25
Feb
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Archos may not be the biggest dog on the block, but it does do a good job of supporting the hardware it releases. It's currently sending OTA updates to its 80/101 G9 and the 101XD tablets, which mostly just bring some minor bug fixes to the devices.

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For the 80/101 G9, build 4.0.28 mostly brings video tweaks, as well as one small touchscreen optimization:

  • HDMI: avoid interference of CEC detected as DPAD with some games such as Max Payne
  • Video: fix playback of some MP4 files
  • Video: fix aspect ratio on some H264 files
  • Touchscreen panel: ensure on some devices a proper wakeup when powering screen back on

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The 101XS is being bumped to v4.1.2, which delivers some application enhancements, HDMI playback improvements, and a fix for the Google backup manager:

  • Archos applications: add Archos multimedia server back, update Archos Video, Music, File Manager, GamePad Mapping Tool to be in par with GooglePlay versions.
25
Feb
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The push for BYOD (bring your own device) policies in workplaces has been on the rise for the last couple of years, but many corporations have frowned upon Android devices due to "security issues" within the OS. Samsung is looking to change that mindset with its newly-announced KNOX solution.

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Essentially, KNOX is a security-enhanced version of Android – based on the NSA-approved SE Linux – optimized for Samsung's SAFE (Samsung for Enterprise) program. It's built-in to both the hardware and Android's framework, so it's really a full-coverage solution. At the application layer, it works to separate personal and corporate data by containerizing and encrypting corporate applications and data, which protects against viruses and malware, as well as outside attacks.

25
Feb
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We're here at ASUS's press conference in Barcelona, where the company has just unveiled two new Android products: the Padfone Infinity and Fonepad.

The Padfone Infinity is the follow-up to the Padfone 2, released late in 2012, which was the successor to the original Padfone that debuted at MWC last year. The Fonepad is a tablet that also works as a phone. Right (if you actually want to know more about those things, see this post).

The real story for me, though, was the absolutely fantastically ridiculous press conference. Crammed into a small hotel ballroom across from the Fira Gran Via, a couple hundred tired and annoyed tech journalists waited for the show to begin - ASUS was running about 45 minutes late, and was playing what I can only describe as an instrumental rendition of 'Milkshake.'

Then, it happened: THE CLOUD.

25
Feb
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Last Updated: March 4th, 2013

At an afternoon press conference across the street from MWC 2013's enormous venue, ASUS has just wrapped a (hilarious) press conference that saw the introduction of two new devices (or three?) – the Padfone Infinity and the Fonepad. Before we dive in for hands-on, let's take a quick look at the specs and pricing for the devices.

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Jonney Shih with the Padfone Infinity

Padfone Infinity

The Padfone Infinity is the tablet/phone combination we were expecting from ASUS today. It's got decent specs, and boasts ASUS' new AOCC "Ubiquitous Cloud" functionality, but has a rather stunning price, pegged at €999. The device isn't expected to make an appearance States-side.

25
Feb
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Sony's latest tablet, the Xperia Tablet Z, isn't exactly new. While it was announced for Japan last month, Sony fans have been waiting with bated breath for news on worldwide availability and pricing. Today, we have some more information on that front: the Tablet Z is slated to be released across the globe starting in Q2. Furthermore, the US version of the device (which is Wi-Fi only), will cost $499 for the 16GB version, and $599 for the 32GB.

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So, given that a Nexus 10 is $100 less, has a higher-resolution display, a newer and unmolested version of Android, and very quick software updates in the future, why would one choose the Tablet Z?

25
Feb
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So, Google TV isn't exactly great. And Windows media boxes aren't exactly "average consumer" friendly. With that in mind, it would seem, Samsung has unveiled the Home Sync box. It's a 1TB media server / smart TV box all-in-one, and it's actually pretty cool. To clarify, the Home Center does not run Google TV. The idea here is that Home Sync is the center of your Galaxy-device life - which is to say, I doubt you'd want one if you aren't already carrying around a fair bit of Galaxy hardware.

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The Home Sync can be controlled in a variety of ways - USB or Bluetooth mouse / keyboard, or via your Galaxy smartphone.

25
Feb
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There's been a lot of hubbub around the Note 8.0 leading up to MWC, and this morning, we finally got a chance to go hands-on with Samsung's newest slate. The early verdict? It's... an Android tablet with an S-Pen and Samsung software.

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In that sense, the Note 8.0 seems like a smart move. People love the Note II, but the Note 10.1 may be too large a step up for a lot of folks (I personally don't like 10.1" tablets). The Note 8.0 is going to occupy that 'tweener' space, and I think it'll do a fairly good job. The 8.0 may well be the nicest small(ish) Android tablet I've held in terms of ergonomics, and that's probably due to Samsung's gratuitous use of lightweight, flimsy plastic.

25
Feb
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Well folks, it's time for speculation and rumor on the Galaxy S IV to die... at least when it comes to the device's glamorous debut. Samsung Mobile division chief JK Shin confirmed to Edaily News (Korean) that the company's new flagship device will be revealed in New York City on Thursday, March 14th. The date was previously suspected after a well-known tipster leaked it earlier this week. Samsung has chosen to move its more typical European or Asian venue to the United States after it was "inundated" with requests from U.S. carriers to launch the device here. Let's hope that means that it will come to American shores quickly (or maybe even simultaneously) after a worldwide release.

24
Feb
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When we first caught a leaked glimpse of the Optimus G Pro in 5.5" form, Note II comparisons were immediately drawn - the G Pro really is the Note's not-so-long-lost brother.

This morning, at LG's booth at MWC in Barcelona, we got some hands-on time with LG's latest and largest handset, and overall, it impresses. The Optimus G Pro is running Android 4.1.2, and it's by far the quickest non-Samsung handset I've ever used. I'm guessing LG has begun implementing some Project Butter optimizations into its UI layer (they have to be manually added by the OEM - they don't just 'happen'), because this thing is stupid quick.

24
Feb
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If you've got a Sprint Galaxy Victory 4G LTE in your hand, you're no doubt craving a little Jelly Bean, since the budget smartphone launched with Android 4.0 back in September. While Samsung hasn't seen fit to update to the latest Android release (and likely won't for some time), you can still get some spiffy new features via the 4.1 update. Samsung Updates has posted what appears to be the official 4.1.1 over the air update, and it's downloadable right now. The L399VPALJ9 package weighs in at a beefy 370MB.

We haven't heard from Sprint or Samsung on this, so keep in mind that flashing this software to your Victory 4G isn't exactly sanctioned.

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