From the Android Forums: Factory data reset questions

Published by in General on May 20th, 2012

EVO 4G

acr456 asks in the Android Central forums, 

Hello, I am going to factory reset my phone. However, my question is, since this is a complete reset will it also rollback to the version of Android that the EVO was launched with? For example, I know have version 2.3.5. Will it roll it all the way back to 2.1? I just want my data erased, I want to keep all my system updates including whatever updates Sprint sent. Do I have anything to worry about?

 

Also, the EVO I'm resetting is deactivated. Once the reset is complete will I be able to fully use my phone without the need of a Sprint connection? I have Wifi so that will do.

We're glad you asked! We get this one a lot, and we can see why the term factory data reset would make one think it was being returned to the factory, out-of-box condition. Thankfully, it's not. A factory reset will erase all user settings (things like home screen customizations, Wifi networks, sound settings and the like) and delete all apps downloaded from the Google Play store. It's won't touch anything that's part of the system files, so your worse case scenario (and actually the likely scenario) is that system apps that have been updated from the Google Play store (things like the Gmail app or Maps) will just need updated from the Play store again. You'll still be on the latest 2.3.5 version, but the rest will be clean like a new device.

As for it working without Sprint service, everything but calls and SMS/MMS will work just fine. I've had my EVO 4G unactivated for over a year now and use it to keep little nes occupied when they come for a visit. Using Wifi, all your Google services, including the important one — the Google Play store — will still work just fine. Good luck, and have fun with your new EVO PDA!

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Clove UK will Stock the Official 3-Pin GSM Galaxy Nexus Vehicle Dock Tuesday, May 22

Published by in General on May 18th, 2012

If you are a Galaxy Nexus owner chances are you have been wondering where in the H-E-double-hockey-sticks the 3-pin navigation mount is. It was only recently that the GSM version of the device received access to the other 3-pin accessories and until now the nav mount was nowhere to be seen.  UK online retailer Clove UK has finally gotten word that the official 3-pin mount will be in stock next Tuesday, May 22nd and will retail for £49.99 ($79). You can place your order now and they will ship out the mount first thing on Tuesday. Hit up the source link to place your order.

We still haven’t heard a peep about when, or if the accessory will be available here in the states but you can bet your bottom dollar that we will let you know if it does ever become available. The navigation mount is one of the main features that I was looking forward to when purchasing the Galaxy Nexus and I am still a bit bitter that Verizon hasn’t approved the official navigation mount. Way to go Big Red. Hopefully you Sprint customers have better luck.

source: Clove UK

 


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Mozilla Firefox native version hit Android in beta, comes with mouth-watering features

Published by in General on May 17th, 2012

Right now the browsing war is going on between Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. Mostly people consider Mozilla and Google as the top competitors, and no doubt they are. Recently, Google launched the Google Chrome beta version for their very own Android OS, and now it seems Mozilla Firefox don’t want to stay behind, that’s why they are back with the Firefox 14 Beta version. Mozilla Firefox app is already available in the Android Market, and to compete with Google Chrome, Mozilla brought the new browser which comes with a native user interface that uses Android design elements, and the biggest thing here is the support for Adobe Flash.

The application is right now available at Google Play store for download, it’s already downloaded 500,000+ times and the reviews are good so far. The browser requires Android 2.2 or higher devices. As we already told you, the biggest update is the new UI and Flash support; it’s faster, text zooming is smoother, and it comes with a new API that prevents the screen from sleeping. That’s pretty impressive.

Folks, the application is available for download, so do give it a try. I downloaded it on my phone, and I have to say that it’s pretty impressive, so give it a try and tell us about it in the comment box below.

Source: CNet

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HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE imports stalled by US customs

Published by in General on May 16th, 2012

One X

HTC this evening has confirmed in a statement to Android Central (and everybody else, we imagine) that importation of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE handsets have been delayed at the U.S. border because of a customs review. As first reported by The Verge, this likely stems from the ITC exclusion order Apple was granted last December over hyperlinks in the messaging app and browser.

HTC's official statement:

The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval. The HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE have been received enthusiastically by customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to get these products into their hands as soon as possible.

HTC has said that the issues raised by Apple in front of the ITC were trivial and would be removed from their products, but customs must review the shipments coming in after he April 19 deadline set in place by the ITC. We hope HTC's confidence is warranted, and we see the phones on the shelf, where they belong. Currently, the HTC One X is out of stock at AT&T, and it looks like it may stay that way for the near future.

Can we fix the bullshit patent and trademark office yet?

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Alarm Clock Ultra For Android Is More Than Just An Alarm Clock (Video)

Published by in General on May 15th, 2012

Alarms can be a dime a dozen on the Google Play Store, but Alarm Clock Ultra Free is an app worthy to be set apart from the rest.  Not only is it extremely functional and effective but it’s also aesthetically pleasing to any eye.  Alarm Clock Ultra offers you a reliable and stable alarm clock that is able to cater to any need, with the ability to wake you up in a number of ways that you’ll find extremely interesting.  Have trouble waking up in general?  Are you a snooze monster?  Alarm Clock Ultra has the capability to squash that one fast.  There are quite an amount of optional customizations and the app even offers you the option to solve puzzles to snooze or dismiss as well as solving math problems with various degrees of difficulty.  If that doesn’t get you up, alert and aware super fast then nothing will.  And of course, the aesthetically pleasing app offers you quite a number of widgets to compliment your home screen while also keeping to a certain degree of functionality without having to actually go into the app itself.

In addition to all of the standard features, Alarm Clock Ultra offers a great looking stopwatch, countdown timer, egg timer with presets for different boiling times and cooking instructions.  How much does it cost?  Glad you asked.  The extremely functional and useful application can be had for the very low low price of free.  Not too shabby eh?  So, if you’re ready to take functionality to a whole new level and ditch your standard alarm clock to ensure you actually get up on time when you need it, check out the QR code below or hit the app up via the Google Play Store download link.  Feel free to let us know what you think of the application in the comments below and don’t forget to check out the screen shots and video demo as well. If you have any issues be sure to let the dev, Appsdev, know so as to better improve the application.   

Click here to view the embedded video.

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qrcode

Play Store Download Link


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Last Minute Mother’s Day Android Sale at Cricket Communications

Published by in General on May 14th, 2012

If it wasn’t for procrastination there would be less and less sales every year. With Mother’s Day creeping around the corner, Cricket is fully aware of our male ability to “put things off.” That being said, Guys you have less than a weekend to figure it out! 

If you’re still reading this, it’s obvious you need help. So just spend a couple more minutes looking over these sale items and make a wise decision this Mother’s Day… You only get this one chance a year!

 

Hint: I think she said she wanted the Galaxy Tab 10.1

 

  • ZTE Score  (MSPR $149.99, $69.99 after instant discount and web discount) is a value priced, full featured Android smartphone that includes Wi-Fi capability, XT9 Trace for easy text entry, 3G Real Web Browsing and a 3.2MP camera/camcorder.
  • Huawei Ascend II (MSPR $179.99, $99.99 after instant discount and web discount) comes packed with a 3.5″ HVGA touch-screen, Wi-Fi capability, 3G Real Web Browsing, 600MHz processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a 5MP camera/camcorder.
  • Samsung Vitality (MSPR $219.99, $129.99 after instant discount and web discount) fast 800 MHz processor, 3.5″ HVGA touch-screen and easy access to social networks is designed for an interactive experience. Samsung Vitality is loaded with a 3.2MP camera/camcorder, Wi-Fi capability, 3G Real Web Browsing.
  • Huawei Mercury (MSPR $249.99, $229.99 after instant web discount) offers a beautiful 4″ display and is powered by an ultrafast 1.4 GHz processor, features an 8.0MP rear camera, VGA front camera and an Android 2.3 OS.  Named by PC Magazine as the best pre-paid smartphone in America.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 is available in Cricket company-owned stores (MSRP $499.99, $399.99 after instant rebate).  Running on Android 3.1 Honeycomb OS, with a beautiful 10.1″ widescreen TFT (1280 x 800) display offering HD clarity, a super-fast dual core 1GHz processor, a 2MP front facing/ 3MP rear-facing camera, the Samsung Tab is perfect for watching movies, cruising the internet and sharing photos with family and friends.
  • The Crosswave Broadband Device, which is available in Cricket company-owned stores (MSRP $149.99, $24.99 after instant rebates and bundled with Samsung Galaxy Tab), creates an instant mobile hotspot and supports multiple Wi-Fi devices nationwide.  Bundle the Crosswave with a Samsung Galaxy Tab and receive additional discounts worth up to $225.00 for a final Tablet + Crosswave all-in price of $424.98 (does not include monthly broadband service rate plan).

 

Check out the below press release for more information

 

Last Minute, Mobile Mother’s Day Gifts from Cricket

~ Online and In-Store Value Pricing and Discounts in May for Mother’s Day

~~ Cricket’s Android Smartphones, Muve Music® Rate Plans, Tablet and Broadband Provide Gift Options for High-Tech to Everyday Talk-and-Text Moms

SAN DIEGO, May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Cricket Communications, a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services, today announced a variety of Android powered smartphones, a tablet and accessory gift options for high-tech social connectors to everyday talk-and-text moms. This month for Mother’s Day (through May 28th), Cricket offers a range of Android smartphones at promotional prices, discounts on rate plans for new Muve Music activations and huge savings on a Samsung tablet bundled with a Crosswave broadband device.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120202/LA46949LOGO)

Cricket’s Muve Music Android device line up offers every day value with free overnight shipping (online-only), free activation, no contracts and nationwide coverage. Additionally, now through May 28th, with a new phone or new line Muve Music rate plan activation on a Muve Music capable handset, customers will enjoy $5.00 off their monthly bill (this special rate is only available in Cricket stores).

With the ever-growing Muve Music song catalog, customers can choose from millions of songs featuring the hottest artists from thousands of record labels, which are distributed through Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music and global rights agency Merlin, as well as independents IODA and INgrooves.

A Cricket Muve Music Android smartphone with nationwide, unlimited talk, text and data plus music plan is the Mother’s Day gift that will keep on giving. For a gift that would please any Mom and not break the bank, these Android smartphones are easy to activate online or at a company store:

  • ZTE Score  (MSPR $149.99, $69.99 after instant discount and web discount) is a value priced, full featured Android smartphone that includes Wi-Fi capability, XT9 Trace for easy text entry, 3G Real Web Browsing and a 3.2MP camera/camcorder.
  • Huawei Ascend II (MSPR $179.99, $99.99 after instant discount and web discount) comes packed with a 3.5″ HVGA touch-screen, Wi-Fi capability, 3G Real Web Browsing, 600MHz processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a 5MP camera/camcorder.
  • Samsung Vitality (MSPR $219.99, $129.99 after instant discount and web discount) fast 800 MHz processor, 3.5″ HVGA touch-screen and easy access to social networks is designed for an interactive experience. Samsung Vitality is loaded with a 3.2MP camera/camcorder, Wi-Fi capability, 3G Real Web Browsing.
  • Huawei Mercury (MSPR $249.99, $229.99 after instant web discount) offers a beautiful 4″ display and is powered by an ultrafast 1.4 GHz processor, features an 8.0MP rear camera, VGA front camera and an Android 2.3 OS.  Named by PC Magazine as the best pre-paid smartphone in America.

All Cricket Android smartphones provide access to Google play, the marketplace for over 200,000 cool apps like YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps and more.

For the Mom that is already connected with Cricket’s innovative value driven mobile phone plans, and has taken advantage of the $5.00 monthly discount for activating new Muve Music rate plans, Cricket offers the super-fast Samsung Galaxy Tab™.  Bundle the Galaxy Tab with a Crosswave broadband device and receive massive savings in May for Mother’s Day (through May 28th).

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 is available in Cricket company-owned stores (MSRP $499.99, $399.99 after instant rebate).  Running on Android 3.1 Honeycomb OS, with a beautiful 10.1″ widescreen TFT (1280 x 800) display offering HD clarity, a super-fast dual core 1GHz processor, a 2MP front facing/ 3MP rear-facing camera, the Samsung Tab is perfect for watching movies, cruising the internet and sharing photos with family and friends.
  • The Crosswave Broadband Device, which is available in Cricket company-owned stores (MSRP $149.99, $24.99 after instant rebates and bundled with Samsung Galaxy Tab), creates an instant mobile hotspot and supports multiple Wi-Fi devices nationwide.  Bundle the Crosswave with a Samsung Galaxy Tab and receive additional discounts worth up to $225.00 for a final Tablet + Crosswave all-in price of $424.98 (does not include monthly broadband service rate plan).

Accessorize the last minute Cricket smartphone or Tab gift with a Monster ClarityHD Bluetooth Speaker that lets you listen in high definition wirelessly, has an ultra-clear noise-cancelling speaker for hands-free calls, a compact size that provides the ultimate portable convenience in the palm of your hand and up to 5 hours of playtime with Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries, or the Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds for a smooth listening experience.

 

Source: Leap

Last Minute Mother’s Day Android Sale at Cricket Communications originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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HTC One X camera challenge – can you see the difference between a smartphone and a camera?

Published by in General on May 13th, 2012

HTC camera challenge

HTC is pretty confident in the new camera they introduced in the One series. I have to be honest, they have good reason to be. The camera in the One S is downright spectacular, and really can replace a typical point-and-shoot digicam. It's a wonderful mix of hardware, software, and magic that truly delivers. In fact, HTC is pretty sure you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between pictures taken with the One X and those taken with a stand-alone camera. Hit the link below, run through and see what all the fuss is about.

Source: HTC

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UK Pre-Orders Taking Place For Galaxy S III From Three, Vodafone and O2

Published by in General on May 11th, 2012

UK’ers are now able to pre-order the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S III from several different carriers of choice.  Vodafone, O2 and Three are all offering the ability to pre-order the device and to be among the first to receive the quad-core monster.  In addition, it looks like you can score a decent deal with any one of the carriers if you plan on snagging the device.  One could get the 16GB model for free with a £41 ($66) monthly plan on Vodafone.  Similarly, you’ll be able to get a hold of the handset on O2 and Three for roughly the same monthly cost or pay up to £219 ($353) for slight less of a commitment to the carrier.  If you’re ready to get rolling on the deal check out the source link of your choice and don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.

source: Three, Vodafone, O2 


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CyanogenMod v7 not forgotten, may get weekly builds instead of nightly builds

Published by in General on May 10th, 2012

Again, no real need for introduction of CyanogenMod is required. Nearly 2 million unique installs should tell the tale. The largest series of custom ROM’s for various Android devices released a status update of its super popular CM7.

Our buddy ciwrl issued a statement about ongoing development for v7, making it sound like it will be around for a while still. With CM9 in full dev mode, it’s wonderful to see v7 isn’t going to die just yet. He goes on to say

The 7.x branch of CyanogenMod will stay open, available, and active beyond 7.2. We may switch to a more weekly drop of the infamous nightlies at some point, but they will continue as well.

Users with older hardware should be quite pleased to see this update, and if you would like to continue seeing further development it’s probably a good idea to DONATE to the team. Full blog report below if you wish to read it straight from the horses mouth.

 

It’s been nearly two months since we released the initial 7.2 RC1. Since then, the team has been working hard to identify and fix the issues reported to the bug tracker. We are nearing our release of CyanogenMod 7.2, based on Android 2.3.7 and will be releasing…….soon! You didn’t think you were getting an ETA did you?

Users may notice that some devices that received RC1 will not be graduated to a stable release. This is due to bugs we consider as showstoppers, but we feel there is no reason to hold up working devices for a few stragglers. The stragglers are not dropped, but will play catch-up to receive a 7.2-stable release.

What’s Next?

Many people have wondered what will become of CyanogenMod 7 now that Ice Cream Sandwich work has begun, and likewise, what happens to all the devices that won’t make it to CyanogenMod 9. We aren’t just leaving you behind.

The 7.x branch of CyanogenMod will stay open, available, and active beyond 7.2. We may switch to a more weekly drop of the infamous nightlies at some point, but they will continue as well.

In addition to that good news, we have a slew of new devices being merged into mainline thanks in part to our developer relations initiative and the greater Android community.

After CyanogenMod 7.2 is released, we will be merging in and welcoming aboard maintainers for the following devices (with more queued):

  • HTC Status (chacha)
  • HTC Wildfire S (marvel)
  • LG Optimus Chic (e720)
  • Motorola Photon (sunfire)
  • Samsung Galaxy 5 (i5500)

Source: CM Blog

CyanogenMod v7 not forgotten, may get weekly builds instead of nightly builds originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Sprint EVO 4G LTE pre-sale opens up at Best Buy

Published by in General on May 9th, 2012

Android Central

In recent days we've seen the getting started and full user guides leak out for the Sprint EVO 4G LTE. And then of course, right on cue, we had pre-sale for the device starting up. Now, Best Buy are starting to take orders for the hotly anticipated device as well. 

The EVO 4G LTE is being offered up for $199.99 on a 2-year contract, with the regular price showing up at a whopping $699.99. Customers who pre-order through Best Buy will also get themselves a $50 Best Buy gift card when they activate their new phone. Interested? Hit the source link below to get your orders in. 

Source: Best Buy thanks cr33p!

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