Michael Crider

Author: Michael Crider

Samsung Galaxy S III on sale in 28 countries

By Michael Crider
on 29 May, 2012

Well it's finally here folks - the most anticipated Android launch of the summer. In selected countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates (which got a bit of an early start) the Samsung Galaxy S III hits retailers today. Even as the superphone launches, it's facing setbacks: the "pebble blue" color option is in extremely limited supply after a manufacturing defect, presumably caused by a faulty glaze that shows scratches too easily.

Sony Xperia Arc and Neo officially updated to ICS

By Michael Crider
on 29 May, 2012

"Enough with the betas already," said the international hardware giant, "they're ready for the real thing." Xperia Blog reports that Sony is rolling out the final version of its Ice Cream Sandwich update for its Xperia Arc and Xperia Neo phones, free for the asking for anyone who prefers up-to-date software. Sony had already updated the Arc S, Neo V, Ray and the Tablet S. The rest of the 2011 Xperia line, with the notable and disappointing exception of the Xperia PLAY, will be updated later.

LG E970 leak indicates an AT&T Eclipse 4G LTE

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

LG's American flagships for the latter half of 2012 are starting to take shape. We've already seen the LS970 "Eclipse" 4G LTE, ostensibly a CDMA version of the Optimus LTE2 (below) and headed for American shores late this year. Now UnwiredView has spotted what appears to be the same phone, headed for AT&T at an unknown date. The E970 (final name unknown) showed up in a recent benchmark with some specs along for the ride.

Galaxy Nexus CM9 add-on pack brings Galaxy S III goodies

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

We all know how it is. Six months after purchasing the be-all, end-all Android superphone, new models like the HTC One X and upcoming Galaxy S III are looking mighty tempting... but you're stuck in your two-year contract. What's a saddened Android modder to do? Well, if you're OK with having the look without the horsepower, then a team of XDA members is here to help. He's developed a flashable theme pack that will turn CyanogenMod 9 for the Galaxy Nexus into a pretty good imitation of the GSIII.

Pantech Element on sale for $200 without contract

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

If you're looking for a wireless broadband tablet without the wireless contract, you've got to be prepared to pay the piper, at least in the US. But every once in a while one of these tablets (typically a less-popular device) will go on sale. So it is with the Pantech Element, AT&T's odd combination of water/dust resistance and LTE speeds. A refurbished version of the Element is now on sale on eBay for $199.95 with free shipping.

Motorola DROID RAZR HD spotted in Verizon internal system

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

Need some more evidence that a high-powered update to the DROID RAZR is incoming? Then you're an overly needy Android fan. But we aim to please: the Motorola DROID RAZR HD (previously known as the DROID Fighter) has been spotted in the Cellebrite system, one of Verizon's methods for keeping track of their retail items for third parties. A forum poster on DroidRzr.com broke the news. That's a good indication that the DROID RAZR HD will be here in a couple of months at the latest.

Mario clone The Other Brothers features actual plumbing

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

Nintendo's main man moonlights as a go-kart racer, pro golfer, baseball star, a bare glove-knuckled brawler and even an unlicensed pharmacist, but the world's most famous Italian plumber is somewhat lacking in small home repair skills. An upcoming platformer dynamic duo may have Mario beat in that regard. The Other Brothers takes its inspiration from the gaming classic, but puts the gameplay against a decidedly grungy backdrop inspired by classic adventure games.

“World’s Thinnest” Oppo Finder set for pre-order in China

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

Another month, another world's thinnest smartphone. The latest contender for the somewhat wobbly throne is the 6.65mm Oppo Finder, last seen in a preview image about a month ago. The phone is currently set for preorder on June 6th, but unfortunately it's only in China, where Oppo operates. Getting a Finder into the hands of the fashion-conscious outside of Asia will require a crafty importer.

Fake Angry Birds peddlers fined £50,000

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

Ah, sweet, sweet justice. Instead of the slap on the wrist and a ban from the Google Play Store as usual, the developer of fake versions of several popular Android games like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope will get a more lasting punishment. According to the BBC, The British government has sentenced a Latvian developer to a £50,000 fine for counterfeit apps posted on the Android Market in November of last year.

Huawei breaks hearts, plans custom Android UI

By Michael Crider
on 28 May, 2012

You know what I really like about Huawei? Despite being a definite up-and-comer in the Android world (in Europe and Asia, anyway - here they keep getting the shaft) they've left Android alone for the most part. Even on their high-end devices like the Acend P1 S, you'll find an interface that is mostly stock - and with Ice Cream Sandwich, what more do you need? Yes, Huawei is truly an example of what an Android manufacturer should be: a hardware vendor that lets Google's software shine on its own.