January 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Android 4.1 vs Android 4.2 – Demo Video

This is a nice video from the guys over at Android Authority that pits the two different iterations of Android Jelly Bean against each other. At the moment it’s only Nexus devices that run 4.2, although it shouldn’t be too long before it starts to reach OEM devices. The Sony Xperia Z is pegged to get the 4.2 handset soon after the handset’s release in March, but devices from other manufacturer’s may receive updates in the meantime. 

This video does a good job of demonstrating the features of each version of Jelly Bean and then comparing them to one another. I’ve been running Android 4.2 for a while now and there are a few minor differences that I prefer from the old version, such as the clock, but these are minor adjustments and don’t affect the overall user experience. One of the nicest features is multi-user on tablets, but other than that there isn’t a great deal that you’re missing out on if you’re not on 4.2 yet. 

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January 15, 2013 By 1 Comment

Samsung Galaxy Note Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean rollout begins in Europe

Poland the first country to begin receiving update

samsung galaxy note jelly bean update

The Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update has begun rolling out in Poland for the Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000. Hopefully this means that the rest of Europe and the UK will not be too far behind. The update for the Galaxy Note brings with it the goodies that are already available for its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Note II. These include multi view for multi tasking and updates for a range of applications that are further optimised for use with the S-Pen stylus.

For users in Poland, the update is reported to be available via the KIES software. It may be slightly longer before the update is available as an OTA update, as is usually the case with Samsung firmware updates. Any UK users, be sure to give us a shout once the Jelly Bean update is available for your device.

Via GSM Arena

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December 28, 2012 By 4 Comments

SGS3 4.1.2 upgrade rolling out with Samsung ‘Premium Suite’

Samsung’s Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean upgrade for Galaxy S3 brings some new Premium features to TouchWiz

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has been incredibly popular and a much wanted upgrade to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean has been in the pipeline for some time. The upgrade has been rolling out for the unlocked international SGS3 in territories across the world -  if you have a carrier locked version it may take a little longer to become available.

As well as the standard Android updates in 4.1.2, Samsung have also included some extra features designed specifically for the SGS3 in this update, which they are calling their ‘Premium Suite’ and includes:

  1. Page Buddy: Predictive actions e.g. plugging in headphones activates music player
  2. Contextual Menu: Frequently used apps are first in the app list
  3. Contextual Tag: Weather / Date / Location can be immediately tagged on pictures
  4. Multi Window: Two open apps in two windows on the mobile screen
  5. Auto Share Shot: Use NFC to share pictures/videos by tapping devices together
  6. Reader Mode: Better control of web browser text size and instant page sharing
  7. Facebook Ticker: Convenient Facebook update ticker, viewable on lock screen

Check out the video from SamsungTomorrow showcasing Premium Suite features below

SGS3 Android 4.1.2 upgrade with Premium Suite software

 

If you are yet to receive a 4.1.2 update for your Galaxy S3 then hold tight, it is likely to be with you soon, and remember connecting to Kies may search and force the upgrade if the OTA is taking too long for your liking! Also anyone with Premium Suite let us know how you’re getting along with the new features in the comments

via Android Police

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December 5, 2012 By 15 Comments

HTC One X + vs Samsung Galaxy S3

Let’s be honest; HTC and Samsung’s flagship devices do not have much to choose between them. Both are extremely powerful handsets that boast the latest and greatest tech available in a smartphone today. I am going to compare some of the features between the two warrior handsets as this question is a frequently asked one here at Clove: What’s the difference between the HTC One X + and the Samsung Galaxy S3?

OS: The HTC One X + comes with the latest Android OS (4.1 Jelly Bean) compared to that of the S3 (4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) although there is an update now available for the S3 which allows you to upgrade to Jelly Bean.

Processor: The SGS3 is running on a 1.4GHz Exynos 4 Quad-Core processor to that of the One X + which is powered by a larger 1.7GHz Tegra 3 Quad-Core processor. To be quite honest; there is not too much to choose between the two when it comes to processor speed. However, the HTC One X + runs 60% faster than the original One X which is a very notable improvement.

Display: The One X + has a 4.7 inch Super LCD 2 display with a 1280 x 720 resolution and 312 ppi. The SGS3 has a slightly larger screen at 4.8 inches featuring a Super AMOLED display with resolution of 1280 x 720 and 306 ppi. Both devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass 2 displays, the pixels per inch are slightly higher on the One X + plus; but again the difference is hardly significant.

Storage: The storage is where potential users will be swayed to one device in particular. The One X + has a massive internal storage (64GB) comparable to that of the S3 (16GB), although the HTC One X + has no MicroSD slot which may be a deciding factor for many when making that final decision on the two devices.

Camera: Both handsets feature an 8-megapixel rear facing camera with LED flash. Again, both feature 1080p video recording. The cameras are almost identical in quality and precision; the only slight difference would be on the front facing cameras: the S3 features a 1.9 megapixel front facing shooter with 720p video capture for video calling compared to that of the One X + which is at a slight disadvantage with a 1.6 megapixel camera and 720p video capture. Of course there is a lot to consider when it comes to comparing cameras on smartphones, but again the two really are neck-and-neck in most areas.

Design: Although I have always been a fan of the HTC form factor, I can definitely see a vast improvement with the SGS3 compared to its predecessor the SGS2. The SGS2 had a very lightweight and almost plastically feel to it. The SGS3 has definitely got a more of a solid feel but is still some way behind the One X + when it comes to the aesthetics of the two devices in my opinion.

Conclusion: To be honest I find it very hard to choose between the two, they’re both top end smartphones that can offer a lot to their user. I think the ultimate decision may come down to the MicroSD issue with the One X + but then the design of the One X + outweighs the SGS3 so it really is a personal choice that only you the consumer can make. As many of you will have purchased a One X + or an SGS3 we would love to hear why you opted for your chosen handset?

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November 8, 2012 By

Jelly Bean update for Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 begins rolling out

The Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 has now begun rolling out in Germany. At the moment we have not had confirmation of the update being available in the UK, but the fact that it has begun rolling out in Germany would suggest that it is not too far off.

[Read more...]

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October 24, 2012 By

Jelly Bean update for international SGS3 now rolling out

We’ve just had confirmation from one of our customers that the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update is now rolling out for the SIM-free/international version of the Samsung Galaxy S3.

This means that those of you that have purchased a Samsung Galaxy S III from Clove should have the update available to download very shortly, if not now.

Your handset can either be updated via an OTA update (using Wi-Fi is advised), or by connecting your handset to the computer and updating via Kies software.

To check for the update on your handset, go to Settings > About Phone > Check for updates. If the update is not showing as available, it may be worth connecting Kies as it can be the case that it is available via Kies sooner.

Thanks to Mike Paterson for letting us know.

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October 19, 2012 By

Sony confirms Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for Xperia T, Xperia S and most other 2012 Xperias, coming 2013.

Sony has confirmed via its product blog that the majority of its 2012 Xperia line-up will be updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The first updates will begin rolling out in Q1 2013.

The first to get the upgrade will be the Xperia T, Xperia TX and Xperia V, with Sony approximating a rollout beginning ‘mid Q1 2013’.

The other handsets that will be upgraded to Jelly Bean are: Xperia S, Xperia acro S, Xperia ion, Xperia go and Xperia J. A timeframe has not yet been provided, but given the updates for the T and other devices is scheduled for mid-Q1, a reasonable expectation for the other devices would be early to mid Q2.

Sony has also confirmed that its 2011 range will not be updated to Jelly Bean:

We were glad to provide the Android 4.0.4 upgrade for our 2011 Xperia portfolio across most markets and the majority of models but, after thorough evaluation, we have concluded they will not be upgraded beyond Ice Cream Sandwich.

Beyond Ice Cream Sandwich we would not able to guarantee owners of these smartphones the user experience you expect and we demand. We will however, continue to support all these products with firmware maintenance releases.

We’ll let you know as soon as any of the Jelly Bean updates are rolling out.

Via Eurodroid

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October 18, 2012 By

Google Calendar now available on the Play store

 

Google calendar is now officially available for download on the Play Store. This eagerly anticipated app makes life a whole lot easier. Now you can manage all your calendars in one place, including Google accounts and other calendars that you may have synced to your Android device.

Extra features include:

  • The ability to snooze events
  • Pinch to zoom in and out of your day
  • Set a home time zone to help stay organised whilst travelling
  • Extended sync period (view past events from up to a year ago)

You can download Google calendar on the Google Play Store for devices running Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.3+) or Jellybean.

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October 2, 2012 By

HTC One X & One S Jelly Bean updates to begin rolling out this month

Along with announcing the HTC One X+ today, HTC has confirmed that the Jelly Bean update for the HTC One X and HTC One S ‘is scheduled begin rolling out this month’. Experience has taught us to take up date schedules with a pinch of salt, but the good news is that this is the most precise date we’ve had for the update so far and given HTC’s estimated timeframe, we can certainly expect international versions of the handset to receive the update by the end of November. Also included with the Jelly Bean update will be HTC Sense 4+, which will add some more features to the company’s custom Android skin. Unfortunately there has been no mention of the JB update for the HTC One V, but we’ll let you know as soon as we’ve had any news.

Full PR here

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September 24, 2012 By

SGS3 Jelly Bean update begins rollout

Sammobile is reporting that the much anticipated Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy S III has begun rolling out in Poland. This means that the update for the rest of Europe should not be too far off. The Jelly Bean update does of course bring some big enhancements to the S3, which include Project Butter for smoother and faster browsing, and Google’s own voice recognition software, Google Now.

Those of you that have purchased a SIM-free/international Samsung Galaxy S III will be among the first to receive the update. While there is no update yet as to when it will begin rolling out for UK SIM-free stock, it should not be too long now that the update has begun rolling out in Poland. 

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