An image showing the Android 4.2.2 update has surfaced, thanks to a user on Reddit. We’ve known for sometime now that Google was testing the update, and that it would be hitting Nexus devices in mid-February. The new software supposedly addresses a pesky Bluetooth streaming issue with other pressing matters, such as security enhancements, device performance, minor cosmetic changes and more bug fixes.
Of course, to no ones surprise, Android 4.2.2 looks to be rolling out to carrier-unlocked Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones, as well as the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets.
Let us know if you’re seeing the update on your Nexus.
[via Android Police]
Charles West is a self-described music snob and sports fanatic who's a contributor to IntoMobile. In addition he also spends his time managing his own site The Trendaholic. You can catch him on Twitter @TheTrendaholic and Google+
Vertu, the company known for its lavish and ridiculously expensive phones, has announced its first Android phone named the Vertu Ti. The Ti is a luxury phone made up of top-notch materials that give the build quality a pristine touch and feel, as the chassis is constructed out of titanium, and the screen is fashioned from sapphire crystal. Vertu is expecting users to splurge $10,000 for the Ti.
Under the hood brings some more than adequate features such as an unnamed 1.7GHz dual-core processor as the engine, an 8MP rear camera with 1080p video recording, as well as a 1.3MP front-facing camera, a 3.7-inch WVGA screen, 64GB of storage and pentaband DC-HSDPA connectivity. What’s unimpressive about the phone is the year-old skinned Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich powering the software side of things. The Vertu Ti also carries a tiny 1,250mAh battery, as well as sound “punctuated by the London Symphony Orchestra.”
Perhaps the biggest advantage with buying a handset from Vertu is getting its concierge call service to help out with things like local advice and restaurant booking. If you think about it, it’s the old-fashioned version of Google Now.
It doesn’t take much for us to know that 10 grand for a phone that doesn’t run the latest Android operating system, nor is capable of 4G LTE connectivity is a bit over the top. But if you’re rich and have nothing to do with your money besides blow it on frivolous stuff like this, then by all means cop it.
[Vertu; via HuffPost]
Charles West is a self-described music snob and sports fanatic who's a contributor to IntoMobile. In addition he also spends his time managing his own site The Trendaholic. You can catch him on Twitter @TheTrendaholic and Google+
Markets on the coasts are heating up again, inventory levels in parts of Northern California are as low as a couple weeks (meaning that if no more houses went up for sale, remaining listings would be consumed within two weeks). Florida and Arizona are the other hot markets right now as well. If you are in the hunt for a house, that means that finding listings fast, looking at them and contacting the real estate agent quickly can mean the difference between getting the house you want or not.
These apps can be a handy helper in your search for your dream home and they may prove indispensable if you are the type who wants to shop without the help of an agent tracking properties down for you. All of these apps use GPS, show properties for sale or rent (including apartments), enable quick contact to listing agents and provide a myriad of other tools which you might find useful. All but one are available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone. Of course it is not a complete listing either, but if you were thinking of looking around, these app are a fine place to start. So, get out there an find a place to call home!
Thankfully, this update will bring the new TouchWiz Nature UI to the GS II. Until now, the handset was stuck with Samsung's old version of TouchWiz, which was much less appealing. The new software will not only look considerably better, but will also introduce some cool features like Smart Stay - the ability of the front-facing camera to detect if you are looking at the screen in order to determine whether to allow the handset to go to sleep mode or keep the display on.
Another major benefit of the Jelly Bean update will be Project Butter - a set of performance improvements that will make the interface noticeably faster and smoother.
Are there any PhoneArena readers left who are still rocking a Galaxy S II?via: SammyHub
LagFix (fstrim), as is the full name of this geeky piece of software, is based on the Fstrim Linux tool, which has the same purpose. Basically, when the user is trying to execute a task, the LagFix app attempts to inform the device's memory controller about the free storage blocks that can be used to write data on at the current moment. Alternatively, in the typical case (which is when you don't have LagFix installed), the memory controller has to "ask" the system about the free storage blocks, and the whole system stops responding for a while (usually less than a second) until the memory controller gets its "answer". So that's how the tool is supposed to work, but will it really work for you? Well, you'll really have to try it on your specific device in order to be sure, but as it seems most of the users who have tried it are very pleased with the results they have achieved.
If you are experiencing problems with the lag, and wish to give LagFix a try, you can download it here!
via: AndroidCentral
Apart from next-gen visuals, Oil Rush 3D will also attempt to deliver a lengthy campaign with an engaging storyline, skirmish mode versus up to three AI opponents, varied environments, a tech tree, many different unit types and more. Being a strategy game, though, we feel that Oil Rush 3D will be best played on a tablet, since the on-screen controls and info, although being specifically optimied for touch, may prove to be a bit uncomfortable to use on a small screen. Just saying.
For those who don't happen to own a device with a Snapdragon S4 chipset of one of the above-mentioned times - don't sweat it, if you like the game you can get it for Windows, Linux or Max OS X right now.
What do you think, guys, isn't this one a beauty?
Here's some gameplay footage from the PC version of the game. The mobile version should be extremely similar.
source: Unigine
Press Release Oil Rush 3D mobile strategy game is announced for Android
UNIGINE Corp. announced that Oil Rush, an epic naval strategy game, is coming in February to Android devices based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 chip. The game - as well as a free demo - will hit the Google Play store and bring next-generation 3D graphics, hardcore depth and touch-native controls for mobile users. It is based on the proprietary multi-platform UNIGINE Engine and developed by UNIGINE Corp.
Oil Rush for mobile invites players to smash through raging waves of enemies while experiencing a thrilling story of apocalypse, technology, and battles that players have been enjoying on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X since the game's release in January 2012. Originally designed with touchscreen controls in mind, Oil Rush features unique gameplay that is native for the mobile platform and is based on group control. It avoids micromanagement of every single unit, offering strategic depth and focusing on fast-paced and swift attacks, smart defensive tactics, and development of a rich technology tree.
"Oil Rush is an exciting development because not only we provide a game that, I'd say, approved for the hardcore audience, but also because we expand the popular strategy genre to the Android market," commented Denis Shergin, CEO of UNIGINE Corp.
Key Features
Stunning 3D graphics, a next step for mobile gaming visualsVaried environments in a flooded post-apocalyptic world, from the tropics to the AntarcticWide range of mission types to create a gripping experienceStrategic depth due to multi-level upgrade options and a balanced technology treeQuick game mode for battles with up to three AI opponentsLong, full-featured campaign packed with challenging, story-based missionsAbout UNIGINE Corp.
UNIGINE Corp. is an international company focused on real-time 3D technologies development. Over 7 years on the market, the company offers top-notch real-time 3D solutions for video games development, scientific research, simulation, visualization, serious games, virtual reality systems and more.
The company is also renowned for its performance benchmark products, such as "Heaven DX11 Benchmark", the world’s first 3D benchmark with full support for Microsoft DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.0.
UNIGINE Corp. is a registered developer of Apple Inc., AMD Inc., NVIDIA Corporation and Creative Technology Ltd. As a registered developer, UNIGINE works closely with its ecosystem partners in order to achieve the best level of performance and compatibility for all of our products. The company also develops technologies for Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Android and iOS and has a license to develop tools and middleware for PLAYSTATION®3 platform.
Website of UNIGINE Corp.: http://www.unigine.com/
More info about Oil Rush for mobile: http://oilrush-game.com/mobile/
The Sony Xperia S is expected to be updated to Android 4.1 no earlier than April, based on information that Sony released last month. The updated OS build will start with 6.2.X.X.XX and have a new 3.4 kernel, compared to the current 3.08 kernel. Of course, there will be new features for the user of the device including those seen on newer Sony handsets like Power Management, Find My Xperia and Screen Mirroring. And there is the usual bag full o' Google 4.1 goodies like Project Butter and Google Now with the latter updating you with information you need to know, when you need to know it.
Down below, we have some screenshots for you to take a look at, which were culled from an Android 4.1.2 test build for the Sony Xperia S. You like?
source: Xdadevelopers, XperiaBlog via AndroidAuthority
That’s why we are hand-picking the best software of the year, the best games and the best apps. After bringing you the best Android and iOS puzzle games, we continue with something a bit more lively, something for the adrenaline-seeking, the aggressive kind - ladies and gents, the best shooters and combat games of the year.
If last year we were still not convinced we’ve reached console quality on our mobile devices, this year it’s clear that devices have finally grown to a level of maturity that allows for no-compromise graphics and gameplay. We’ve seen some amazing titles hit both Android and iOS, and we’ve made sure to only pick the best right below. Stretch those hands as you’d need the best of your reactions here.
The HTC One S update will bring HTC's Sense 4+ running on top of Android 4.1, and the update will give all of the models the silky smooth scrolling (along with alluring alphabetic alliteration) of Project Butter. Google Now makes sure that the information you need to see, like the morning commute, weather, and the morning Gold fix from Zurich, are sent to your phone in a timely manner.
The HTC One S update is being tested in Telus' own lab while the updates due in February have not yet been tested.
source: Telus via MobileSyrup
That’s why we are hand-picking the best software of the year, the best games and the best apps. After bringing you the best Android and iOS puzzle games, we continue with something a bit more lively, something for the adrenaline-seeking, the aggressive kind - ladies and gents, the best shooters and combat games of the year.
If last year we were still not convinced we’ve reached console quality on our mobile devices, this year it’s clear that devices have finally grown to a level of maturity that allows for no-compromise graphics and gameplay. We’ve seen some amazing titles hit both Android and iOS, and we’ve made sure to only pick the best right below. Stretch those hands as you’d need the best of your reactions here.
Ritmix is decided to entering a smartphone/tablet hybrid device market in Russia with the Ritmix RMP-600. New gadget is support for dual SIM card slots and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system.
The Ritmix RMP-600 phablet sports a 1GHz MTK6577 dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card (up to 32GB). It has a 6-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels and 5-point multitouch.
RMP-600 smartphone is equipped with Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, GPS, FM radio, orientation sensor and two cameras (0.3MP front- and 5MP rear-facing). Furthermore, there is a USB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3000 mAh battery. Weighing 275 grams, its dimensions are 165 x 89 x 11 mm.
Well Greg Kumparak, who hails from TechCrunch fame, is a fan of Dr. Who. On a whim, he decided to build his own TARDIS (again, for those who do not know, that is Dr. Who’s time machine). Now the TARDIS is modeled off a 1960s-era police call box in the UK. What makes it special (besides being a time machine) is that it is way bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside.
Greg has talent, because he was able to reproduce the larger interior of the TARDIS despite its miniscule size made of soft-wood. He accomplished this by writing a lot of code and learning an application called “Blender,” (and a host of others) he was able to produce an augmented reality view of the inside of the TARDIS, with a humming environment sound to boot, when he scans over the zebra-like pattern with his Nexus camera.
Despite a “ridiculously steep learning curve” Blender and other codes presented, after hitting the books for only a couple months, Greg harnessed that talent to accomplish something truly cool. Does it serve any real purpose? Nope. Does it matter when you see the finished project? Nope.
It is a testament to the power of some of the programs that are available. If you are into that kind of thing, Greg’s project will no doubt intrigue you.
sources: GK’s Blog via Android Central
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An update to Pop-up Play allows you to re-size the picture-in-picture window. The Android 4.1.1 update also includes Easy Mode, which was developed to help smartphone newbies set up the device. With this feature, widgets automatically are loaded on your home screen to cover weather, alarms, contacts and more. After installing Android 4.1.1, users will also be able to block and disable incoming calls, notifications, alarms and LED indicators for a preset amount of time.
Whether you plan on waiting for the update to come OTA or you plan on connecting to Kies, you should click on the sourcelink for instructions directly from the carrier.
source: USCellular, AndroidPolice via IntoMobile
It's a no-brainer, but we should point out that if speedy updates are your thing, then the stock Android Nexus will always be the answer. On Sprint and Verizon, the Samsung GALAXY Nexus updated in only 2.5 months.
source: ArsTechnica via BGR
ZTE has officially unveiled a new smartphone in Indonesia, the ZTE Grand X. This budget-friendly phone runs Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean operating system (instead of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on first launched in Europe).
The ZTE Grand X smartphone has a 4.3-inch touchscreen qHD display, a 5MP rear-facing camera with 1080p video recording, and VGA camera on the front. Indonesia version of ZTE Grand X is likely boasts a MediaTek 6577 processor, which is different from Europe version (1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU).
As memory term, new smartphone brings 512MB of RAM, 4GB of onboard storage, and a MicroSD card slot. Other features are Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, HSDPA, and Dolby Mobile sound.
The Chinese company was released an Intel-powered version of the Grand X smartphone that called the ZTE Grand X IN. It sports an Intel Atom Z2460 single-core processor.
