Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Mozilla Firefox 4 Beta 4 for Android now available for download

10:59 AM Simranpal SIngh No comments

For those of you who aren’t fond of the stock Android browser or just want to try something new, Mozilla Firefox has just released Beta 4 of Firefox 4 for Android.
Beta 4 is boasting faster page loading, improved JavaScript support, reduced memory usage, and support for add-ons that are currently making their debut in the desktop version of the Firefox 4 beta. Android-specific changes include several keyboard issues that have been remedied (which was top feedback from Beta 3) as well as improved support for tablets like the Galaxy Tab and small-screen devices like the Motorola Droid Pro.
Firefox 4 Beta 4 for Android is a large file to download, however, clocking in at 13.70 MB. This amount only increases with bookmarks, add-ons, etc.
For the full changelog of Firefox 4 Beta 4, hit the break!
You can download Beta 4 from your Android device here.

  • Add-ons
    • There are now over 100 add-ons for Firefox for Mobile, and counting.
  • Performance and Memory Usage
    • Startup speed has improved visibly. This was a top request from Beta 3 users.
    • JavaScript is much faster – almost 15% performance improvement in Beta 4 compared to Beta 3.
    • Memory and CPU usage is reduced, making the browser more responsive and stable.
  • Android
    • Fixed several keyboard issues (top feedback from Beta 3)
    • Improved support for tablets (like the Samsung Galaxy Tab) and small-screen devices (like the Motorola Droid Pro)
  • Firefox Sync
    • Improved user interface for easy connection with desktop Firefox
  • User Interface
    • Added an option to resize text to fit the screen when you double-tap to zoom in, to optimize the reading experience. This feature can be activated in the Firefox preferences. (This is also based on top feedback from Beta 3 users.)
    • Many miscellaneous bug fixes, usability improvements, and optimizations for a better experience
  • For developers
As well as these features from the previous Firefox 4 Betas:
  • Usability – support for Android hardware and software keyboards, Android-style menus, copy/paste in URL bar, search engines appear in the awesomescreen as you type, browse recommended add-ons through the add-on manager (read more)
  • File Handling – Support for uploading files, “Save as PDF” command in the site menu
  • Localization – fixed rendering of Arabic and Farsi text (on devices with Arabic/Farsi fonts installed)
  • Sync – New UI for simpler setup, support for custom Firefox Sync servers
  • Video – Full-screen open video and improved audio performance
  • Developers – localStorage API, orientation events
  • Sync – Shipping with the Firefox Sync feature built-in, Firefox 4 Beta synchronizes your Firefox history, bookmarks, open tabs, passwords and form data between your desktop and mobile.
  • Add-ons – Firefox 4 Beta offers add-ons; small pieces of software that let you change the look and feel of your Firefox to fit your browsing lifestyle.
  • Pinch-to-zoom (Android), double-tap, or use the volume rocker (Nokia N900) to zoom in and out
  • Open tabs as thumbnails let you easily see and open the site you want
  • Location-Aware Browsing gives you content and info relevant to your location
  • Save to PDF in the Site Menu lets you archive important docs like tickets and directions to view offline
  • Find in Page in the Site Menu lets you quickly find text on the webpage
  • Share Page in the Site Menu lets you send content to email, Facebook, Twitter and Google Reader
  • Forget Password in the Site Menu tells a website you no longer trust to forget your private data
  • Add Search Engine in the Site Menu lets you quickly add a new search engine to your Awesome Screen
  • Context Menu lets you Open in New Tab and Share by long tapping and holding a link
  • Smart Tapping lets you tap on links, widgets and other Web content with accuracy
  • Password Manager lets you choose to remember site password to avoid typing

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Sony Ericsson Conveys Xperia X8, X10 and X10 Mini Device Updates

10:56 AM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Sony Ericsson has stated via their Products blog that they have begun rolling out several updates for the Xperia line.  According to the blog, the Xperia X8, X10 and Mini should be getting an update soon to address several optimization issues and bug fixes.  Rikard Skogberg, the author who posted on the Products blog states:
The roll-out should start from now for the X10 and within a week or so for the other products but just as last time it will be a gradual roll-out where each and every kit needs different approvals before it can be released.
The post claims that there will be a number of updates rolling out for each device and gives details as to what the update is and which device it’s for.  Hit the break for details via the press release and to see which device is getting which respective update.  
Press Release:
Now we have started the roll-out of the next update to the 2010 family of Xperia products.
This update can be done either using PC-companion or (for most markets) also over the air directly from your phone.
It brings optimizations and bugfixes along with some language additions and Pinch Zoom touch for X10.
The two highlighted additions in this update are:
  • Addition of some bi-directional languages (Arabic, Farsi, Thai and Hebrew) – All products.
  • Pinch/zoom touch for mobile Internet and Google Maps. – Only Xperia  X10.
An overview of what to expect from the Pinch Zoom support for Xperia X10 was described in this post back in November.
Besides the highlights above I have been trying out the X10 with this update for a while and seen some other nice improvements, some of these can be market and operator dependant though:
  • Moxier in an updated version (2.7.13) that includes a great overview widget for e-mail, calendar and tasks.
  • Moxier e-mail shown in Timescape.
  • Possibilities of trimming videos in the phone.
  • Videos are transcoded to fit into MMS-messages even if they were recorded in high quality.
  • Minor changes to Mediascape with access to “Now Playing” in the top right corner.
For the mini products and the Xperia X8 we also have enabled the ANT+ support in the chipset. ANT+ is a standard for short-range communication with things like heart rate monitors etc. More info around it can be found at www.thisisant.com or in the blog post my colleagues made at CES here.
The roll-out should start from now for the X10 and within a week or so for the other products but just as last time it will be a gradual roll-out where each and every kit needs different approvals before it can be released.
I’ve seen your comments on that some of you haven’t received the earlier update yet. Sorry but there are still a few kits remaining and I just want to confirm that we are working on it with our partners to get those approved and ready as soon as we can. I am monitoring your specific kit requests among the comments here and try to find out details when I can.

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Exclusive White Samsung Galaxy Tab Now Available On Rogers

10:54 AM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Well, it looks like the Nexus S isn’t the only Samsung hardware making an exchange for white housing.   Rogers has stated today via their Twitter account that they will exclusively be adding white Galaxy Tabs to their arsenal.  So, if you’re tired of the same old black slate devices and you’re in the vicinity of….Canada, then there has never been a better opportunity for you to run out and snag one now.  What’s your take?  Do you prefer white over black?  Does it really matter?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

V for Virgin! LG Optimus V is available today at Radio Shack for $149

7:08 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

The latest variant of the LG Optimus One is here -- the LG Optimus V, available today for $149 on Virgin Mobile. You can snag the 3.2-inch Android 2.2 device at Radio Shack, and with it you also get the Swype keyboard. Plans start at $25 a month, and the phone comes in an eco-friendly package. Full presser's after the break. [Radio Shack]
WARREN, N.J. (BUSINESS WIRE), February 01, 2011 - Virgin Mobile USA continues to enrich its handset lineup with the introduction of LG Optimus V, expanding its selection of Android handsets. Rolling out at Radio Shack stores and at www.virginmobileusa.com beginning today for $149.99, LG Optimus V creates a unique user experience that will keep people connected and in-the-know while on-the-go. LG Optimus V will become available in other major retailers throughout the month as well.
Virgin Mobile USA continues to enrich its handset lineup with the introduction of LG Optimus V, expa ...
Virgin Mobile USA continues to enrich its handset lineup with the introduction of LG Optimus V, expanding its selection of Android handsets, rolling out at Radio Shack stores and at www.virginmobileusa.com beginning today for $149.99. (Photo: Business Wire)
“More than 44 percent of smartphones purchased in the third quarter of 2010 were Android based with the iPhone coming in second1,” said Bob Stohrer, vice president-Marketing, Virgin Mobile USA. “With LG Optimus V on Android, Virgin Mobile customers who crave constant connectivity get a highly functional device with a high-resolution 3.2” touch screen paired with an affordable monthly plan and no annual contract.”
“Users get the best of both worlds with LG Optimus V,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of LG marketing. “Bringing an easy-to-use blend of applications and sleek design, LG Optimus V delivers the features users want with the efficient performance capabilities they deserve.”
Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just $25 dollars a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging, IM, email, social networking and web access. For those who talk a bit more, the $40 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice and for heavy gabbers, the $60 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month.
Top handset review websites have described the LG Optimus S™, “as the best Android phone available,” “affordable yet full-featured,” “impressively quick and with [all of] the functionality most consumers need.” LG Optimus V, similar to the LG Optimus S, gives Virgin Mobile customers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange e-mail and advanced messaging capabilities. In addition, Optimus V users also have access to more than 100,000 applications currently available on the Android Market™.
LG Optimus V also comes with a 3.2-inch touch-screen display, 3G and Wi-Fi capable, a 3.2 MP camera and video, and preloaded applications, including popular social apps such as YouTube® and Google Talk™. Additional features include:
* Swype, a faster and easier way to input text on any screen, with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. The patented technology enables users to input words faster and easier than other data input methods—at over 40 words per minute
* Contact and calendar sync via ActiveSync
* Android Web browser
* Full integration of Google Apps™ such as Google Maps™, Gmail™ and Google Navigation™
* Document file viewer
* Built-in music player
Optimus V is the second Virgin Mobile phone to offer Virgin Mobile Live, an online music stream of performances by past & present Virgin Mobile Festival artists including studio tracks, exclusive Festival performances and more, for free!
The launch of LG Optimus V also marks Virgin Mobile’s new handset packaging that is more eco-friendly. The green packaging is now composed of 100% recycled plastic and uses almost 50% less plastic. The design of the outer box has been revised to more clearly highlight the device, its features and Virgin Mobile’s Beyond Talk Plans. “The new packaging will provide a better customer experience in opening the package as well being kind to the environment,” said Stohrer.
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Kids Addition Kids Addition v1.0.0

6:36 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments



Kids Number : Addition is a nice android application.Through this application you can learn addition.also you can tweet and share this application on facebook and twitter.DOWNLOAD.
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ASRock preps Android tablet release this year

6:30 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

ASRock – sounds like a pretty solid company name, right? Well, they are working on rolling out an Android-powered tablet later this year to join the gazillion other manufacturers out there. Will their offering actually enlarge the Android tablet market and is it capable of standing out from the rest of the crowd? Only time will tell, but we do know that it will be powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip while running on the tablet-optimized Google Android 3.0 operating system. We are still in the dark as to whether it will sport a 7″ or 10″ display, but with their history in producing motherboards as well as a handful of notebooks and nettops, a tablet from them does seem to fall under the average range without anything really outstanding – perhaps if the price is right though…
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Verizon Says Thunderbolt WILL Have Simultaneous Voice and Data, But Don’t Tell…

12:21 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

We’ve been looking forward to the Thunderbolt’s launch, because it looks like a very capable phone.  Verizon just leaked an internal document, however, that actually announced a couple of cool features that I’m sure a lot of you wanted to see.  They had been rumored, but we were skeptical.  According to a newly-leaked internal Verizon screenshot, the Thunderbolt WILL, as opposed to initial reports, include the wireless hotspot feature.  Also reported to be making a premier with the Thunderbolt is the ability to simultaneously use voice and data services.  This will be the first appearance of this capability on any CDMA device, although Verizon claims that they “cannot promise the experience will be one consistent with [their] brand,” and that reps are not to quote that a selling point of the device.  We’ll see how well it works out, but it’s certainly a nice first step!
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Leaked Images of Gingerbread Running on Droid X

12:13 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Obviously, here at TalkAndroid, we love our Android phones, and we always want the latest and greatest. Gingerbread started making an appearance on the Nexus line of phones a couple of months ago, and of course we’re eager to see it rolled out to the rest of the Android line. To that end, when we discovered some leaked shots of Gingerbread running on the Droid X, we considered it a promising development. And naturally, we wanted to share. Mydroidworld has some exclusive leaked pictures of the Droid X running Android 2.3, but they will not reveal how they came to run Gingerbread. Regardless, it could be a sign of good things ahead!

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Motorola Super Bowl Teaser Ad Released To Generate Buzz, Puts Apple’s iPad In The Crosshairs

12:08 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments


The Super Bowl never fails to somehow deliver some of the best commercials seen all year around with some companies even shelling out cheddar in the millions.  Well, this is certainly not going to be a disappointment for those caught up in the mobile industry.  Motorola has released a teaser trailer of an up and coming commercial that will be released during the Super Bowl, taking aim at Apple’s iPad.  For me, it had remnants of the release of the Motorola Droid all over again.
The teaser does nothing short of portraying the fact that “its time for more choices” eluding that the Apple iPad isn’t the only contender on the block, as the Xoom steps in and gives it a run for its money.  Seems clever enough to me.  Let us know what you’re thinking in the comments below and hit the break to check out the teaser.  We’re highly looking forward to checking out the full spot during the Super Bowl.

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