Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Dell Venue has been rooted

7:58 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Although this device is primarily used in India and South Korea, the Dell Venue has been rooted. The process for gaining root access on the Dell Venue is easy enough. All you need to do is download the drivers as well as Superoneclick root application.
Here’s what you need to do:
  1. Download the driver file from Dell. (A Windows-based PC is required)
  2. Connect your phone to your PC.
  3. Install R291096.exe.
  4. Download SuperOneClickv1.5.1-ShortFuse
  5. Open SuperOneClick and tap the ROOT button.
  6. Enjoy!
You can also reference the XDA Developers thread here if needed.

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Verizon sending mass text message in regards to DL09 emergency calling bug

7:54 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments


Samsung recently acknowledged the bug from the DL09 update that broke the emergency calling functionality when the Samsung Fascinate was locked with a pattern.
With that, Verizon has starting sending out text messages to affected users in regards to the issue. Here’s what  Big Red had to say:
Free VZW Msg(s) – Use of your emergency call button on your Fascinate phone with software SCH-i500.DL09 may not work while the phone is locked. A software fix will be pushed to your device soon. Until available, disable pattern lock to ensure emergency calls can be placed. To check your software version press Applications>Settings>About phone and view Build number. Only version SCHi-500.DL09 is impacted by this issue. Versions SCH-i500.DI01 and SCH-i500.DH12 are functioning properly. To disable pattern lock press Applications>Settings>Location & Security and remove check from Require Pattern.
From this message, it appears that Verizon will have another update available soon to fix this issue. Fascinate users, remember to keep pattern locking disabled for now and keep your eyes peeled for the update.


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Google’s Honeycomb Event Kicks Off Today, Watch It Live!

7:47 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

As we mentioned a few days ago, our inbox was graced with an invite from Google to attend their headquarters in Mountain View for an “in depth” look at Honeycomb.  And though we’ve seen a bit of the new OS at CES, we’re looking forward to grabbing a bigger tidbit from the event.  Well, that day is here and we’re all underway.  If you’re not able to attend the event in person, Google will be streaming the event live at 1pm eastern on the search giant’s YouTube page.  There’s also a big chat that                      we’ll hear more on    the new online Android Market and music services.  Enjoy!                
                                        

                                                                     
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Gaming with the LG Optimus 2X

7:32 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

The LG Optimus 2X is the first smartphone to feature NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 processor, which includes an ultra low power GeForce GPU. Not everyone considers themselves a gamer, but there comes certain times in the day when you want to kill a few minutes while waiting in line at the bank or being stranded at the airport for a couple hours (don’t get me started).
NVIDIA already showed us with their benchmarks that they have the fastest GPU available, but how do the actual games perform? I’ve spent the weekend playing around with the Optimus 2X and I’m glad to report that it meets the high expectations we set and it delivers the best gaming experience of any Android phone I have tested.
Most of the joy of playing games on the Optimus 2X comes from LG’s superb touch sensor. I’m not sure whose sensor they are using (could be the Atmel Maxtouch), but it recognizes unlimited touch points and provides the most responsive touch screen I have ever used.
The GeForce GPU absolutely shreds any Android game out there, but the fact is that most titles are not yet optimized to take full advantage of its advanced capabilities. Many developers (see below) are collaborating with NVIDIA to optimize their titles for the best visual experience and performance, but most of those games are still being worked on.
The good thing is that when these Tegra HD (THD) games are finished, we will be able to easily find them in NVIDIA’s showcase application called Tegra Zone. This spotlight app will help you discover the best games designed for Tegra devices by providing “professional game reviews, high-res screenshots, HD video trailers, gameplay videos, and behind-the-scenes footage.” The Optimus 2X shippped with a preview version of Tegra Zone (which you can see in our video), and the full version is expected to be available when Tegra phones launch on U.S. carriers over the coming months.
Overall, the Optimus 2X delivered exactly what we expected – the best gaming experience available on any Android smartphone. Current Android games play great and they will only continue to get better once the optimized titles come out. Android games have been really lacking when compared to Apple’s iOS library, but that is going to change this year thanks to Tegra. NVIDIA has the industry’s largest content development team that works closely with developers and we will see the fruits of their labor in the coming months.
If you want an Android smartphone that delivers the fastest GPU and has the most console-quality titles to choose from, make sure you look for the NVIDIA logo on the box.
Developers already confirmed to be working on Tegra games include:
  • Cooliris
  • Electronic Arts
  • Epic Games
  • Factor 5
  • Gameloft
  • Guild Software
  • Ideaworks Game Studio
  • Natural Motion
  • Ogre
  • Psyonix
  • Silver Creek Entertainment
  • Stonetrip
  • Trendy Entertainment
  • Unity
  • War Drum Studios
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Google Maps updated to version 5.1, bringing Latitude check-ins

7:31 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Seems Google’s at it again. Today marks the release of Google Maps 5.1, which brings full check-in support using Google Latitude. Google has added the following new features:
  • Notifications: Turn on check-in notifications in Latitude’s settings and get a notification to check in at a nearby place once you arrive. Never forget to check in again.
  • Automatic check-ins: Choose to automatically check in at specific places you designate, and you’ll be checked in when you’re there. You can talk to friends or finish your bagel without fumbling with your phone.
  • Check out: Once you leave, Latitude knows to automatically check you out of places so friends aren’t left guessing if you’re still there.
Checking into a location takes you to its Google Place page which has more information on the location including customer reviews. If one of your Latitude friends checks in somewhere, you can click on their check-in to gather more information about the place, which is extremely helpful if you’ve never been to that place before.
If you check into a location enough times, you get the same status you’ve come to expect from the likes of Foursquare, becoming a “Regular,” a “VIP,” or a “Guru.” No word on whether or not checking in gets you real life rewards such as discounts like Foursquare or SCVNGR.
Using Google’s new check-in service is completely optional, and you will automatically be opted-out, needing to opt-in in order to use this service.
Interested in using Latitude’s new check-in service? Head on over to the market and update your maps application.  You should probably update even if you don’t plan on using this service, just simply remain opted-out of Latitude’s check-in service.
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Android Market experiencing technical difficulties

11:32 AM Simranpal SIngh No comments


It seems like the Android Market has been experiencing a hiccup throughout the evening, with many users reporting issues downloading apps or updating apps they already have.
There’s no telling if this issue is related to the Honeycomb event Google is hosting tomorrow, but we’ll keep you updated as more news becomes available.

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Galaxy S 4G Landing Later This Month On T-Mobile [OFFICIAL]

11:30 AM Simranpal SIngh No comments

In addition to teasing us with some three dimensional details of the T-Mobile G-Slate, that we HOPE will be shown off tomorrow, T-Mobile took a moment out of their day to remind us that the iPhone isn’t really that good. Why get an iPhone when it’s only 3G on both the AT&T and Verizon versions? They’d much rather you pick up the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and tonight they provided some details to help make that decision.
First of all, T-Mobile is expecting a February launch which is good to know if you’re shopping around for your selection. A few perks TMO just threw into the mix are HD TV through T-Mobile TV, a copy of INCEPTION pre-installed on your device, Video Chat by Qik, and data plans that start at $10/month.
The Galaxy S 4G is essentially an upgraded version of the Vibrant but for full details you’ll want to dig into the press release below:
Galaxy S 4G from T-Mobile to Offer Blazing-Fast Speeds and Unparalleled Entertainment Experience Featuring Movies, TV and Video Chat
T-Mobile expands America’s Largest 4G Network to eight new metropolitan areas in South and Midwest
BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS -- Feb. 2, 2011 -- T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S. 1, today announced the anticipated February availability of the Galaxy S™ 4G, exclusively from T-Mobile. According to T-Mobile, the Galaxy S 4G will be the fastest smartphone running on America’s Largest 4G Network™2. The Galaxy S 4G, T-Mobile’s first smartphone capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps, offers enhanced mobile experiences and unparalleled entertainment including mobile HD TV3 through T-Mobile TV, the ACADEMY AWARD® Nominated film INCEPTION, and T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik™ -- delivered at 4G speeds on its 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display.
T-Mobile also announced the expansion of America’s largest 4G network into more than 100 major metropolitan areas, reaching more than 200 million people nationwide. In addition to expanding its 4G footprint, T-Mobile also has aggressive plans to double the speed of its 4G network in 2011, and the company expects that 140 million Americans in 25 major metropolitan areas will have access to these increased 4G speeds by midyear.
"The Galaxy S 4G pushes the envelope by reaping the benefits of our network’s unprecedented speeds and by offering groundbreaking entertainment experiences," said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. "We are excited to continue to expand our portfolio of 4G devices that enable our customers to have access to unique and compelling features and an optimal 4G experience."
"The Galaxy S 4G offers customers Samsung’s core premium product investments to speed, screen and content," said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer, Samsung Mobile. "Galaxy S 4G is T-Mobile’s fastest smartphone and offers Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED display and rich multimedia features for premium movie and TV content."
Through the delivery of faster speeds comes an enhanced experience when viewing video entertainment over the Web using services such as YouTube. In addition T-Mobile TV, a preloaded application, offers consumers access to live and on-demand mobile HD TV on T-Mobile’s 4G network, including free programming from select stations like ABC News NOW, FOX Sports, PBS Kids and Azteca America.
To further enhance the entertainment package on the Galaxy S 4G, T-Mobile has preloaded, at no additional cost to consumers, Warner Bros. Pictures’ ACADEMY AWARD® Nominated film INCEPTION which is nominated for Best Picture, Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Music (Original Score), Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. Customers also have the option to rent or purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub, which features a robust collection of new releases and TV shows.
The Galaxy S 4G’s blazing-fast speeds will make sharing memories via e-mail, social networks or video quick and easy. For example, the preloaded T-Mobile Video Chat application powered by Qik enables customers to share any moment with loved ones virtually whenever and wherever they want through T-Mobile’s network or Wi-Fi. Using either the front-facing or the rear camera, which features a 720p HD camcorder, paired with Video Chat allows customers to hold video conversations with friends and family who have a compatible mobile device.
Featured as a pre-installed application, doubleTwist® with AirSync™ provides customers with a useful and easy way to auto-sync and back up photos, HD videos and music to and from their home computer. With a Wi-Fi connection, customers can easily sync their media wirelessly and at no additional cost. The doubleTwist Player lets customers enjoy their favorite tunes and videos directly from their phone while on the go. The Galaxy S 4G also comes preloaded with Slacker Radio, offering music fans more than 130 genre stations and ability to create their own custom stations for free.
With a slim and sleek design, the Galaxy S 4G’s 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display gives customers a vivid, sharp viewing experience, whether consumers choose to watch a movie or read a book or newspaper with the preloaded Kindle for Android application while on the go. Powered by Android™ 2.2, the Galaxy S 4G is equipped with a speedy Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor, an ST-Ericsson M5720 HSPA+ 4G modem to enable theoretical peak downloads of up to 21 Mbps, a 5 megapixel camera, a pre-installed 16GB microSD memory card, and a 1650 mAh lithium ion battery.
Availability
The Galaxy S 4G is expected to be available to T-Mobile customers in February. Customers can visit http://galaxy-s.t-mobile.com/4G for more information.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab sales “smooth” not “small”, return rate stays at 15%

11:28 AM Simranpal SIngh No comments

It looks like even the big boys can make mistakes. Recently, the WSJ published that sales for the Samsung Galaxy Tab were “quite small”, which turns out to be a misquote. What should have been published is that Samsung’s Tab sales are “quite smooth” – a big difference for such a small word. Samsung tells consumers that sales still aren’t stunning, however; they say that sales right now are “OK”.
However, it looks like Samsung isn’t slipping their way out of the numbers game just yet, as reports are showing that the Galaxy Tab has a return rate of 15% – that’s 3 returned Tabs for every 20 sold. Not the best numbers, not by a long shot.
What do you think of Samsung’s execution of bringing the Tab to the consumer market? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
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Motorola Xoom lands in Chad Ochocinco’s hands

11:25 AM Simranpal SIngh No comments

If it’s not some new commercial about zits with Justin Beiber, or Katy Perry, it’s something new with Chad Ochocinco. This time around, he’s the guy with his capable hands all over the new Motorola Xoom. You think their new Superbowl teaser ad has something to do with him getting one already? We’ll see this coming Sunday I guess, but Motorola is handing these out to celebrities in hopes they’ll keep the hype going for launch.
The image seen above is from Ochocinco’s Twitter where he tweeted that the Xoom is “pretty awesome” and that Motorola “won’t be getting this back!” Looks awesome Chad. We can’t wait.
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