Hasta La Gadget!

When it comes to modern day devices, there is nothing quite like making sure it runs on the latest software update so that it will “purr” along nicely, and this is what Samsung intends to do with their latest release of the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update to two of their tablets which was introduced not too long ago – the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 as well as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. The thing is, only Wi-Fi versions of these models will be able to enjoy the Jelly Bean update, so owners of the cellular versions will have to play the patience card and wait.

As some of us might already know, the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update will bring with it a suite of performance improvements, in addition to the introduction of Premium Suite that had made the Galaxy Note 2 all the more productive. Premium Suite will boast a collection of new features which will further upgrade multi-tasking and productivity, all the time enhancing personalization and offering new levels of creativity. Users are then able to enjoy improved S Pen support in addition to the ability to easily open and resize multiple apps, letting one view them from across the screen, layered on top of each other.

There are also other features which have been introduced so that the capabilities of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 will be boosted, including the Multi Window feature which enables users to experience a dual view, running two apps side-by-side on the screen. Cascade View, on the other hand, lets users freely resize, move and pin selected applications in multiple views, making sure they can run simultaneously or while operating the home-screen. This will definitely resonate with folks who are so used to working on a PC, and watch the productivity bar spike!

Unfortunately, there is still no word on when the cellular models of the Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2 will be updated. Hopefully it is sooner rather than later.

Press Release
[ Samsung brings Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update to Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2 tablets copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Adding to the flurry of Mountain View-born announcements today, Google’s just released an updated version of Search to the Play store. Available for devices running Jelly Bean 4.1 and up, this boost in functionality adds Gmail integration to the prescient Android software, in addition to tracking info related to flights, reservations for hotels and restaurants, scheduled events and even the delivery of packages. The company also bundled in a host of new cards for nearby attractions, movie openings, as well as expanded voice control that’ll allow users to launch applications, check the calendar and set up future meetings. It’s live now, so click on the source below to start your download.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Software, Mobile, Google

Google Search updated with Now improvements, available on Play store for Jelly Bean devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s about time. The HTC DLX has most often been rumored carrying a Verizon-style 6435LVW or Droid Incredible X name, and yet it was unveiled first in Japan as the J Butterfly; we really needed the photos just now surfacing at Android Central to remind us that the 5-inch, 1080p gigantophone could still come to Big Red. While nothing’s confirmed yet, the black-with-red-trim design and all too prominent Verizon labeling make a convincing case for the DLX’s ultimate US destination. A helpfully provided phone profile screen might be more interesting to some, as it hints that we might get the same quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2GB of RAM and 8-megapixel rear camera as in the J Butterfly — Verizon won’t pull a Droid Incredible 4G LTE and tone down the hardware, if this is true. Without any more details, we’re still left wondering just how soon Verizon could commit to launching the smartphone. There’s no guarantees that Verizon will follow KDDI’s schedule and ship in early December.

Update: We’ve been wondering whether the odd name was meant to be short for Droid Incredible X, i.e. “DIX” instead of “DLX,” but our friend @evleaks on Twitter just showed us a list of device PIDs that mentions the latter. @evleaks also suggests that DLX might be short for the codename “Deluxe” for the international variant, just as “ENRC2” was short for “Endeavor C2” (One X+).

Update 2: It turns out the J Butterfly has the codename “Deluxe J” in its bootloader menu, so there you have it. Thanks again, @evleaks!

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Verizon

HTC Droid Incredible X possibly spotted with Verizon badging intact (Update: DLX is short for ‘Deluxe’) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve got mixed news for those who were wondering just where Sony’s Jelly Bean updates were headed. The good? Sony has narrowed down its upgrade schedule for the Xperia T, Xperia TX and Xperia V to the middle of 2013’s first quarter, or roughly February. Just about every other reasonably capable 2012 model is also getting an upgrade once Sony has narrowed down the timetable, ranging from the Xperia S through to the Xperia ion and Xperia go. Brace yourself for the dark side of the news, however: not a single 2011 Xperia phone will make the Jelly Bean leap, no matter how quick or recent it might be. The company was “not able to guarantee” the experience the devices would have with the newer OS, we’re told. While we know that some older phones would have been borderline at best, that cutoff won’t be pleasant for anyone whose Xperia Arc S is already out of the Android upgrade loop after less than a year.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sony

Sony to start Xperia upgrades to Jelly Bean by mid-Q1, rules out all 2011 phones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google has historically broken out preloaded Android apps like Gmail and Maps as stand-alone titles so that they don’t have to be upgraded in lock-step with the main OS, but its Calendar app typically hasn’t had that privilege. The isolation ends with a newly distinct Google Calendar that’s treated as just another Google Play download. You’ll need at least Android 4.0 or 4.1, which leaves relatively few differences between the download and what’s already on your device, but that’s not the point — the change really lets Google move users on to the Jelly Bean app and beyond, even if their device makers aren’t ready. Owners currently running Jelly Bean will still get a few extras, such as better support for non-Nexus hardware and a wider time range for calendar syncing. Hit the source link if you’re game for that kind of futureproofing.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google

Google Calendar for Android becomes stand-alone app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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