Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve seen Android run on anything from low-resolution smartwatches to high-PPI phones and tablets, including the new 1920 x 1200-pixel Nexus 7 Google launched earlier this week. To make this possible, the mobile OS supports a number of pixel densities for app content — from 120PPI (LDPI / Low DPI) to 480PPI (XXHDPI / Extra Extra High DPI). Close examination of the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) source code reveals the addition of a 640PPI (XXXHDPI / Extra Extra Extra High DPI) pixel density, which — according to the comments in the code — is intended for 4K televisions. Does this mean we’ll begin to see Android devices with 640PPI Ultra HD displays? Perhaps, but considering 480PPI is overkill on handsets, this is most likely designed to make image assets and fonts, such as the Google TV UI, readable on 4K screens when viewed from a distance.

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, Mobile, Google

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Via: Android Police

Source: Git at Google

Google officially announced its latest version of Android today and, like clockwork, it’s now made it available for download through the Android Open Source Project. That covers those with a Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 or Galaxy Nexus (GSM version-only), all of whom can find what they need to start the update process to Android 4.3 (still going by the Jelly Bean moniker) at the source link below. Feel free to leave your impressions of the new OS in the comments below.

Update: Android Central points to a link for the OTA version of the update for the Nexus 4, which users should be able to sideload more easily if it hasn’t already been pushed to their devices automatically.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google

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Via: Android Police, Android Central

Source: Google Developers, Android 4.3 OTA

The LG Optimus F3 doesn’t make much sense on Sprint, where a preference for contract pricing leaves the F3 competing with more advanced devices. It’s a good thing that the 4-inch Android phone has launched on Sprint’s contract-free Virgin Mobile brand, then. The smaller carrier’s version offers everything we’ve seen before, including LTE, but costs just $180 up front — a big discount over both the $250 Sprint variant and most 4G phones at Virgin. Combined with cheaper plans, Virgin’s Optimus F3 should be a much better deal for those who want LTE on the cheap.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint, LG

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Source: Virgin Mobile

Tegra 4-based phones may be all the rage lately, but many in India haven’t even had a shot at the Tegra 3 — not very fair, we’d say. Xolo is addressing that deficit by launching the Play T1000, which brings the Tegra 3 to the country for the first time. The quad-core processor adds a gaming-friendly spin to what’s otherwise a close cousin of the X1000 we saw back in March. Both phones share a 4.7-inch 720p LCD, 21Mbps HSPA+ and an 8MP rear camera; the T1000 cuts the (thankfully expandable) storage down to 4GB in return for a sharper 2MP front camera. Pricing may clinch the deal for some Indians, however. The Play T1000 is available now for 15,999 rupees ($268) off-contract — a price low enough to make us wish there were plans for a US release.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, NVIDIA

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Source: Xolo

An ice bar isn’t how we’d choose to showcase a water-resistant smartphone, but that’s just what Kyocera did at CTIA this year for the Hydro Edge. At the time, Sprint and Boost Mobile had set a loose summer launch for the modest device and now we have a hard date: July 19th and July 23rd, respectively. The IPX 5/7 certified device can be had on a two-year plan at the Now Network for $20 or for $150 outright at Boost, which gets you a 4-inch WVGA display, dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon processor running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and a 5-megapixel rear shooter. It’s not as sleek and stylish as Sony’s own hydrophobic smartphone, but if you’re on a budget and need to brave the watery element, the Edge’ll have to do.

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

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