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Feb 03

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!

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile

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Jan 28

Samsung outs Garnet Red Edition Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 in the US, prices it at $220

Posted in: Today's Chili

Just as we saw with AT&T’s Garnet Red Galaxy S III, Samsung has now introduced yet another device that’s wrapped in a similar color scheme — and, hey, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, what better time, right? The difference here, however, is the South Korean company’s including a matching case as part of this special edition Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, with the newfangled bundle set to be available for $220 when it goes on sale this week. Additionally, Samsung’s 7-inch Garnet Red Tab 2 will be shipping with Jelly Bean already onboard, while other internal specs won’t be any different than the ones we became familiar with last year — ones such as the 1,024 x 600 TFT display, 1GHz, dual-core TI OMAP CPU, 8GB of internal storage and, of course, that handy IR blaster. You’ll have to snag one quick if you’re interested, though, as Samsung has told us the blooming Tab 2 7.0 will — much like other peculiar sets — only be available for a limited time at shops like Amazon, Walmart, Office Depot, Tiger Direct, Fry’s Electronics and Toys R Us.

Gallery: Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Garnet Red Edition

Show full PR text

Samsung Brings Color to the Tablet Space with Garnet Red Edition Galaxy Tab 2

Limited edition color offering is a blend of on-the-go portability and style – includes free matching case, runs Android Jelly Bean

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., January 28, 2013 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced that a new Garnet Red Edition of the powerful Galaxy Tab(R) 2 7.0 will be available for a limited time, beginning this week from participating retailers.

The new Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, preloaded with Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, showcases Samsung’s commitment to providing users with choice, portability and entertainment. This limited edition version of the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is competitively priced at $219.99 and also includes a matching Garnet Red case ($50 value) at no additional cost.
A stylish choice perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion
The Garnet Red Edition Galaxy Tab 2 was created for consumers who want to stay connected and entertained on-the-go, and are seeking a unique color offering.

“This new eye-catching version of the Galaxy Tab 2 offers endless entertainment in the palm of your hand, while the stylish Garnet Red look will set you apart from the crowd,” said Michael Abary, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. “The Garnet Red version of the Galaxy(R) S III has been incredibly well-received, so we are happy to make the same brilliant color available for our Galaxy Tab 2 as well.”
A compact 7″ powerhouse that’s smart and easy to use

The Galaxy Tab 2 is a powerful dual-core tablet running Android Jelly Bean, and features an easily accessible memory card slot for convenient loading of multimedia files in a range of supported file formats.
The tablet offer endless content access in a sleek design that can maximize the home entertainment experience. The Smart Remote App and built-in IR Blaster turns the Galaxy Tab 2 into a universal remote, helping users to easily find their favorite shows and change the channel directly from the tablet. Users can choose from hundreds of thousands of apps or access favorite movies and TV shows from Google Play or Media Hub.

The new Garnet Red Edition Galaxy Tab 2 will be available while supplies last, from Walmart, Amazon.com, Office Depot, Fry’s, Tiger Direct, Toys”R”Us and other fine retailers.
It features a 7″ TFT display and measures 0.41″ x 4.8″ x 7.6″. Weight including battery is 0.76 lbs and it features a built-in microSD slot supports up to 32 GB of additional storage. Connectivity includes WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0 host, and integrated IR for home theater control.

A choice for every consumer

In addition to this new version of the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, Samsung continues to offer the Galaxy Tab 2 in classic black or white in both 10.1 and 7.0 sizes. As well, the award-winning Galaxy Note 10.1 with integrated S-pen is available in black or white as well.
More information can be found at www.samsung.com.

Filed under: Tablets, Samsung

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Source: Samsung

Jan 27

Refresh Roundup: week of January 21st, 2013

Posted in: Today's Chili

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

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile

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Jan 25

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

Posted in: Today's Chili

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.

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

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Source: Sony Mobile

Jan 24

Huawei Ascend P2 product shot leaked, confirms 13MP camera in slim body

Posted in: Today's Chili

If the 170g Huawei Ascend D2 is a bit too imposing for your hands, then you may be curious to know of the Ascend P2, a previously teased smartphone that was just leaked by @evleaks. While there’s no further info to go along with this image, it does show off a 13MP camera on the back of the phone, which makes us wonder how Huawei even managed to pack that into the sub-6.45mm-thick metallic body. A little digging around also showed that the company’s Consumer BG CEO Richard Yu was seen fondling the P2 during a meeting back in December — you can recognize the phone in the photo after the break. Naturally, we look forward to this successor to the Ascend P1 at Mobile World Congress next month.

Richard Lai contributed to this report.

Huawei Ascend P2 product shot leaked,

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Source: Unwired View, Huawei BBS, Sina Weibo

Jan 22

CyanogenMod 10.1 Milestone 1 hits Nexus and Samsung devices

Posted in: Today's Chili

Despite all the nightly builds of CyanogenMod 10.1, there hasn’t been much of anything definitive to hang our hats on. There’s at last some sense of reliability now that Milestone 1 versions have hit the servers. Most Nexus devices, as well as swaths of Samsung’s Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab 2 ranges, can get the unofficial Android 4.2 build for themselves. The M1 code is deemed “mostly stable” and good enough for daily use, although that’s relative — it’s not yet to the level of a fully stable build, let alone factory firmware. If you only needed fewer risks than before, though, the downloads and details await at the source links.

[Thanks, Rashid]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, Google

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Via: DonAndroid

Source: CyanogenMod (1), (2)

Jan 22

Leaked HTC Sense 5 screenshots suggest a leaner, cleaner skin

Posted in: Today's Chili

Did yesterday’s uncertain glimpse at a new HTC phone leave you wanting? Then grab a tray and find a seat, because the right-hand image above comes from XDA developer mdeejay, who claims to have a working port of the forthcoming Sense 5 skin. On the left, we’ve stuck up a Sense 4+ lockscreen to highlight how the new UI feels much leaner, cleaner and flatter — following much the same trend as Android itself. The 3D ring pull is gone, for starters, and the time and weather widgets also have a calmer and less skeuomorphic feel, with what looks like a thinner font (Roboto condensed?). These same widgets carry over to the apps screen, shown after the break (Sense 5 on the right), which in turn shows off fresh icons that persist with the minimalist flavor. Head over to the XDA link below for the full screenshot buffet.

Leaked HTC Sense 5 screenshots suggest a prettier, leaner skin

Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Google

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Via: AndroidCentral

Source: XDA

Jan 21

LG Optimus G Pro official for Japan: 5-inch 1080p LCD, 1.7GHz S4 Pro and Jelly Bean

Posted in: Today's Chili

Remember how the LG Optimus G Pro saw its biggest leak in Japan? We might just know why. Local carrier NTT DoCoMo has confirmed the new flagship’s existence as part of a spring device lineup, and it’s everything that was rumored just days ago. LG is adding to the rapidly burgeoning crowd of 5-inch, 1080p phones while freshening the formula we’d seen in the regular Optimus G: there’s now a quicker, 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro chip, a heftier 3,000mAh battery and Jelly Bean (albeit Android 4.1, not 4.2) out of the box. Other elements are familiar carryovers, such as the 2GB of RAM, 13-megapixel camera, 32GB of built-in storage, a microSDXC slot and LTE. Japanese buyers will have to wait until early April to pick up an Optimus G Pro for themselves; as LG hasn’t confirmed the phone separately, other countries’ launches are still up in the air.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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Source: NTT DoCoMo (1), (2)

Jan 20