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Android 4.2.2 update reveals minor changes to Quick Settings and more
Android 4.2.2 began arriving on an assortment of Nexus devices yesterday with "performance and stability" improvements listed as the only changes, but Android Police dug into Google's change logs and compiled a list of small tweaks. With the update on board, Play Store downloads now display the time left to their completion, and Android Debug Bridge security is shored-up with the addition of a whitelist. Now, WiFi and Bluetooth tiles can be toggled by a long press in the notification Quick Settings. The release also makes hardware play a tone when it begins to charge wirelessly with less than 95% juice left, and uses new low battery and cord-free charging chimes for the Nexus 4. Reports about possible Bluetooth fixes are mixed according to Android Police, and a reference to patching them up hasn't been spotted just yet. If you'd like to take a look at Mountain View's code commits, give the neighboring source link a jab.
Google Now widget leaks, gets the 'now' up front and center
Mountain View has silently been updating Google Now for a while -- throwing in a pedometer, some travel tools and even limited desktop support. A premature update to the feature's support page has revealed what's next: widgets. The proposed tool promises to give your Now cards a suitable abode on your device's home or lock screens, presenting a summary of your card selection at a glance. A single tap will dive directly into the full Google Now experience, offering you a better look at the corresponding deets. We aren't sure when or even how this feature will land, but it's sure to be a welcome addition when it does. After all, it's all about getting the right information at the right time.
Android 4.2.2 update reportedly arriving on Galaxy Nexus phones, Nexus tablets
After a few sightings early in January we hadn't heard much about a new version of Android 4.2, but posters on Reddit and Android Police say 4.2.2 is starting to pop up on several flavors of Nexus hardware. First spotted on a r/Android poster's GSM Galaxy Nexus and later on Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets (as shown above), there are no changes listed other than "performance and stability," however there's hope that this includes promised fixes for Bluetooth A2DP issues. We haven't seen any new software on our devices and there's no official word yet, let us know in the comments if you're seeing anything new on your mobile device. [Image credit: Marco Duran]
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!
BLU Products ships Studio 5.3 II, rugged Tank 4.5
BLU Products is leaving no niche uncovered, it seems. Just a week after the Quattro line surfaced, we're seeing two more budget smartphones arrive that fill in what few gaps are left. The Tank 4.5 seen above is a rare rugged entry for BLU that's dust- and water-resistant, yet still reasonably slim for a toughened phone at 0.38 inches -- it's the 4.5-inch qHD screen, dual-core 1GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera and 4GB of expandable storage that keep the price in check. The Studio 5.3 II (below), meanwhile, is a direct sequel to last year's Studio that takes on the improved processor and resolution of the Tank 4.5 while throwing in a better 8-megapixel camera. Regardless of the phone, you'll find Jelly Bean and roaming-friendly dual SIM slots with unlocked HSPA 3G. Both are shipping now to the US for $199, which could be just low enough to catch travelers who want a simple smartphone for that late winter vacation.
Huawei Ascend P2 flaunts svelte profile in more leaked shots
As MWC draws near, it's not surprising to see an increase in leaks, and today we bring you a few more pictures of Huawei's Ascend P2, which recently made a cameo in some unofficial product shots. The 4.7-inch full HD handset is expected to feature Android 4.1.2, a quad-core 1.8 GHz processor (developed in house), 2GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage (plus microSD), a 13MP shooter and a 2200mAh battery. Slotting below the 5-inch Ascend D2 and 6.1-inch Ascend Mate we saw at CES, the Ascend P2 is rumored to be less than 6.45mm thick with Nexus 4-like on-screen buttons. Of course, since the FCC is unlikely to certify such a svelte device, it's likely we'll see a tweaked version of this phone if it ever makes it to the US -- then again, it looks thicker to us in the pictures. Pricing is supposedly targeting the 3,000 Yuan mark ($480), unsubsidized. Guess we'll find out more in Barcelona, right? Hit the break for a couple more images.
Jelly Bean now on 13 percent of Android devices, 45 percent still on Gingerbread
The beginning of another month marks yet another fancy pie chart on the Android Developers Dashboard consisting of the latest usage statistics. The Dashboard, which reports the percentage of users on each build of the OS based on Google Play Store traffic, indicates that a full 12 percent of Android owners are enjoying 4.1 Jelly Bean, while 29 percent are on Ice Cream Sandwich. This leaves a solid 45 percent of users still flaunting Gingerbread, and a mere 1.4 percent are taking advantage of the most recent build of Jelly Bean (Android 4.2) on a Nexus device. Diving a little deeper in the number crunching, it shows that 42.6 percent of all current Android users are sporting at least Ice Cream Sandwich or later. And to the 0.2 percent of you still clinging onto your Donut devices, we salute you.
ASUS video showcases 7-inch MeMo Pad, flaunts what the $150 tablet can do
Lately, ASUS hasn't exactly been the best at keeping some of its secrets under wraps, but the company is trying to be as good as it can be about helping potential customers better understand its devices. More specifically, it's the recently announced 7-inch MeMo Pad, with the Taiwan-based outfit taking to YouTube to release a simple and somewhat informative video on some of the tidbits you can expect out of the Jelly Bean-loaded, budget-friendly tablet. Naturally, ASUS is quick to point out how the MeMo Pad's relatively small chassis "fits perfect in your palm," as well as showing off how effortless it is to stay in the social loop with video calling capabilities and things such as BuddyBuzz. Other touted features of the 7-inch slate include its expandable storage via that microSD slot, plus the easy access to various productivity and entertainment apps like MyPainter, SuperNote Lite and ASUS Studio -- oh, and for folks who enjoy a little color, the previously seen trio of Spectrum Covers can also be spotted making a quick cameo. You can "experience" the vid yourself past the break, and feel free to let us know what has you the most excited about the Nexus 7 this particular MemoPad.
ASUS FonePad reaches certification, may meld an Atom tablet with Android
No, not PadFone. FonePad. According to Indonesia's wireless regulator Postel, ASUS is trying to certify a FonePad K004 tablet that would switch up device names, not to mention create its fair share of mix-ups. But what is it? Based on that K004 codename and a match with a Thai retailer's listing, Notebook Italia believes it's none other than the recently leaked ME371MG, an Atom Z2420-based, 7-inch tablet that would run Jelly Bean. It might also carry 3G and justify its name through built-in phone functionality. We're skeptical when the specs aren't confirmed, and don't entirely line up -- there's just 8GB of space in the retail entry versus the originally claimed 16GB, as an example. If there's any fuel to the fire, however, the new round of MeMo Pads will eventually have some Intel-powered (if confusingly-named) company.
Stitcher overhauls its Android app to dovetail with Google's interface world (update: new iOS feature)
Stitcher's Android app can do many things with radio and podcasts, but one thing it hasn't done lately is blend in -- its interface is out of sync with a platform that has had its own distinct style for more than two years. A major remake today helps make amends. The new Stitcher app relies on the Action Bar and overall concepts of Holo-native apps for input, simplifying things for anyone who's comfortable with Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean -- and more than a little prettier, we'd add. It's more than just eye candy, though. The Android build now has a dedicated Smart Station to listen to recommendations, browsing that keeps interruptions to a minimum and Jelly Bean-specific playback controls in notifications. While there's no fundamental changes that would lure someone who's wedded to a single-purpose app, the Stitcher refresh could be worth a look if previous versions ever felt like strangers on Google's turf. Update: Not long afterwards, Stitcher has updated its iOS app to add Topic Search, which lets listeners find shows covering specific topics, even drilling down to exact show segments.
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!
Samsung outs Garnet Red Edition Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 in the US, prices it at $220
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.
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!
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.
Huawei Ascend P2 product shot leaked, confirms 13MP camera in slim body
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.
CyanogenMod 10.1 Milestone 1 hits Nexus and Samsung devices
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]
Leaked HTC Sense 5 screenshots suggest a leaner, cleaner skin
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.
LG Optimus G Pro official for Japan: 5-inch 1080p LCD, 1.7GHz S4 Pro and Jelly Bean
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.
Refresh Roundup: week of January 14th, 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!
Archos 101 Titanium pops up in FCC docs, confirms what we already know
You'd think bigger (screen size) would mean better (resolution). But not for Archos' recently announced 10.1-inch Titanium tablet. No, this particular tab, which just surfaced at the FCC, actually sports a comparatively middling 1,280 x 800 IPS display -- when contrasted with the Retina-like screen on the 9.7-inch model, anyway. We've already gotten hands-on with the Android 4.1 slate back at CES last week, so there's no real surprise where specs are concerned: dual-core 1.6GHz Rockchip CPU, quad-core GPU, WiFi b/g/n and a 3.7V Li-ion battery. The main takeaway here? Well, you could be seeing it hit US shores sometime soon, just don't expect any carrier affiliation.
