09
Jan
boot-image-bootloader

Those following HTC's efforts to liberate bootloaders everywhere have a bit more to talk about tonight, as the Taiwanese manufacturer added support for a handful of devices.

For those not in the loop, HTC pledged to enable unlocking the bootloaders of all devices released after September 2011, but is doing the community one better by extending support to older models as well. HTC allows users to unlock their bootloaders using a quick, (relatively) easy online tool.

image

Among the newly unlockable devices are the original Desire, the Desire HD, Wildfire, and Wildfire S. To get started, just head over to HTC's Bootloader Unlock page.

08
Jan
slashgear_ces2012_unveiled_game_1-580x386

For those unwilling to sacrifice the latest hardware (and software) for the rather dated Sony Xperia Play's convenient physical game controls, Gametel has introduced a Bluetooth controller with a familiar button layout that will accommodate just about any Android-powered phone. Even better, the Bluetooth controller has its own battery, charged via micro USB.

slashgear_ces2012_unveiled_game_1-580x386

Gametel says that the controller is already compatible with over 200 games, and phones powered by Ice Cream Sandwich can make effective use of built-in controller APIs. There's no word yet regarding pricing or availability, but this nifty accessory can definitely be added to the "coming soon" category, and sounds like a promising alternative to unforgiving on-screen controls.

07
Jan
unnamed (1)

Tasker, an extremely versatile (and popular) app which allows users to schedule (and control) various automated tasks, received an update today, bringing the app to version 1.2.

The update brings a handful of important changes, perhaps the most notable being the addition of "Scenes." Using this new feature, Tasker allows users to design custom graphical interfaces, which appear as overlays, dialogs, or full activities.

Besides Scenes, Tasker's latest iteration also fixes compatibility issues with Ice Cream Sandwich, and includes a tweaked home screen, which conveniently divides Profiles, Tasks, and Scenes in an intuitive tabbed interface.

shot_Jan_07_2012_0 shot_Jan_07_2012_5 shot_Jan_07_2012_6

The update also brings the ability to group profiles, tasks, or scenes into "projects," a new Green Power Premium plugin, and a slew of bugfixes and other minor improvements.

29
Nov
image

Owner's of Verizon's LTE-enabled Motorola Xoom should be expecting an update soon, bringing system software to version HLK75F. The update is a tiny 7.8MB, and brings with it compatibility for Pay As You Go LTE service.

image

Verizon's informational document about the update is tacit on the subject, listing the following benefits:

  • Now offers month to month, pay as you go 4G LTE Mobile Broadband service.
  • Updated Google Setup Wizard to improve reliability of Pay As You Go detection on first device power up.

For those interested, Verizon also has a document outlining how to obtain the software update. There's no word on exactly when this update will begin rolling out, but Verizon has attached a reassuring "COMING SOON!" tags to the links leading to the update's documentation on the Xoom's system update page.

07
Nov
hi-256-6-28a70f69ecf2606dddc5ffc2cef1942a32c53fa4

A sudden change of heart on the part of Com2uS has left many customers of its popular game Homerun Battle 3D infuriated, triggering a downpour of one-star ratings and requests for refunds.

The impetus behind this turmoil is the fact that Com2uS' latest update for Homerun Battle 3D has made it impossible for users running rooted devices to play the game. This decision came after between 100k and 500k purchases had already been made. Users are (rightfully) downgrading their review scores in light of the development, and many are asking for refunds as compensation for the developers' decision.

image

Com2uS updated the game's Market listing when the latest version became available, adding a note which reads "this version does not support gameplay in rooting condition.

25
Mar
att-tmobile

Wondering if you should be considering that T-Mobile 4G phone purchase now that the merger plan has come to light? Read on.

With the news of the AT&T / T-Mobile merger spreading like wildfire, there have been rumblings about the network compatibility implications of the deal. More accurately, how the merger will affect consumers' use of 4G handsets on their respective carriers.

Make no mistake - it has been confirmed that AT&T will slowly disassemble T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ network over time, converting those HSPA+ bands (the "AWS" spectrum) into LTE frequencies. Consumers without at least a Wikipedia-level of 4G knowledge will likely ask why this is necessary if both carriers already use HSPA+ "4G."

They may know that it's generally not possible to use a T-Mobile phone to get 3G while on AT&T, and vice versa.

Page 2 of 212