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Saturday, July 07, 2012

Samsung Galaxy S III OTA update adds brightness widget to drop-down menu

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/06/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-ota-update-adds-brightness-widget-to-drop-d/

While we didn't have many complaints with what Samsung offered us in its 2012 flagship, several users noted that the auto-brightness setting wasn't really making the most of that 4.8-inch screen. The Galaxy S III's latest OTA update tries to fix this by throwing in a new brightness gauge and auto toggle within the drop-down notification menu. There's also a handful of stability fixes included in the 73MB update and according to SlashGear, the update can now be pushed to global models by hitting up the update section in the settings menu.

Samsung Galaxy S III OTA update adds brightness widget to drop-down menu originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droid Incredible 4G LTE review: Verizon gets an excellent smaller-sized Android phone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/06/droid-incredible-4g-lte-review/

It's hard to underestimate the value of brand loyalty. Just ask Verizon Wireless. It's with satisfied Incredible and Incredible 2 owners in mind that the carrier is promoting the Droid Incredible 4G LTE, a 4-inch, $149 device that -- as you may have guessed -- rides along VZW's fast LTE network.

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Interestingly, the Incredible 4G LTE is landing at a time when many consumers might have preferred, say, the HTC One X. In fact, though, Verizon's decision to instead update the Incredible (also made by HTC) introduces a rather enviable proposition to Verizon customers. Remember that in a short matter of time, the Samsung Galaxy S III will soon make its debut at Verizon, at which point, it's expected to become the network's premiere smartphone. St! ill, its large size will deter many shoppers, and when viewed through this lens, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE begins to make sense. Put simply, it's a compact handset that stands as the antithesis to the assumption that size equals power. While the handset doesn't quite approach the capabilities or elegance of the One X (or the One S, for that matter), the latest Incredible is a worthy successor and deserves consideration as your next smartphone -- regardless of your current provider. Read on to learn why.

Gallery: HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE review

Continue reading Droid Incredible 4G LTE review: Verizon gets an excellent smaller-sized Android phone

Droid Incredible 4G LTE review: Verizon gets an excellent smaller-sized Android phone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JBL's extra-tiny Soundfly BT wall outlet speaker gets spoiled by the FCC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/06/jbl-extra-tiny-soundfly-bt-wall-outlet-speaker-spoiled-by-fcc/

JBL is known for its portable speakers, but an FCC filing has revealed that it's willing to make speakers that are almost inconspicuous. The Soundfly BT would represent your everyday Bluetooth speaker save for the very uncommon ability to optionally plug directly into a wall outlet, skipping the power cord. Shades of the previous-generation AirPort Express, anyone? There's not much mystery in other areas, but the 20W stereo output is unusually powerful for something small enough to hang off of a hotel room's power port. Between the manual and live photos, about the only riddles left are the Soundfly BT's official release date and price.

JBL's extra-tiny Soundfly BT wall outlet speaker gets spoiled by the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Nexus 7 tablet gets mid-July arrival dates from Staples in US and Canada

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/06/google-nexus-7-staples-arrival-date-us-canada/

It's no secret that both the 8GB and 16GB variants of Google's Nexus 7 have been set to ship in two to three weeks from pre-orders placed at its Play store. While retailers like Gamestop are also remaining mum on specifics, Staples has stepped up with actual arrival dates on its US and Canadian websites for the 16GB model. Apparently, fast fingers within the United 50 that lay out $250 to reserve one of the Jelly Bean-loaded slates by July 10 can expect it to arrive as early as the 13th -- that said, Staples notes that this "limited quantity" of initial stock is set to ship "between July 12th and July 17th." Heading to Staple's site for the Great White North, the tablet is listed to hit shelves in-stores and online on the 23rd for 259 Canadian dollars, however, there's no word on when online orders might ship. We'd still advise you to take these dates with some NaCl at this point, but it's likely a safe to bet that you'll have yours before August if you place an order soon.

Google Nexus 7 tablet gets mid-July arrival dates from Staples in US and Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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100 million smartphone owners in China getting free VoIP through messaging app Weixin

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/06/100-million-china-smartphone-voip-Weixin/

If you're in China and use a free chat app called Weixin on Android or iOS, you're about to get no-charge VoIP as well thanks to an imminent update. The company is set to join the likes of Skype, Viber and Korea's Kakao Talk in providing free cellphone calls to the nation and ought to make a huge splash given the massive 100 million user install base. The Tencent-owned service is also adding Bluetooth support, a matching VoIP web service and a complete redesign of its site, according to TechNode. There's no release date yet or word on whether the English version WeChat will get it, but if so, it might make those pricey cellphone calls to friends and family overseas a lot freer.