Bloke (@Secretsniper) October 27, 2012

When @Secretsniper asked, Argos suggested it would be on sale on the 18th November, could this be the release date then?

You’ll be able to find it on this link when available.

Related posts:

1. Nexus 7 32gb Model Expected
2. Pre-Order the 32gb Nexus 7

Source : nxtab[dot]co[dot]uk

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32GB Google Nexus 7 UK release date revealed, hitting stores tomorrow

EXCLUSIVE: Pocket-lint told by PC World

Today's Nexus New York press event may have been postponed due to severe (life-threatening) weather warnings, but the 32GB Google Nexus 7 is still planned to hit UK stores tomorrow (30 October).

An assistant in a London branch of Currys & PC World told us that the version of the tablet device with a higher storage capacity than its stablemates will be available to buy from "tomorrow" or "online tonight".

"We've sold out of the 16GB models because the 32GB comes tomorrow," the assistant told us in a very matter of fact way. "You can order it online tonight and arrange to collect it in store if you like."?

It had been rumoured for a week or two that the Asus-made device would be made available this week, and that Google had started to drop the price of its 16GB equivalent to ?160 in?preparation, but now we know the exact date.

Read: Nexus 7 review

In the US, there are reports that the 32GB edition has already started to hit shelves. American store chain The Office Depot has put 32GB Nexus 7 models "on display" and some consumers are claiming that they were able to purchase them.

With the iPad mini going on sale this Friday (2 November), Google is clearly attempting to steal Apple's thunder by offering a premium version of its competitive tablet several days beforehand. And at a much cheaper price point (believed to by ?199).

Tags: Google Tablets Nexus 7 PC World

 

32GB Google Nexus 7 UK release date revealed, hitting stores tomorrow originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:10:00 +0000

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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First impressions: Xbox SmartGlass for Android (Update)

Today is a good day for Xbox users with an Android smartphone. Microsoft has finally released the Xbox SmartGlass Android app, and we have been playing around with it for a bit. SmartGlass promises a second screen to use with the Xbox 360, much like the WiiU and its gamepad.

As the feature develops, one will be able to access secondary menus and options with a smartphone or tablet, without interrupting your game or media. During Microsoft’s demo, a tablet was able to access information about the battlefield while watching video of a war in the popular series Game of Thrones. That level of interactivity definitely seems like a step forward as we approach a new era in video gaming.

The app doubles as a SmartGlass and Xbox Live app. One has access to messages, friends, currently-played games/apps and even featured content. On the SmartGlass side, one is able to use an Android device as a form of remote control for the Xbox 360. You can easily navigate around the dashboard, and open any games or apps of your choice; all by sliding and tapping your finger on the navigation screen (reminds me of a mouse app for Android and PC).

The new app has its good and bad sides, so let’s just jump in and see what we have.

The Good

Xbox SmartGlass has all those features we are salivating over (even if not perfect yet), but there is more to it. Xbox 360 junkies will be able to have a central app, allowing them to access Xbox Live content on-the-go. I have been using it to read and send messages, look for new games and search for apps. If you are interested in any of the content found on the device, you can go ahead and pull it out on your Xbox by simply tapping a button. One can purchase it from there.

Likewise, there are other shortcuts and features that are very helpful. Everything from being able to search and access content to enjoying Play, Rewind and Forward shortcuts appearing under the navigation screen when playing a movie on Netflix.

The Bad

Because it is made by Microsoft, it’s to be expected that Windows Phone will get the better end of the stick. Certainly, the app is good, but it feels like it is not fully developed, but it could also be an issue of SmartGlass, itself. With that said, there are some faults we wish to see improved in the near future.

For one, the Dashboard navigation screen is a bit laggy. We must consider the device communicates with the Xbox via internet, so that should definitely make it a bit slower. The interface is also a designed oddly. It seems like a pressed down Xbox 360 interface instead of an Android app. It is a form of mix between the Xbox UI and the Windows Phone Metro UI, which makes it feel very out-of-place.

All aesthetics aside, the app does need some functional improvements. It is quite annoying to see that even when the app is left open, it has to sign back in if the screen goes to sleep and you turn the device back on. If you hit the home button and re-open the app, it has to sign in again. Pretty much, it seems to lose connection with your Xbox every time you leave the app. It could be a battery-saving “feature,” but it would be nice to have the option to keep a stable connection.

Another noticeable issue is that the navigation screen is not very helpful when using it to control the pointer (with the browser, for example). Navigation works perfectly for the Dashboard and apps as the Metro UI lets you jump to categories and tiles one by one. It gets very hectic when you are trying to use the pointer, though. The SmartGlass navigation screen is no use, the pointer moves like a millimeter per full swype. It is simply unusable, so you might as well pick up your controller and use that.

For some reason, I have also not been able to use the keyboard, even though there is a shortcut for it. I just can’t pull it up, whether it is in the browser, the Search Box or within an app.

Verdict

As you can see, the app has more downsides than I expected. Over all, it works for what it is intended for, but Microsoft has a lot of work to do. We need a bit smoother navigation, better shortcuts and a working keyboard. Not to mention full compatibility with at least all native apps.

I have not tried the Windows Phone app yet, but I sincerely hope it is better than the Android one. Ultimately, SmartGlass has huge potential. Let’s hope it evolves into all that Microsoft promised and other developers make great features for it.

I have been here breaking my head over it, thinking maybe I was doing something wrong. If you have been using SmartGlass and have found these (or more) issues, please let us know! If not, you can go ahead and download it straight from the Google Play Store. As for me, I will start using it more once it becomes more integrated and seamless.

Update

The slow pointer and keyboard issues were fixed after connecting my Android smartphone to the same WiFi connection as the Xbox. I happen to prefer using Verizon’s 4G LTE, so I almost never connect my device to my home WiFi.

I definitely apologize for this misunderstanding, but that brings another issue. The app certainly connects to my Xbox and does other things when not on the same network. Why not make these features available regardless of how the device connects to the internet?

Thanks, ego!

Source : androidtabletblog[dot]com

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