Refresh Roundup: week of February 25th, 2013

Refresh Roundup week of February 25th, 2013

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

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LG Optimus F5 and F7 smartphones now official with LTE and Jelly Bean

LG Optimus F5 and F7 smartphones now official with LTE connectivity and Jelly Bean

Based on this morning’s leak, you already knew that LG’s smartphone lineup was about to become more diversified, but now we’re able to share concrete details of the Optimus F5 and F7, which will be unveiled at Mobile World Congress. As the naming scheme suggests, the Optimus F7 is the larger of the two with a 4.7-inch (312ppi) True HD IPS display, a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU, an 8-megapixel primary camera, 2GB RAM and a 2,540mAh battery. Meanwhile, the Optimus F5 will be targeted at those who prefer a more compact smartphone, as it wields a 4.3-inch (256ppi) IPS display, a dual-core 1.2GHz CPU, a 5-megapixel primary camera, 1GB RAM and a 2,150mAh battery.

Common among both devices are Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), support for LG’s QSlide and Live Zooming software features, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing shooter, 8GB built-in storage, microSD support and LTE connectivity. The Optimus F5 will come to market first in Europe during the second quarter, which is to be followed by the Optimus F7 “in select markets.” Sadly, pricing has yet to be announced for either smartphone. For those curious, we’ve included the complete list of known specs after the break.

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Source: LG

Toshiba’s REGZA AT501 comes with Android 4.1, vague sense of unfulfillment

Toshibas REGZA AT501 comes with Android 41, vague sense of unfulfillment

Dear Uncle Toshiba. Thank you so much for announcing this REGZA Tablet AT501, the followup to the AT500. We noticed that you’d thrown in a 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 IPS display alongside a 1.3GHz Tegra 3 system and 1GB of RAM, which is very nice. We also like the feature that lets it act as a companion to compatible REGZA TVs. It was a bit sad, however, to see that it only came with a 3-megapixel rear facing camera. On the upside, you did manage to install Android 4.1, Splashtop and a battery that’s rated for 10 hours — which is probably why it weighs 625 grams. Unfortunately, you priced it at 40,000 yen ($425), more than a Nexus 10 — so if you don’t mind, can we keep the receipt?

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Via: Engadget Japanese (Translated)

Source: Toshiba (Translated)

Refresh Roundup: week of February 4th, 2013

Refresh Roundup week of February 4th, 2013

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

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HTC’s 603e shows up in Chinese database, ready to step in for One SU

HTC's dualSIM 603e shows up

Another day, another new phone pops up in China’s telecom equipment certification database. This time it’s an HTC Android 4.1 phone dubbed the 603e, and judging by the specs, it seems to be a follow-up to the One SU with WCDMA radio in China: 4.3-inch 800 x 480 display, 1.15GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 5-megapixel main camera (capable of 720p video capture) and microSD expansion. On top of this near-identical set of features (but very different appearance), the 603e benefits from an additional 2-megapixel front-facing camera; and overall, this would conveniently place said phone somewhere in between the rumored M4 and G2. The body comes in at 9.8mm thick and 130g heavy, and it’ll apparently be available in black, white, green and yellow. What we don’t know is whether this modest-looking device will also have a second SIM card slot, but chances are we’ll find out very soon.

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Via: Blog of Mobile

Source: TENAA

Refresh Roundup: week of January 28th, 2013

Refresh Roundup week of January 28th, 2013

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

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Refresh Roundup: week of January 21st, 2013

Refresh Roundup week of January 21st, 2013

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates

  • HTC One X: Following in Rogers’ footsteps, Telus has released its Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and Sense 4+ update for over-the-air installation. The software weighs in at approximately 629MB. [MobileSyrup]
  • Samsung Galaxy S II: T-Mobile has begun delivery of an incremental update to address an issue with the Qualcomm SoC. The software also brings security fixes and S Voice improvements. [Android Central]
  • Samsung Galaxy S II: Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) is now available for the international version of this handset (i9100), which includes Samsung’s Nature UX enhancements. Owners of this handset can grab the update either over-the-air or within Samsung Kies. You’ll also find a walkthrough video and a screenshot tour at the source link. [SamMobile]
  • ASUS PadFone 2: Build 10.4.11.13 is now available with a hefty number of performance and stability tweaks for the WWE version of this smartphone. The software also brings improved power management software and refinements to the HDR capture and white balance functions of the camera. [Android Police]
  • Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery

  • AOKP: A new milestone build of this popular Android 4.2 custom ROM is now available. With this release, the Galaxy S III on AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon are all supported, as is the Nexus 10 and the Nexus 7 (HSPA+). Among the customizations in this build, you’ll find the ability to use the power button as a makeshift camera shutter button and enhancements to the boot animation chooser. [Android Police]

Other platforms

  • Nokia Lumia 900: An update to Windows Phone 7.8 now seems imminent for this AT&T handset, as the revised OS (build 8878) has been spotted on Nokia’s servers. For what it’s worth, January 31st is currently being kicked around as the rollout date, but you might wanna circle that date in pencil, just to be safe. [WPCentral]
  • HTC 8X: Rogers has released the ‘Portico’ update for this smartphone, which brings improvements to text messaging and WiFi connectivity. [MobileSyrup]

Refreshes we covered this week

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By popular demand, Sony releases Jelly Bean alpha build for Xperia T

By popular demand, Sony releases Jelly Bean alpha build for Xperia T

Because the first time proved to be such a charm for Android developers, Sony’s once again offering Xperia owners an official alpha ROM. And this time, it’s of the Jelly Bean variety. But before you rush to the source and flash your cares away, there are a few caveats we need to cover. For starters, the price of entry to this Android 4.1 test run is an unlocked Xperia T. Not the TX, not the V, not the S, so don’t even try it. You’ll also have to sign away your legal right (via the company’s unlock utility) to whine and demand compensation should your handset brick in the process. Once those hurdles have been cleared, you’re almost home free to flash — so long as you don’t mind an unfinished UI, non-functioning radios for voice, WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC, in addition to a complete lack of Gapps. Oh, and did we mention your unlocked T won’t be privy to the official Jelly Bean update once it hits? Yeah, there’s that too. Basically, you shouldn’t look to this for a daily driver. In fact, it’s probably best to leave this one to the big boys.

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Source: Sony Mobile

Samsung announces new waterproof, ruggedized Galaxy Xcover 2

Samsung announces new waterproof, ruggedized Xcover 2 Android phone

We’ve still got about a month until Mobile World Congress spills forth an untold number of unseen smartphones, but Samsung’s announced something a little early. The Galaxy Xcover 2 is its new ruggedized smartphone, with GPS and GLONASS pitching it directly at the adventurers among us. It’s water resistant up to a depth of one meter and can hold its breath for 30 minutes, while a 4-inch WVGA display will beam out Android 4.1. Expect to see the same Motion UI features spotted on other Samsung devices recently, including the ability to overturn and mute incoming calls. It’ll be powered by an as-yet unmentioned 1GHz dual-core processor, while a 5-megapixel camera will peer out the back. There’s also physical camera button to ensure you don’t miss any of your underwater adventures.

Samsung mention that the Xcover 2 will also pack a Cardio trainer Pro workout app, although there doesn’t appear to be any hardware additions to augment the fitness program — aside from a strap holder. No word yet on where the phone is expected to land, nor how much the jungle-ready slab might set you back, but we’ll be sure to drop it on the ground in Barcelona in a few weeks time.

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Samsung GALAXY Xcover 2

January 25, 2013

SEOUL, Korea – January 25, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, today unveiled the Samsung Xcover 2, the ideal smartphone for active explorers who are enjoying outdoor lifestyles and seeking a durable mobile device with essential smartphone capabilities.

o. The GALAXY Xcover 2 is optimized to endure against the most rugged outdoor conditions, whether you’re at work or
play. Protected against the elements, it is dust and sand proof. It’s even water resistant to a depth of one meter for up to
30 minutes (IP67 Certified). You can now take photos under water with the direct camera key, hold on tight to your
device with the strap holder and not worry about dropping your phone as the battery cover lock gives added protection.

o. Pre-downloaded Google map data, an enhanced GPS + GLONASS which shortens the satellite signal detection by
up to 20% to tracks your location more accurately, LED Flash next to the camera which can be used like a torch and
a huge battery capacity of 570 hours(1,700mAh), making the GALAXY Xcover 2 is the best possible smartphone partner
for outdoor exploration.

o. In addition, the Cardio Trainer Pro workout application will also help you achieve your fitness goals by creating a
tailored training program, checking your progress and recording your track and speed.

o. For everyday, users can expect the powerful performance characteristic of a Samsung smartphone with the robust
GALAXY Xcover 2 shell. Its vivid 4.0″ (100.8mm) WVGA display provides a clear and wide viewing experience,
a 5-megapixel camera and VGA front camera that will let you record precious moments in high resolution,
Bluetooth(R) v 4.0 gives a better connection that consumes less power and detects devices 50 meters away.
An impressive 1GHz dual core processor powers the core of the GALAXY Xcover 2, which ensures
a fast operating speed for seamless multitasking, faster webpage loading and softer UI transitions.

o. Samsung GALAXY Xcover 2 runs Android[TM] 4.1 (Jelly Bean) enabling faster and smoother screen transitions and
providing an enhanced user interface featuring a new, easier-to-use notification panel. As a premium Samsung
Android[TM] phone, the device is packed with a series of innovative features and services to boost performance and
the overall user experience. The intuitive Motion UI understands your movements to shake and update or turn over
to mute; data can be synced, backed up and restored with S-Cloud; S Voice lets users control the phone using
their voice, allowing you to see the weekly weather forecast, the contact number you’re trying to find or even take
a picture as you speak; Best Shot recommends the best shot from a series of photos; Smart Stay recognizes
whether the user is looking at the screen to dim the screen accordingly. Users can also enjoy all the benefits of
Samsung Hubs, including the latest versions of Readers Hub, Video Hub, Game Hub and Music Hub.

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Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos landing in India the first week of February

DNP Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos shipping in India first week of February

Earlier today, Samsung announced the availability of its dual-sim Galaxy Grand Duos for markets in India. Shipping with an included flip cover, the budget-friendly phablet will sell for Rs 21,500 ($400). Loaded with mid-range specs, the device’s highlights include a 5-inch WVGA display, a 1.5GHz 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with Android 4.1 running the show. We recently managed to get some hands-on time with a pre-production build of this handset, which felt like a hefty GSIII, but performed more like an overgrown Galaxy S III mini. However, if you’ve got phablets on the brain and you’re balling on a budget, this thrifty hybrid device begins shipping the first week of February.

Update: This post originally (and incorrectly) indicated a 1.5GHz processor. The correct number is 1.2GHz.

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Via: Android Community

Source: The Times of India, Samsung India Store