Saturday, April 30, 2011

Sprint News, Motorola Xoom WiFi Available May 8th



Sprint has announced that it will be offering the WiFi only version of the Motorola Xoom for a mere $599.99. Between you and me, thats a bit pricey. Especially if you stack it up to some of the other recently released tablets with a better price. But thats the deal, ‘eh?
This was the first tablet device to run Honeycomb. Android 3.0 mobile operating system, was specifically designed with the tablet platform in mind. Along with Android 3.0, the tablet can boast 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB internal RAM memory and 32GB onboard user memory,rear-facing 5-megapixel and front-facing 2-megapixel camera, both capable of HD video, and 10.1-inch widescreen HD display. And the fact that its a WiFi device, there is no required contract. Just shell out the $600 bones and you got yourself a brand spanking new tablet.
 

Fring Mobile Group Video out of beta







“There is no reason why users need to run home to their PC in order to have a ‘spontaneous’ video call with their friends and family,” said Avi Shechter, co-founder and CEO of Fring. “…we are the first to give users the ability to see all their friends on their phone at the same time, anywhere.”
Fring started the video chat revolution back in 2009, introducing mobile phones to mobile video chat that was one to one and largely fairly dodgy. But as phones have gotten more powerful and networks faster, so has the quality of the calls. And with smartphones moving towards multi-core processors, the ability make group video chat calls is a natural next step. So it makes sense that Fring would be blazing that trail.
The group video chat feature is also cross platform, meaning that Android, iOS callers, and even select Nokia handsets can enjoy each others lovely mugs on the same call. When making a four way call, the screen divides “Brady Bunch style” into four separate windows. And Fring calls are free (data caps do apply, however) . Look for it at the Android Marketplace.

HTC Inspire ROM Update Enables HSUPA – Hands On Test


When we heard that the HTC Inspire 4G has a ROM update enabling HSUPA for better data speeds, we had to give it a try ourselves. After some fits and starts, not finding the update, and then having some downloading difficulties, our own Ben Bajarin got it installed. So how did it do?

Here the speed test before:

And here it is after:

If you notice there isn’t much difference, and also that the speeds are pretty slow, that isn’t really a reflection on the update. Ben lives out in the boonies and can’t really get a great connection. We will be updating this post with a non-boonies test soon.
Meanwhile, have you updated? What kinds of speeds are you seeing? The update will be sent out over the air, but you can also check for it yourself, see graphic below:
 

Motorola Atrix update now official



To update your Atrix phone, AT&T advises connecting to a WiFi hotspot or private WiFi network. Users will then receive an OTA update notification. Select “Download” and then “Install Now” once the download has completed. The Atrix will automatically restart. Please note that if not connected via Wi-Fi, users will not be able to start the download.
Should users be unable to update their phones, AT&T advises to verify WiFi connection and then disable WiFi settings under the Wireless and Networks tab. Then re-enable WiFi settings and reboot. Then reconnect and try again. If users need additional assistance, contact AT&T. Thanks to Zack at Droid-Life for the heads up!
 

HBO to GO now in the Android Market




A few weeks back, we reported that HBO to GO would be coming to the Android Market. The we didn’t know when it would be coming to Android, although it was strongly hinted at May 2nd in their commercials. Well, HBO has released it early and the app is now live. Users who subscribe to the PayTV service can download it to most Android devices.



Why no xoom support??? That’s why people buy tablets for things like this… by Trey, April 29, 2011
We say “most” because it appears that users of tablets like the Viewsonic G-Tab, and Motorola XOOM, as well as older Android handsets like the Motorola Droid are complaining that they can’t use the app. Users who operate a rooted or overclocked Android device are also complaining that they can’t access the service as well. But newer Droid models, like the Droid X, and the Samsung Galaxy S are enjoying the service. So it’s probably a good idea to pay attention to the user reviews section to determine if your handset has any trouble.
HBO to Go gives users the option to watch episodes of original HBO programming, as well as feature films available. It’s designed to be a one stop shop for payTV fans looking for a streaming option like those offered by Hulu Plus and Netflix. However, it’s not without it’s shortcomings. In addition to limited device support at this point, Comcast subscribers are foreced to use the XFinity page or Comacasts proprietary apps in order to access the service.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Asus Eee Pad Transformer India launch in June


                                                                                                      




Asus India head Alex Huang has confirmed that company will launch its Honeycomb tablet Eee Pad Transformer in India this June. He added that company has earlier planned to release the tablet in May, but due to the component shortage after Japan Earthquake, the launch has been postponed to June.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer has got decent early reviews and because of the attractive pricing, tablet has been sold out at Amazon and other stores.
Announced at Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, this Android tablet from Asus comes with a 10.1” capacitive touch-screen, Android 3.0, nVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, an optional docking station turns the Transformer into a full-fledged notebook with a QWERTY keyboard, front (1.2MP) and rear (5MP) digital cameras and a built-in mini-HDMI port.
There is no word on the pricing as of now in the Indian market, but if company keeps in line with US pricing, it can be launched around 20K.

Sprint reports Q1 2011 results, adds 1.1 million subscribers


It's financials time and the word hasn't always been rosy for Sprint of late, but this time the company has some good news to share. In this, the first quarter of 2011, Sprint added 1.1 million total subscribers, 846,000 of those were prepaid, the other 310,000 postpaid. Churn was down too, 4.36 for prepaid and 1.81 percent for postpaid, lowest in five years for the former and lowest ever for the latter. Operating income was $259 million on $8.3 billion in revenue, which is up three percent from this time last year, but factor in taxes, lunar landing rights, and all the other fun stuff and the company posted a net loss of $439 million. CEO Dan Hesse called this "slow but steady progress," and the addition of subscribers "a tough streak to keep going as the bar keeps getting higher." A tough streak indeed, but the launch of phones like the Nexus S 4G might just help keep it alive for another quarter.








HTC Reportedly Bringing a Slightly Better Version of Sensation with NFC




HTC may be looking to jump into the NFC game just as Google and Samsung have if this rumor is to be believed. Bright Side of News is reporting that an anonymous HTC representative mentioned to them a new phone that would follow the HTC Sensation and “should be positioned slightly above” it.
This version is said to have an NFC chip inside, but will feature the same 4.3 inch qHD display that the Sensation does. We’re not exactly sure what “slightly above” means outside of NFC, though – perhaps it’s the HTC Rider or Kingdom that’s said to have 3D features similar to the EVO 3D. Who knows?
[via PocketNow]
 

Quick Look at Today’s Free Amazon App: Fast Food Calorie Counter







While there are a ton of calorie counting apps on the Android Market, it’s kind of nice to see someone producing an app that will tell you what your caloric intake is as result of eating out at popular fast food chains.  This app just might be a trucker’s blessing.  Fast Food Calorie Counter allows you to keep track of calories from places like McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s and Dunkin Donuts, just to name a few.  The app supports info from 73 different restaurants and currently holds data for 9,141 menu items.  That should just about cover most of it if you like to eat on the go.  Get full nutritional info like calories, fat, fiber, protein and carbohydrates.  The app would normally run you  $2.99, but is free all day long thanks to our friends at Amazon.  Have a need for an app like this?  Let us know about it in the comments section and then head on over to our apps database for the download or hit up the QR code after the break.