December, 2011 - Android Community

Monthly Archive: May 2013

Motorola: more Lapdock-style devices coming in 2012

By Michael Crider
on 30 Dec, 2011

While we and just about everybody else was floored at the potential of Motorola's Lapdock when it was introduced with the Atrix 4G, the reality of its utility has proven somewhat underwhelming. Even when the Atrix 2 brought us a semi-universal model in the Lapdock 100, the laptop/smartphone combination still felt a little cuimbersome, and hard to justify given the extra cost it requires. It appears that Motorola isn't discouraged, however: in an interview with AllThingsD, executive Christy Wyatt said the company plans more multi-screen intiatives in the coming year.

Motorola ATRIX and DROID Bionic fastboot files now available

By Sam Koutroulakis
on 30 Dec, 2011

Just yesterday, we saw fastboot files for the Motorola DROID RAZR leak into existence over on XDA Developers and DROIDRZR.com. Now, two other Motorola devices have been graced with another generous leak of fastboot files - the ATRIX, and DROID Bionic. As a recap, I'll note that fastboot files can be used to let a user flash stock recovery images to their device, thus helping them recover from a 'soft brick'.

SiriusXM’s latest portable radio player runs Android

By Sam Koutroulakis
on 29 Dec, 2011

SiriusXM is great to have when you're in the mood to listening to some music but sick of the same playlists you've got lined up in your library. But why not do it in style with their new portable media player, the Lynx? It runs Android OS, and is bound to have some exclusive applications included that are absent in their previous devices. It can stream music as a normal in-car satellite radio, or connect wirelessly to stream through a Bluetooth connection - though, beware of a lack in audio quality. And it's also nice to see SiriusXM included a 3.5mm headphone input; for such a tiny, portable device, it can be used practically anywhere at any time.

Verizon had three mass network outages this December, and here’s why

By Sam Koutroulakis
on 29 Dec, 2011

It's no surprise Verizon has the fastest and most developed 4G LTE network in the US, but consistently terming them most reliable would be an overstatement for the month of December. And frankly, three mass network outages can cause some serious communication issues for both work and leisure. Heck, many families are now doing away with a central home phone, and just subscribing the entire family to a plan of cellphones.

Motorola DROID XYBOARD tablets get a $50 price cut

By Michael Crider
on 29 Dec, 2011

When I reviewed the Motorola DROID XYBOARD a couple of weeks ago, I was impressed with just about everything - except the ridiculous on-contract price. Verizon seems to have gotten the message (possibly after some less than stellar sales) and have lowered the contract price for both the 10.1-inch and 8.2-inch models by $50 each. Unfortunately, it looks like the name is staying put.

Acer Iconia Tab A700 sends photos from Russia with love

By Michael Crider
on 29 Dec, 2011

Just yesterday Acer chief Stan Shih teased us with talk of some premium hardware for 2012, and one of the best examples is the rumored Iconia Tab A700. The flagship device has only been spotted in a couple of documents so far, but the rumored specs are enough to make us want a look at it something bad. Russian tech site NoMobile.ru beat us to the punch and managed to grab a few photos of the new tablet, which you'll definitely want to check out below.

Star Wars: The Old Republic comes to Android… as a security key

By Michael Crider
on 29 Dec, 2011

Jedis! Sith! Droids! And not a Gungan in sight! The wildly anticipated Star Wars: The Old Republic, a massively multiplayer entry into BioWare's amazing Knights of the Old Republic series, is making records and headlines all over the gaming world this holiday season. And now you can get a piece of that awesome experience on your Android phone! Except that you can't. Because it's a lousy confirmation app.

Huawei Ascend II available now from US Cellular for Free

By Cory Gunther
on 29 Dec, 2011

Earlier this week we mentioned the Huawei Ascend II was headed to US Cellular and that it was being listed up on their site as coming soon. Today the regional carrier hasn't announced it officially as being available yet but they've given the mid-range phone the green light. The Ascend II can now be yours completely free over on US Cellular.

Logitech Z515 Bluetooth Speaker Review

By Michael Crider
on 29 Dec, 2011

One of the most consistent complaints against phones of all types, including Android superphones favored by most of our readers, is that they have to make due with tiny, weak speakers. That's not anyone's fault, really - devices that fit in your pocket with enough technology to make Ray Kurzweil drool have to make some sacrifices. But to rectify this situation, especially when you're traveling or trying to share music with lots of people, an external speaker of some kind is almost a necessity. Enter Logitech's Z515, a portable battery-powered Bluetooth speaker that intends to bring big sound in a small and easy-to-move package.

3D New Year and Christmas Live Wallpapers — Bring in 2012 with style

By Cory Gunther
on 29 Dec, 2011

It's almost that time of year and we just have a few short days to go before we bring in the new year, swear off snacks or junk food, attempt to quick smoking/drinking, and all those other new year resolutions no one keeps after about January 20th. While I have a few applications for that coming shortly today I'm focusing on an awesome 3D live wallpaper for bringing in the new year. It's called 3D New Year Live Wallpaper and it's totally cool and has some awesome graphics. Check the pictures and video out below.