Verizon Wireless has updated the Motorola Droid Razr and Droid Razr Maxx from Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Not to be confused with the newer Droid Razr HD and Droid Razr Maxx HD, which received Jelly Bean upgrades three months earlier, the original pair of Droid Razr smartphones have been in queue for the latest version of Android for quite some time, so it’s good to see Verizon and Motorola finally fulfill their promises. The .XT912.Verizon.en.US software update is already in the midst of rolling out in phases and will continue on that path for the next week until completion. As always, eager folks can trigger the update manually through the settings menu. Read on for the full change log.

Verizon Motorola Droid Razr and Razr Maxx Android 4.1 Jelly Bean .XT912 Update Changelog:

VOICE SEARCH
Sometimes you’d rather just speak your search query. Android lets you search the web with your voice, and it’s convenient for getting quick answers on the fly. It speaks back to you and is powered by the Knowledge Graph, bringing you precise answers and ranked search results.

NOTIFICATIONS
Take action directly from the notifications panel. Send emails, return calls, photos and more. Notifications are expandable and you scan multiple emails, see event details or full images and more.

SMART KEYBOARD
More accurate and relevant dictionaries have been implemented. Jelly Bean’s keyboard guesses the next word before you type it, voice typing now works even when you don’t have a data connection and text-to-Speech capabilities have been improved.

GOOGLE NOW
Just the right information at just the right time. Get today’s weather before you start your day, know how much traffic toexpect before you leave for work and when the next train will arrive as you’re standing on the platform. Cards appear throughout the day automatically.

USER EXPERIENCE UPDATES
+ Improved connectivity when roaming on GSM network.
+ “My Files”, “My Gallery” and “My Music” have been replaced with “Files”, “Gallery”
and “Play Music”.
+ In Help Center, user will see a video for setting up Google Play Store instead of the
Android Market.
+ Improved reliability and accuracy of voicemail indicator.

MESSAGING UPDATES
+ Improved reliability with the Email and Calendar Sync.
+ User is able to use contact groups for sending a message.
+ User is able to delete email accounts from device.

APPLICATION UPDATES
+ Sling and MOG application preloads have been removed.
+ Improved connectivity and reliability with 4G LTE.
+ User’s phone will sync Back Up Assistant content at scheduled time.

HTC One X users on AT&T will be thrilled to learn their handset of choice has finally been updated from Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The OTA upgrade begins today and will roll-out in phases over the next week or so. One X users can wait patiently for an automatic update notification or trigger it manually through the settings menu. Check out the changes in the list below.

HTC One X Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Update Changelog:

• Google Now, which provides you with the latest relevant information you need, when you need it. Whether you’re checking the weather, checking flight information, tracking a package or more, you can get the information that matters most immediately in a single swipe.
• Changes to the notification display that groups updates from the same application together and allows you to expand or collapse any notification.
• The ability to view the full text of an SMS message and the full photo of a MMS in the notification window.
• An event notifications display that offers more of the event description, allowing you to quickly see relevant details without having to open an app.
• New countdown timer for the front-facing camera.
• Isis compatibility - With Isis, users can easily upload payment and loyalty cards to a convenient and secure app. They can then use the One X to make payments by tapping their phone at participating retailers. Isis Mobile Wallet is currently trialing in Austin and Salt Lake City.
• AT&T Locker – Allows you to automatically store photos, videos and documents securely in the cloud, so you can access and share from your smartphone or computer.
• AT&T DriveMode  – Helps curb texting and driving.  The app can be set-up to automatically send a customizable reply to incoming messages once a vehicle starts moving 25 mph. The auto-reply message is similar to an “out-of-office alert” and can reply to texts, emails and wireless callers letting your friends know that you are driving and unable to respond.
• AT&T Messages – Displays all your texts, calls, and voicemail messages together in a single inbox, easily accessible from your computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

Sprint has started rolling out a major upgrade for the LG Optimus G smartphone that transitions its software from Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. The roll-out begins today and should continue through the next couple weeks in phases. Check out the full changelog for the LS970ZVA OTA update below.

LG Optimus G Software Update – LS970ZVA

Enhancements/Fixes:
- Android 4.1.2 Jellybean
- Google Now™
- Expandable, actionable notifications
- Android Beam™ to send photos and more
- QuickTranslator application downloadable from the Application Manager
- Smoother user interface. Vsync timing across all drawing and animation done by the Android framework,
including application rendering, touch events, screen composition and display refresh; and triple buffering
in the graphics pipeline
- User-installable keyboard maps
- Ability to turn off notifications on an app specific basis
- Shortcuts and widgets can automatically be re-arranged or re-sized to allow new items to fit on home screens
- Bluetooth data transfer for Android Beam
- Improved voice search
- Improved camera app
- Android mobile version of Google Chrome replaces stock Android browser
- Ability for other launchers to add widgets from the app drawer without requiring root access

A Samsung Electronics official reportedly told The Korean Times that the Galaxy Note III will feature a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display and Exynos 5 Octa-core processor when it’s released in the second half of 2013. “Samsung is working on introducing a new (Android) phablet using a 5.9-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen,” said the source.

Keep in mind this bit of news conflicts with a previous rumor released by the same Korean media outlet that stated the Galaxy Note 3 would have an even larger 6.3-inch display. It’s possible Samsung adjusted its plans and reduced the display size from 6.3″ to 5.9″ after hearing concerns from consumers. There’s also the possibility that both 5.9″ and 6.3″ smartphones are in the works. If not beyond the 6″ mark, a 5.9″ screen would still be a sizable increase compared to the unannounced Galaxy Note 3′s predecessors, the 5.3-inch Galaxy Note and 5.5-inch Galaxy Note II.

Note: image above is of the recently announced Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet.

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A smattering of leaked screenshots have confirmed details of the Samsung Galaxy S IV, including device specifications and new TouchWiz Smart features.

We previously reported that the upcoming flagship Android smartphone would feature eye-tracking software for automatically scrolling Web pages in the browser. Well, now there’s evidence. As shown in the screenshot above, the settings menu lists both “Smart Scroll” and “Smart Pause” features. The former activates auto-scrolling while the user is looking at the screen and the latter pauses video when it detects the user looking away from the screen. Smart Stay and Smart Rotation options are present as well. A future firmware update to the Galaxy S III will also include the aforementioned Smart features.

The leaked screens also confirm some of the specs of the device. This particular Galaxy S4 sports a 5-inch 1080p FHD display, ARMv7 1.8 GHz quad-core processor (likely Qualcomm Snapdragon 600), 2GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel rear camera. Clearly, the listed chipset varies from the one revealed in recent AnTuTu benchmark results. We’ve heard rumors that Samsung may release two variants of the Galaxy S IV – one with Exynos 5 Octa and one with Snapdragon 600. The latest leaks pertaining to the Galaxy S IV seem to support those rumors. The screenshots within this post may be from a US-bound Galaxy S IV.

Samsung will announce the Galaxy S IV on March 14 in NYC.

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The LG Optimus F5, recently announced as part of the trio of F-Series Android smartphones at MWC 2013, is heading to Verizon Wireless as the LG Lucid 2 (VS870), according to evleaks.

The successor to the original Lucid (VS840) should sport many of the same features as its European/Asian counterpart: a 4.3-inch qHD (960×540) IPS+ display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 5 megapixel rear shooter, 1.3MP front-facing camera, and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

The source also claims the Lucid2 will launch on Big Red within the next month. Exact pricing was not revealed, though its mid-range classification suggests it will be somewhat affordable.

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Opera Mobile and Opera Mini have been two of the most popular and highly rated Web browsers for the Android platform in recent years. Now, Opera Software has built a new WebKit-powered browser from the ground-up and released it to Google Play as Opera Browser Beta.

Check out the promo video above, screenshots & feature-list below, and then head to the Google Play store for the free download. You can also download the app by visiting the Opera Browser portal on the company’s website.

Opera Browser Beta Features:

• New look: Opera for Android sports a completely new user interface that is more elegant and built to the native specifications of the Android platform.
• Discover feature: This provides a new way of discovering content on the web. From the Discover panel of the startup screen, you can read a selection of popular articles and dig deeper into your interests, such as sports, technology, lifestyle or news. Opera has selected relevant global and regional sources, so let Opera do the surfing for you.
• New, revamped Speed Dial: Opera’s engineers discovered that users like to have links readily available in the Speed Dial, yet also wanted the flexibility of a bookmark folder. With the new Speed Dial, the bookmarks are fused together with the Speed Dial entries to provide a new experience. It’s easier to group, organize and rename Speed Dial entries or gather them in folders — all with the touch of your thumb.
• Off-Road mode: Opera for Android integrates the compression technology from Opera Mini, for faster browsing when conditions are rough. Bad network or costly roaming while traveling? Just switch to Off-Road mode and keep on surfing.
• Combined search and address bar: Opera has combined the search and URL field for a more elegant UI and more intuitive input.
• Tabbed browsing: The elegant tabbed browsing makes it easier than ever to browse, open and sort all your open browser windows on your phone. It even offers private browsing, just like the Opera desktop browser.
• History: With the easily accessible history mode, return to that page you saw earlier today fast — just swipe your finger to the right to access the content on the left on your home screen.
• Save for later: This feature lets the user download a complete webpage and read it later while offline. It’s perfect for reading long articles on flights without Wi-Fi or just when you don’t want to connect to the internet.

A new report from The New York Times claims the Samsung Galaxy S IV Android smartphone will feature eye-tracking capabilities that will enable automatic scrolling while browsing the Web. The rumor comes from a Samsung employee who has actually tried the next-gen flagship.

According to the source, the Galaxy S4 will be able to “track a user’s eyes to determine where to scroll.” Such a feature would eliminate the need to touch the screen to scroll once reaching the end of pages. Samsung already implemented a related feature called Smart Stay on its current Galaxy S III, which keeps the display active as long as the user is looking at it, but this new eye-scrolling function will take the concept to the next level.

This leak lines up with trademarks filed under the names “Eye Scroll” (No. 011510674) in Europe in January and “Samsung Eye Scroll” in the U.S. in February of 2013. Samsung’s official description reads: “Computer application software having a feature of sensing eye movements and scrolling displays of mobile devices, namely, mobile phones, smartphones and tablet computers according to eye movements; digital cameras; mobile telephones; smartphones; tablet computers.” Another trademark, labeled “Eye Pause,” was also filed recently by the Korean handset-maker.

Samsung’s chief product officer, Kevin Packingham, declined to comment on the eye-tracking rumor, but he made a point to dispute the notion that the Galaxy S4′s software outshines its hardware. The Galaxy S IV is “an amazing phone,” he said.

Samsung will officially announce the Galaxy S IV on March 14 in New York.

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Samsung has started teasing its Mobile Unpacked 2013 event for the highly anticipated Galaxy S IV, which is scheduled to take place on March 14th in New York. We’re a week and a half away from the big unveiling and the handset-maker clearly wants us to “be ready 4 the next Galaxy” with the release of this video teaser. In the skit, Samsung hires a “secret messenger” to protect a box containing the Galaxy S4 Android smartphone. The child takes a look inside the box with an expression of amazement before beginning his 10-day long quest to keep the Galaxy S IV away from curious friends.

This is likely the first of a series of teasers, so we’ll continue to post them as they’re unleashed. The dedicated press conference for the next-generation flagship Galaxy device will also be live streamed to all on YouTube and on Samsung’s massive video billboard at Times Square.

The Samsung Galaxy S IV Android smartphone has reportedly been clocked by the popular AnTuTu benchmarking application and the purported results reveal more than its performance numbers.

The screenshots above actually list all the juicy details about the device. According to the benchmark utility, the SGS4 rocks a 1.8GHz Exynos 5 Octa 4+4 processor (5410) with PowerVR SGX 544MP GPU, a 4.99-inch 1080p Full HD display, 2GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel rear camera, 2.1 MP front-facing shooter, 16/32GB of internal storage, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It’s interesting that it’s listed with support for GSM/WCDMA/LTE networks, as this would indicate that it’s a world phone. As far as performance is concerned, the phone scored a total of 24,894, which blows away current generation smartphones, but seems to fall short of Nvidia’s upcoming Tegra 4 chipset. Read on for the full breakdown of the scores.

Samsung Galaxy S IV GT-I9500 AnTuTu Benchmark:
Total – 24,894
RAM – 5144
CPU integer – 5228
CPU float-point – 5536
2D graphics at 1920×1080 – 1621
3D graphics at 1920×1080 – 6449
Database IQ – 565
SD card write – 150
SD card read – 201

Recently, there have been conflicting rumors about the processor inside the Galaxy S IV, with mentions of both the Samsung Exynos 5 Octa and Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chips. This latest leak hints that we’ll likely see an Exynos-powered device, but is the Snapdragon 600-equipped variant still a possibility? We’ll get official confirmation on specs on March 14th when the Galaxy S IV is unveiled to all at Samsung’s Mobile Unpacked event in New York.

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Samsung is planning to sell the Galaxy S IV (GT-I9500) flagship Android smartphone in six different configurations, according to a source close to the matter. Regarding color options, it appears the Galaxy S4 will be available in white or black models. The absence of a blue variant suggests Samsung is going conservative at launch. As far as internal storage is concerned, we can expect 16, 32 and 64GB configurations, though I’m a bit skeptical whether we’ll actually see the latter on release day. It’s only a matter of time before 64GB becomes the new norm for smartphone storage, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if this option was limited to select markets since the device is launching worldwide in H1 2013. It’s also widely believed Samsung has switched chipsets from its in-house Exynos 5 Octa to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 processor. Samsung will officially announce the Galaxy S IV on March 14th in NYC.

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Two appealing Android games popped up on the Google Play store today: Electronic Arts’ Real Racing 3 and Fox Digital Entertainment’s AVP: Evolution. The third iteration of the Real Racing series drops the hefty price tag in favor of testing the freemium model whereas Alien vs Predator costs a very pricey $4.99. Check out respective descriptions, gameplay trailers and screenshots for both games below.

Real Racing 3

Game Description:

Trailblazing new features include officially licensed tracks, an expanded 22-car grid, and over 45 meticulously detailed cars from makers like Porsche, Lamborghini, Dodge, Bugatti, and Audi. Plus, racing with friends gets kicked into another dimension with the reality-bending Time Shifted Multiplayer (TSM) technology.

REAL CARS
Featuring Real Racing’s largest roster of cars yet, don’t miss our new manufacturers like Porsche, Lamborghini, Dodge, Bugatti, and Audi. Take the wheels of over 45 intensely detailed racers and test your skills on an authentic 22-car race grid – for the first time on mobile.

REAL TRACKS
In another first for the Real Racing series, burn rubber on a full lineup of real tracks in multiple configurations from top locations around the world, including Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Hockenheimring, and many more.

REAL PEOPLE
Like nothing you’ve seen before, our innovative new Time Shifted Multiplayer™ lets you race anyone, anytime – even if they’re offline! Every career event is filled with fully interactive AI-controlled time-shifted versions of your Game Center or Facebook friends, as well as other players from around the world.

MORE CHOICES THAN EVER
Compete in over 900 events like cup races, eliminations, endurance challenges, and drag races. Upgrade your car parts to maximize performance. See the action through a variety of camera angles and fine-tune the controls to your personal preference.

THE PREMIER RACING EXPERIENCE
Powered by the remarkable new Mint 3 Engine, Real Racing 3 features persistent car damage, fully functioning rear view mirrors, and dynamic reflections for a super-enhanced racing reality. Enjoy a rich, next-gen game with the most advanced cross-platform social and competitive racing community ever. Real Racing 3 delivers it all.

Video Trailer:

Screenshots:

AVP: Evolution

Game Description:

The deadliest creatures in the universe face off for the first time on your phone and tablet. Play as both the Alien and Predator in this official game brought to you by Angry Mob Games, the creators of PREDATORS, Guerrilla Bob and Muffin Knight.On a distant planet, the blood feud between Predator clans continues to rage. In a final attempt to eradicate the Jungle Hunter Clan, the Super Predators secure the capabilities of an unlikely and unwilling species, the Aliens. As an Alien, you must ultimately destroy the Super Predators and free your species from enslavement. As a Jungle Hunter Predator, you must eliminate the Alien Queen in order to prevent the Super Predators from annihilating your clan.

VICIOUS CHARACTERS & FIERCE COMBAT
*Two distinct gaming experiences as you engage in the ultimate battle as both the Alien and Predator
*Vicious attacks and brutal finishing moves give players a lethal arsenal to wreak havoc on the enemy

CREATE YOUR OWN ULTIMATE KILLING MACHINE
*Engineer your own unique Alien and Predator via character upgrades, enhanced abilities, and a multitude of powerful armor and weapons
*Gain the advantage in battle with Facehugger Calls, Rage Rechargers, Net Guns, Proximity Mines, Thermal Vision, Alien Vision, Plasma Cannons and much more

CHILLING ENVIRONMENTS
*It’s kill or be killed as you advance through the Temple Arena, Marine Base, Alien Hive and many other eerie settings

INCREDIBLE GRAPHICS UNLEASHED
*Rich detail, impressive character models and distinctive lighting

Video Trailer:

Screenshots:

Samsung already invited media members to attend the upcoming Galaxy S IV press conference on March 14 in New York City. Now, the Korean electronics manufacturer is inviting the general public in the area to watch the event via live stream at Times Square. The invite came by way of a Tweet to Samsung Mobile’s 2.6 million Twitter followers, which mirrored the same “Be ready 4 The Next Galaxy” message as shown in the image below. It’s very likely that the next Galaxy flagship Android smartphone will be unveiled on the massive 65×40-feet LED display that’s owned and operated by Samsung itself. Those of you not anywhere near NYC can also view the live stream at home on Samsung Mobile’s YouTube channel. The keynote will begin promptly at 7PM ET, so be sure to mark your S Planners!

The LG Optimus L Series II, which consists of the Optimus L3 II, L5 II and L7 II Android smartphones, made its debut at Mobile World Congress 2013 this week. The Korean handset-maker has released the first promo video for the new line of low to mid-range devices, focusing on the following design features: stylish looks, color quality, Dual SIM functionality and the Smart UX.

The Optimus L7 II features a Qualcomm MSM8225 1GHz dual-core processor, 4.3-inch WVGA IPS display, 4GB of internal storage + microSD card expansion, 768MB of RAM, an 8 megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, 2460mAh battery and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Optimus L5 II sports a slightly smaller 4-inch WVGA display and 1,700mAh battery while the Optimus L3 II is equipped with an even smaller 3.2-inch QVGA display and 1,540mAh battery.

The upcoming Tegra 4 quad-core processor will usher in a new generation of gaming on Android smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles like Project Shield later this year. Nvidia’s doing their best to keep consumers informed on what games we should expect to take full advantage of Tegra 4′s performance around launch.

Check out details on a handful of Tegra 4-optimized Android games below. They include: Dead on Arrival 2, Zombie Driver, RU Golf, Codex: The Warrior, Carie: Blood Mansion and Burn Zombie Burn.

Dead on Arrival 2

Developer & Publisher: N3V Games
Tear though wave after wave of the walking dead with custom built death-dealing weapons, like the fire spitting Minigun and the room clearing Rocket Launcher. Paint the walls red as you fight for your life in an industrial playground filled with deadly traps and deadlier enemies. Take it to the next level on Tegra 4 with dynamic shadows, ultra-realistic blood splatter and incredible lighting and post-processing effects. The end of the world never looked so good.

Tegra 4-enhanced Zombie Driver: Side-by-side comparison vs non-Tegra 4

Developer & Publisher: Exor Studios
This is a side-by-side video comparison showing the enhancements present in the Tegra 4-enhanced version of the Android game Zombie Driver.

NVIDIA Tegra 4 enhancements:
- Full HD resolution
- Real-time dynamic lighting
- Different lighting conditions in all missions
- Per-pixel shading on all surfaces with custom per-material specular masks
- PC content base — more polygons & better textures
- 2x the zombies in some missions
- Custom blood splat shader on vehicles
- Anisotropic x16 texture filtering

Tegra 4-enhanced RU Golf: Side-by-side comparison vs non-Tegra 4

Developer & Publisher: Nutgee
RU Golf swung onto the mobile scene last year for Tegra 3-powered devices and will follow through with Tegra 4. Experience mano-a-mano multiplayer online battles with dynamic specular lighting, soft shadows, and bloom and lens flare effects. With various levels and character customizing features, get ready to tee off with RU Golf. A sure shot hole-in-one!

NVIDIA Tegra 4 enhancements:
- Higher resolution textures
- More background objects
- Better watter effects
- Soft shadows
- Bloom & lens flare effects
- FXAA 2 anti-aliasing

CODEX: The Warrior

Developer & Publisher: Devclan and Playbean

With an emphasis on action and fighting, Tegra 4 brings to life the 3D action RPG CODEX: The Warrior. In the game, you’ll battle monstrous enemies in search of an ancient document after a war in heaven. The already impressive graphics get a console-like boost with the real-time dynamic shadows and HDR lighting.

Carie: Blood Mansion

Developer & Publisher: Neowiz

Tegra device users will get an exclusive map in Carie: Blood Mansion, with even more immersive graphics on Tegra 4 devices. You’ll guide Carie through bloody battles in this action adventure title with high-res textures, enhanced physics simulations and optimized fire and smoke effects.

Burn Zombie Burn

Developer: Tick Tock Games

Burn Zombie Burn blasts onto the mobile scene for the first time with fast-paced, console-quality action that has you striving to survive against a never-ending horde of zombies. With a slew of weapons available for your zombie-blasting pleasure, you’ll master the art of eradicating the undead.

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