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Google Maps updated to support NFC-powered Beam feature

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 03:41 PM PDT

Google Maps update

During the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich demo we got to see another use for NFC. Beam, demonstrated sharing of information across devices and it looks like Google has now updated Google Maps to support the feature. You won't find it listed in the change logs though. In fact, the change log only states the update has reduced file sizes for app storage on different devices but the permissions tell the truth. New permissions requested are for NFC and when you put the pieces together, its safe to assume Beam support has been added to Google Maps.

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TELUS launching the Samsung Galaxy S II X October 28th

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 03:21 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S II X

While the Samsung Galaxy S II has been available in Canada for quite some time now, TELUS has been holding back their release for whatever reason but the time has come and they're ready to release it. October 28th is when the Samsung Galaxy S II  X, as TELUS is branding it will drop bringing its 1.5Ghz dual-core processor goodness. Still no word on pricing as yet but the fact that we finally have a date is good enough for me.

Source: TELUS via: Mobile Syrup

BlurSandwich, SenseCream? [From the Forums]

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 03:06 PM PDT

From the Forums

Now that just about everyone has got their latest devices out of their system -- what's next? HTC has been rather quiet lately but we know they have a few things cooking. We've had plenty this week to talk about though, so make sure you jump a few pages back collect the news and head on into the Android Central forums for more discussion:

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

Will my phone get Ice Cream Sandwich? Our predictions:

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 01:45 PM PDT

Android Central

The wait is over -- Google has officially announced Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and showed us a whole lot to like.  Of course, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is coming soon, and and many others will follow shortly thereafter with the latest and greatest that Android has to offer. But right now the big question is "When will my phone get the Ice Cream Sandwich update?"

With two-year contracts and $500-and-up off-contract prices, most of us will want to hold on to the phone we bought this year and milk it for every penny we can.  That's the wise (and frugal) thing to do, and we're right there with ya when it comes to saving a few dollars.

So which phones do we believe will see an ICS udpate? Hit the break for our predictions.

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Ice Cream Sandwich SDK ports begin with the Nexus S 4G

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 12:54 PM PDT

Nexus S 4G ICS port

As we explained yesterday, now that the Ice Cream Sandwich SDK has been released, we're about to see a deluge of SDK-based ROM ports. We're not going to cover them all here, but will will cover the first to come out of the Android Central Forums. Beezy's been hard at work, and you'll soon be able to enjoy the fruits of his SDK labor on the Nexus S 4G. Things are very much still a work in progress, but you'll soon be able to be the first on your block to say you have some form of ICS on your phone.

Source: Nexus S 4G forums

Swype gets a new beta release, blissfully makes updating easier

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 12:45 PM PDT

Swype beta

We've been in love with the Swype keyboard since, well, forever. But time and time again we've threatened to break up over the stupidest of things. Because Swype's business model is to get preloaded onto phones and you technically can't download a full version, the beta installation process has always been a pain in the ass. Download the Swype app. Register. Sign in. Download the beta. When it comes time to update the beta version, you have to go through the whole thing again, and add in a step where you recover your forgotten password.

That ends now.

Swype Bets Version 3.26, in addition to bringing improved language control (which language you use at any given time), a refined key layout and new settings and help, also brings about automatic updates. You'll get notifications letting you know an update is available, and install it right through the settings. Easy as pie.

Source: Swype

Mobile Mouse Pro now available for Android

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 12:33 PM PDT

Mobile Mouse Pro

If you've just got to use your phone as a desktop trackpad, it's time to check out Mobile Mouse Pro. The popular iOS app (we really hate having to type that) has just been released for Android. And for $2.99 (that's a bit steep, eh?) your device will serve as a fully functioning trackpad, with full Windows compatability and everything. Give it a shot. Download links are after the break.

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Gingerbread kernel source for the Samsung Epic 4G now available

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 11:20 AM PDT

Epic 4G

Samsung has released the kernel source code (and other GPL bits of code for open-source software) for the D700, which we all know and love as the Epic 4G.  Does this mean a stable Gingerbread build is imminent? We have no idea, but we do know that the many of you guys who have long forgotten about the official update path should now have even better custom ROM's to flash, and developers can carry on doing what they do independently from Samsung and Sprint.  That's why we love open-source software.  If you're a kernel developer, or think now would be a good time to start, grab it from the source link (search for D700).

Source: Samsung; Thanks, rocket321!

Android 101: A little privacy in the YouTube app

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 10:32 AM PDT

Youtube Privacy

Go ahead, admit it: You've probably searched Youtube for something you'd prefer nobody know about. Nyan Cat. Teletubbies. Justin Bieber. The iPhone. Hey, we won't judge.

There's a quick and easy way to cover your tracks, though. Just dive into the Youtube app, hit the menu button, then choose settings. There you have a couple of search settings options. One clears the search history. The other will "block videos containing restricted content from appearing in search results." It's a pre-emptive strike, if you will. And while it won't keep Justin Bieber from showing in your Youtube search results, it should keep your more nefarious searches away from prying eyes.

Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the world

Posted: 20 Oct 2011 10:07 AM PDT

Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich

Android Central Podcast

Only two things on the agenda tonight, folks. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. No others need apply. We'll break it all down, let you know what to expect in the coming days and weeks ahead, and maybe give a few hints of what other devices we think will be updated.

So join Phil and the gang -- and, of course, the chat room -- live tonight at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST for the live broadcast. You should be there. You will be there. You must be there. After all, you are what makes it the Greatest Android Podcast in the World.

Not at a computer? Pick up the free UStream Viewer from the Android Market [link] and search for Android Central a little before the show (it won't appear until we go live). We'll see you there! AndroidCentral.com/live

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