Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
#4001
Safety Car
Samsung Captivate converted to a Nexus S using unbrickable mod.
Oh wow, I don't know how I missed this. Start at 3:20:
http://youtu.be/MVQ3ssjLpFg
I've been reading about the Unbrickable mod for Hummingbird processors for a while now but I didn't know they made this much progress. The unbrickable mod in essence allows the bootloader and everything else to be fully opened on phones with the Humminbird processors (pretty much all of the Galaxy S line). This allows you to flash any OS you want onto the phone: any Android ROM, WP7, iOS, or Bada. It does require you to open your device and solder a few components and the feasibility of porting WP7, iOS or Bada is very difficult as they're not open source but it is possible if someone really wanted to. I'll be keeping an eye on the Captivate to Nexus S thread cause if they can get it fully functioning, you can expect it to be done on all other Galaxy S devices in the future.
More info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1247962
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1250181
http://mobiletechvideos.mybigcommerc...le-mod-repair/
http://youtu.be/MVQ3ssjLpFg
I've been reading about the Unbrickable mod for Hummingbird processors for a while now but I didn't know they made this much progress. The unbrickable mod in essence allows the bootloader and everything else to be fully opened on phones with the Humminbird processors (pretty much all of the Galaxy S line). This allows you to flash any OS you want onto the phone: any Android ROM, WP7, iOS, or Bada. It does require you to open your device and solder a few components and the feasibility of porting WP7, iOS or Bada is very difficult as they're not open source but it is possible if someone really wanted to. I'll be keeping an eye on the Captivate to Nexus S thread cause if they can get it fully functioning, you can expect it to be done on all other Galaxy S devices in the future.
More info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1247962
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1250181
http://mobiletechvideos.mybigcommerc...le-mod-repair/
#4002
Team Owner
I was considering either a cheap laptop or tablet for my next device. It has to have HDMI out as my TV doesn't have VGA and the adapter I bought was a waste. I'll do a tablet if it can play Flash videos through the HDMI to my TV. I was looking at either the A100 or the Archos G9. They are $300 for the Archos and $350 for the A100 at 7" with SD upgradeable memory, good processor, but the G9 is 8GB although I can catch a deal on expanding memory. I'll wait until after Cyber Monday to make a deal since tablets are dropping. I don't care for 3G and I have an iPhone but the iPad is way too much. Thoughts, comments?
Oh and I saw the Xoom 32GB is on sale for $350 on ebay via slickdeals.
Oh and I saw the Xoom 32GB is on sale for $350 on ebay via slickdeals.
#4003
Safety Car
I was considering either a cheap laptop or tablet for my next device. It has to have HDMI out as my TV doesn't have VGA and the adapter I bought was a waste. I'll do a tablet if it can play Flash videos through the HDMI to my TV. I was looking at either the A100 or the Archos G9. They are $300 for the Archos and $350 for the A100 at 7" with SD upgradeable memory, good processor, but the G9 is 8GB although I can catch a deal on expanding memory. I'll wait until after Cyber Monday to make a deal since tablets are dropping. I don't care for 3G and I have an iPhone but the iPad is way too much. Thoughts, comments?
Oh and I saw the Xoom 32GB is on sale for $350 on ebay via slickdeals.
Oh and I saw the Xoom 32GB is on sale for $350 on ebay via slickdeals.
The original ASUS Transformer will be $250 on Black Friday at Best Buy and the Keyboard dock is supposed to drop to $100 (This will be the best pick IMO):
http://www.pcworld.com/article/24379..._best_buy.html
Right now the Toshiba Thrive is $309 at BuyDig with coupon (was $300 at Newegg a few hours ago):
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3547458
The Lenovo Ideapad K1 is $350 with a free keyboard dock:
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?p=44725890
^All of the above have HDMI output and expandable memory. The ASUS Transformer uses a microHDMI but you can get an adapter at monoprice for $2 which is what I did. Some of the Honeycomb tablets have been hacked to enable 3G using a USB dongle and even ethernet via USB. I know for a fact the Transformer has such mods but can't be certain for the others. If I were you, I'd wait until after Black Friday or Cyber Monday as I expect more of the tablets to drop with the Transformer Prime coming out. Word is the iPad 2 is getting a price drop as well due to the increasing competition and I wouldn't be surprised if it did.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45304489.../#.TsL2UMPNlGW
Last edited by CGFebTSX04; 11-15-2011 at 05:42 PM.
#4004
Team Owner
Thanks for the info. I'll def wait. I don't want iPad2 because if there was a price drop (seriously doubt it) because I want a native Flash enabled browser. I have Skyfire for the iPhone but the transcoding thing is a little time consuming. Going into an ATT store and watching something on ESPN.com via Flash was pretty cool.
#4005
Safety Car
Thanks for the info. I'll def wait. I don't want iPad2 because if there was a price drop (seriously doubt it) because I want a native Flash enabled browser. I have Skyfire for the iPhone but the transcoding thing is a little time consuming. Going into an ATT store and watching something on ESPN.com via Flash was pretty cool.
#4006
Safety Car
Been playing with the recent ICS source builds out there on XDA. They finally fixed the color and got rid of the hardware flicker for the Galaxy S. HW acceleration is still missing but it seems like they're close to getting it done. These guys seriosusly move fast. Oh and here's Google's Easter Egg for Ice Cream Sandwich:
http://youtu.be/mswLKWrznC0
http://youtu.be/mswLKWrznC0
#4007
Safety Car
Google Music updated in the Market:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/11...ndroid-market/
Looks like the ICS Music app that was leaked a few weeks back.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/11...ndroid-market/
Looks like the ICS Music app that was leaked a few weeks back.
#4008
Safety Car
Galaxy Nexus Review from The Verge:
http://youtu.be/VeZ8sfJjoRI
Source: http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/17/2...y-nexus-review
I want this phone so bad. I might have to import it. Engadget confirmed the Pentaband radio and will work on T-Mobile's 4G as well.
http://youtu.be/VeZ8sfJjoRI
Source: http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/17/2...y-nexus-review
I want this phone so bad. I might have to import it. Engadget confirmed the Pentaband radio and will work on T-Mobile's 4G as well.
#4010
Galaxy Nexus Review from The Verge:
Source: http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/17/2...y-nexus-review
I want this phone so bad. I might have to import it. Engadget confirmed the Pentaband radio and will work on T-Mobile's 4G as well.
Source: http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/17/2...y-nexus-review
I want this phone so bad. I might have to import it. Engadget confirmed the Pentaband radio and will work on T-Mobile's 4G as well.
As far as the no Gorilla Glass goes, I'm more worried about drop protection. The scratch proof screen is a necessity, don't get me wrong.... but I think you or someone else posted a video of a drop test comparison between the i4S and the Galaxy S II. The Galaxy held up amazingly, though I think I might want a case for this Nexus. I'm too clumsy.
#4011
Safety Car
I'm right there with you. That was a great review too.
As far as the no Gorilla Glass goes, I'm more worried about drop protection. The scratch proof screen is a necessity, don't get me wrong.... but I think you or someone else posted a video of a drop test comparison between the i4S and the Galaxy S II. The Galaxy held up amazingly, though I think I might want a case for this Nexus. I'm too clumsy.
As far as the no Gorilla Glass goes, I'm more worried about drop protection. The scratch proof screen is a necessity, don't get me wrong.... but I think you or someone else posted a video of a drop test comparison between the i4S and the Galaxy S II. The Galaxy held up amazingly, though I think I might want a case for this Nexus. I'm too clumsy.
^In regards to dropping it. It is carpeted but its the same effect. I would be crying if that happened to my phone but at least I know it'll hold up. The Galaxy Nexus should fare the same as the S II in terms of drops because its also made of plastic and almost as light as the S II. They did use a metallic body on the inside to give it a more premium feel but overall its still plastic. The cheapest price I've seen to import the phone is $700 total. Really considering it but the holidays are coming up so more expenses.
#4012
Safety Car
Oh also, AT&T confirmed on G+ that they currently have no plans to bring the device to their network. So this means you'll have to import the GSM version from Europe or Canada (Rogers is getting it exclusively in December with the other carriers (Bell, Wind) in January). It looks like Verizon will be the only one subsidizing the phone and they should be making their announcement any time now.
https://plus.google.com/111315125550...ts/91pZhKXb6EG
https://plus.google.com/111315125550...ts/91pZhKXb6EG
#4013
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
My plan has been to wait for the next Nexus phone. I got last years versions (Nexus S), I love my phone and have no problem waiting until next year for a new one. The Galaxy Nexus is nice though, but I dont want to spend $500+ every year on a new phone.
#4014
Safety Car
I'll probably wait a little as well. Hopefully that Nexus S ICS drop comes soon so the devs can start porting it over to the other Galaxy S phones. It would speed things up a lot. If they can do that, I might skip the Galaxy Nexus right out and just hold on with my Galaxy S.
#4015
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
I cant wait for a hw accelerated ICS rom.
#4017
Safety Car
If it does come, you'll probably have to go through Best Buy to get it subsidized like the other Nexus devices. Don't think T-Mobile will be selling it outright any time soon though. Was hoping yesterday they would've announced it but all they announced was carrier billing for music.
In other news, I just got the Google Music Store update in my Market. Seems to be the same version 3.3.11 so its probably server based. They have to turn something on at their end to enable your account in getting access to it.
In other news, I just got the Google Music Store update in my Market. Seems to be the same version 3.3.11 so its probably server based. They have to turn something on at their end to enable your account in getting access to it.
#4018
Moderator Alumnus
I'm on Verizon and have had an upgrade available since the beginning of October. Still waiting for this damn release date.
Occupy Verizon.
Who's with me?
Occupy Verizon.
Who's with me?
#4019
Safety Car
http://www.youtube.com/user/googlenexus
Verizon also confirmed that the LTE variant is only slightly thicker than the HSPA+ version and has 100 mAH more battery.
Galaxy Nexus: HSPA+ = 8.94 mm LTE = 9.47 mm
Source: http://www.androidcentral.com/verizo...sm-counterpart
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FiftyFive (11-17-2011)
#4020
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
The LTE isnt a whole lot thicker, but in that pic the profile looks ugly.
#4022
Safety Car
Yeah something's weird with the LTE pic. The 3 points should be gold for the contact points and the curve seems less pronounced. Then again, you're not gonna be holding your phone at a side profile 90% of the time any way. lol.
Any one see this?
http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/b...arrot-asteroid
http://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Asteroi.../dp/B005AFVHLQ
I'm actually surprised it took this long for an aftermarket radio to use Android. There are two reviews on Amazon and they seem to like it except for the fact that the apps need internet access to work. It unfortunately doesn't work with Adhoc WiFi but Bluetooth tether will work? Looks interesting but the price is a little high. Might consider it at $150-$200. Then there's the whole making it fit in my car. lol. I think I'll be better off mounting my Transformer with one of those car docks. lol.
Any one see this?
http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/b...arrot-asteroid
http://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Asteroi.../dp/B005AFVHLQ
I'm actually surprised it took this long for an aftermarket radio to use Android. There are two reviews on Amazon and they seem to like it except for the fact that the apps need internet access to work. It unfortunately doesn't work with Adhoc WiFi but Bluetooth tether will work? Looks interesting but the price is a little high. Might consider it at $150-$200. Then there's the whole making it fit in my car. lol. I think I'll be better off mounting my Transformer with one of those car docks. lol.
#4023
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Its only a matter of time before a double DIN fully featured unit hits the market.
#4024
My Garage
If it does come, you'll probably have to go through Best Buy to get it subsidized like the other Nexus devices. Don't think T-Mobile will be selling it outright any time soon though. Was hoping yesterday they would've announced it but all they announced was carrier billing for music.
In other news, I just got the Google Music Store update in my Market. Seems to be the same version 3.3.11 so its probably server based. They have to turn something on at their end to enable your account in getting access to it.
In other news, I just got the Google Music Store update in my Market. Seems to be the same version 3.3.11 so its probably server based. They have to turn something on at their end to enable your account in getting access to it.
Doesn't matter to me though, I have no problem going through BB for subsidization.
#4025
Safety Car
Hardware Acceleration on the Galaxy S ICS! Time to play. hehe.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1338636
Other variants will probably base their work on this one.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1338636
Other variants will probably base their work on this one.
#4026
Safety Car
Hardware acceleration works. Not fully optimized but its looking good so far. Rotation Animation is back. Wonder why they took it out after Donut but its nice to have back. The ROM is fairly usable. Still a lot of work to do but they made great progress in just a few days. Wouldn't be surprised if they fix everything else by next week at the pace they're going. lol.
Last edited by CGFebTSX04; 11-18-2011 at 10:16 AM.
#4027
Safety Car
Flash Player doesn't work in ICS.
http://phandroid.com/2011/11/18/adob...market-either/
Confirmed it myself with the ICS port on the Galaxy S. Sideloaded the Flash.apk and tried Stock, Opera and Dolphin Browser. All failed to load Flash and gave me the blue brick icon. I guess its time to go back to SkyFire unless someone can trick ICS into loading the Flash Player plugin. XDA did get it working on the older Android builds so maybe they could get it done for ICS but only time will tell. Unless Adobe plans to update Flash one last time.
http://phandroid.com/2011/11/18/adob...market-either/
Confirmed it myself with the ICS port on the Galaxy S. Sideloaded the Flash.apk and tried Stock, Opera and Dolphin Browser. All failed to load Flash and gave me the blue brick icon. I guess its time to go back to SkyFire unless someone can trick ICS into loading the Flash Player plugin. XDA did get it working on the older Android builds so maybe they could get it done for ICS but only time will tell. Unless Adobe plans to update Flash one last time.
#4028
Moderator Alumnus
Ok so the Nexus is old news. When is the Droid HD coming out? Wasn't that also supposed to release before the end of the year? And if the Nexus is coming out in December I might be able to just wait another week or so.
#4029
Safety Car
I believe the Droid HD/Spyder is the Droid RAZR's codename. Verizon really needs to announce the Nexus. I guess they're trying to sell the RAZR and the Rezound since they probably get more revenue from those phones compared to the Nexus.
#4030
Safety Car
Follow up to the no Flash. Another site is confirming Flash is coming?
Source: http://androidcommunity.com/galaxy-n...aded-20111118/
I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Update: We got word that Flash hasn’t been released for ICS yet so as far as we know, Adobe will support Flash for ICS. We’re reaching out to Adobe for release date.
Update 2: Flash confirmed for Ice Cream Sandwich.
Update 2: Flash confirmed for Ice Cream Sandwich.
Source: http://androidcommunity.com/galaxy-n...aded-20111118/
I guess we'll find out soon enough.
#4031
And for the people concerned about the no Gorilla Glass:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyLC6...layer_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyLC6...layer_embedded
#4034
Safety Car
http://drivers.softpedia.com/progDow...oad-96692.html
http://drivers.softpedia.com/progDow...oad-96693.html
If you install Kies you can get them that way as well. Or if you install ADB, you can download the supplemental USB Drivers that way. I believe Samsung's website has them as well.
http://drivers.softpedia.com/progDow...oad-96693.html
If you install Kies you can get them that way as well. Or if you install ADB, you can download the supplemental USB Drivers that way. I believe Samsung's website has them as well.
#4036
Safety Car
The following users liked this post:
SaaBaaDoo (11-21-2011)
#4039
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,640
Received 3,860 Likes
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So yeah getting annoyed with this Nexus delay. I am thinking of taking advantage of Verizon's extended holiday return policy and picking up the HTC Rezound and using it for the next 1.5 months and then returning it. $35 isn't a bad rental fee
#4040
^ I'm tempted now too. Giving me terrible ideas. I'm stuck with this doubly obsolete 3GS waiting for the right phone to come alone and then Verizon stays ho hum about the release date.
I believe someone in this thread posted that they're staggering the launches so as to maximize profit on the launches of their new phones (Rezound, Droid RAZR, and the Nexus). Good business move by Verizon.... but from me as a consumer, they can kindly go eat a bag of cocks.
I believe someone in this thread posted that they're staggering the launches so as to maximize profit on the launches of their new phones (Rezound, Droid RAZR, and the Nexus). Good business move by Verizon.... but from me as a consumer, they can kindly go eat a bag of cocks.