Motorola Posts Android 4.0 Upgrade Path, Outs Verizon Devices For First Batch

February 15, 2012 5:18 PM ⋅

Well, this is cool, but also a bummer. Motorola has announced their plans to upgrade their recent Android devices to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but has omitted details for all of the Verizon devices, stating that the upgrades for the DROID BIONIC, DROID RAZR, DROID RAZR MAXX and DROID 4, are currently under evaluation and planning. The devices with scheduled Android 4.0 updates are as follows: an ICS update is currently rolling out to the XOOM, with XOOM Family Edition, Atrix 4G, Atrix 2 and Photon 4G set to receive the update in the second quarter and third quarter of 2012. Via: Motorola Forums

Posted in: Android, Mobile, Motorola ⋅ Tagged: ,

Mass Effect 3 Demo Now Available For Battlefield 3 Owners

February 14, 2012 9:22 PM ⋅

Ah, the privileges of being a Battlefield 3 player just got even higher (besides that owning BF3 is awesome), EA is allowing owners on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC (the main system for BF3) to download the Mass Effect 3 demo early. And that’s exactly what I’m doing in Origin on PC right now. To be in the shoes of the great Commander Shepherd saving the galaxy from the Normandy space ship — good times.

[Thanks EA!]

Posted in: Gaming ⋅ Tagged: , , , ,

This Is The New Windows Flag?! You Like It?

February 14, 2012 7:14 AM ⋅

I don’t. Looking cheesier than the previous green, blue, red, yellow Windows Flag seen in Windows 7, plus it’s very boring looking. Via: Neowin

Posted in: Did You Know?, Microsoft, Windows ⋅ Tagged:

iPad 3 To Sport AT&T And Verizon 4G LTE, Says WSJ

February 14, 2012 6:38 AM ⋅

This is some interesting stuff. With a March 7th (or February 29th) announcement date in the pipeline for the iPad 3, the Wall Street Journal has used the venerable “people familiar with the matter” to state that the iPad 3 will receive AT&T and Verizon 4G LTE networking, and when 4G is not around, will downgrade to an older networking technology (i.e. HSPA+. 3G or 2G). Other purported specs include a 2048×1536 Retina display, a quad-core Apple A6 system-on-a-chip (we think it will be a dual-core), and an updated form of iOS.

We will know all the outcome in due time of course, but still, the speculation is exciting. Via: WSJ, iMore

Posted in: Apple, Rumors, Tablets ⋅ Tagged: ,

Samsung Galaxy Note Hands-On!

February 13, 2012 7:19 PM ⋅

This is the fantastic Samsung Galaxy Note with AT&T. After just a few minutes of testing our review unit after meeting up with Samsung and AT&T, I can conclude the the large 5.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus form factor is just fantastic for the S pen (which can be stored in the device itself), and even the Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread software. The snap-on case with cover (which replaces the battery cover to reduce bulk) is a must-buy accessory, and the 4G LTE data service from AT&T fortifies its superiority over some of the other Galaxy S II devices, and even other superphones from other manufacturers.

The only trade-off could be its size. Placing it near your head looks rather silly. But the 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 8 megapixel camera with 1080p HD video recording can make that all go away — I think. The S Memo sketching software is incredibly useful for a quick note, or for extended doodling. 3rd-party devs are also getting on board with the Galaxy Note’s S pen.

It will launch on February 17th for those who pre-ordered and it will be generally available February 19th for $299.99 on a new 2-year contract on AT&T. Unboxing video after the break, with gallery below! Review coming soon!

Samsung Galaxy Note Hands-On!

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Posted in: Android, AT&T, Featured, Mobile, Samsung ⋅ Tagged: , ,

Leaked: HTC Endeavor Software Build With Android 4.0 & Sense UI

February 13, 2012 6:42 AM ⋅

This is exactly what we wanted to happen: first the HTC Endeavor is leaked (see news of it on the podcast) and then the RUU (ROM Upgrade Utility) gets leaked with the Android 4.0 and Sense UI ROM included inside for the upcoming Endeavor. All of this means that we get to see what Sense UI looks like on Android 4.0 without having to wait as long. And dare I say, it looks impressive with the subtle changes it has gone through. There have not been many tweaks to make note of so far, but mostly the aesthetic has been slightly polished and reorganized, with new lockscreen options to boot. Check out the source link for the full analysis of the software build.

Via: HTC FR Hub, xda-developers

Posted in: Android, Did You Know?, HTC, Leaks ⋅ Tagged: , , , , ,

Minecraft Pocket Edition Now Has The Famous Survival Mode

February 12, 2012 11:03 AM ⋅

It’s finally happened — a critical update for the Minecraft Pocket Edition on Android and iOS. First off, survival mode has been added, introducing sheep, zombies (!), and the day/night cycle. Also included are things like fences, doors, digging, shearing, etc. Flying has also been added to the creative mode, so the quintessential Minecraft player will have a great time enjoying the new update released by Mojang AB.

Via: Android Market

Posted in: Gaming ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

The TechMemo Podcast (Episode 2)!

February 11, 2012 10:14 PM ⋅

This week’s TechMemo podcast is better and built to last longer (well, it’s not necessarily longer), but it is much better, with any kinks from the previous episode annihilated. That being said, we had quite a few epic things to cover this week, including MWC 2012, the upcoming iPad 3 announcement, tons of new smartphones, and then the 3 Epic Things for the week. And just for your information, the TechMemo podcast is recorded by your’s truly and Cam the Techtainian. As always, there is a healthy dose of salt-encrusted rumors and witty comebacks.

Show notes and links after the break.

Read More →

Posted in: FTW, Internet ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , ,

Uzi Protector With Swiss Movement And Tritium Review

February 11, 2012 12:32 PM ⋅

This is a watch (duh). Apparently it (again) is sold by my friends at Thinkgeek (thanks for letting us check this one out, guys!) and contains Swiss movement, thus ensuring you’re always keeping the exact time and is very refined in doing so. Besides that very useful addition to the Uzi Protector’s characteristics, it also has a dose of gaseous Tritium, which is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, and its nucleus contains one proton and two neutrons. This translates to a process: electrons are put through beta decay, and when they interact with the phosphor material, fluorescent light is created; this intriguing process is called radioluminescence (see: explanation).

Thus, the Uzi Protector can be used at night, and it charges the tritium when you are at a light source, something which you can keep on doing for 20 years until the Tritium has to be replaced, and 3 years for the watch’s time battery. Plus it’s water-resistant to 200 meters. Very impressive stuff.

Uzi Protector with Tritium Gallery

As a watch, it’s fantastic. And it would be perfect for any true geek/scientist. Just keep in mind that the metal-banded version does not fit everyone’s wrist (including mine or Chelsea’s), but for $100, this masterpiece chronograph can’t be beat. And it also has the honor of the “Stef’s Top Pick” award.

Score: 9/10

Available for purchase at ThinkGeek

Posted in: Gadgets, Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , ,

HTC Says Ice Cream Sandwich Updates Coming At End Of March

February 11, 2012 9:02 AM ⋅

Great news! Those sporting an HTC Sensation 4G, Sensation XE, and eventually Sensation XL will find that their Ice Cream Sandwich update(s) are coming at the end of March. As for other handsets? HTC had this to say on their official Facebook page:

In addition, we can confirm Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades will be coming later this year to the HTC Rezound, HTC Vivid, HTC Amaze 4G, HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO Design 4G, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire S and HTC Desire HD. Stay tuned for more updates on Ice Cream Sandwich releases in the coming weeks.

‘Tis well. Via: HTC (Facebook)

Posted in: Android, Did You Know?, FTW, HTC ⋅ Tagged: , , , ,