Things We Missed You Shouldn't

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Looking back on this week in Android some pretty big stories stand out. Verizon launched two new Android devices and delayed another, the Samsung DROID Charge due to 4G LTE outages; the Atrix 4G and Inspire 4G finally received HSUPA support through new updates; and then there are the leftovers, which you can find below. TGIF!

• Samsung goes on the offensive. Broadens their patent infringment claim against Apple. [Electronista]
• LG has the worst timing. Launches Black the same day as the Galaxy S II.
• The Motorola PRO is not headed to the UK, says retailer. [EuroDroid]
• Telus’ Samsung Fascinate 4G will be out May 8th.
• Telus is dropping the original Fascinate to $0 in anticipation. The Nexus S is also on sale for $99 on a three-year contract.
• Some of those lucky enough to receive the Asus Eee Pad Transformer were surprised to find pre-release Android 2.2 software in place of the promised Android Honeycomb. [AC]
• $90 via Amazon.
• GameStop is looking to hire an Android developer to bring their Game Spawn streaming game application over. [Droid Gamers]
• The Motorola Atrix 4G Laptop Dock will drop to $299 as of May 1st. [AC]

 

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HTC Thunderbolt Receives Update With Enhanced 3G Connectivity and Messaging Fixes

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Remember that new HTC Thunderbolt software that leaked a little over a week ago? It’s prepped and ready for installation, as Verizon has updated their support page to reflect the latest tweaks and enhancements that will hit their first 4G LTE handset. The main fix here is enhanced 3G data connectivity, which should alleviate some of the 4G/3G switching problems some users have experienced. Messaging fixes correct incorrectly displayed SMS and MMS messages. As is usual, expect this one to roll out over the next couple of weeks, so don’t panic if it doesn’t hit your handset this weekend. See the full release notes at the source link below, and let us know in the comments when you receive your update.
[via Verizon]

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[New App] File Manager HD Is A Honeycomb Optimized File Browser For Your Tablet

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Up until now, if you needed a file manager on your Honeycomb tablet you were stuck using one that was designed for phone versions of Android, which didn’t always translate well to the larger screen. Software developers Rhythm Software saw this issue, grabbed it by the horns, and took care of it. The end result? File Manager HD.
File Manager HD is the first file manager specifically designed for Honeycomb tablets (according to the developer). It offers a slew of useful features:

* Based on Android 3.0 new feature and theme
* High definition(1280*800) support
* 3 sets of commercial icons for 60+ different file types, toolbar and menu items
* Cut, copy, paste and cancellable progress dialog
* List and grid view for file browsing
* Compression and decompression support
* Search and share files
* Multiple selection and sorting support
* Thumbnail for photo, pictures and apk files
* Built-in text editor and swf player
* Fully tested on Motorola Xoom

  

This isn’t their first rodeo, either – Rhythm also has a phone version of File Manager, and it’s rocking a near-five-star rating. So, for the low cost of free, you really can’t go wrong.

File Manager HD

TOP APP

NEW

UPDATED

PRICE DROP

Install

 

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Sprint News, Motorola Xoom WiFi Available May 8th

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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.

 

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Fring Mobile Group Video out of beta

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“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.

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HTC Inspire ROM Update Enables HSUPA – Hands On Test

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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:

 

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Motorola Atrix update now official

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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!
 

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HBO to GO now in the Android Market

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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.

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Asus Eee Pad Transformer India launch in June

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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.

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