android fun blog
android news
Why I bought a Galaxy Nexus from Google Play
May 11th
The Nexus name has come under some serious fire lately; and I can’t deny playing my part in that. Thanks to botched updates, carrier control and an absolutely horrendous initial rollout, Google’s Nexus line just ain’t what it used to be. So why then, did I just recently purchase a Galaxy Nexus as my next personal device? In a nutshell: everyone deserves a second chance.
When the Galaxy Nexus was announced, before the device was actually released, was when the problems first started. We knew the device would launch on Verizon here in the US, but it ended up taking much longer than initially expected. As for those of us not on Verizon, despite a GSM version of the device, compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile HSPA, being detailed alongside the Verizon LTE version, there was no news of that version of the Galaxy Nexus coming to the US at all. In fact, even a Sprint version of the Nexus was detailed before a US GSM variant was.
After that, between the release of the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon in December and this April, a lot of crazy stuff went on. The CDMA version of the Nexus was labeled “fake” since Verizon practically has complete control of it, different versions of the international GSM Nexus were facing update problems as it was discovered carriers and Samsung also had control of those devices. And that’s just the Galaxy Nexus. The Nexus S is still facing update issues, and the Nexus One has been left for dead. But there was still hope for the Nexus name, and it came in the form of the Google Play store.
When Google first announced they’d be selling the GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus direct to consumers out of the Google Play store, I was ecstatic. The “Pure Google. No Contract. No Commitment.” slogan on the banner for the Nexus’ sale page had me excited. The software information page for the Play version of the Galaxy Nexus is what had me sold.
“A Galaxy Nexus purchased on Google Play is a Pure Google device and is among the first to receive the latest software updates from Google. We are pushing out updates to Nexus devices as quickly as possible and we will continue to provide the latest updates to these devices going forward. For devices purchased on Google Play, you can expect software updates to come directly from Google, rather than your mobile service provider.”
Could this finally be it? The Nexus I’ve been waiting for? It certainly seems like it. I know Google has messed up in the past, and I know it still has a huge PenTile display (which is what originally deterred me from wanting the Galaxy Nexus). But if Google were to, say, announce and release Jelly Bean at I/O this year, this would have to be the device to get it first. Seeing a new version of Android being released and not being able to use it right away is some strange from of torture I wouldn’t wish on even the most obnoxious of Android enthusiasts.
And to top it all off, a totally unlocked PentaBand device that is guaranteed to get updates directly from Google surely must cost at least $600. Right? The fact that Google is able to get the Galaxy Nexus directly to consumers for just $400 is nothing short of a miracle. Even with tax and shipping, I only paid $435. That is incredibly cheap in terms of brand new unlocked phones. Plus I was able to pass my Nexus S down to a budding Android enthusiast at a steep discount to knock some money off that $435 as well.
Looking past the price and updates, more than anything, I want the Nexus name to succeed. Not in the way that analysts and carrier CEOs do. In the way the developers and die-hard fans do. I know I’ve badmouthed the Nexus name recently, but it’s only because I felt personally betrayed. Not many companies can do that to me, which really says something about the place Google holds in my life.
So I ordered a Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play store. And I’m really hoping for the best. Google, please don’t let me down again.
Vote in the TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards and win a free ASUS Transformer Pad
May 10th
NVIDIA is celebrating the first year of TegraZone, the best place to find the hottest Android games for your Tegra-powered device. ASUS, NVIDIA, and Android and Me are partnering on a sweepstakes in which readers can vote on their favorite Tegra games for the chance to win the new ASUS Transformer Pad. Read on for the full details.
About TegraZone
NVIDIA debuted TegraZone one year ago and it now boasts over 3.5 million installs. Over 1.5 million unique visitors have used the app during the past quarter and the average user visits every 3 days. NVIDIA has also helped developers gain exposure for their games with an average conversion rate of 19%, compared to the 5% average conversion rate of Google Play. There are now close to 40 games optimized for Tegra devices and we are seeing the quantity and quality increase every month.
My favorite TegraZone Game
I’ve played so many Tegra games and enjoyed a lot of them so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think I got the most enjoyment out of Shadowgun. I originally scored the game 7/10 for being too short and lacking a multiplayer mode, but the developer recently released an expansion pack with more levels and the free online multiplayer game is coming soon. Check out my full review of Shadowgun to see why bounty hunting has never looked so good.
First TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards
Scan to vote.
Starting today and running through May 31st, users can vote for their favorite Tegra games in three categories. Every user that votes in the TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards will be automatically entered to win a free ASUS Transformer Pad from NVIDIA.
Award Categories include:
- Best Graphics
- Best Gameplay
- Overall fun
Once the votes are tallied, the winners will be announced on June 6th at E3.
Vote now in the TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards
The Prize: ASUS Transformer Pad Prize Pack
Running latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the ASUS Transformer Pad is a value packed tablet that with multi-color style, and productivity with expandability when connected to the mobile dock. With a 1.2MP front and 8MP rear auto-focus camera with large F/2.2 aperture and exclusive office software, staying connected and productive has never been easier.
Gaming to go prize pack includes:
- ASUS Transformer Pad
- ASUS Mobile dock
- Logitech game controller
- Jambox Speaker
How to Enter
For week 1 we’re going to make it super easy for you. Simply leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win. We normally allow anonymous comments, but for this contest you will need to be a registered user to leave a comment. Not signed up? It only takes seconds to join.
Multiple comments are allowed on this post, but each user will only be counted once. The winner will be chosen at random, so don’t bother downvoting each other.
Multiple chances to win: Users can win a tablet from Android and Me or NVIDIA. The Player’s Choice Awards will be running for several weeks, so be on the lookout for more chances to win an ASUS Transformer Pad. As each week passes, we will make winning a Transformer Pad take a little more effort (like starting a Thread).
Contest Rules
This contest is open to residents of the United States, Canada, UK and Germany. Entries will be accepted for one week after the contest goes live. We’ll announce the winner on this page and on our Twitter account as soon as we draw.
Contest Winner
(coming soon…)
Vote in the TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards and win a free ASUS Transformer Pad
May 10th
NVIDIA is celebrating the first year of TegraZone, the best place to find the hottest Android games for your Tegra-powered device. ASUS, NVIDIA, and Android and Me are partnering on a sweepstakes in which readers can vote on their favorite Tegra games for the chance to win the new ASUS Transformer Pad. Read on for the full details.
About TegraZone
NVIDIA debuted TegraZone one year ago and it now boasts over 3.5 million installs. Over 1.5 million unique visitors have used the app during the past quarter and the average user visits every 3 days. NVIDIA has also helped developers gain exposure for their games with an average conversion rate of 19%, compared to the 5% average conversion rate of Google Play. There are now close to 40 games optimized for Tegra devices and we are seeing the quantity and quality increase every month.
My favorite TegraZone Game
I’ve played so many Tegra games and enjoyed a lot of them so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think I got the most enjoyment out of Shadowgun. I originally scored the game 7/10 for being too short and lacking a multiplayer mode, but the developer recently released an expansion pack with more levels and the free online multiplayer game is coming soon. Check out my full review of Shadowgun to see why bounty hunting has never looked so good.
First TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards
Scan to vote.
Starting today and running through May 31st, users can vote for their favorite Tegra games in three categories. Every user that votes in the TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards will be automatically entered to win a free ASUS Transformer Pad from NVIDIA.
Award Categories include:
- Best Graphics
- Best Gameplay
- Overall fun
Once the votes are tallied, the winners will be announced on June 6th at E3.
Vote now in the TegraZone Player’s Choice Awards
The Prize: ASUS Transformer Pad Prize Pack
Running latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the ASUS Transformer Pad is a value packed tablet that with multi-color style, and productivity with expandability when connected to the mobile dock. With a 1.2MP front and 8MP rear auto-focus camera with large F/2.2 aperture and exclusive office software, staying connected and productive has never been easier.
Gaming to go prize pack includes:
- ASUS Transformer Pad
- ASUS Mobile dock
- Logitech game controller
- Jambox Speaker
How to Enter
For week 1 we’re going to make it super easy for you. Simply leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win. We normally allow anonymous comments, but for this contest you will need to be a registered user to leave a comment. Not signed up? It only takes seconds to join.
Multiple comments are allowed on this post, but each user will only be counted once. The winner will be chosen at random, so don’t bother downvoting each other.
Multiple chances to win: Users can win a tablet from Android and Me or NVIDIA. The Player’s Choice Awards will be running for several weeks, so be on the lookout for more chances to win an ASUS Transformer Pad. As each week passes, we will make winning a Transformer Pad take a little more effort (like starting a Thread).
Contest Rules
This contest is open to residents of the United States, Canada, UK and Germany. Entries will be accepted for one week after the contest goes live. We’ll announce the winner on this page and on our Twitter account as soon as we draw.
Contest Winner
(coming soon…)
ASUS Padfone and its tablet and keyboard dock get unboxed
May 10th
Lets be honest, phone unboxing videos can get a bit boring, but we doubt any of you will be bored while watching a 17 minute video unboxing of the ASUS Padfone and its tablet and keyboard docking extensions.
On its own, the ASUS Padfone is a fairly powerful device, featuring a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor paired with an Adreno 225 GPU, 8 megapizel camera and comes with a 1,520mAh battery. From the look of it, the Padfone is running on a stock Android build, though ti does have quite a few pre-installed applications to enhance its phone/tablet experience. The tablet dock features a 10.1-inch display with a 1080 x 800 pixel screen resolution, stereo speakers and a docking port which allows it to connect to a keyboard which is very similar to the keyboard dock of the ASUS Transformer Prime.
ASUS has also developed its own Bluetooth Stylus Phone which can be used phone phone calls while the Padfone docked inside the tablet. The Bluetooth stylus phone features a volume rocker, power buttons and a capacitive tip which can be used to control the tablet.
Be sure to check out the video below and let us know what you think of the new ASUS Padfone and its many accessories. Would you rather have a dedicated phone, tablet and netbook or one device which can work as all three?
ASUS Padfone and its tablet and keyboard dock get unboxed
May 10th
Lets be honest, phone unboxing videos can get a bit boring, but we doubt any of you will be bored while watching a 17 minute video unboxing of the ASUS Padfone and its tablet and keyboard docking extensions.
On its own, the ASUS Padfone is a fairly powerful device, featuring a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor paired with an Adreno 225 GPU, 8 megapizel camera and comes with a 1,520mAh battery. From the look of it, the Padfone is running on a stock Android build, though ti does have quite a few pre-installed applications to enhance its phone/tablet experience. The tablet dock features a 10.1-inch display with a 1080 x 800 pixel screen resolution, stereo speakers and a docking port which allows it to connect to a keyboard which is very similar to the keyboard dock of the ASUS Transformer Prime.
ASUS has also developed its own Bluetooth Stylus Phone which can be used phone phone calls while the Padfone docked inside the tablet. The Bluetooth stylus phone features a volume rocker, power buttons and a capacitive tip which can be used to control the tablet.
Be sure to check out the video below and let us know what you think of the new ASUS Padfone and its many accessories. Would you rather have a dedicated phone, tablet and netbook or one device which can work as all three?
Android 4 quietly rolling out to international Galaxy Note
May 10th
The international Galaxy S II has already received the update to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, leaving the sized-up Galaxy Note behind on Android 2.3. Today, several European users are reporting that their devices have received an OTA update notification that brings their phone-tablet hybrid into 2012 with the Android 4.0 update.
Of course, this is a Samsung device, and Samsung has revamped their Touchwiz UI overlay for the Note, which looks a lot more like its Gingerbread variant. Other features in the upgrade include a new and improved S Note application, a new S Memo widget, and the Premium Suite Shape Match and My Story applications. Of course, you’ll get the performance improvements that come with ICS as well.
Owners of the AT&T-branded Galaxy Note will have to wait for the update to pass through carrier testing, which tends to add 1-3 months to the process. Hopefully that process has already begun, and AT&T Note owners will be getting their own taste of Ice Cream Sandwich very soon. We’re leaning towards the update coming sooner than later, as an AT&T-branded Galaxy Note was spotted at CTIA this week.
Any non-US readers out there getting the Android 4 update on your Galaxy Note?
Android 4 quietly rolling out to international Galaxy Note
May 10th
The international Galaxy S II has already received the update to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, leaving the sized-up Galaxy Note behind on Android 2.3. Today, several European users are reporting that their devices have received an OTA update notification that brings their phone-tablet hybrid into 2012 with the Android 4.0 update.
Of course, this is a Samsung device, and Samsung has revamped their Touchwiz UI overlay for the Note, which looks a lot more like its Gingerbread variant. Other features in the upgrade include a new and improved S Note application, a new S Memo widget, and the Premium Suite Shape Match and My Story applications. Of course, you’ll get the performance improvements that come with ICS as well.
Owners of the AT&T-branded Galaxy Note will have to wait for the update to pass through carrier testing, which tends to add 1-3 months to the process. Hopefully that process has already begun, and AT&T Note owners will be getting their own taste of Ice Cream Sandwich very soon. We’re leaning towards the update coming sooner than later, as an AT&T-branded Galaxy Note was spotted at CTIA this week.
Any non-US readers out there getting the Android 4 update on your Galaxy Note?
Google and Sony announce new Google TV box
May 9th
Google TV is almost an afterthought at this point. The service lacks a real differentiating feature to make it a must-have item in your entertainment center, and at least one of Google’s partners decided to stop making set top Google TV boxes because they feel the software is premature. Still, companies such as LG are getting into the game recently, and yesterday Google partnered with Sony to unveil a new Google TV set top box.
This isn’t Sony’s first entrant into the Google TV series; the Japanese conglomerate was an early Google TV advocate, selling TVs with integrated Google TV service since the time the service launched. The next version of Sony Google TV will be special. Not so much for the Google TV service, but for the dual-sided remote control that will be included.
The Remote
The dual-sided remote features the customary TV remote controls on one side, and doubles as a full QWERTY keyboard when flipped over. The result is around the same size as a remote control, as opposed to the full keyboard sized remote on the original Logitech Revue, and the awkward controller on Sony’s original TVs.
The Box
The box is unsurprisingly less interesting, what with it being a big black box and all. The video above shows the box in action, though we’re told the unit was non-working at the demonstration. The box and included remote are set to be released sometime this summer, so we’ll likely be hearing more about it in coming months.
Until then, we’ll try to figure out why we actually need a Google TV at all. Meanwhile, you can watch the Google-Sony event in its entirety in the video below.
Google and Sony announce new Google TV box
May 9th
Google TV is almost an afterthought at this point. The service lacks a real differentiating feature to make it a must-have item in your entertainment center, and at least one of Google’s partners decided to stop making set top Google TV boxes because they feel the software is premature. Still, companies such as LG are getting into the game recently, and yesterday Google partnered with Sony to unveil a new Google TV set top box.
This isn’t Sony’s first entrant into the Google TV series; the Japanese conglomerate was an early Google TV advocate, selling TVs with integrated Google TV service since the time the service launched. The next version of Sony Google TV will be special. Not so much for the Google TV service, but for the dual-sided remote control that will be included.
The Remote
The dual-sided remote features the customary TV remote controls on one side, and doubles as a full QWERTY keyboard when flipped over. The result is around the same size as a remote control, as opposed to the full keyboard sized remote on the original Logitech Revue, and the awkward controller on Sony’s original TVs.
The Box
The box is unsurprisingly less interesting, what with it being a big black box and all. The video above shows the box in action, though we’re told the unit was non-working at the demonstration. The box and included remote are set to be released sometime this summer, so we’ll likely be hearing more about it in coming months.
Until then, we’ll try to figure out why we actually need a Google TV at all. Meanwhile, you can watch the Google-Sony event in its entirety in the video below.
Android Gaming Weekly: Men in Black 3, Zombro, Jazz, Asphalt 7, N.O.V.A. 3
May 9th
Welcome back to our regular column Android Gaming Weekly, where we recap all the new releases and highlights every Wednesday. We post small bits throughout the week related to Android games, but readers have requested a condensed summary that makes it easier to keep up with all the latest news. Read on for this week’s best in Android gaming.
New Games This Week
Zombro
I smell a sleeper hit. “Zombro is a puzzle game with a simple goal: Detach Zombro’s basic elements (torso, legs, and braiiiiiinnz) to jump, dodge, and roll while making sure he finishes each level in one piece!” The game features 50 puzzles, 30 items to collect, and you can outfit Zombro in cool gear (plus customize his brain).
JAZZ: Trump’s Journey
We are in New Orleans this week for CTIA Wireless, so I thought it was appropriate to share a game about Jazz music. “My name is Trump and I’m a jazz man, and this is my story.” This unique platform game parallels with the real story of Louis Armstrong and follows the birth of jazz.
Ricky Carmichael’s Motorcross
“Ricky Carmichael Motocross Matchup Pro is an all-new racing game where it’s just you against online competitors from around the globe! This includes the chance to bang bars with some the of best in the business, including Ricky Carmichael himself!”
SAS: Zombie Assault 3
Based on the popular flash game by Ninja Kiwi, but completely rebuilt and optimized for Android, SAS: Zombie Assault 3 offers 4 player co-op multiplayer for free. Need I say more?
Ninja Chicken Ooga Booga
Lots of people like Oven Break last week and this title appears to offer similar gameplay. “Still on a mission to be the best ninja ever, our funky-chicken-who-thinks-he-is-a-ninja has broken free from the farm and into the wilderness!”
Destiny Defense: Angel or Devil
“Destiny Defense: Angel or Devil is the addictive action-strategy defense game with a variety of attack systems and 2 unique storylines. By choosing each side, Angel or Devil, you will be able to feel double thrill and fun as you go through different game plays.”
Zombie Granny
“Zombie Granny is an addictively fun puzzle game that combines zany characters, dazzling animated effects of destruction, and tricky mechanical puzzles for a ghoulishly entertaining good time!”
Android Games Coming Soon
Men in Black 3
Men in Black hits theaters May 25th and Gameloft has a new Android game to coincide with the release. This week they released a teaser video which shows a brief preview, but doesn’t provide many details on the gameplay. Look for Men in Black 3 to debut as a freemium game.
N.O.V.A. 3
Another day, another N.O.V.A. 3 teaser video. This time we get a look at some of the solo mission action. No release date has been given yet, but we expect it to land on select Android devices later this month.
Frontline Commando 2.0
Glu Mobile’s Frontline Commando has already been downloaded over 5 million times, and now they are gearing up to release version 2.0. The latest update should add several new levels, include new powerups, and end with a massive boss battle.
Asphalt 7: Heat
Last week at the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event, Asphalt 7 was briefly teased. This is Gameloft’s most popular racing game, so we have high hopes for the latest chapter in the series. We don’t have many details on the game yet, but we could know more when Samsung releases the Galaxy S III around May 29th.
Max Payne Mobile
Rockstar Games keeps pushing back the release date of Max Payne Mobile for Android, but tomorrow could be the big day. We heard a rumor it could come out at midnight, but Rockstar Games has been quiet on the matter. If you really want this game then check the Google Play store late tonight, but don’t be surprised if it was delayed again.
Games I’m currently playing
Dance Legend: This game came out last month, but I finally took the time to sit down and play it for awhile. I’m not a dancer, but I have always enjoyed music games and Dance Legend was a real blast to play. The game is free and includes several songs to get you started, but additional song packs will cost you money.
NBA Jam: EA Mobile finally updated NBA Jam to support more devices and I’ve been playing it non-stop the last couple days. The controls translate pretty well to a phone or tablet, and it’s just as fun as I remember when I was a little kid. I’m currently playing through the campaign mode trying to defeat every team and unlock big head mode. We are crossing our fingers that EA will eventually add an online multiplayer mode.
What Android games are you playing?
Find any great new Android games this week? Share your favorites in the comments below so we can check them out.
