AndroidSPIN

ICS Themed Instagram Available for you to Download and it Looks Gorgeous

David Pena — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:19:15 +0000

Couple weeks ago, I wrote up a post with a download to INVERT your Instagram app and many of you clicked in to see what it was all about. I really liked the more blacked out theme because, to me, the regular Instagram app looks to much like that silly OS that is named after a fruit. It was a bit of a relief to see our amazing developers invert the color and get rid of that silly theme.

Well the developers are at it again, and you just knew that this was coming. An ICS themed Instagram turning that much-loved picture social app, into the Holo Theme that we have all come to love. I have actually been rocking the theme on my Instagram for almost a week now and I am truly happy with it. So if you want to tweak out your Instragram with ICS colors, click the link below that leads you to the XDA thread with the APK file. What is awesome too is they seem to be keeping up with the Instagram updates from the Play Store. Let us know how you like it.

XDA Thread

Chameleon Launcher Brings New Innovation to Your Tablet’s Homescreens

David Pena — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:55:45 +0000

There are many different assortment of launchers to choose from for your phone, what does your tablet get? The options for tablet launchers are few and far, and stock launchers just do not cut the mustard for us die-hard Android users. Luckily Go Launcher HD recently integrated with the tablet UI, but it just does not seem enough for a tablet experience.

In comes Chameleon Launcher. An innovative, and unique launcher that uses a pretty impressive methodology. It basically changes the layout depending the time of day, GPS location, and what kind of connection you are on. Pretty much it turns your tablet into a thinking machine where you set up what you would like to look at in the morning, as well as what you like to check on throughout the day. Many of us like to read the news in the morning when you got that piping hot coffee brewing in the pot. Maybe around lunch you like to watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix. Heck if you are regular, you can have the perfect reading material waiting for you when you are doing your business on the toilet. Once you have set the different types of homescreens for the day, whatever the time is that homescreen will be waiting for you when you open your tablet. It is definitely impressive and if you want to get much more in-depth look at it, check out the video below.

The creators of Chameleon Launcher have started a Kickstarter campaign to raise $50,000 to get it finished. That seems rather steep. They are not giving us a reason why they need this money either, but they are promising access to the launcher before it drops in the store if you donate 5 or more dollars. So if you have a rockin’ tablet and you like what you see in the video, head over to the Kickstarter website and drop a little something for the boys. Let us know if you do.

Kickstarter Campaign
Source: Android Community

Sprint opens up carrier billing for Books, Movies and Music via Play Store

Stormy Beach — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:34:26 +0000

Sprint customers have been able to purchase apps and charge them to their cellphone bills for quite some time, but now Sprint customers can also purchase Books, Movie rentals and Music via the Play Store. This is by far the cheapest route for carriers and Google as this allows them both to side skirt pesky credit card fees. Billing to your Sprint account will be the default option when making a purchase, so be careful. If you aren’t paying attention you can rack up a pretty hefty bill in no time.

Beyond the credit card fees that not even Google nor Sprint want to pay for, there are a number of other reasons this is great. Primary reason is for those of you out there with out a credit card or debit card. Even dealing with multiple purchases appearing on your bank statement is a good reason too. Mostly it is just a convenience factor. A word of advice though, keep an eye on those kids of yours.

Via G+

ROM – @Splder HyperSensation for HTC Sensation

Community Release — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:08:56 +0000

Splder has released an update to HyperSensation. The latest version is now 1.6R.

This release is supported on the following Device(s):
- HTC Sensation

MAY.17 – HyperSensation v1.6R (85MB)
Rebased to AOKP 36
Updated gapps
Added music app by default (uninstallable)
Added dsp manager by default
Added keyboard dictionary`s by default
Changed to lightlaunch (uninstallable)
Changed build.props a bit
Did not remove as many things as before

DOWNLOAD

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ROM – @strawmetal Strawmetal.Mi for Multiple Devices

Community Release — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:04:41 +0000

strawmetal has released an update to Strawmetal.Mi. The latest version is now 1.9.

This release is supported on the following Device(s):
- HTC Desire Z
- HTC Vision/T-Mobile G2

V1.9 ILWT Kernel V1.8.0 Apps removed:ColorDict, OfficeSuiteViewer, Pocket, Spare Parts Apps added:Cerberus, SMS Backup & Restore Play Store updated to 3.5.19 Apps updated to latest Play Store version Restored Stock MIUI launcher(removed modified launcher by Andy)

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ROM – @GoyalBhuvan INFINITUM VIBRANT LBR for Samsung Galaxy S/ T-Mobile Vibrant

Community Release — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:50:48 +0000

bhu1 has released an update to INFINITUM VIBRANT LBR. The latest version is now 1.0.0.

This release is supported on the following Device(s):
- Samsung Galaxy S: T-Mobile Vibrant

CHANGELOG LBR V1.0.0-

initial release.

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ROM – @Team RMS IMM76I Based ICS 4.0.4 for Samsung Galaxy S/ T-Mobile Vibrant

Community Release — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:43:51 +0000

Team RMS has released an update to IMM76I Based ICS 4.0.4. The latest version is now 1.5.

This release is supported on the following Device(s):
- Samsung Galaxy S: T-Mobile Vibrant

Built from Android sources (IMM76I)

Improved notification bar toggles: long press a toggle to go to related Settings menu; multi-state sound toggle.

Numeric battery indicator.

Brightness control in status and notifications bars

Real and improved autobrightness: brightness really goes down when light decreases.

Extended power menu with reboot, recovery and screenshot.

Video face effects working

Application killing with long press on back button

Choose storage in Camera application

Power button shooter in Camera application

Timer option in Camera application

T9 Dialer

Removed “R” roaming indicator for national roaming

Root, Busybox and SuperSU

SUB ZERO Voodoo Color

HugeMem patch for 720p video by F4K

Preinstalled app: OI File Manager

APN’s predefined huge list

Modified hosts file to remove ads in applications.

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Google removes deauthorization limits, goes back to real world Uses

Stormy Beach — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:44:37 +0000

Yesterday turned into quite the explosion of conversation after Google Music users got denied the ability to deauthorize devices from their accounts. Apparently Google put a few changes into motion that forced users to only be able to deauthorize 4 devices a year. It didn’t take long for testers and ROM flash-a-holics to be in a sticky predicament.

Some of you maybe in the dark about the whole thing, so let us give a quick little explanation. Say you have your Galaxy Nexus. You authorize Google Music on your device, you also have a tablet that is also authorized, and probably your PC, Google TV, Laptop and anything else that can run Google Music. A person can easily have 6 or 7 authorized devices just using stock devices they own. Now you root your phone and tablet and flash a new ROM to them. You re-install Google Music and re-authorize it. That is two more devices added to your total. Pretty soon you are 10 authorized devices when you may only own 3 or 4. In order for Google Music to sync up, you have to re-authorize the app. If you have hit your limit you are greeted with a message that you are at your limit and to deauthorize unused devices. This is where the issue started yesterday, people would go do that and then be greeted with another message saying they have deauthorized to many devices. Making the use of you Google Music account useless to your new device or recently flashed device.

So, fast forward a few hours to now. Google has since pulled that aspect from the system and you are now able to deauthorize as many devices as you want from your account. You may want to jump on that before a new limit is added again. Why Google did this in the first place is beyond me. Granted the majority of the people who run into this are developers and ROM flashers, but the average Joe could just as easily run into an issue simply by having too many devices that they use. Hopefully Google will just leave well enough alone.

Via Androidcommunity

LG shows new Optimus UI 3.0, icon customization and Speedier

Stormy Beach — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:15:50 +0000

The debate on manufacturer overlays is one that can get rather heated quickly. While we all have our own personal opinion about which is better and why we like them or don’t, the fact is they will never go away. With many of the overlays giving us some great visuals or better experiences, some slow down your device and hinder your experience. LG is looking to clean up their act, much like Samsung and HTC have been doing. Taking their UI and simplifying it a bit more while still offering a different experience.

“With smartphone hardware becoming more and more similar, it’s important for manufacturers to differentiate their products from the competition through the user interface,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Both carriers and customers tell us that they want LG phones to look and feel unique and the UI plays a big part in that. LG is really going to push the boundaries of what is possible in user interfaces starting with Optimus UI 3.0.”

We would love to talk to the customers they spoke with… The new LG Optimus UI 3.0 is slated to hit a series of their Ice Cream Sandwich devices and brings some nice twists. For instance, dragging anywhere on the screen to unlock it (Galaxy S III) and an icon customizer to let users set their own icons. The icon aspect is pretty darn cool really, we have all been doing that for years with launchers and apps, now it will be a basic feature on LG devices. Another addition is what they call “QuickMemo”, which lets users take quick notes on-screen, much like the Note. Seems to us that a lot of what LG is doing is already on Samsung devices.

LG Optimus UI 3.0 will officially make its debut this week on in Korea when the LG Optimus LTE II lands. It shouldn’t take long for interested developers to start porting it over to other devices. Interested in know more? Check out the full press release below.

LG’S NEW OPTIMUS UI 3.0 ADDS NEW FEATURES
AND FUNCTIONS WHILE BEING UNOBTRUSIVE AND SIMPLE

New User Interface Makes the LG Smartphone Experience
Faster, Simpler, More Convenient

SEOUL, May 16, 2012 – LG Electronics (LG) is introducing a new User Interface (UI) for its newest Android Ice Cream Sandwich devices, aptly named Optimus UI 3.0. Optimus UI 3.0 brings with it an array of enhanced key features, including Quick Memo™ and unique unlock functions, among other new features and functions aimed at improving LG smartphone experience.

“With smartphone hardware becoming more and more similar, it’s important for manufacturers to differentiate their products from the competition through the user interface,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Both carriers and customers tell us that they want LG phones to look and feel unique and the UI plays a big part in that. LG is really going to push the boundaries of what is possible in user interfaces starting with Optimus UI 3.0.”

Optimus UI 3.0 is designed with convenience and speed in mind. A powerful memo function called Quick Memo™ enables users to jot notes on the screen using a finger. Quick Memo™ in Optimus UI 3.0 allows users to share their thoughts through social networks, text messages and e-mails more conveniently than ever before.

Other new features include:

– the ability to unlock the phone by dragging anywhere on the screen;
– a new Pattern Lock that allows users to preset the most frequently used function, such as the camera, which automatically opens once the phone is unlocked;
– a simpler version of Optimus UI 3.0 for new smartphone users which organizes the main applications so that they are the easiest to access;
– a new Voice Shutter that allows users to capture photos using only voice commands;
– a special camera feature that enables users to pick up the best shot among multiple images including the moment just before the shutter button is depressed;
– an Icon Customizer that provides an additional level of personalization by allowing users to set their own photos as icons and shortcut images;
– the addition of a Download category to the menu for easier organization.

Optimus UI 3.0 will debut on the LG Optimus LTE II launching this week in Korea, followed by LG Optimus 4X HD in June.

OG Transformer owners getting small OTA update, offers a few improvements and Face Unlock

Stormy Beach — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:49:32 +0000

I know we have said this before, but ASUS really is one of the best device manufacturers around, in our opinion. Sure they aren’t without their issues, but they consistently look for solutions and provide updates regularly to address everything. Another update from ASUS has been released for the OG Transformer, TF101, that brings it up to build v9.2.1.24. It is currently rolling out and available here in the U.S. and Canada. This update will bring you guys the following -

Improves system stability

Improves Email App stability

Improves MyNet stability

Improves MyLibrary stability

Add System Bar Lock: Lock the system bar when playing games

Add Email App new feature: Email download size/Thread/Out of office notification/Mail Sync schedule

Face Unlock

Improvements to stability are always a nice thing to see. We know some of you have been having a lot of issues with reboots and such. Hopefully this update will fix that. If you haven’t checked for the update yet, you can hit up Settings – About Tablet – System Firmware Update to pull it up. Let us know how it works out and if the Face Unlock works well or not.

Source: AndroidPolice