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Toshiba aiming for Spring release of ICS for the Toshiba Thrive 10-Inch

Chris Parsons — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:33:06 GMT

A fine bit of news for those of you out there who happen to have a Toshiba Thrive 10-Inch. When questioned on Twitter when a release of Ice Cream Sandwich would be available, Toshiba USA surprisingly replied stating they were targeting a Spring release for ICS. No mention was made of the Toshiba Thrive 7-Inch but alas, maybe Toshiba will clairfy further now that this information is out there. Anyone been waiting on this news?

Source: @ToshibaUSA

Why Ubuntu for Android can succeed where others failed

Jerry Hildenbrand — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:28:09 GMT

You probably heard the big news about Canonical's plans to build Ubuntu for Android devices. It's something I'm extremely excited about and have been tinkering with myself since the days of the Nexus One. This latest -- and finally official -- iteration resembles (and is being compared to) something we've seen before from Motorola -- Webtop. We got to sit down and talk to the folks at Canonical for more information about Ubuntu for Android this week, and I'm here to tell you, chances are this won't be like Webtop at all.

It won't suck. And here's why:

ShopAndroid Daily Giveaway #13: Galaxy Nexus 2100mAh NFC Battery, Skyrocket OtterBox Commuter & more!

Brent Zaniewski — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:24:09 GMT

For today's ShopAndroid.com Daily Giveaway we'll be featuring the Samsung 2100mAh Extended NFC Battery w/ Door for Verizon Galaxy Nexus, OtterBox Commuter Case for Samsung Skyrocket, Seidio ACTIVE Case for Motorola Droid RAZR, and the Seidio CONVERT Combo for HTC EVO 4G.

Leave a comment below indicating which featured accessory you'd like to win, and we'll announce the lucky winner of today's daily giveaway next Monday!

Samsung 2100mAh Extended NFC Battery w/ Door for Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Significantly increase the talk and standby time of your Verizon Galaxy Nexus with the Samsung 2100mAh Extended Battery. This lithium-ion battery fits perfectly in the back of your device and features the NFC capability. The battery also comes with an extended battery door to replace your stock cover.

Google Books app update sneaks into the Market

Richard Devine — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:47:54 GMT

While it may not be the most popular application among the Android faithful, Google Books is still a pretty solid e-reading app. A small update has sneaked out into the Market today, although at present it doesn't seem to be showing up in your my apps -- kind of like how YouTube went un-noticed.

The version numbers vary across devices, but has been bumped on the Gingerbread and below version, and the Honeycomb and above versions. What's confusing is to exactly what this update is for.

The changelog on the Honeycomb upwards version -- and indeed the web market -- touts accessibility support/TTS, ability to remove a downloaded book from your device (pretty sure we already could?) and improved stability.

Over in the Gingerbread and below camp, the changelog reads very differently. Here we get fixes for download error messages. In both cases the version numbers are bumped only very slightly, so we'll go out on a limb and say its a bug fix update. Either way, you'll find download links after the break.

Guitar Pro now available on the Android Market

Chris Parsons — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:02:46 GMT

If you're a guitar player, then chances are you're already make use of your Android device in some way to help you with your music. Be it as a instant guitar tuner, to download tabs or even record quick little jam sessions here and there and now, you can exapand on that usage with the release of Guitar Pro Tab Player to the Android market. This a mobile version of the Guitar Pro tab editing program available for Android devices 2.2 and up, and it's pretty feature-packed:

Supporting GP3/4/5 and GPX (Guitar Pro 6) formats, 
File import through web server and file browser,
Integrated library with search, filter, and favorite,
Multitrack playback with soundboard: volume, solo-mute, soundbanks,
Metronome and visual countdown, 
3 levels of zoom, 
Guitar or bass fretboard (for right- and left-handers), and virtual keyboard.

Now, you can view, hear, and learn guitar, bass, or drum scores wherever you go and even share your files with others if you do so wish. The app is available in the Android Market right now as a paid app, you'll find the download past the break. Maybe, you can get as good as this guy?

Seidio ACTIVE for HTC EVO 3D [Android Case Review]

Joshua Munoz — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:59:58 GMT

With our very own Mobile Nations Fitness Month almost at a close, we'd be remiss if we didn't bring you some of the hottest accessories made for the walking, jogging, calorie-burning, Android-loving health junkie. For those of you sporting an HTC EVO 3D, you'll definitely want to take a look at the Seidio ACTIVE Case for the HTC EVO 3D.

Combining the rubberized, gripping skin we've all come to know and love with a six-prong, hard plastic skeleton, the Seidio ACTIVE gives your phone the loving embrace it needs to stay safe without adding too much bulk.

On the top bezel, you're looking at the typical uncovered 3.5mm headphone jack, but otherwise, everything is all nice and covered up. That makes sense, since your phone's first line of defense is an all-inclusive rubber skin, but be aware if you're going to be getting sweat, dirt, or dust anywhere, it's going to be in the headphone jack.

Moving to the volume rocker bezel, expect the same protective treatment; if it doesn't need to be uncovered, it won't be. As a matter of fact, the only thing that isn't covered is the 2D/3D slider, so don't worry about your volume rocker or dedicated camera button.

On the opposite bezel, the microUSB port is open, which one the one hand means easy access to charging, but on the other hand means the potential for gunk to get in there. It's a tough compromise, but considering this isn't the full protection Seidio case, I'd say it's still doing pretty well.

The six-prong plastic skeleton fits nicely in the back of the rubber skin, so much so that you can't even tell it's a separate piece sometimes. It sits so nicely flush against the skin and the phone, you'll instantly recognize it's quality.

More pictures are after the break.

Google Docs app updated with rich text options, collaborative editing

Alex Dobie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:58:56 GMT

The Google Docs app for Android has received a substantial update today, adding some significant new features which to bring the phone and tablet app in line with the full desktop version.

First up is collaborative editing, which allows multiple people to work on the same document in real time -- this has long been possible on the desktop, but has been lacking in the mobile app. And it's also possible to set document permissions and invite others in your address book to work on a document alongside you.

In addition, rich text controls are included for documents, and pinch-to-zoom now fully functional too, making possible to manipulate text, undo and redo just like in the desktop version. Unfortunately these new features only work in documents, not spreadsheets, but regardless, it's a big step forward for the mobile version of Docs.

We've got Android Market links, and an official introductory video, after the jump.

Motorola gives special Red Carpet edition Droid RAZR MAXX to Academy Award nominees

Phil Nickinson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:48:36 GMT

The Academy Awards are this Sunday, and the nominees and select presenters will be sporting a special Red Carpet edition of the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX. It's the same phone we reviewed a couple weeks ago, only it's red. And it'll be held in far more beautiful hands than ours. The men get high-end shaving kits along with the phone, while the women get a gold sequined pouch.

For those of you who aren't up for an Oscar this year, you'll have a chance to win one of theses special editions on Feb. 23 (that's tomorrow) on Motorola's Twitter account.

Source: Motorola

Galaxy Note LTE rumored for NTT Docomo in Japan

Alex Dobie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:27:56 GMT

Japan may be the among the next countries to get the LTE verison of Samsung's Galaxy Note, according to the latest rumors from Japanese tech blog Gpad. The site's notes that a device carrying the model number "SC-05D" recently received Bluetooth certification, and later appeared in a leaked Modaco product catalog alongside the name "Galaxy Note".

The reported spec list would place the Japanese version on equal footing with the Canadian and AT&T LTE models, with a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S3 CPU, 1GB of RAM. Scoring the Galaxy Note would be a big win for Japan's largest carrier, which already has its own version of the Galaxy Nexus, and many other leading Android handsets.

We'll have our review the AT&T Galaxy Note up soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out our write-up of the international version from last year.

Source: Gpad.tv

Android 4.0 updates for Acer's A100, A500 leak ahead of April release

Anndrew Vacca — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:24:17 GMT

Good news for those of you patiently waiting for Acer's April release of Ice Cream Sandwich for its A100 and A500 tablets: the good people over at XDA seem to have found stable leaks of the update ready for your flashing. XDA forum member vache posted the files today, and says that the leak is running quite nicely on the A500. A quick look through the forum posts indicates that the leaks are smooth and relatively bug free, though the upgrade will indeed remove root access on your device.

Despite the good reviews, keep in mind that the files are not Acer's final build, and thus can come with a hidden bug or five. If you're feeling brave, you can grab the files at the source link; to flash, you'll need to rename the file to update.zip, place it on the root of your SD card, and boot into recovery. If the process sounds like gibberish to you, you might want to sit tight for another month for Acer to roll out the official OTA.

Source: XDA Forums (A100, A500); Thanks Tom!

HTC teasing its Sunday Mobile World Congress event

Phil Nickinson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:24:57 GMT

Ah, yes, folks are noticing HTC's little teaser on Facebook, pointing to something new coming down the pike on Sunday, saying "You'll discover something fast." Hey, guess what else is on Sunday? HTC's Mobile World Congress press event. And guess who's gonna be there? We are! And that means you'll be there along with us. Things get going around 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST, for those of you in the States.

So what will we get, and how fast will it be? Phones on the wheel of possibility include the One X (aka Endeavor), One S and One V. Or maybe all of them.

And if you haven't checked it out already, be sure to read through Alex Dobie's Mobile World Congress preview to see exactly what we're expecting from everyone else in Barcelona.

Source: HTC on Facebook

Android App Review: NBA All-Star Live Wallpaper

Sean Brunett — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:03:38 GMT

If you're a fan of the NBA and live wallpapers, you'll want to check out the NBA All-Star Live Wallpaper app, which enables you to customize your background with your favorite NBA team.

The app is what we call freemium, which means that it is free to download the initial app, but you'll have to pay up for each team you decide to download from then on. Each team's live wallpaper is $1.99 with an in-app purchase, or you could buy every team for a flat fee of $4.99. You can also purchase team ringtones, but they come with the $4.99 package.

Once the app is installed, you'll need to go to the wallpapers gallery to find the NBA options. Once you click on it, you'll be able to customize:

Team (only those you've paid for)
Court (Home Court, Team Clubhouse, or Blacktop)
Ball Type (NBA Official Ball, Team Ball Black, Team Ball Two-Tone, Red White and Blue, All-Star)
Number of Basketballs (1 - 5)
Ringtone (you'll also be able to access team ringtones if you purchase those)

Once the wallpaper is set, you'll see the basketballs that you've chosen bouncing around. Tapping one of them will make it bounce and tilting your phone will move them, all the while seeing your favorite team's logo in the middle of the screen. The wallpapers are all nicely designed and they're perfect for NBA fans who want to show off their fandom all of the time.

As I mentioned above, the initial download is free from the Android Market. We've got links after the break as well as more screenshots.

Fujitsu reportedly unveiling quad-core, waterproof phone with 13.1MP camera at MWC

Alex Dobie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:03:04 GMT

The latest round of pre-MWC rumors has Japanese manufacturer Fujitsu launching its own quad-core phone for Europe. According to UnwiredView, Fujitsu's mystery device will sport an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, and will be paired with a 4.6-inch screen and an impressive 13.1MP camera. Other notables supposedly include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a fingerprint sensor and water and dust resistance.

According to today's reports, samples of the device will be on show at Mobile World Congress next week. If it's there, we'll bring you full coverage.

Source: UnwiredView

LG Optimus Vu gets demoed on video, still looks big

Chris Parsons — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:55:03 GMT

Youtube link for mobile viewing

With the LG Optimus Vu getting it's official unveiling ahead of Mobile World Congress, there is plenty of folks out there looking to get their hands on the device to get a better look at it. Luckily, the device has been making its rounds and most recently was caught on video.

In it, we get a good look at the 5-inch (1024x768) IPS display and a better feeling for the 4:3 aspect ratio plus, a look at the tools that will be used for hand written notes -- just like the Galaxy Note, though there is no stylus present in the video. We'll hold off our full commentary until we get our own hands-on with it but what do you all think of it?

Source: NetBookNews

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 Gallery

Brent Zaniewski — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:50:09 GMT

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 Specs

Brent Zaniewski — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:45:50 GMT

3.27" HVGA display (320 x 480)
Dimension (NFC): 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.9mm (106.8g)
Dimension (Non-NFC): 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.6mm (105.3g)
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS
800MHz single-core Processor
3MP (rear) camera
3.5mm headphone jack
Accelerometer, digital compass, proximity, NFC (optional)
4GB memory
512MB RAM
MicroSD (up to 32GB)
1300mAh Li-Ion battery
Bluetooth 3.0
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA

LG's quad-core X3 to debut as Optimus 4X HD, according to reports

Alex Dobie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:35:51 GMT

T-Mobile 'G4X' also rumored ahead of Mobile World Congress

LG's next big thing, the "X3", will be unveiled at Mobile World Congress next week as the LG Optimus 4X HD, according to reports from PocketNow. If true, the branding would give weight to what's already been rumored -- that LG's next flagship phone will sport a quad-core Tegra 3 CPU and a 720p dispay. Based on recently leaked-benchmarks, LG's looks set to deliver a beast of a phone, with early scores dwarfing current high-end handsets (and we'd expect no less from Tegra 3).

The site also reports references to a T-Mobile G4X, possibly based on this design. It'd makes sense that the 4X HD might become Tmo's latest G-series handset, as we've seen screenshots of near-vanilla Android running on one version of the device very recently. Whatever the phone(s) end up being called, we're sure to see them in a few days at Mobile World Congress.

Source: PocketNow

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 Gallery

Brent Zaniewski — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:28:47 GMT

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 Specs

Brent Zaniewski — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:23:12 GMT

800MHZ dual-core processor
Dimensions: 62.2 x 118.3 x 10.5mm
Weight: 122g
3.8" WVGA display (480 x 800)
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS
5-megapixel (rear) camera
Front-facing VGA camera
Video playback/recording @ 720p
3.5mm headphone jack
4GB memory
768MB RAM
Bluetooth 3.0
Accelerometer, digital compass, proximity, NFC
microSD (up to 32GB)
1500mAh Li-Ion battery

Motorola Cliq 2 to get Gingerbread

Phil Nickinson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:13:10 GMT

It's retro week here aet Android Central, first with the Samsung Continuum getting an upgrade to Android 2.2 Froyo, and now the Motorola Cliq 2 on T-Mobile. You heard that right. T-Mobile apparently is seeking out 1,000 people who still use the Cliq 2 (and hang out in T-Mobile support forums) to test the upgrade before it goes live to the other four or five people who haven't ditched the device already.

If you're interested, the link below.

More: Cliq 2 Gingerbread update; via TMo News

ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day: Seidio SURFACE Case for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus

ShopAndroid.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:04:05 GMT

The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day for Feb. 22 is the Seidio SURFACE Case for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. This case fits the GSM and Verizon verisons of the Galaxy Nexus and is crafted from a hard yet flexible material that provides an amazingly thin layer of protection without adding the excessive bulk of other cases. It's available in amethyst, garnet red, royal blue or black today only for just $16.95. Get yours while supplies last!

Verizon's network apparently struggling this morning

Phil Nickinson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:47:32 GMT

Here we go again. Looks like Verizon's 4G network is refusing to wake up this morning. We've got multiple reports in multiple forums, e-mails in the inbod, and threads on Verizon's own support forums. Sit tight, folks. We've been here before.

More: Android forums, Verizon Support

LG Optimus 3D MAX specs

Alex Dobie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:47:09 GMT

Here's your full specification list for the LG Optimus 3D MAX --

Chipset: 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor (OMAP4430)
Display: 4.3-inch 3D WVGA Display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2
Memory: 8GB Internal Storage, 1GB Internal Memory
Camera: 5MP Dual-lens
OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Battery: 1,520 mAh
Others: HSPA+ 21Mbps
HDMI connection 2D/3D TV/monitor up to 1080p via MHL
DNLA for wireless connection with TV/PC (3D video also supported)
NFC Full Support, LG Tag+

ASUS Transformer Prime bootloader unlock now available

Phil Nickinson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:34:22 GMT

As promised, the bootloader unlock tool for the ASUS Transformer Prime is now available for download from ASUS directly. It's a simple little .apk that you'll download, move to your tablet and install, and it will set in motion the ability to rock custom ROMs and basically mod to you heart's content. Note that you'll need to have the Ice Cream Sandwich update installed, but you've already done that, we hope.

The flip side is by doing so, you're basically absolving ASUS of any responsibility should you break something. Or, as ASUS puts it, "You also acknowledge ASUS does not guarantee service satisfaction to any Revised Product." We love it when you talk all sexy-like, ASUS.

Hit up the download link below to get going.

Download: Transformer Prime bootloader unlock (look in the Utilities section)
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

LG announces the Optimus 3D MAX - 3D in a slimmed-down package

Alex Dobie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:17:55 GMT

Having already taken the wraps off the Optimus Vu and Optimus L-style series, LG has today taken the wraps off another rumored device -- the Optimus 3D MAX. Headed to Korea in March, then Europe and elsewhere later, the Optimus 3D MAX (spelled the old-fashioned way, with just one X) takes the original Optimus 3D's hardware and makes some modest improvements, before packing it into a slimmer, lighter chassis. We're waiting on official confirmation, but it looks like this is an variant of the Optimus 3D Cube, which was announced for SK Telecom a few hours ago.

The MAX's specs will be familiar to anyone who's used last year's Optimus 3D -- there's a 4.3-inch WVGA 3D IPS display, dual 5MP rear cameras, 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of app storage and HSPA+ support up to 21Mbps. The CPU's even the same model -- an TI OMAP 4430 -- though it's been bumped from 1GHz up to 1.2GHz. The device ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread (yeah, we know), with an ICS upgrade coming "shortly after release". Judging by the screenshots, though, LG's rolling out a new version of its Optimus UI in this, and other 2012 devices, so at least there'll be a bit of a visual refresh.

We'll be sure to grab some hands-on time with the Optimus 3D MAX when we arrive at Mobile World Congress in a few days time. In the meantime, you can find more photos, along with the full press release and spec list after the jump.