Android News and Phone Reviews by AndroidTrek

Samsung Infuse 4G Receives Update via Kies Mini

Fred Salva — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:55:48 +0000

If the Samsung Infuse 4G is your Android helper, then cheer up cause it receives Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread update. But, the only thing that you won’t like about it is that Samsung Infuse 4G on AT&T has to be updated with the Kies Mini software on your PC. I hope you feel how things get uncomfortable in seconds. I do understand that Kies Mini is very comfortable tool for updating Samsung devices but at the same time this kind of way is a bit too old-fashioned. I know – classics is immortal but with OTA roll outs this seems to be like the 4^th episode of Star Wars – great enough to enjoy and old enough to seek for something better. But, if you want to have your Samsung Infuse 4G updated, this is the only official way. Also, make sure you backup all the important stuff like contact or else. Well, you know, just in case.

Motorola Droid 4 Appears at Verizon’s “Droid Does” Site

Fred Salva — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:04:32 +0000

If another glance at the Motorola Droid 4 is all you need, please, be Verizon’s guest and visit their “Droid Does” site. Finally, the Droid 4 appears on the electronic pages, basically, revealing nothing that we do not already know. But this is not what the page was made for. This page indicated that the Droid product is very close to its official release. But still, if you need a reminder – it should work good too. And if it won’t – here’s what we know about the Droid 4. It will sport a 4-inch qHD touch-screen display at 960 x 540 resolution capacity protected by Gorilla Glass and “splash-resistant nanotechnology”, 1 GB of RAM, a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU and will be running Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread with, of course, an upcoming update to Ice Cream Sandwich. But one of the most interesting parts happens to be its horizontally QWERTY slide-out keyboard. I think this is the only line of Android based devices that keeps getting physical buttons for text input no matter what.

64GB Asus Transformer Prime at Best Buy Canada

Fred Salva — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:33:49 +0000

Right now you can order the Asus Transformer Prime 32 GB version for $499 from almost any retailer. I can’t say that this is the best price ever placed on tablet like this but at the same time considering the fact that the Prime is the first and still the only quad-core tablet on the market, I would say that the price is rather fair than not. Also, 32 GB should be enough to store the most important stuff like apps, your family photos and different media. But if you think that this won’t be enough for you, do not forget to check Best Buy Canada. They have a 64GB version of the Asus Transformer Prime stocked but hurry up cause the number of them is limited. I am not sure if you can order one to be shipped in the US but I’m pretty sure you have friends or relatives in Canada, so, use their address and pick the package when delivered. Also, you will kill two birds with one stone by getting the tablet and visiting relatives.

Google Docs Receives Offline Regime

Fred Salva — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:51:57 +0000

One of the main reasons why you should install Google Docs on your tablet or smart-phone is that this application is totally free and gives you a possibility to create, edit and share different types of Office files be it .doc or .xls. But since the launch and until recent update Google Docs have had one ENORMOUS minus – no offline regime. I know that today it is not a problem to find Wi-Fi spot or use 3G/4G connectivity but when, for example, on a train – this is not the best option for your battery. But finally, finally Google releases, maybe, one of the best updates ever. From now on you can enjoy editing documents in offline regime. All you have to do is to mark a certain document as “offline” and you will get a possibility to access it no matter when without accessing the web. Also, when you are on a Wi-Fi connection, your offline changes will sync with the online document.

Samsung Infuse 4G Receives Android 2.3 Update

Fred Salva — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:08:06 +0000

Maybe, after the longest wait ever one of pretty interesting middle-range smart-phones with 4G capability finally receives Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G running the renewed Android 2.3.6 sports a great number of changes, updates and improvements. If you want to know more – take a look at the full changelog:

Here’s the full changelog:

Improved Copy and Paste functionality

Redesigned Multi Touch Software Keyboard

Download manager for long running HTTP downloads

Improved power management and application control

Notification Shade: “Flight Mode” added (“Silent” removed)

New Fonts options added include Choco Cooky, Cool Jazz, Rosemary

Keyboard Changes: Android Keyboard with Wider Spaced keys and Quick Keys at the top

New Widgets: The name of the content provider will be listed on the widget list along with the widget name. Previously only the widget name was provided.

New Widget: Traffic (Android) added to list of available widgets

Menu Changes/New Apps: Downloads and Google Books added new, Promotional pre-load of Angry Birds removed.

Sony Xperia S: Another Leak About its Specs

Fred Salva — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:34:58 +0000

If you want to become a lucky owner of the Android based Sony Xperia S, you will have to wait until March at least to see this smart-phone available on your country’s store shelves. But it doesn’t mean that we are not able to share the juicy specs with you. Luckily, British retailer Clove has received a copy of the Whitepaper for the Xperia S and thanks to their generosity we can take a look at some of the device’s specs. I do know that we’ve covered some specs already but now they are more official. Also, despite the fact that this information comes from the UK’s retailer, I am pretty sure that the USA version of the Xperia S will be pretty much the same. So, the latest product from Sony is equipped with a 720p display protected by a “shatter proof sheet on scratch resistant glass.” It’s whooping 12 Mp rear camera that can be launched in 1.5 seconds sports a 16x digital zoom, a f/2.4 aperture and the 3D sweep panorama mode previously found on the Xperia Arc S. It also has a micro-HDMI cable and 1 to 1.5 GB of physical storage and, of course, a microSD card slot. Its price is still to be announced.

Samsung Galaxy S III won’t be Announced at MWC 2012

Fred Salva — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:04:55 +0000

I am pretty sure that every Samsung fan is expecting to see the Samsung Galaxy S II to be announced at the MWC 2012. First of all, because there is a serious possibility that Samsung will release a powerful quad-core handset with full HD resolution touch-screen or a 2 GHz dual-core smart-phone with the same HD display. Of course, those are rumors only but my logic tells me that at least some of the specs mentioned will become true. But, unfortunately, MWC 2012 won’t be the time and the place for the Galaxy S III announcement. We really do not know what is the reason for this delay but here’s how officials clarified their decision:

1. “Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.

2. “The successor to the Galaxy S2 smart-phone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product.

3. “Samsung stays committed to providing the best possible mobile experiences for customers around the world.”

Google changes Its Policy. Washington Wants to Know Why

Fred Salva — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:25:10 +0000

I hope you know that Google has made a decision to simplify its private policy and now instead of 60 different documents you will have everything packed in one small document. But, of course, things like this can’t just happen without being noticed and, of course, Congress wants to know what this change will bring and if it will affect anyone anyhow. So, here’s what people in Washington are interested in:

“8. Please explain exactly how a user of an Android Phone will be affected by Google’s new policy. Is there any ability for users to opt-out, other than not purchasing and using an Android phone? How will Google’s new policy affect users who do not use an android phone but automatically stay logged into their Gmail accounts on their phones?”

Well, here’s Google’s response:

Our updated privacy policy, like the prior versions, covers users signed into their Google Accounts on Android phones just as it does users signed into their Google Accounts from a desktop computer. So the change will not have any significant impact on users of Android phones, and we are not collecting any new or additional data about Android users in connection with this change. Users can choose not to log into an Android phone with a Google Account and still use it to place phone calls, send text messages, browse the web and use certain Google applications that do not require account authentication such as Google Maps. Some Google applications such as Android Market and Gmail require authentication with a Google Account.

Android 4.0.4 for Sprint’s Galaxy Nexus

Fred Salva — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:51:03 +0000

It is good to know that no matter what, developers do not stop working on making Ice Cream Sandwich better with every release. Not that long time ago the newest Galaxy Nexus was updated with Android 4.0.3 ICS and now Sprint is already working on 4.0.4 build for this beautiful Google phone. It is said that this update is really well built and runs smoothly as well as brings working Wimax radio. I am not sure if the last thing will make you excited because Sprint has some serious plans to change its Wimax network on LTE but I hope that the Galaxy Nexus will be compatible with LTE too. Also, if you really want to try it out, you can find a leaked version on XDA forum but before installing it – make sure you know what you’re doing. Also, if something goes wrong – it will be your responsibility only. Good Luck!

T-mobile Will Refresh its Line of Smart-phones

Fred Salva — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:01:09 +0000

It looks like T-mobile USA is getting prepared for serious line refreshment as far as a couple of smart-phones move closer to the “survival line” in a special list of lucky and not that fortunate devices. Here are those great heroes:

myTouch 4G Slide

HTC Sensation 4G

LG DoublePlay

HTC Amaze 4G

LG myTouch Q

LG myTouch

I know you can’t see it on a picture but every smart-phone mentioned above has EOL title standing next to it. Well, in T-mo’s meaning EOL is “End of Life”. They haven’t crossed the line yet but soon, very soon this will happen. What does it mean? It means that those devices that cross the surviving line won’t be available any more from the official AT&T stores (online/retailer). I do not know how about you but I will miss the myTouch 4G Slide. This smart-phone combines everything I want to see in my mobile helper and if not the Galaxy S II… Anyway, you were great, folks, thanks you for your service!