Facebook for Android looking for beta testers (updated)

Users of the official Facebook app for Android will know that the app isn’t exactly the best Facebook experience you can get on a mobile device. Half the time, surfing the mobile version of the website on a web browser is usually better than with the official app. Fortunately Facebook isn’t just leaving the app alone and are working on improving it.

They’ve just announced that they will be offering a private beta version of the Facebook 1.6 app to participants who are willing to play guinea pigs to the new app. Facebook 1.6 for Android brings new features such as the ability to like comments, Pages support, video uploads, and tons of bug fixes. Hopefully it also increases the overall speed of the app which is pretty slow in comparison to third party apps like Friendcaster.
If you’re interested in signing up for the beta, fill up this questionnaire and you might be one of the chosen ones to take part in the beta test. If you do get into the beta test, let us know whether the new version is a major improvement over the current one.
Update (18.44 PT): as of now, it seems like the form has been closed. We’ll keep you posted if a new beta signup appears again.

»»  READMORE...

Strange Console Lets You Play Android Games On Your TV

Say you really like Angry Birds. Like really. And you want to play it at home on a big screen. How would you go about doing that? Putting your phone in a projector? Dropping your phone in a fish tank to refract the screen? Or getting one of these decidedly odd consoles that run Android natively and include full joysticks and A/V out?
The Evo 2 console has a Samsung processor, “Nvidia graphics,” Wi-Fi, and a joystick remote. Plans are in the works for motion controllers and the device supports optical audio and HDMI. It costs $149 for the dev-kit or you can pre-order this bit of vaporware for $15. Like many famous consoles of yore, however, I think this thing will end up being more a Phantom than an Android-Style XBox.
Product Page:

New Android EVO 2 Console Offer Gamers Premium Android Games Free It’s Your Social Connection, Your Media Storage Device, and Game App Console
Media Advisory
ANNISTON, Ala./May 25, 2011 — Today, the Envizions Computer Entertainment Corporation announced that its new Android-based game console EVO 2 will be available this fall in the U.S. with goals of an international release with availability in certain locations of Europe. EVO 2 earlier adopters can pre-order the system at http://store.envizionsinc.com from the Envizions online store.
The new EVO 2 console will retail for $249 and include an EVO TV remote, EVO game controller and HDMI cable. Specifications include a Samsung 1.2 GHZ processor, DDR2-512MB, and support modified Android 2.2 operating system. The EVO 2 dimensions are 170mm (L) 111mm (W) 30mm (T)
EVO 2 is the first Android gaming console that will offer users real time gaming playlist and social friend connections. Gamers will also have the opportunity to earn points to purchase premium Android games free with EVO tokens. The system will ship equip with game cloud storage and Envizions new Qquip SMS blogging reward service. To ensure that the EVO 2 system surpasses expectations, Envizions plans to add motion 3D sensor capabilities toward the end of fourth quarter in 2011 and developers can start testing the software via website download in two weeks. EVO 2 will incorporate the core software components of Envizions’ beta EVO Smart Console released in 2009.
EVO 2 is an open console and gamers can modify any part of the system. New updates and upgrades will be released periodically after the system launch.
Android developers can get the free EVO hardware SDK today from the Envizions store with a required annual $149 software support fee per unit. Developer fees and royalties are waived for the first 1000 developers.”Game development for EVO 2 is cheaper for developers so they have the opportunity to create games on a platform that will increase their return on investment. Developers can also submit pre-existing Android games”, stated Derrick Samuels the CEO and Founder of Envizions.
And last, the EVO 2 is the first crowd source and social participation console. Envizions will let customers participate in the design roadmap of the console by means of Twitter, FaceBook and the new EVO 2 website. The community can vote on the system’s first launch location and the appearance of the console in terms of color, package design, and product image.

»»  READMORE...

The Year in Android Phones — So Far

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

We've seen a flood of Android phones so far in 2011. We got our first whiff of the coming deluge in January when we went to the Consumer Electronics Show and saw around a dozen really impressive models on the show floor, all with big displays, 4G radios, beefy processors and promises of epic battery life. Some had interesting add-ons, like big physical keyboards for thumb commandos, or the Motorola Atrix's whacky full-sized laptop dock.
Some of these Android handsets have since arrived, and there are plenty more to come.
This collection represents the best Android phones we've received to test here at Wired over the past few months. So, if you're in the market for an Android phone, start with this short list of our recommended picks.
Of course, there are older phones on the shelves that are still great options, like the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, the HTC EVO 4G and the Samsung Epic 4G. But in these pages, you'll find the newest generation — the head of the class of 2011 so far, and a couple of standouts from the end of 2010.

»»  READMORE...

Pandora For Android Version 1.5.5

Pandora radio is an easy and also customized radio support, supplying customers the use of stream popular music with your Android mobile phone. Everything you need to do is type in the name of 1 of your respective popular artists, new music or composers and also Pandora in return would certainly produce a “station” which plays music like it.

Now available for customers in USA only, the automatic music suggestion service provides customers access on enjoying songs, during the identical customers can be found to be able to buy songs or albums with a number of trusted online retailers.


A recently available update, Pandora for Android version 1.5.5 rolls in many features providing better results than before. The newest version:

1. Minimizes instances of tracking skipping and also cutoff tracks

2. Pauses audio when listening over bluetooth along with the bluetooth device turns into not available

3. fixes issue where music never starts if listener locks screen even though the application is showing the splash screen

4. misc performance / balance improvements

»»  READMORE...

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

What's your Tab life? That's what is said on the official website of Samsung. Samsung has been released the newest tablet PC, named "Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9". It use the number 8.9 because the size is only 8.9 inch. This is the world's thinnest mobile tablet because it's just 8.6 mm thin. Get the super fast 1 Ghz dual core processor for powerful multimedia experience and super fast internet access with HSPA+ network, speed up to 21Mbps. It has 3MP camera for the main camera with autofocus and 720p video recorder and 2MP camera on the front as a secondary camera for video calls.

Details of Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 : 

1. 8,9 inch, TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors, 800 x 1280pixel resolution
2. Size :  23 x 15,7 x 0,8 cm
3. Weight : 470 g
4. Powerful Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
5. 1 GHz dual core processor 
6. HSPDA up to 21 Mbps
7. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
8. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP
9. 16/32/64 GB Memory, Micro SD up to 32 GB
10.  Front Camera 3 MP, Rear Camera 2 MP 
11. TouchWiz 4.0 UI
12. Accelerometer, Three-axis gyro sensor
13. Multi-touch, Swype, Touch-sensitive

»»  READMORE...

Samsung Galaxy Ace S8530

One of the smartphone from the ranks of the Samsung Galaxy series, Samsung Galaxy Ace s8530 . Powered by an android 2.2 version  named Froyo. Equipped with 800 mhz processor, your multimedia activities become more attractive. With 5 megapixel camera, capture your best moment with high quality photos. Not only that, enjoy your internet activities with HSDPA and Wi-fi for best connectivity. 

Below are the details of Samsung Galaxy Ace : 

1. 800 MHz processor Qualcomm QCT MSM7227-1 Turbo
2. 3.5 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen display with 16M colors HVGA (320 x 480 pixels) resolution
3. OS : Android 2.2 (Froyo)
4. Network : GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, HSDPA 900 / 2100
5. Dimension : 112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5 mm
6. Weight : 113 gr
7. 5 MP Camera with auto focus and LED Flash with face detection
8. 150 mb internal memory
9. MicroSD card slot  up to 32GB
10. Connectivity : HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP; GPS receiver with A-GPS
11. Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate
12.  TouchWiz v.30 UI
13. ThinkFree : create, edit, view your Microsoft Office documents
14. Swype text input method
15. 3.5mm audio jack, and Stereo FM radio with RDS
16. Battery Li-Ion 1350 mAh
17. Other features :  Video : MP4/H.264/H.263 player ; Music : MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player

»»  READMORE...

eFitness 1.0 For Android

Android customers would likely find numerous work out programs on the Sports class within the Android Market but certainly it will be difficult to acquire an easy one to get a very specific purpose. An XDA forum junior member, darkolorin, just introduced an effective and easy to work with application tagged as eFitness.

Aside from which makes it out there at XDA, the sports fitness application is usually intended for down load in the Android Marketplace for FREE. The application requires Android Operating-system 1.5 or higher while simply a small space is needed for down load.


The developer specific:
eFitness by ooApps is fun pushups! Sport! Fun!
Be healthy using this application! Very first take your mobile phone, put it on the floor, after that start pushups and also touch big red button by your nose. See records and time.

Place your handset on the floor and tap on the “Pushups” button to begin. Be sure your smartphone is smartly placed on the floor with your NOSE to the touch the circle. Every time you effectively finish a Pushup, you want to tap on the Circle with your nose to record a count.

»»  READMORE...

LG Optimus Me P350

LG P350 Optimus Me use LCD touchscreen 2.8 " with 320x480 resolution. Powered by Android 2.2 Froyo. Just like other smartphones, It has a number homescreens that you can fill with various applications from Android and the widget from LG. Optimus Me LG P350 uses quad-band GSM and dual-band UMTS. LG P350 also features 3G support, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, GPS, and FM radio with RDS.

Details :

1. Network: Quad Band & HSDPA
2. Android v2.2 Froyo
3. Dimensions : 11.35 x5, 9x1
4. Weight : 33 grams cm/130
5. Screen: 262,144 color TFT touchscreen capasitive
6. 3.15 MP Camera (20148x1536 pixels), geo-tagging, video
7. Data transfer: GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
8. 140 MB internal memory,
9. microSD card slot (up to 32GB)

»»  READMORE...

Samsung Galaxy Neo (S Galaxy II Mini)

Samsung launched its latest product, Samsung Neo Galaxy. Code name Samsung smartphone S Galaxy II Mini.This is the latest Android Smartphone from Samsung. Using 800 MHz processor and powered by android 2.2 (froyo). This product is only available in south korea.

Details :

1. 800MHz processor
2. Android v2.2 Froyo
3. 4GB internal memory
4. 480 x 800 pixels Display resolution (WVGA)
5. 3.5-inch TFT display touchscreen
6. 3 megapixel camera
7. Up to 32GB microSD
8. T-DMB, and a 3.5mm headset jack
9. GPS navigation 
10. Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) connectivity
11. 1500mAh battery
12. Dimensions : 115.9 x 56.9 x 12.14 mm
13. weight : 121.8 grams
14. Talk time: 390 minutes (voice) / 190 minutes (video), and up to 310 hours standby time

»»  READMORE...

HTC Inspire 4G Android Phone (AT&T Network)

If you want super fast internet, HTC Android Phone Inspire 4G is one of your choice. HTC Inspire provides super-fast internet using 4G internet broadband 4x faster than ordinary mobile broadband. You can download up to 6Mbps. Powered with Android 2.2 operating system (Froyo) with a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities and large 4.3 inch LCD touchscreen. With 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, you can open application, games, and play video quickly. 

HTC Inspire 4G gives the next generation HTC Sense user interface experience, faster startup times from hibernation mode as well as a consolidated view of your favorite social networking sites. 8 MP camera with dual LED flash plus auto focus, face detection, and geo-tagging, capture your great moment with your friends.

These are application built in HTC Inspire

1. Android 2.2 operating system (Froyo) with over-the-air upgrade capability for future OS releases
2. eReader app with access to over 2 million book titles
3. BLOCKBUSTER app enables you to discover and download the latest movie rentals on the go.
4. DLNA capabilities enables you to share your photo albums, videos and movies wirelessly with a compatible HDTV or other DLNA device

Specifications:

1. 4G internet mobile broadband
2. Android 2.2 (froyo)
3. 4.3-inch multitouch Super LCD display
4. Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (with optional Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities)
5. GPS for navigation and location services
6. 8-MP camera
7. HD 720p camcorder
8. Bluetooth stereo music
9. microSD memory expansion
10. HTML web browser, corporate and personal e-mail
11. Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time

»»  READMORE...

Coby Kyros MID7015 Android Internet Touchscreen Tablet

Solution for those of you who can not buy apple ipad because prices are still high. Powerful and flexible Internet and Entertainment solution, The Coby Kyros Tablet has 7" screen with intuitive touchscreen controls fueled with Android 2.1 OS is your alternative. You can browse the web with wireless (WIFI) .n Featuring1080P HD videos, photos, music, and more comfort connected to your TV via HDMI. This internet tablet has 4GB internal memory and a microSD card slot up to 16GB. Access the Internet through a hi-speed networking , and provide many  applications. 

Details :

1. 7-inch Android 2.1 Resistive Touchscreen
2. microSD card slot (upgrade up to 16GB)
3. 4GB internal memory
4. Connect Full 1080p on your HDTV via a HDMI cable
5. Full-size USB connection enables keyboard of your tablet

»»  READMORE...

MOTOROLA XOOM Android Tablet (Wi-Fi)

Motorola launched the first Android touch tablet. Named MOTOROLA XOOM. 10.1-inch HD display optimized for widescreen HD video in true 16:9  format. Fueled by NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core mobile processor, everything gets faster,and 1 GB of DDR2 RAM browsing the internet , video playback,and  game.Using Ultra fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots.

Android 3.0 named Honeycomb provide a brand new holographic UI design.You can easily access your favorite live widgets or application shortcuts with five customizable on the home screens. Android 3.0 has easier multitasking than ever. Powered with 5 MP rear-facing camera for optimized resolution when capturing photos. Includes auto-focus, dual-LED flash, and digital zoom. And 2 MP front-facing webcam for video chats using Google Talk, Includes indicator light. With 32 GB internal memory, you can store huge photos, mp3 and videos. 

Motorolla Xoom gives a new media experience for mobile uses. Motorola XOOM pushes the boundaries and opens a whole new world of what’s possible.

»»  READMORE...

Samsung Galaxy Neo Android Phone with T-DMB support

Samsung Galaxy Neo - Samsung just announced a new android smartphone. Samsung's new Galaxy neo will be a smartphone Korea targeted to upper middle class segment. Galaxy Neo Exterior Samsung Ace is identical to the Galaxy, but on the rear panel, reminiscent of the bigger brother of the Galaxy Tab.

Feature specification Galaxy NEO has a screen resolution upgrade to WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) and there is support for T-DMB. Bluetooth also has been promoted to version 3.0. The camera has a 3-megapixel resolution and has lost its autofocus capability.
Galaxy NEO uses a 800MHz processor and 512MB of RAM and runs on OS Android 2.2 Froyo. In addition there is support for Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), 3.5mm audio jack and battery 1500 mAh.

from the specifications, the level of Samsung Galaxy Neo is between Galaxy I9001 S Plus and Galaxy Ace. So far no information about the price of Samsung Galaxy Neo or remove the possibility of a global version of the Galaxy neo.

»»  READMORE...

Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus, Smartphone with Android Gingerbread

Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus - One newcomer again that reportedly able to fill the gap between the Samsung S II and Galaxy Galaxy Ace. The newcomer is also packed with special-speed single-core processor 1.4GHz-based Android operating system 2.3 (Gingerbread). His name is Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus.

As a bearer Android smartphone, the Samsung is worth pointed thumb. But that does not mean by that, a Korean manufacturer of telecommunications equipment is then satisfied with what has been achieved. To continue to increase prestige, there should continue to launch new innovations, and now turn the Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus is present in the arena of competition Android smartphone.

Unlike earlier generations of Samsung's Galaxy, Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus is wrapped with a metallic body in the back. Smartphone this one also has similarities with the Galaxy S II Mini, which is already integrated with the road map O2. Armed with 4 inch screen SuperAMOLED and 5 Megapixel camera that can record HD video and 1650 mAh battery it feels quite qualified for Samsung Galaxy class. Slightly different from the Samsung Galaxy S II Mini is the size of screen is only 3.7 inches.

There are reportedly rumors circulating again Samsung Galaxy S Plus (another name for Samsung Galaxy S 2011 Edition in Russia) are ready, the price range of about 840 USD. Regarding the more detailed specification more likely that the new will be informed on the expected launch in April 2011, which will start from the Russian state.

»»  READMORE...

LG Optimus Big Android Phone with NOVA technology

LG Optimus Big - After successfully launching Optimus products into the market, a leading mobile phone manufacturer, country of origin of ginseng South Korea, LG Electronics is now reportedly preparing to launch a new re-smartphopne Optimus is still in the family, namely LG Optimus Big.

Latest phone from LG which is likely based on Android comes with a large touch screen display size 4.3-inch display uses technology similar NOVA on LG Optimus Black has ever launched a few months ago.

The existence of NOVA display technology has been widely adopted by mobile device today. Known for its smart screen technology, this technology presents a much brighter appearance than what is presented by the display technology capable of Retina iPhone 4. And another great, NOVA display technology, it is also can be adopted and work on a bigger screen though.

LG Optimus Big NOVA diplay technology that carries on a large screen measuring 4.3 "is reportedly also supported by the existence of a 1GHz processor and T-DMB TV tuner in it.

But unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation about the price and the existence of this device so far. Nevertheless there is news which mentions that the latest LG phone is new will soon be released officially next month by cooperating with Korean wireless operator LG U+.

»»  READMORE...

CTIA 2011 Android Tablet Review

CTIA 2011 Android Tablet Review - I come up with a gallery of your highlights in new tablets that have been offered this calendar month at CTIA. Unlike CES this coming year, the sample of units was smaller, but stronger; they are tablets which will be in the marketplace by summer season.

Professionally, I feel the clear champion this round was Samsung when using the Galaxy Tab offerings. They announced two larger tablets, 10.1? and 8.9?, the slimest and also lightest tablets in production-yes, even thinner and also lighter in weight versus brand new Apple iPad2.

»»  READMORE...

LG Thrill 4G Android Phone 4.3 Inch with Dual-Core Processor

LG Thrill 4G is another name for the Android smartphone LG 3D Optimus currently marketed for the U.S. on AT & T network One of the main features of 3D 4G/Optimus Thrill than 4.3-inch touchscreen display them is the 3D stereoscopic display without the need for glasses that allows users to view 3D effects without the need for 3D glasses. This smartphone also features dual 5 Megapixel camera for 3D images and video recording. This camera can record video at 720p resolution 3D and 2D on the quality of 1080p.

LG Thrill 4G is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor and run the Android 2.2. The phone supports HSPA + 4G cellular network and offers Bluetooth and WiFi and DLNA support and an HDMI output. LG Thrill 4G comes with 8GB of onboard storage capacity and an 8GB microSD card. Mobile offers 3D content over the "LG 3D Space," which offers 3D games, video clips and images with a fast and easy access.

»»  READMORE...

HTC Merge Android Phone with Dual-Mode Capability

HTC Merge - As once stated by the Taiwanese manufacturer, HTC Merge is the world's first CDMA mobile phone that is expected to be marketed through various operators in the United States. And even reportedly the smartphone will soon be released by Verizon Wireless, but unfortunately there has been no official announcement regarding it until today.

According to information cited IntoMobile, the device reportedly will carry a 800 MHz Qualcomm processor MSM7X30. This device will run on mobile platforms with Android 2.2 Froyo Sense HTC UI and features capacitive touch screen measuring 3.7 inches with the support 16 million colors and a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.

Very similar to HTC Desire Z, HTC Merge these together to package a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus. According to IntoMobile, the existence of mobile phone features a QWERTY keyboard that is somewhat less attractive and even considered not comfortable there. In addition, as with the HTC Droid Incredible, HTC Merge are both also equipped with a feature red accents on the QWERTY keyboard, earpiece and the Search button.

Other standard features include HTC Merge include: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, the function of DLNA, GPS with A-GPS support, microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 32GB), stereo FM radio with RDS. Although no further details about the phone release date or price, but reportedly Merge HTC is expected to be priced between the range of 100 USD up to 150 USD price range.

»»  READMORE...

DELL VENUE AND VENUE PRO

Strengthening its smartphone portfolio, Dell announced two high-end phones--Venue and Venue Pro. The company says these phones are designed to offer great social networking and entertainment experience to professionals, families, students and gamers.The Dell Venue operates on Android v2.2. With a 4.1-inch display, the phone has a 1GHz processor and an 8 MP camera. The Venue Pro, on its part, runs on Windows Phone 7. It also boasts a huge display, a 5 MP camera and has a physical QWERTY keypad. 

»»  READMORE...

PSP'S NEW AVATAR

And talking of games, Sony has announced plans to start selling a new hand held gaming device by the end of the year. Sony's new device--with NGP, or Next Generation Portable, as a working title--comes with a touch pad on both the front and rear and a 5-inch organic LED screen, motion sensors, front-and-back cameras and 3G network access. Sony also plans to make some PlayStaion games available or certified portable devices, including smartphones including Google's Android operating system, by the year end. However, Sony continues to play games about its intentions of turning the PSP into a mobile phone, rumours of which have been doing the rounds for quite some time now. Will it? It refuses to say.

»»  READMORE...