China’s Meizu M9 Receives Speedy Gingerbread Update

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Looks like those guys over at Meizu are on top of things these days. With the launch of their successful M9 many people wondered what the future of the device would hold for consumers. All of those fears can be put to rest with the Meizu M9 users receiving their first taste of Android 2.3 Gingerbread. This came in the form of a downloadable update which I think more companies should start looking into seeing how it can get an update out to users quicker than waiting around for a carrier to push out an OTA. Just my two cents.
If you aren’t too familiar with the Chinese Meizu M9 I’ve gone ahead an provided a video of some of the unique UI elements in action.
Apparently, the update isn’t without it’s bugs and early adopters have been reporting back small annoyances like power and display issues. But given Meizu’s new track record, I’m sure they will be on top of offering a new update soon enough to deal with said issues. Now c’mon guys, I think its time to officially welcome Meizu users into the Android family.

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The Samsung Galaxy S II Gets Rooted……Already?

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Of course and as expected, the hard at work hacking community of XDA is at it again.  This time, they’ve wasted no time cracking the Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung’s latest flagship powerhouse to hit the smartphone market.  On paper, this bad boy has it all.  It sports a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display, a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 8MP camera with HD video recording and Android version 2.3 Gingerbread, all packed in a super slim form factor.  Only the good Lord himself knows what this phone will truly be capable of when XDA finally gets to tinker with it.

Thanks to our friends over at AC, a tipster sent in a screenshot of a benchmark test from the device and it’s remarkably through the roof. Extremely impressive stuff!  And from what we’re hearing, it’s not at all difficult to root the device.  Thanks to XDA member Chainfire, it’s as easy as 1..2..3.  So, head on over via the source link if you’re one of the lucky few who have the device and are interested in pushing it to the limit.  Don’t forget to share with us what kind of performance and enhancements you’re seeing on the handset.

 

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T-Mobile G2x Android 2.3 Gingerbread Preview

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Well what do you know? Looks like someone got their hands on an early build of Android 2.3 Gingerbread for T-Mobile’s G2x. It’s Chris Ziegler of This is My Next and by the looks of it, there’s not a whole heck of a lot of surprises, but increased enjoyability nonetheless. Have a look and let us know if you’ll be backing out of Cyanogen long enough to get yourself the official real deal Gingerbread when the time comes.

As you may already be aware, the G2x comes stocked with Android 2.2 Froyo in a vanilla flavoring. This tasty combination means that aside from a few apps here and there, this version of Android is in the original Google-made state. There’s no custom user interface sitting on top of it – you know what that means? It means a much easier path to getting an update to the next version of Android. This means that the device will have Android 2.3 Gingerbread sooner than later.
Now you’re already essentially able to get Gingerbread if you’re the hacking type by heading over to the CyanogenMod 7 for G2x post from a few days ago. If you’re into the real deal from Google, do press on:
Factoids gleaned from Ziegler at TIMN:

• This update will be Android 2.3.3, not Android 2.3.4 with Google Talk Video Calling.
• Scrolling and touch sensitivity appear to be notably improved.
• Gingerbread keyboard, improved text highlighting
• No Tags app, Nexus S Gingerbread system sounds not present
• Gingerbread UI in menus, status bar, dialer, and in glow at the end of lists – buzz!
• Stock Gingerbread camera app (replacing LG’s custom Froyo camera app)
[Source :Androidcommunity]

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US WiFi Xoom gets Desktop UA string change

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A lot of people are familiar with how to change the user agent string in Android. All you have to do is open a browser, type “about: debug” into the browser, and go. Then, it’s all about going into the settings and change out the UAString to have the browser identify itself. The main problem? In order to make this work, you have to do it on every reboot.
Well, not anymore, as XDA user intsy has created a patch to make the change permanent on the US WiFi Xoom. It comes to us via a CWM flashable zip, and comes with a counter-zip to move everything back to stock. To check it out for yourself, be sure to hit the source link, and let us know what you think in the comments.
 

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Acer Iconia Tab A500 deal at Best Buy

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Best Buy is featuring the Acer Iconia Tab A500 in their weekly sales circular and at a pretty good price, too. The Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet is on sale for just under $450, cheaper than Motorola’s XOOM, which is selling for around $600, WiFi only. It’s also available now at that price, while the slightly cheaper EeePad Transformer (at $400) won’t be out for another few weeks. And with our earlier report that users can root the Iconia (with a step by step guide included), the time is ripe to ask the question … why wait?

Specs on the Iconia A500 include a 10.1 inch screen with 1280×800 resolution. It’s powered by a dual core 1Ghz processor running Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Storage wise, the A500 sports 1 GB of RAM and 16GB of external storage via the microSD slot. And the A500 has dual cameras – a front facing 2MP model for video chat, as well as a rear facing 5MP. And of course, it has all the usual WiFi and Bluetooth capability.
Now of course, it doesn’t have the nifty the keyboard dock with extra battery like the Transformer. But you can’t have everything. The Iconia, however, is shipping now, and Best Buy looks to move them at that price. And you know the old saying … he who hesitates is lost.

 

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Samsung Galaxy Pro (GT-B7510) Hands-On in the Netherlands

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Sometimes you’ve got to go all the way to the Netherlands just to get a peek at an Android devices. That’s what’s going on right here with the Samsung Galaxy Pro, a Samsung device running Android that I’m sure you’ll find quite unique. It’s certainly not going to win any speed races, and the camera on the back is a whopping 3 megapixels, but look at those big fat keys! A bigger flatter more fat Android has never been seen!

This phone is running a bit of the ol’ TouchWiz 3.0, has a full QUERTY keyboard, and by the looks of it, has the same textured Samsung battery cover as on the soon-to-be-released Galaxy S II. Fashionable! The fellow over in the Netherlands checking this phone out noted that it feels “good in the hand” and that it’s “light and thin.” The touchscreen display is longer than it is tall, and the four Android-centric buttons sit right between the keyboard and the display.
The keys are all raised and balloon-like so typing is “a joy.” This device has 320 x 240 pixel resolution on a 2.8 inch screen. That means it’s pretty low. Furthermore, the screen only supports single-touch. And it comes with a 2GB microSD card! Convinced you want it? Yeah me either. I love the chassis, but have basically no faith in the innards – these feelings might be evidence enough to show why you’re not seeing it saturate the USA.
 

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Angry Birds RIO gets an update next week

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Rovio has reported on their Facebook page that Angry Birds is getting an update this week. The update, whatever comes after “Jungle Escape,” will unlock some sweet new features including “marmoset mauling action” and it’ll have many “juicy secrets” to discover. The update is being released a little later than expected, much to the chagrin of gamers who have been chomping at the bit and complaining about it’s slipped release date. But they can rejoice that it will be followed by three more chapters of the Angry Birds Rio game to be released on or about July, October, and November of 2011.

Squawk! Hold on to your hats, people: the first update for Angry Birds Rio lands next week!,” said it’s Facebook Page. “Get ready for more marmoset-mauling action and more juicy secrets to discover. Did you already find all the Golden Pineapples and Bananas?

The first chapter, released back in March, was called Smuggler’s Den and introduced gamers to the bird characters Blu and Jewel from the 20th Century Fox film RIO. Blu is a rare Macaw who lives in a bookstore in Minnesota. When scientists learn there’s another Macaw spotted in South America that’s female, Blu gets sent down south to meet her and let nature take it’s course. But both are kidnapped by poachers seeking to make a fortune on the rare birds.

The game is a natural spin off of Angry Birds, as our poultry are kidnapped along with Blu and Jewel and not only escape, but they will seek vengeance in classic Angry Birds fashion on poachers who have captured their rare brethren! Chapter Two, Jungle Escape will take the next step as gamers will get exposed to new environments and set pieces from the film, and there may also be a dreaded Black Bird, ready to wreck any smuggler’s day. There’s also another new Boomerang Bird who will loop back around just when you think you’ve missed the mark. And as with Chapter one, Gamers can also collect golden fruit, area trophies, and three star bonuses hidden like juicy little Easter eggs all over the game.

Angry Birds Rio Jungle Attack will be available at the Amazon App Store for Android starting next week – with your everyday average Android Marketplace release surely soon to follow.

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HTC EVO 3D Available Today on Pre-Order, but it is a SECRET!

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Don’t tell anybody! There’s a note being passed around that we just happen to have text from, one that’s telling all the employees at Best Buy Mobile – aka the most fun part of the whole store, that they’re able to speak of this pre-order only to people who ask about it specifically. If you say you might want to check out a different phone, you’re out of luck! Have a look below at how you can reserve your HTC EVO 3D at a Best Buy today, and keep it a secret!

Have a peek here at the text from this infamous note supposedly sent out to Best Buy employees. In it, you’ll find that not only are they not allowed to speak of the pre-order unless someone asks about the EVO 3D and ONLY the EVO 3D, they mention that staff is not allowed to speak about blogs. No blogs because they are unreliable and should be shot on the spot! You evil blogs, how dare you interfere with Best Buy’s business!

Are Customers Asking for the Sprint EVO 3D?
Although dates and details are very limited on this device, there are some customers willing to wait. As always, we encourage customers to choose from Best Buy Mobile’s phenomenal phone selection and pair it with the Buy Back program. However, we realize some customers either aren’t ready to upgrade or are willing to wait until the unconfirmed launch date. Therefore…we are “quietly” opening the Sprint EVO 3D pre-sale (SKU 2612225), starting this Monday, May 2.
What CAN we say: The HTC EVO 3D, the first glasses-free 3D 4G device, is coming “this summer” to Best Buy.
What CAN’T we say: Anything from the blogs or unofficial sources. Much of this is unreliable and could mislead customers. Inevitably, customers will find this information and it is acceptable to be aware of it, but do not share said information with customers as factual.
What CAN we do: Starting May 2, Best Buy Mobile will begin reserving product through the pre-sale process. Click here for the generic flyer.
What CAN’T we do: Do NOT actively promote this pre-sale until it’s formally announced. Do NOT create signage and drive customers towards this pre-sale. This is meant to capture only those customers coming into our stores inquiring about the EVO 3D who otherwise are not purchasing another phone today. In other words, if a customer asks, you can tell him or her about the pre-sale. Otherwise, mum’s the word.

 

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Coupons coming to Android handsets via NFC

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French company Ingencio is working with Google to develop a sales coupon service which would deliver special offers to smartphone users via near field communications. The service, would send coupons to a user’s phone as they shop and automatically deduct the coupon from a related purchase upon checkout. Initially, Payments would still be made the old fashioned way, by either cash, check or charge.

“Google wants a system where, when you enter a shop or supermarket, for example, you receive a special offer on your phone,” said CEO Philippe Lazare.

According to Lazare, Google doesn’t seem to have plans to process payments via NFC, however. But that could change as the technology evolves. Already, we’ve reported that Google is at work on mobile phone payment registers. But that technology is only in it’s infancy, so Google is looking to diversify in NFC and focus on product offers and advertising in the interim.
Near Field Communications is a recent addition to the Android platform, which provides not only for advertising and coupons, but also payments to NFC supported registers. Google is already testing their system in New York and San Francisco, and is working with CitiGroup and Mastercard for an NFC payment system for later in 2011. Meantime, there are several NFC Apps available in the Android Marketplace. And with competitors like AT&T, Verizon, and others looking for their share of the NFC pie, it’s only a matter of time before a cashless society is truly a reality.

 

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