Hands-On Video: Shake to Charge and Solar Charger Apps Fix Battery Life Problems

Alright, if you haven’t heard, it’s April Fool’s day. I’m sure by now, there’s already a fair share of “hilarious” April fools pranks being posted around the internet. That’s the main reason I always unplug from the internet on all-hallows-fools-day and of course — trust no one. But just because I wont compromise my journalistic integrity and prank our trusting Phandroid readers doesn’t mean my family, outside of the internet, is safe. Growing up as the middle child, I’ve always been known in my family as the mischievous one and April 1st is my time to shine.
So, what kind of hijinks did I get myself into? Well, a few weeks back I found a couple of spoof apps in the Google Play Store and no, I’m not talking about those “screen crack” apps. Shake to Charge and Solar Charger (also found WiFi Hacker which has since been removed) were some of the most intriguing. Upon checking their comments, I noticed there was a good amount of users who were actually surprised the apps didn’t work as advertised (the apps actually give full disclosure in their descriptions that they are fake –  but really, who reads those anyway?). To the tech savvy like you and I, sure, we know that something like shaking to charge your phone or solar charging would be impossible without implemented hardware, but to the uninitiated, a simple app that enables these functions seems perfectly plausible.
After a good laugh from the Market comments, I decided to pull one over on my friends and family and see if they would fall for these spoof apps. Sure enough, they bought it. Hook, line, and sinker. Here’s a video I uploaded of them attempting to charge their devices using these new fangled, unconventional methods. Ha! I even went the extra mile and pranked my little cousin into thinking that my phone had actually “come alive” using AndroidLost to speak to her. That’s a great full featured app that I will cover more thoroughly in a future video. For now, enjoy my Android April Fools 2012 video below.

April Fool’s Day can be a whole lotta fun for people like me. Although, I believe a good April Fools prank should involve actually fooling someone and not just your everyday prank like thumbtacks on a toilet seat or a random sucker punch shouting, “APRIL FOOLS!” Either way, I hope you pranksters will find some fun today using these apps. Oh — and if you can think of any others, feel free to drop some good suggestions in the comments. I’m on my way to church where the congregation can be a little too trusting when it comes to my expertise with Android phones. (Maniacal laugh).
[Google Play Links: Shake To Charge | Solar Charger | AndroidLost]

Read More And Comment

Zite, my new (co-)favorite reading app

I love to read. Books, not that much (though I’m really enjoying Jonah Lerner’s Imagine) but I can spend countless hours just bouncing around the internet, following a ton of blogs plus or just ending up somewhere randomly.
Hence, it’s no real surprise that my favorite app on my tablet is Pulse. As I explained in my introductory post when I first joined Phandroid

I love the UI, and the effort that they’re putting into Pulse Me such as synchronizing sources across devices and the desktop browser extension makes it stand out.

And I’m yet to find a quality competitor for it. Google Currents came the closest, but it just never cut it for me. Pulse does a ton of work on their server-side to speed up the syncing, whereas I find Currents extremely slow (in comparison).
However, the issue with Pulse is that it is, at best, an RSS reader. What I really mean is that there isn’t any content discovery going on, and while their feed suggestions is neat, I don’t want a whole new source to keep track of. I’d just much rather have individual articles that the app believes I’d be interested in.
This is the problem Zite fixes for me. The app gained a great deal of popularity on iOS, where it’s been around for about two years now, before releasing on Android earlier this week. It’s claim to fame is a fabulous recommendation engine, which gained such glowing reviews that CNN spent $20 million to buy the company.
The first thing you do, when you open the app, is connect your Google Reader account and provide your Twitter handler. Scanning your reading habits and your posts, Zite suggests you a few topics to follow, which you can edit. They only suggested 3 to me since I barely use Twitter or Google Reader. I added quite a few more, since I follow a wide range of topics from graphic design and typefaces, to sports to technology and entrepreneurship.
While the news feed Zite compiled for me was exquisite, I do have one issue: the tablet UI is the same as the phone. It’s a relatively minor complaint, and it’s not like the display becomes awful (hello, iOS!) but I really hope they’ve got something special up their sleeves for tablet users.
You can download the app over here. How many of you have been using Zite, and what’s your opinion about it? And if you use some other similar app, how about sharing with the group

Read More And Comment

Humor: Gmail Tap looks to get rid of traditional keyboards to allow you to “tap it” better

Google continues to be one of the lead innovating companies in the world, and they have been working even harder lately. They have just expanded their Google Maps service to the popular NES console. But today, they are reaching a much higher audience with a new service called Gmail Tap.
This is meant to be a replacement for those pesky and annoying keyboards, with overwhelming amounts of buttons. Forget auto-correction and predictions! Gmail Tap implements Morse Code, allowing users to type via a 2-button interface. It has two large buttons (as well as a space bar); one being a dash, while the other is a dot.

“You can tap it in the morning. You can tap it at night. You can tap it in the bathroom. It’s a dot and a dash to have a conversation with the entire world.” -Todd Smith, Gmail Tap Product Lead

Furthermore, users can even pull out a second Gmail Tap simultaneously, allowing you to type and send messages to multiple recipients at once.
Just what we have been waiting for, Google! You can head over to the Gmail Tap official website and learn Morse Code, as well as download the application by clicking the top-right button. Are you guys going to be tapping it all over the place from now on?

Thanks, Sam!
[Source: Gmail Tap]

Read More And Comment

Android 4.0.4 for Nexus S 4G leaked

The Nexus brand has taken quite a bit of a hit over the recent few weeks, with Google failing to provide what we have all considered the defining feature for the handsets (quick and timely updates).
It’s disheartening to see that only a subset of the Nexus S users are on ICS, but we’ve finally got some good news: BriefMobile has managed to get their hands on all the files for an upcoming 4.0.4 OTA. Head over to their website to get all the files and instructions.
Thanks, Korey Nicholson!

Read More And Comment

Microsoft’s “Smoked By WP7” Challenge extended. Go loot them, Phandroids!

Didn’t get a chance to pick up a special edition "Hunger Games" laptop from HP during Microsoft’s Smoked By WP7 challenge? Good news for you, folks, ‘cos it’s been extended until the 5th of April.
A few limitations, though, this time. If you lose (and that is unfortunately very much possible, since the challenges you’d face over there are completely skewed to favor WP7) you’d only get a new phone if you are in the first 100 people at a particular store. If not, you go home with $25 store credit. Beat their device, and you get the PC, no matter how many people ahead of you do so.
Couple of tips before you go into battle: remove your lockscreen to save you time,  select your default apps so that you don’t get a query at the wrong moment, and practice, practice, practice!

Read More And Comment

Vodafone UK pushing Ice Cream Sandwich update to HTC Sensation

The HTC Sensation is getting more Ice Cream Sandwich love. With the update to Android 4.0 already live in some regions, the UK’s Vodafone has completed testing of the update, which should now be pushing to all devices. The rollout will be staggered, so users may be waiting a minute before seeing the new software pulled to their handset. Vodafone suggests the “Settings > About Phone > Software Update > Check now” trick for the impatient.
I guess we can now say that the move to Ice Cream Sandwich has begun in earnest. It’s not happening as quickly as we had hoped, but with more devices getting the green light each day Android 4.0′s place in the distribution chart should be growing.
[via EuroDroid]

Read More And Comment

Phones4U announces Samsung substore for central London location

The big news Samsung and Phones4U wanted to share with us this week? It’s not the announcement of the Galaxy S III or any other handset. The two entities are teaming up in a different way, with Phones4U converting a good portion of their Oxford Street location in central London into a Samsung substore. Samsung’s domain will include the mezzanine area and a sizable piece of the ground floor, which will be dedicated to showing off the Korean manufacturer’s line of mobile products and services.
The new “store” will officially open its doors tomorrow, March 30th.
[via The Verge]

Read More And Comment

Amazon selling refurbished Kindle Fire for $139 [Deal Alert]

Looking to get a Kindle Fire for a good chunk less than its $200 asking price? How about a certified refurbished Kindle Fire with full one-year warranty for $169? How about a deal on that certified refurbished Kindle Fire that prices it at a mere $139? Amazon has what you need. For the next 18 hours (or until stock runs out) you can score the 7-inch tablet and all the Amazon services it brings to your fingertips for $60 cheaper. You get a Kindle Fire that is in like-new condition, the warranty, and some good savings. Hard to pass a deal like this up.
[Amazon via AndroidForums | Thanks, IOWA!]

Read More And Comment

HTC announces One X, One S, One V availability for April 2 in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

HTC has announced the availability of their prized One series for next Monday in three key European locations. Germany, Austria, and Switzerland will see the HTC One X, HTC One S, and HTC One V on April 2nd. The timing lines up with the early April release date that has accompanied pre-orders of the devices in the UK.
Off-contract suggested pricing comes in at €599 for the 4.7-inch One X with its Tegra 3 processor, €499 for the 4.3-inch One S, and €299 for the throwback design of the 3.7-inch One V. Carrier pricing will vary depending on bundled service options and subsidies. We imagine it won’t be much longer until the three new handsets find their way to other locales in Europe and worldwide.
[via The Unwired]

Read More And Comment

Google Play Store Glitch Makes Paid Apps Disappear

Not sure how widespread this problem is, but we’ve gotten enough Phantips to justify a post. Apparently, the Google Play Store is experiencing another hiccup this time, where users’ paid applications are disappearing from their “Installed/Up To Date” apps list. Instead of showing paid apps, users are being greeted with either blank or RPC errors.
This of course is causing concern for stock and more so rooted users who typically associate bugs like this with whichever ROM they’re currently running. After more than 72 hours, Google has yet to address the issue but we’re confident they’re on top of things and everything will be restored shortly. My Play Store is functioning properly so, I can’t exactly relate. Anyone else experiencing the Play bug?
Thanks, Johann!
[XDA]

Read More And Comment

Google Software Engineer Talks About 8 Month Waiting Period Before New Devices Launch With Updated Software [Update]

There’s been all kinds of chatter today in regard to Google releasing the Android 4.0.4 source code today. A lot of excitement, a bit of disappointment and possibly even a dash of rage mixed in there as well. For those of you with non-Nexus or rooted devices, I’m sure the first thought that immediately comes to mind is, “When I can expect to see this update on my device?” Well, Jean-Baptiste Queru, one of Android’s software engineer legends, helped shed a little light on this subject with a post on his Google+ page today. Brace yourself — many of you wont like what he had to say.
Typically, there’s about an 8 month delay from when Android 4.0.4 is released (today), to the amount of time it will will take for new devices to launch with this software. This is a sipmle observation from a man who’s worked 10+ years in the software industry. Despite what irate commenters on blog posts, Facebook pages and forums would have you believe, the process isn’t exactly as easy as cake. No, sir. Here are the steps all new devices must take before they can hit consumers hands as told by Mr. Queru,

Why 8 months? It’s about the time it takes for the software to get ported to the chips that get used in a new phone, then to get it to run on the actual phone, then to have features added to it by the manufacturer, then to have it customized for the specific phone and for the specific operator, then to have it tested by the device manufacturer, then to have it certified and approved by the operator that will sell and support the device, then to have the actual devices manufactured, distributed to the stores and put on the shelves.

I’ll even go ahead and add an extra step for tech support training (both carrier and manufacturer). Basically, what I’m trying to get at is it’s a lengthy process. Now, when it comes to updating existing devices, JBQ mentions the process can be dramatically decreased and shouldn’t take as long. Anyone with an Android device who follows these matters closely can tell that this process can take even longer than 8 months depending on the OEM/device. It’s a reality we all have to live with. Either that or pack your bags and move towards more “closed” pastures.
Of course, for those of us die-hard Android enthusiasts who like to remain on the bleeding edge of technology and Android releases, root and the Android modding community, provide us with an easy (although sometimes buggy) way of circumventing this timeline and time consuming carrier/OEM testing. Believe it or not, some of you out there can already enjoy an Android 4.0.4 ROM at this very moment.
UPDATE: Jean clarified that his statement was in regard to how long before a major Android release is available, to when we can expect shiny new devices to launch with the updated software. Updating devices, especially when it’s an incremental release within the same firmware can take a dramatically less amount of time — or longer depending on OEM/carrier — as we’ve seen so often in the past. He goes on to say he has no idea when updates will even hit Google’s Nexus devices (which makes sense seeing how he just helps get the software out there and isn’t involved in the update process). Still, Mr. Queru’s observation gives us some insight on what goes on behind the scenes, and the lengthy approval process Android has to go through before it’s officially ready for market.
What do you guys think of Jean-Baptiste’s “8 month” statement. Does this make a little more sense as to why we’re still seeing devices launch with Gingerbread and not Ice Cream Sandwich? When it comes to updates, what do you think is a reasonable amount of time before an Android version drops, to when it arrives on your current device? Aside from OEM’s shipping all their devices with stock, vanilla Android (never, EVER going to happen so no bother complaining about it), what do you think can be done to speed up this process?

Read More And Comment

XRY Software Allows Law Enforcement To Crack Your Smartphone PIN In Minutes [Video]

We’ve told you guys countless times that using almost any type of password to secure your device is, in most cases, a very good idea (see Google Wallet debacle of 2012). Well, when it comes to using some methods — a PIN, specifically — to keep your device safe from prying eyes, it might not be as secure as you think. Mirco Systemation is a Swedish company who is providing the military and law enforcement with software that can crack your measly PIN code in just a few minutes. The software, dubbed XRY, uses what the kids call the “brute force method” so, more lengthy passcodes could take a little longer to crack. But hey, that may give you enough time to call your lawyer should you ever find yourself in a precarious situation.
The software doesn’t just stop as unlocking your device, once connected to a Windows machine, this guy will suck out all your emails, SMS messages, call-logs and even data from third-party apps. They even demonstrated their data siphoning software on video which, according to them, adheres to strict export control laws which limit exactly which governments they can sell their software to. Currently they offer services to around 60 countries.

The moral of the story? If you plan on continuing your pimp game (or not), Android’s trusty “pattern lock” has a pretty good track record of thwarting law enforcement’s attempts at gaining access to your phone. Keep that pimp hand strong, playa.
[Forbes | Via TheVerge]

Read More And Comment

International Samsung Galaxy Note (Unlocked) Up For Sale Again For $550 [Deals]

The Samsung Galaxy Note is still a hot ticket item. Despite Nexuses and Ones already or soon to be available some people just like their screens large and in charge. With that, I felt the need to let you guys know that the international version of the Galaxy Note is up for sale again on 1SaleADay for $550 unlocked. That means this should work just fine on AT&T’s HSPA+ network (no LTE) and with a little hacking/rooting, possibly T-Mobile’s as well. Once again this is the international version that features Samsung’s dual-core Exynos processor which should help speed up the OS a little over AT&T’s Snapdragon model. Anyone going to pick one up? Or are you holding out for something else?
Thanks, SweetECKisses4YOU!
[1SaleADay]

Read More And Comment

Samsung Releases “Value Pack” For Galaxy S In Korea – Tastes Like Ice Cream Sandwich

Back when Samsung broke the bad-news that the OG Samsung Galaxy S wouldn’t being seeing any taste of Ice Cream Sandwich they did mention that the device would be seeing door-prize of sorts in the form of an update they called a “Value Pack.” This update is now officially ready for Korean Galaxy S users to download and update via Kies. Samsung announced the availability of the update via their official blog page for both Froyo and Gingerbread running Galaxy S’s.
The Value Pack’s most notable features are the ability for users to use ICS-like features such as Face Unlock, snap pics while recording video and launcher improvements. Still no word on when this will be available for users in the US by it will have to go through our carriers rigorous testing process before it can be pushed out over-the-air.
[Samsung | Via SamsungTomorrow and Engadget]

Read More And Comment

Sprint HTC EVO One Detailed – Say Hello To Kickstand and Expandable Memory [Rumor]

There have been a few rumors surrounding the upcoming release of Sprint’s next iteration of the HTC EVO. We all know it’s coming. After sending out press invites, we’re pretty darn sure Sprint and HTC are poised to make an announcement on the device on April 4th. We know HTC mentioned they would be releasing fewer devices for the year, instead focusing on their One line of devices. Does this mean Sprint’s EVO will be nothing more than a HTC One X with LTE radios? What exactly can we expect the specifics of the device to entail?
Well, last night, I have been bouncing back emails with a tipster and after cross referencing the information with some of our other tipsters (who prefer only to verify information) here is what we can expect from the HTC EVO One on Sprint (yup, that’s the name).
The device will naturally feature many of the same specs as the HTC One X but with a few exceptions. First, Sprint’s EVO One will feature removable storage to add to the generous amount of 16GB of pre-installed internal storage, and — wait for it — the return of our beloved kickstand. Yes, movie and game lovers everywhere on Sprint can rejoice. If you ask me, that’s what made an EVO an EVO and I welcome its return (shame on you, EVO 3D. Shame).
Also, for this model the device HTC may not have the plastic casing of the regular One X, instead going for a full metal casing. The tipster mentioned that it felt solid in the hand. Color scheme is a little different in the Sprint version with the device remaining mostly black with silver accents and a red stripe around where the kickstand pops out. Since this will be one of Sprint’s LTE devices, you can expect the same S4 processor as the AT&T version. Everything else will remain the same as the AT&T/international version. Same display, software, etc.
The HTC EVO One on Sprint is expected to launch on June 6th but wont be Sprint’s premier LTE device. That title is reserved for the Galaxy Nexus LTE which we’re expecting sometime in April. And since we’re on the topic of rumors, I’ve also been hearing that a few Sprint employees have started training for the Galaxy Note (as well as the Evo One). What do you guys think? At this point are you thinking Galaxy Nexus or HTC EVO One? With the possibility of the Galaxy Note coming down the pipeline, does that muddy up your decision at all? Of course we’ll learn more once the HTC EVO One is unveiled on April 4th so, stay tuned.
Thanks, Anon!
Update: Seems AndroidCentral received a similar tip reporting the HTC EVO One will also have a SAMOLED display (pentile) and larger 2,650mAh battery. We’re trying to get this confirmed from our source but take it as you will.
Update 2: Our tipster was able to confirm that it will come with SLCD2, just like the international version. Boom.

Read More And Comment

Snapdragon Powered Smartphone Travels Around The World In A Single Charge

We’ve already seen Qualcomm’s dual-core S4 processor outperform Nvidia’s quad-core Tegra 3 in a few benchmark tests over the weekend. But how well does their little S4 perform when it comes to one of the single most important features of our smartphones — battery life? To show the world exactly how much their new processors will impact your upcoming smartphone’s battery, Qualcomm took a phone outfitted with their S4 processor around the world in a single charge, and uploaded the results to their YouTube channel.
Yes, we know — this sounds a bit more dramatic than it really was. What you’re looking at is a fun marketing gimmick of what is essentially a commercial for their upcoming S4 processors. Qualcomm did mention that the phone was powered down during flight but you have to admit, even over the span of 2 weeks, cold starts and multiple video takes, the results are still pretty impressive. Video below.

What did you guys think? Will you specifically be looking for Qualcomm S4 processor in your future smartphone?

Read More And Comment

Android 4.0.4 Also Rolling Out to GSM Galaxy Nexus Devices

Earlier today it was learned that Google was getting ready to push Android 4.0.4 to GSM Nexus S devices. Well, it looks like the Galaxy Nexus has been invited to the party. GSM versions of the device are now receiving the update, but it is still unclear what exactly is changed.
We’ve heard from readers that it does seems a bit “zippier,” and “smoother,” but that’s about it. There should be a lot more going on, though, as it’s said there are over 100 changes over 4.0.3. Fingers crossed that owners of the CDMA versions of these devices will get the update before the apocalypse rises. [Google+, thanks Shawn!]

Read More And Comment

Huawei’s MyTouch Ascend Device Gets Hands-on Treatment

While Huawei’s MyTouch phone for T-Mobile has been known to exist, it’s been escaping the grips of many-a people up to this point. Engadget procured the phone, however, and posted a hands-on for all to see. The device is placed in the low-end to mid-range market with its 1.4GHz S2 processor, 4GB of internal storage, 1GB of RAM, a VGA front camera, a 5 megapixel rear camera, and a 4-inch display. A spec-sheet lists it as having Android 4.0 but the unit handled only has 2.3.6 and a custom user interface. This device also features a nice spring-loaded slide-out keyboard. Hit the source link for the full hands-on, including video. [Engadget]

Read More And Comment

Android 4.0.4 Being Pushed to AOSP; Nexus S Poised to Receive Update (And How You Can Get It Now)

-

Googler Jean-Baptiste Queru has confirmed that Google is nearly done with Android 4.0.4. They’re so far, in fact, that the update is now in the process of being pushed to the trees and trunks of the Android Open Source Project. He states that there are over 100 changes over 4.0.3, but we have no clue what they are right this moment.
We imagine those details will be made available shortly after the code is completely made available. Those with a Nexus S won’t have to wait, though, as the official update – believed to be final – has been found on OTA servers and is ready to be downloaded and installed. You’ll need to be on Android 4.0.3 to get it. Read this XDA thread to get started. [The Verge] [Note]: As a rule of thumb, only owners of the unlocked, unbranded version should install this. Some people have reported success with the T-Mobile version. [source 1|2]

Read More And Comment

Samsung Registers Trademarks for Three Galaxy Devices

Samsung may have come up with three great news for three great smartphones, or they’re just covering their bases on some names they’ve thought up and aren’t keen on using them just yet. Whatever the case is, they’ve registered three new trademarks for names: Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Next, and Galaxy Premier. The Galaxy Next already exists and it’s a low-end Android phone from last year.
While the trademark filing descriptions are calling these phones everything since sliced bread, Samsung reserves the GALAXY name exclusively for phones and tablets.
It’s safe to say, then, that none of these are Android-powered microwaves. However, we’re still curious. It’s impossible to know what exactly these registered names are for but I can’t imagine Samsung won’t use at least one of them. [USPTO via PocketNow]

Read More And Comment