Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
#6241
Safety Car
Well technically, the Padfone was created to combine all of your data charges into one instead of having to pay for Tethering and/or Tablet data that they're making people do now. I'm sure the carriers in the US hate the idea so I don't know if it'll ever arrive in the states subsidized. Its also the same reason the original Padfone didn't take off. They're supposed to unveil the device tomorrow so we should get more info about it. Padfoneclub had some videos of it in action but two of the videos went private and no one saved the video:
http://www.padfoneclub.com/news.php?extend.31
It seems they solved the lag that appeared when switching between phone and tablet mode which is nice. I really hope the devs pick up on this device cause it looks nice.
http://www.padfoneclub.com/news.php?extend.31
It seems they solved the lag that appeared when switching between phone and tablet mode which is nice. I really hope the devs pick up on this device cause it looks nice.
#6242
Safety Car
LG Optimus G review
The Optimus G is the first time in recent memory that LG has managed to legitimately get a flagship Android smartphone on US carriers. Part of the reason for that is that the Optimus G hits all the right notes: a fast quad-core processor, LTE, excellent screen, and above-average build quality. LG has finally managed to put all those pieces together into an excellent hardware package with a modicum of design flair.
Unfortunately, as of this writing Sprint has yet to announce a price or a release date for the Optimus G. The absence is another sign that LG doesn't have the same marketing muscle as the company it so often emulates: Samsung. Taken as a whole, the Optimus G doesn't quite match the overall consistency that Samsung or HTC have brought to the table. That's primarily due to some software foibles that would be forgivable on a lesser phone, but feel out of place in the upper echelons. If you're experienced enough with Android to work around the software hassles, you'll find the Optimus G to be a fast and fluid smartphone.
Which leads me to the elephant in the room: those rumors that the next Nexus device will be based on this phone. Every gadget needs to be judged on its own merits, but I'm imagining a world where Google helps LG refine the hardware and the software is stock Android — and it seems lovely.
Sprint's take on the Optimus G is much closer to what LG originally created for the smartphone, both from a hardware and a software perspective. The benefits of a cleaner set of software are offset by a 13-megapixel camera that simply isn't as good as the 8-megapixel cameras on other phones.
Unfortunately, as of this writing Sprint has yet to announce a price or a release date for the Optimus G. The absence is another sign that LG doesn't have the same marketing muscle as the company it so often emulates: Samsung. Taken as a whole, the Optimus G doesn't quite match the overall consistency that Samsung or HTC have brought to the table. That's primarily due to some software foibles that would be forgivable on a lesser phone, but feel out of place in the upper echelons. If you're experienced enough with Android to work around the software hassles, you'll find the Optimus G to be a fast and fluid smartphone.
Which leads me to the elephant in the room: those rumors that the next Nexus device will be based on this phone. Every gadget needs to be judged on its own merits, but I'm imagining a world where Google helps LG refine the hardware and the software is stock Android — and it seems lovely.
Sprint's take on the Optimus G is much closer to what LG originally created for the smartphone, both from a hardware and a software perspective. The benefits of a cleaner set of software are offset by a 13-megapixel camera that simply isn't as good as the 8-megapixel cameras on other phones.
Pretty positive so far and that's with it running ICS. Good idea of what the LG Nexus will be like but that'll be running Vanilla Android and Android 4.2 which seems to have a few new features.
#6243
Safety Car
Padfone 2 revealed:
http://www.asus.com/Mobile/Padfone2/
http://www.modaco.com/page/news/_/an...padfone-2-r821
I want this. I'm gonna wait and see how the devs take up on this. If there's not that many people looking into it then probably LG's Nexus it is. Then again maybe LG's Nexus might have something that hasn't been announced yet.
http://www.asus.com/Mobile/Padfone2/
it has a Quad Core Qualcomm S4 CPU, 2GB RAM and a 4.7" Super IPS+ 720P screen protected by Corning Fit Glass. The camera is bumped to a borderline ridiculous 13-megapixel item with a 100 shot burst mode which can also take six shots per second while simultaneously recording 1080p HD video at 30fps, or 720p HD video at 60fps. Low-light performance is enhanced by the f/2.4 aperture and a dedicated image signal processor a-la-HTC ImageSense.
Unlike it's predecessor, the PadFone 2 will be available with LTE connectivity and also includes NFC support.
The PadFone 2 phone and station comes in at only 649g, which Asus claim is lighter than most tablets on the market. The dock mechanism has been redesigned to remove the 'flap' (which never felt that great) which both improves the docking experience and reduces thickness. The decrease in size of the overall unit isn't at the expense of battery life. The 2140mAh battery in the phone provides up to 16 hours 3G talk-time and 13 hours Wi-Fi web browsing, while the station's 5000mAh battery gives up to 36 hours 3G talk-time.
Unlike it's predecessor, the PadFone 2 will be available with LTE connectivity and also includes NFC support.
The PadFone 2 phone and station comes in at only 649g, which Asus claim is lighter than most tablets on the market. The dock mechanism has been redesigned to remove the 'flap' (which never felt that great) which both improves the docking experience and reduces thickness. The decrease in size of the overall unit isn't at the expense of battery life. The 2140mAh battery in the phone provides up to 16 hours 3G talk-time and 13 hours Wi-Fi web browsing, while the station's 5000mAh battery gives up to 36 hours 3G talk-time.
I want this. I'm gonna wait and see how the devs take up on this. If there's not that many people looking into it then probably LG's Nexus it is. Then again maybe LG's Nexus might have something that hasn't been announced yet.
#6245
I'm Down Right Fierce!
^ Yeah I loved the idea since the first one, but having it non LTE was a deal breaker.
Any idea if it would work on GSM LTE bands here in the states (specifically ATT)? I'm looking to combine my phone and tablet needs, hence I'm looking into the Note 2 (a phablet), but this would be even better... assuming its under $1200.00 for both phone and tablet dock.
Any idea if it would work on GSM LTE bands here in the states (specifically ATT)? I'm looking to combine my phone and tablet needs, hence I'm looking into the Note 2 (a phablet), but this would be even better... assuming its under $1200.00 for both phone and tablet dock.
#6246
Safety Car
From the specs it won't support AT&T's or Verizon's LTE bands which is at 700 MHz:
http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_padfone_2-5017.php
It will support Sprint's 800 MHz LTE but this phone doesn't have CDMA so you wouldn't be able to use it on their network. It does, however, have a pentaband 3G/"4G" so it'll work on HSDPA+ on AT&T or T-Mobile.
Pricing is currently €899 for the 64GB version or €799 for the 32GB with the dock on both. I don't think the carriers will carry this phone in the US, unfortunately, because it would cut into their profits of requiring separate data plans for a phone and tablet. As for LTE, its not important for me cause I'm back on my $10 unlimited MediaNet data plan and I would lose the lower cost monthly and unlimited if I do decide to go to LTE.
http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_padfone_2-5017.php
It will support Sprint's 800 MHz LTE but this phone doesn't have CDMA so you wouldn't be able to use it on their network. It does, however, have a pentaband 3G/"4G" so it'll work on HSDPA+ on AT&T or T-Mobile.
Pricing is currently €899 for the 64GB version or €799 for the 32GB with the dock on both. I don't think the carriers will carry this phone in the US, unfortunately, because it would cut into their profits of requiring separate data plans for a phone and tablet. As for LTE, its not important for me cause I'm back on my $10 unlimited MediaNet data plan and I would lose the lower cost monthly and unlimited if I do decide to go to LTE.
#6247
Suzuka Master
damn i would have highly considered it, if i could get it on tmobile w/contract. Hmmm i feel like google should have went with asus for the phone as well.
#6248
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,640
Received 3,860 Likes
on
2,580 Posts
Wow I really hope the HTC J Butterfly comes to Verizon. It sounds like an awesome phone. Only thing that has me worried is the battery life. Hopefully it won't turnout to be a Thunderbolt2.
http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-j-...-its-way-japan
http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-j-...-its-way-japan
#6249
Safety Car
Its interesting that the new phones being released have a "with Google" logo on their covers. I wonder what it means. Its there on the LG Nexus, HTC J and now on the Sony Xperia VL:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/s...-lte-to-japan/
Maybe its the new Nexus program they were talking about? Or Google is just trying to get its name out there? I hope its the former.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/s...-lte-to-japan/
Maybe its the new Nexus program they were talking about? Or Google is just trying to get its name out there? I hope its the former.
#6250
Safety Car
PSA: Request your Google Wallet Pre-paid Refund
Request a refund for your unused balance
If you had a balance remaining on your Google Wallet Prepaid Card after October 17, 2012, you can no longer spend that balance and should request a refund of your money.
Online refund requests will only be honored until June 1st, 2013. After this, users that still have a balance will have to contact Money Network directly.
There are two ways to receive your refund, each with a different delivery time
Plastic Prepaid Card: Spend your funds easily using a prepaid Everywhere Reward Card™ MasterCard®. You may use this card wherever MasterCard is accepted. This card will arrive in your mailbox in 7-10 days.*
Check: Receiving a paper check may take up to 8 weeks or longer.*
*Refund processing will begin on October 30, 2012. If you submit your request before this date, your delivery time will be based on this date, not the date you submit your request.
If you had a balance remaining on your Google Wallet Prepaid Card after October 17, 2012, you can no longer spend that balance and should request a refund of your money.
Online refund requests will only be honored until June 1st, 2013. After this, users that still have a balance will have to contact Money Network directly.
There are two ways to receive your refund, each with a different delivery time
Plastic Prepaid Card: Spend your funds easily using a prepaid Everywhere Reward Card™ MasterCard®. You may use this card wherever MasterCard is accepted. This card will arrive in your mailbox in 7-10 days.*
Check: Receiving a paper check may take up to 8 weeks or longer.*
*Refund processing will begin on October 30, 2012. If you submit your request before this date, your delivery time will be based on this date, not the date you submit your request.
As of today, if you have any remaining balance on your Google Wallet Prepaid, you won't be able to use it. You can request a refund for your remaining balance via a prepaid MasterCard or Check. I've just put in a refund request on the $10 they gave me for my Nexus 7.
#6251
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,640
Received 3,860 Likes
on
2,580 Posts
I just want Google Wallet on my Verizon GN. Paypass places are popping up more and more around me and I would love to use it now that you can link any credit card to it.
#6252
Suzuka Master
Its interesting that the new phones being released have a "with Google" logo on their covers. I wonder what it means. Its there on the LG Nexus, HTC J and now on the Sony Xperia VL:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/s...-lte-to-japan/
Maybe its the new Nexus program they were talking about? Or Google is just trying to get its name out there? I hope its the former.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/s...-lte-to-japan/
Maybe its the new Nexus program they were talking about? Or Google is just trying to get its name out there? I hope its the former.
If they do come out with a nexus program. It better have really strict rules.
#6253
Safety Car
#6254
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,640
Received 3,860 Likes
on
2,580 Posts
Not rooted so can't side load. I don't have time to back everything up and then root everything. Too busy right now. Just wish Verizon would take there fingers out of things they don't belong in.
#6255
Safety Car
You don't need root to side load apps. You just need to enable unknown sources in Settings --> Security. Download the apk with your phone then install with any file explorer or click on it when it says download complete. The apk they posted should replace the old Google Wallet. If that doesn't work then you would need root access.
#6256
Safety Car
Google is rolling out the Wishlist on the Play Store:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10...out-right-now/
That was quick. Should be a nice little update to keep tabs on things you're keeping an eye on in the Play Store.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10...out-right-now/
That was quick. Should be a nice little update to keep tabs on things you're keeping an eye on in the Play Store.
#6259
Safety Car
Google also released their Calendar app in the Play Store for ICS and above:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...droid.calendar
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10...4-0-3-devices/
If you're not running stock Jelly Bean, then you're not running the AOSP Calendar app. Even the CyanogenMod (and I'm guessing all the other custom ROMs) are not running the same Calendar app. For those that don't know what I'm talking about, the stock Calendar app and the app they released today, sync the proper color labels for your Calendar. The ones included in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod, for some reason, ignored the color labels. Additionally, for people who are running TouchWiz, Sense, or whatever other skin, the AOSP Calendar is supposedly superior to their variants.
If you want to use this version of Calendar on your custom ROM, you will need to delete the Calendar.apk in your /system/app/ folder. Uncheck the Calendar sync in your account. Reboot, resync your calendar. The color labels should match what you set up at google.com/calendar This bugged me a lot so this is what I'm doing now and my labels are colored correctly once again.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...droid.calendar
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10...4-0-3-devices/
If you're not running stock Jelly Bean, then you're not running the AOSP Calendar app. Even the CyanogenMod (and I'm guessing all the other custom ROMs) are not running the same Calendar app. For those that don't know what I'm talking about, the stock Calendar app and the app they released today, sync the proper color labels for your Calendar. The ones included in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod, for some reason, ignored the color labels. Additionally, for people who are running TouchWiz, Sense, or whatever other skin, the AOSP Calendar is supposedly superior to their variants.
If you want to use this version of Calendar on your custom ROM, you will need to delete the Calendar.apk in your /system/app/ folder. Uncheck the Calendar sync in your account. Reboot, resync your calendar. The color labels should match what you set up at google.com/calendar This bugged me a lot so this is what I'm doing now and my labels are colored correctly once again.
#6260
Safety Car
Oh just to add to the calendar thing. Google Calendar now supports syncing Sports Calendar syncing onto your mobile device:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10...ync-on-mobile/
http://productforums.google.com/foru...o/wgKvCPDOfgQJ
It'll update with the scores on your Widget when the game is done.
You can add a Sports team by going to your Calendar at google.com/calendar At the bottom left under Other Calendars, click on the little arrow --> Browse Interesting Calendars --> Sports Tab
That'll add the sports schedule for your team into your calendar. You can then sync it to your mobile device by opening up the Calendar app and check the box for your Sports team.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10...ync-on-mobile/
http://productforums.google.com/foru...o/wgKvCPDOfgQJ
It'll update with the scores on your Widget when the game is done.
You can add a Sports team by going to your Calendar at google.com/calendar At the bottom left under Other Calendars, click on the little arrow --> Browse Interesting Calendars --> Sports Tab
That'll add the sports schedule for your team into your calendar. You can then sync it to your mobile device by opening up the Calendar app and check the box for your Sports team.
#6261
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,640
Received 3,860 Likes
on
2,580 Posts
You don't need root to side load apps. You just need to enable unknown sources in Settings --> Security. Download the apk with your phone then install with any file explorer or click on it when it says download complete. The apk they posted should replace the old Google Wallet. If that doesn't work then you would need root access.
#6262
Safety Car
Yup. Unless the apk is a system apk you can just install it like a normal app using any file explorer or email the app to yourself and open the attachment in Gmail without root. You can even install full cracked versions of apks just by sideloadong without root. Of course I can't talk about that stuff here as it falls under warez but a simple Google search will find you many places to get your apps/games from.
#6263
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,640
Received 3,860 Likes
on
2,580 Posts
When an update comes out can I just download the new apk and install it and have it update it or will I have to uninstall and re-install. My main worry would be getting locked out of the secure element in the phone. Also does the fact that I frequently swap out batteries during the day cause any issue with the secure element?
#6264
Safety Car
When an update comes out can I just download the new apk and install it and have it update it or will I have to uninstall and re-install. My main worry would be getting locked out of the secure element in the phone. Also does the fact that I frequently swap out batteries during the day cause any issue with the secure element?
The secure element, as far as I'm aware, only breaks if you forgot to reset/uninstall the Google Wallet app and changed ROMs. There is a way to fix it if you created an Nandroid image of your ROM. With that said, if you're not flashing ROMs breaking the secure element shouldn't be a concern. Also if it does break, Verizon should exchange your phone so long as its not obviously modded. So no exchanging battery should have no effect on the secure element.
#6265
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,640
Received 3,860 Likes
on
2,580 Posts
Awesome thanks for all the help. I hope to give it a shot this weekend.
#6266
Race Director
Galaxy Note 2: Sprint release date, Oct 24. Haven't seen any dates for the other U.S. carriers:
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/10...-release-date/
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/10...-release-date/
#6267
Race Director
Galaxy Note 2: Sprint release date, Oct 24. Haven't seen any dates for the other U.S. carriers:
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/10...-release-date/
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/10...-release-date/
#6268
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes
on
4,064 Posts
i wanna haz it
#6269
Safety Car
More rumors for next week's event:
http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/19/3...-event-details
Google Event Details [Updated]
Posted by ryan_socio on October 19, 2012 12:42 pm 169
Ok guys, I have most of the details on the Google Event on the 29th
New Devices:
There will be three new devices revealed by Google,
The new Nexus phone by LG - Nexus 4
A 3G version of the Nexus 7
A 10 inch Tablet by Samsung - Nexus 10 (with a very high resolution)
New Android Features:
Huge improvements to Google Now, cards will be different, a card comparing how much you've walked across months and a card that pops up when ever you go to a new city, showing all the POI's and distance to them
Changes to the Camera interface
Notifications get further improvements, now you can read entire messages in the notification center
UI improvements for bigger tablets.
And the keyboard will come with something similar to swype
[UPDATE] Profiles feature is coming for the tablets, not sure about the Phone
There can be more features that may turn up, these are the ones I'm 100% sure of.
Posted by ryan_socio on October 19, 2012 12:42 pm 169
Ok guys, I have most of the details on the Google Event on the 29th
New Devices:
There will be three new devices revealed by Google,
The new Nexus phone by LG - Nexus 4
A 3G version of the Nexus 7
A 10 inch Tablet by Samsung - Nexus 10 (with a very high resolution)
New Android Features:
Huge improvements to Google Now, cards will be different, a card comparing how much you've walked across months and a card that pops up when ever you go to a new city, showing all the POI's and distance to them
Changes to the Camera interface
Notifications get further improvements, now you can read entire messages in the notification center
UI improvements for bigger tablets.
And the keyboard will come with something similar to swype
[UPDATE] Profiles feature is coming for the tablets, not sure about the Phone
There can be more features that may turn up, these are the ones I'm 100% sure of.
#6270
Safety Car
Verizon HTC DLX
gJ0Xd.jpg ymAL7.jpg klFcQ.jpg
http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-htc-dlx
Supposedly based on the recently released HTC J (Butterfly) in Japan. 1080p 5" display supposedly to compete with the Note II.
http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-htc-dlx
Supposedly based on the recently released HTC J (Butterfly) in Japan. 1080p 5" display supposedly to compete with the Note II.
#6271
Goodbye.
I'm glad they went with DLX instead of DIX.
tons of sucks DIX jokes will ensue once complaints come up like only Super LCD2, battery issues (as usual), etc.... lol
tons of sucks DIX jokes will ensue once complaints come up like only Super LCD2, battery issues (as usual), etc.... lol
#6272
Moderator Alumnus
I think that's kind of stupid, personally.
I'd trade battery life for extreme DPI every day of the week.
Sony's rumored 6" 1080p phone with an a proportionally larger battery ( 3600 mah?) seems more reasonable.
The size of a phablet actually makes those monster extended batteries worth thinking about. Mugen 6700 mah battery anyone? Boom.
- Frank
I'd trade battery life for extreme DPI every day of the week.
Sony's rumored 6" 1080p phone with an a proportionally larger battery ( 3600 mah?) seems more reasonable.
The size of a phablet actually makes those monster extended batteries worth thinking about. Mugen 6700 mah battery anyone? Boom.
- Frank
#6274
Suzuka Master
I think that's kind of stupid, personally.
I'd trade battery life for extreme DPI every day of the week.
Sony's rumored 6" 1080p phone with an a proportionally larger battery ( 3600 mah?) seems more reasonable.
The size of a phablet actually makes those monster extended batteries worth thinking about. Mugen 6700 mah battery anyone? Boom.
- Frank
I'd trade battery life for extreme DPI every day of the week.
Sony's rumored 6" 1080p phone with an a proportionally larger battery ( 3600 mah?) seems more reasonable.
The size of a phablet actually makes those monster extended batteries worth thinking about. Mugen 6700 mah battery anyone? Boom.
- Frank
#6275
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes
on
4,064 Posts
and I am ahead of the crowd with a galaxy note....
all phones wanna do more and display more....my note is just pefect...i know the note 2 is gonna be a tad but bigger... 5.2" to 5.5" screen....
the galaxy 4 and other phone are gonna be between 4.5" to 5"
all phones wanna do more and display more....my note is just pefect...i know the note 2 is gonna be a tad but bigger... 5.2" to 5.5" screen....
the galaxy 4 and other phone are gonna be between 4.5" to 5"
#6276
Suzuka Master
lame... haha i'm excited for this event!!!
#6277
Suzuka Master
on a side note... as much as the design of the next nexus might not be great, i'm really happy they went all out on hardware specs. Cause the Optimus G is no slouch when it comes to specs, and while its still rumors if the Nexus has those specs or at least are on par it will be good.
Samsung always made the Nexus notably dated compared to the phones coming out at that time and i hated that.
Samsung always made the Nexus notably dated compared to the phones coming out at that time and i hated that.
#6278
Goodbye.
on a side note... as much as the design of the next nexus might not be great, i'm really happy they went all out on hardware specs. Cause the Optimus G is no slouch when it comes to specs, and while its still rumors if the Nexus has those specs or at least are on par it will be good.
Samsung always made the Nexus notably dated compared to the phones coming out at that time and i hated that.
Samsung always made the Nexus notably dated compared to the phones coming out at that time and i hated that.
#6279
Suzuka Master
yea i know, google needs to make their own hardware
#6280
Goodbye.
You know, I just realized that before Samsung made their first Nexus for Google, they were best known in the Android community as #neveragain
It's sad how that same community forgot about their so called movement so quickly and are now bashing LG for the same thing.
I hope this new Nexus does wonders for LG just to throw some competition among the manufacturers to up their game.
At least LG is putting the best hardware out there in this upcoming Nexus.
It's sad how that same community forgot about their so called movement so quickly and are now bashing LG for the same thing.
I hope this new Nexus does wonders for LG just to throw some competition among the manufacturers to up their game.
At least LG is putting the best hardware out there in this upcoming Nexus.