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ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 software update rolling out for most everyone

Jerry Hildenbrand — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:28:36 GMT

A minor OTA update for the ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 that started pushing Friday is now going out in full force. The update brings the software to version 9.4.3.29, and also bumps the Wifi version and Camera version up slightly. The device stays on Android 4.0.3, at least for the time being. The official word is that this brings stability improvements, which nobody here is going to complain about. Per ASUS the update is not available on the TF300 firmware page yet, and most users will have to manually check for the update from the tablet settings. As fate would have it, we're not yet seeing the update here, but if you are be sure to jump into the forums and compare notes.

Source: Android Central forums; More ASUS Transformer forums

Thanks, Crimson!

Play like it's 1997 with unofficial port of Theme Hospital for Android

Richard Devine — Sun, 20 May 2012 21:57:49 GMT

Some of you out there will remember Theme Hospital, the 1997 PC simulation game. Some of us spent a little too much time playing this during IT lessons at school instead of playing with boring spreadsheets. In any case, thanks to an unofficial port of the title, we can now enjoy some Theme Hospital on our Android devices for £0.99/$1.49

For those not familiar, over the course of different levels you're tasked with turning an empty hospital into an all singing, all dancing, fully equipped care facility. Oh, and you also get to hire and fire. When you've hit certain goals, you get to move on up to the next level and start the process all over again.

It has been optimized for handheld devices, but requires a screen resolution of 800x480 or higher to be able to play. If that sounds like your device, we've got the download links for you after the break.

via Pocket Gamer

HTC says some products have passed US Customs review

Jerry Hildenbrand — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:43:13 GMT

In a statement to the Taiwan Stock Exchange yesterday, HTC stated that "Some of our products have passed the review and have been delivered to our telecoms operators’ clients in the US". Referring to the import ban set in play by the ITC after an unsuccessful legal battle with Apple, the HTC One X and upcoming HTC EVO 4G LTE were barred from entering the country.

The statement made to the TWSE is certainly vague, and we not sure exactly how to interpret "some". I've shot off an email to HTC for clarification, and I imagine everyone else has as well, so we'll probably see a statement of some sort soon. In the meantime, some of you can rest easy knowing that some of your phones are on the way to the shelves.

Source: Taipei Times; via icebike

From the Editor's Desk: Recharging

Phil Nickinson — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:11:25 GMT

No patents. No petitions. No bootloaders. No multitasking. No customs delays. See y'all next week.

From the Android Forums: Factory data reset questions

Jerry Hildenbrand — Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:43 GMT

acr456 asks in the Android Central forums,

Hello, I am going to factory reset my phone. However, my question is, since this is a complete reset will it also rollback to the version of Android that the EVO was launched with? For example, I know have version 2.3.5. Will it roll it all the way back to 2.1? I just want my data erased, I want to keep all my system updates including whatever updates Sprint sent. Do I have anything to worry about?

Also, the EVO I'm resetting is deactivated. Once the reset is complete will I be able to fully use my phone without the need of a Sprint connection? I have Wifi so that will do.

We're glad you asked! We get this one a lot, and we can see why the term factory data reset would make one think it was being returned to the factory, out-of-box condition. Thankfully, it's not. A factory reset will erase all user settings (things like home screen customizations, Wifi networks, sound settings and the like) and delete all apps downloaded from the Google Play store. It won't touch anything that's part of the system files, so your worse case scenario (and actually the likely scenario) is that system apps that have been updated from the Google Play store (things like the Gmail app or Maps) will just need updated from the Play store again. You'll still be on the latest 2.3.5 version, but the rest will be clean like a new device.

As for it working without Sprint service, everything but calls and SMS/MMS will work just fine. I've had my EVO 4G unactivated for over a year now and use it to keep little ones occupied when they come for a visit. Using Wifi, all your Google services, including the important one -- the Google Play store -- will still work just fine. Good luck, and have fun with your new EVO PDA!

Have a question you need answered? (Preferably about Android, but we're flexible.) Hit up our Contact Page to get in touch!

Google-Motorola deal approved by Chinese regulators

Jerry Hildenbrand — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:33:46 GMT

Regulators in China have approved the multi-billion dollar purchase of Motorola Mobility by Google. The particulars have already been approved in the US and elsewhere, and China has been the lone holdout. With that bit of dirty business behind them, the deal can now go forward. In statements released to Bloomberg Motorola and Google both confirm the news, and are looking forward to getting the loose ends tied up in short order.

We expect things to stay unchanged between Google and Motorola, as we've heard numerous times that Motorola will remain an independent entity. Only time will let us know how that turns out. It will be an interesting summer, that's for sure.

Source: Bloomberg; Thanks, Alexander!

Android Central Editors' App Picks for May 19, 2012

Jared DiPane — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:18:54 GMT

Ready to check out some more of our favorite apps? Each week we bring to you some of our favorites in hopes that they may become your favorites, and we want you to do the same. Drop a line in the comments and let us know some of the awesome applications you have installed on your device, so the rest of the Android Central community can check them out as well!

Motorola: If ICS won't make our device better, we won't update to it

Phil Nickinson — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:36:14 GMT

Motorola yesterday updated its device update schedule, with the crux being that we'll finally start to see some phones get Ice Cream Sandwich in the next month or so. Specifically, that's the Droid RAZR/MAXX, with the Atrix, Atrix 2, Droid 4 and Xyboards getting it in Q3.

Have a Droid 3 or Droid X2? Sorry, you're out of luck. And today Motorola expanded on why, saying:

"... obviously we want the new release to improve our devices. If we determine that can’t be done—well then, we’re not able to upgrade that particular device."

Interesting choice of words. What it probably means is that Moto determined that the cost in time and effort to update those older phones to ICS outweighs the benefit of Ice Cream Sandwich, which indeed sucks given how young those phones are. But that's the crapshoot we all enter into these days, unfortunately.

Good luck convincing folks that Ice Cream Sandwich won't improve their phones, Moto.

You can get the full statement at the source link below.

Source: Motorola

Android Central international round-up - May 19, 2012

Alex Dobie — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:39:47 GMT

Compared to all the drama stateside surrounding the customs woes of HTC's new handsets, it was a fairly quiet week for international Android news. But even a quiet week here in the Android world has its share of phone launches, update news, release announcements and the like, so let's dive right in.

We got our first peek at the HTC Desire C this week, as HTC prepares to launch its successor to the Wildfire S. With NFC, ICS and Beats Audio on-board, the Desire C looks like a surprisingly feature-packed little device, and we're looking forward to getting our hands on it in the near future for a full review. Speaking of reviews, we wrapped up our Motorola Motoluxe review this week -- Richard found it to be a well-built entry-level handset, albeit one that's limited by Moto's slightly janky software additions.

And the countdown to the Samsung Galaxy S III launch continues -- T-Mobile UK announced its pricing for the device, and we heard that some stores in the UK will be opening the evening before the official launch day to give eager pre-order customers the chance to pick up their handsets.

We also got a release date for an Android flagship from another manufacturer -- LG revealed that it'll launch the Optimus 4X HD in Europe starting in June.

Check out some choice cuts from the past week's international Android developments below, and if you've got news, be sure to tip us at the usual address.

Special features:

News:

Straight Talk, Unified eMail, Signal drops [From the Forums]

Chris Parsons — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:07:09 GMT

We've blown through a bunch of content for you all this week so be sure to get yourself caught up if, for whatever reason you missed out on anything. In addition to the news and editorials, we also managed to do up a Android Central podcast for you all and if that isn't enough -- be sure to check out the Android Central Forums:

HTC One X Forums - Anyone having signal drop issues?
HTC EVO 4G LTE - Should HTC/Sprint give good will gesture?
Samsung Galaxy S III Forums - No Android Experience, Tempted by the S3
Samsung Galaxy Nexus Forums - Straight Talk MMS problems
Droid RAZR Maxx Forums - Non-Unified eMail inbox possible?

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

Customers don't want shared data plans says T-Mobile

Jerry Hildenbrand — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:49:32 GMT

With all the recent news about forcing customers to use shared data plans we saw this week, T-Mobile wanted to let everyone know their stance on the situation. Posting on the company's Issues and Insights blog, Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president of marketing, says "T-Mobile believes that consumers today do not want a ‘one size fits all’ approach to shared family data plans, nor would they benefit from that model". Reading through the sentiment in the comments on the recent Verizon news, and one would have to assume he is right.

Reading and watching David poke at Goliath is fun (in some twisted kind of blogger way) but there's one big variable still not defined -- how much shared data, and how much will it cost. With a reasonably high cap, at a reasonably low price, I can see the benefit in a shared data poll across multiple devices. Saying goodbye to a 5GB plan for your phone, your tablet, and your data card or hotspot, and hello to a shared 10 GB plan at half the cost is an offer many would jump on, even if the cost per kilobyte increases.

One thing Sherrard is saying that I think most would agree with is that "Customers who pay more, should get more". There are many ways for Verizon (and AT&T, who surely won't be far behind) to make this a change for the good. Until we see the plans and pricing, I'm not ready to crucify anyone just yet. If everything holds true, we'll know more in about a month.

Source: T-Mobile

ITC orders import ban on Motorola Android phones over Microsoft patent issues

Jerry Hildenbrand — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:56:24 GMT

Update: More of the story is coming out, and we learn that Motorola was found not to infringe on eight other patents in the case. This verdict is currently under Presidential review, and will be subject to appeal. In a statement to ArsTechnica Motorola has said the following:

Although we are disappointed by the Commission’s ruling that certain Motorola Mobility products violated one patent, we look forward to reading the full opinion to understand its reasoning. Motorola Mobility will not experience any impact in the near term, as the Commission's ruling is subject to a $0.33/per unit bond during the 60 day Presidential review period. We will explore all options including appeal.

The original story follows.

HTC's One X and EVO 4G LTE may soon have a few friends to keep them company while they wait for customs to allow them into the US, as the ITC has decided to ban the import of Motorola Android phones for infringing on a Microsoft patent for "generating meeting requests and group scheduling from a mobile device". According to FOSS Patents, this order will likely go into effect in 60 days, as the ITC has rejected Google's claims that an exclusion order was not in the public's best interests. Because of FOSS Patents owner Florian Mueller's close ties to Microsoft and his track record on proceedings of this type, we're awaiting on an official word from both sides to see just how damaging this decision may be before we make any predictions. It's very likely that Motorola can just tweak a setting and comply with the ITC's rulings while they await a full judgment.

If you recall, Motorola has been embroiled in legal disputes with Microsoft while other big players have decided to pay licensing fees to stay out of court. Sometimes this strategy will work, sometimes it backfires. In the end innovation gets stifled by patents on ideas instead of methods, and consumers always lose. More on this as it comes forth.

Source: FOSS Patents

Motorola Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich schedule updated

Chris Parsons — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:54:49 GMT

Motorola device owners have been pretty vocal about their want for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on their devices. Motorola in response to that, has kept an ICS rollout schedule updated and recently they made some changes to it that will either excite you or upset you, depending on which device you own.

Droid RAZR, Droid RAZR MAXX and XOOM 3G/4G owners have the most to be excited about as ICS updates for those devices should be rolling out at just about any moment right now. Atrix, Atrix 2, Droid Bionic, Droid 4 and XYBOARD owners will be waiting until the next quarter for their updates.

Own a Droid 3 or Droid X2 though? Looks as though you better start looking towards some ICS compatible ROM's as those devicse will be stuck on Android 2.3 Gingerbread for the remainder of their lifecycle, minus some bug fix and maintenance releases.

Source: Motorola, Android Central Forums

Beckham bending it for the Samsung Galaxy Note, London Olympics

Phil Nickinson — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:11:51 GMT

Samsung's teasing it on its Facebook page today, but the full advert's already leaked out on Twitter -- David Beckham's doing his thing for Samsung and the Galaxy Note. Some folks in the forums have opined that we're looking at a "new" Galaxy Note (and indeed the "new Galaxy Note with "Premium Suite" upgrade" is mentioned, but it more to us like Samsung's just promoting that "Premium Suite" upgrade that includes Ice Cream Sandwich and started pushing recently. The description on the teaser points to something going down May 22, so stay tuned. (Our guess: More with the Olympic torch, which Becks helped welcome to the UK today.)

We've got the teaser and the full video after the break. Check it out before it gets pulled.

Via AT&T Galaxy Note forums

Get yourself a new Android smartphone just for eating at Chili's

Chris Parsons — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:02:57 GMT

We've seen some pretty interesting Android promotions in our time, but Chili's latest takes the cake for sure. They have a new app out and they really want you to try it out. In fact, they want you to try it out so bad that they'll give you a free Android smartphone to do so.

The process is fairly simple of course, visit the Chili's website and order up $25 worth of food and you'll get be able to collect a free Android device and then download their app onto it. The fine print is where you may get caught up though, it shows it's with a new 2-year contract and subject to terms but that's just how it has to be. Interested? Check out the link below for the full details.

Source: Chili's; Thanks, Cory!

While you're waiting: More must-read EVO 4G LTE threads

Android Central — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:07:32 GMT

The Sprint EVO 4G LTE missed today's in-store launch, and pre-orders aren't shipping, thanks to a pesky International Trade Commission review. Bollocks.

While you're waiting, here are some more EVO 4G LTE forum threads you should be sure to check out:

200 movies available to rent for 5p in the UK on HTC Watch this weekend

Alex Dobie — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:15:39 GMT

If you're in the UK and have a high-end HTC phone or tablet, you'll want to check the bundled HTC Watch application this weekend. HTC has 200 movies available to rent for just 5p this weekend, as part of its HTC Watch 5p Weekend Special. HTC Watch has grown considerably since it first appeared on the Sensation last year, which means there's a surprisingly good selection of flicks on offer as part of the 5p deal (we've got the full list after the break.)

Unfortunately we're not seeing any sign of any similar deals on our US-bound HTC devices, but if the promotion proves a success on this side of the pond, there's a chance we may see it expanded to other territories.

Check past the break for the full list of movies on the 5p rentals list.

Source: MoDaCo

ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #75: HTC One X Tough Case, Arkon Sport Armband & more

Brent Zaniewski — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:12:14 GMT

Before we wrap another week of giveaway's here at ShopAndroid.com, we've got the final four items for this week which include the Case-Mate Tough Case for HTC One X, Arkon Sport Armband, Motorola Dual Port Universal Charger 750mA, and the Blueant Q2 Smart Bluetooth Headset.

Pick one of these featured accessories for your Android and leave it in the comments below. We'll select one person as the winner and announce them next week. Good luck!

Case-Mate Tough Case for HTC One X

Designed to offer two layers of protection for the HTC One X, the Case-Mate Tough Case is completely flexible and impact resistant. The first layer is a flexible silicone case that wraps around the One X leaving the screen, camera, headphone and charging ports exposed. Then comes the ABS plastic hard shell case which covers your device while in the silicone cover.

Activate Virgin Mobile's Optimus Elite and receive a $25 Google Wallet credit

Anndrew Vacca — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:36:07 GMT

After three short days on the shelf, Virgin Mobile's LG Optimus Elite is already up for a promotion: Google will credit your Google Wallet account with $25 when you activate the NFC-service within 7 days of activating your Elite. LG's Gingerbread-powered Optimus Elite is the prepaid carrier's first NFC-capable device, and Virgin isn't wasting any time putting the service to good use. The offer is good on any of Virgin's Beyond Talk plans, and will run from now through July 18, though there is a bit of fine print: your account will be credited with $10 within the first three days, with the remaining $15 eventually added within the following three weeks. Regardless, for $150 without a contract, the Elite is already a pretty sweet deal, and with another $25 thrown in for good measure, we're tempted to say adios to contracts forever.

Deal of the Day: Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover for Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX

ShopAndroid.com — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:33:47 GMT

The May 18 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover for Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX. The durable but lightweight, textured polycarbonate border on the case helps to keep a firm grip on your device and aluminum alloy accents enhance the look for the RAZR MAXX without adding bulk or unwanted weight. Comes in black, blue, red, and purple.

The Qmadix Metalix Snap-On Cover is available for just $14.95 today only, 50% off the standard price. Pick yours up today while supplies last!

Pink Samsung Galaxy Note headed to the UK in June

Alex Dobie — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:23:34 GMT

When the "berry pink" Galaxy Note first launched in Korea in early April, we doubted whether Samsung would look to release the device outside of its home territory. What fools we were.

Today the Carphone Warehouse reveals that it's planning to launch the pink Galaxy Note in the UK starting next month. There's even a pre-registration page open for would-be buyers to sign up for additional info on the mauve monstrosity. We're not sure what more information can be offered, though -- as far as we're concerned it's the same old Galaxy Note, only with a ~~hideous~~ new coat of paint.

In any case, if the existing black and white Galaxy Notes are just too subdued and tasteful for you, you can find out more about the pink variant over at the source link. (Spoiler alert: it's a Galaxy Note, in pink.)

Source: Carphone Warehouse; via: Recombu

Android Central 96: HTC stuck in Customs, multitasking mayhem, Google Music drama

Phil Nickinson — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:24:19 GMT

Podcast MP3 URL:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc96.mp3

Thing 1: EVO 4G LTE delayed

Thing 2: Sense 4 and multitasking

Thing 3: Google Music drama

Thing 4: More than one Nexus?

Best Buy changes its tune, has no idea when the EVO 4G LTE is shipping

Phil Nickinson — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:20:34 GMT

Can't say we're overly surprised to see this one, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing. Best Buy early today sent another e-mail to customers who preordered the HTC EVO 4G LTE, saying that, whoopsie, it doesn't actually know when the Customs hold will lift and the EVO will be allowed to ship. This comes less than a day after Best Buy got hopes up by saying May 23 was the new target date, which was quickly followed by HTC telling us it had nothing new to announce. So, yeah.

And yes, there are plenty of "insider" sources feeding possible dates, too. But this thing's going to get out of hand right quick. Hopefully we'll hear something official from Sprint of HTC soon.

More in the EVO 4G LTE forums; Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Samsung Galaxy S III sees 9 million pre-orders

Kevin O'Quinn — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:36:59 GMT

Yes you read that correctly, according to a report from Korea Economic Daily a Samsung executive let it slip that 9 million units have been pre-ordered. Let that sink in for a minute. It wasn't that long ago that the Galaxy S II hit the 20 million mark, and now we have its successor reaching half that lofty goal before it's been released. Impressive to be sure, especially since the US, a large smartphone market, won't see it released until June at the earliest.

With Samsung taking the lions share of phone sales worldwide is there anything that can be done to stop their dominance in the market? With all the rumors, hype, and expectations leading up to the launch, we already knew Samsung would have a hit on their hands. Even after the initial euphoria wore off, we were still impressed with what Samsung has done with the Galaxy S III. While the vote was almost dead even between this and the HTC One X, odds are good that the Galaxy S III won't get stuck in customs.

Jealous of our friends overseas? Have questions about the phone? Find your answers in the forums.

Source: Korea Economic Daily; via: Engadget

HTC EVO 4G LTE RUU now available - let the games begin

Jerry Hildenbrand — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:33:17 GMT

We're still waiting for word on when to expect the HTC EVO 4G LTE on the shelves at Sprint, but that wasn't enough to keep the RUU from leaking out. Football has posted the file up for the folks who want to get an early start on the device ROMs, so things should be looking sweet shortly if you're in to that sort of thing -- and we know plenty of you are. Keep in mind this isn't something you should be fooling with if you don't know what you're doing, just let your favorite developers do their thing with.

Now if only they could make their way out of jail.

Source: XDA; via Android Central forums