#1 Hit “A Knights Dawn” redesigned & Free-to-play for Android!

Brandon Orndorff
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#1 Hit “A Knights Dawn” redesigned & Free-to-play for Android!

A Knights Dawn Overview
VisionaryX GmbH (www.visionaryx.com) has released their iPhone Hit Game “A Knights Dawn” for Android!

“A Knights Dawn“ is a Multilevel Tower Defense Game for most newer Android devices. Gamers can expect immersive strategic gameplay within a vibrant fantasy world full of fantastic hand drawn graphics that will keep them coming back for more. On iOS ,the paid version of “A Knights Dawn” was celebrated by over 100.000 users as a Top10 hit in more than 35 countries!

They did more than just port the game to Android however, they actually integrated a wide range of new features including a completely new upgrade system with 60 weapons to choose from.

VisionaryX GmbH contacted us in order to be able to plan for Reviews, an Interview or other coverage should we be interested.
If your interested in this new game to Android , give us a short reply or feedback. They have also given us a link to their Trailer, to give you a feel for the game:

And for a quick Gameplay run-trough just follow this link:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12460207/AKnightsDawnFactsheet.pdf

VisionaryX GmbH’s official Press Release can be found here:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12460207/AndroidPressRelease-English.pdf

To download this game on the Android Market please use the link below:
http://tinyurl.com/c2fkym8

Root the Galaxy Nexus with Superboot

Brandon Orndorff
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User Paulobrien at XDA has published a thread on how to root the Galaxy Nexus using Superboot r2. What this will do is root your Galaxy Nexus without needing to flash any partitions. Its a boot.img file that will run on bootup and install su and superuser apk without the need of ADB.

Instructions to Root the Galaxy Nexus (Method 1):

  1. Download and unzip Superboot.zip (Download Link)
  2. Reboot phone into bootloader mode “vol up + vol down”
  3. Double Click “install-superboot-windows.bat”
  4. Congrats your Galaxy Nexus is Rooted!

If you are using a Mac replace step 3 with:

  • Open Terminal and navigate to the folder with Superboot
  • Type “chmod +x install-superboot-mac.sh” press enter
  • Type “./install-superboot-mac.sh” press enter

If you are using Linux replace step 3 with the following:

  • Open Terminal and navigate to the folder with Superboot
  • Type “chmod +x install-superboot-linux.sh” press enter
  • Type “./install-superboot-linux.sh” press enter

Let us know how it goes and remember to head on over to XDA and give paulobrien his due props for the method. As always place any questions you have here in the comments.

If you are looking for an alternative root method there was one that was available a few weeks ago for the Galaxy Nexus. Full credit for this root method goes to MoDaCo and if your feeling supportive you should consider supporting them by signing up for MoDaCo Ad Free.

Superboot is the boot.img that roots the device on boot up without anything having to be done on the users end and automatically installs the su and Superuser APK. You will not need to flash any partitions or mess with ADB at all.

Galaxy Nexus Root Instructions (Method 2):

  1. No longer viable, please use option 1

NOTE: if you have a retail Galaxy Nexus make sure the bootloader is unlocked. You can do this by using “./fastboot-windows oem unlock”. Also note that this will wipe all data from your Nexus.

Kindle Fire vs Nook Tablet Drop Test (Video)

Brandon Orndorff
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We have all dropped our phone or tablet at some time of another and many times had them break depending on the device.  IT would be nice to see what kind of abuse our devices can take before we ever buy them so that we know the type of case we require. The Amazon Kindle Fire and the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet are both new highly purchased devices already and surely there have been more than a few get dropped and break. So which one of these devices can handle a little abuse?

We have seen a few other drop tests on phones but this time its a much larger device and brought to us by Gizmo Slip. As you can see above they are dropping the devices from various heights on carpet and concrete to see how they hold up. You can clearly see that when dropped face down on concrete which one wins the test.  Of course putting a case around the device and screen protector could save it but then the sleek design is null and it gets a little bulky.

Just because the Nook Tablet handled a beating better than the Kindle Fire it doesn’t mean that the device is tough by any means.  The Nook Color has a screen that a small bmp could break if it hits something just right so be careful with any device you think you may drop.  While we like to put everything in cases many people don’t so if you have dropped either the Kindle Fire or the Nook Tablet please let us know the outcome.  Did your screen shatter, frame crack or is it just fine?

Download the Ice Cream Sandwich Keyboard APK

Brandon Orndorff
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One thing that has been improved in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is the keyboard and now its available to download and install on your device. A few guys at OMGDroid found a Reddit post by AstronautMillionaire with a link to an Android 4.0 keyboard.

The keyboard doesn’t look too flashy although comes with better prediction and autocorrect making it a huge improvement over the stock Android keyboard. It has been confirmed to work so far on the T-Mobile Vibrant, myTouch 4G and the T-Mobile G2.

Please let us know if it works on your device and also if you actually like it. We will be testing it on the Motorola Atrix, Samsung Fascinate, Droid Pro and Droid Bionic over the next few hours and update as able.

Download the ICS Keyboard APK Here!

UPDATE: In the event you are still using a device that is old enough to still want to use this APK we will leave it in tact although we are now at Android Jelly Bean and this seems to be a backpedal for any newer devices.  Those of you that are still running Gingerbread we would like to hear if this still works on your devices as well as what device it is you are using.

How to Fix the Droid X Calendar Sync

Brandon Orndorff
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0

We have had a few of you report that your Droid X calendar is not syncing properly. There are a few options available to fix the issue and we will post them below. We couldn’t figure out exactly what is causing the calendar sync issue but have your fix just the same.

Droid X Calendar Fix Option 1:

  1. Go to “Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications”
  2. Tap “Calendar Storage” (if not visible tap “Menu -> Filter -> ALL”)
  3. Tap Clear Data
  4. Wait about 10-15 minutes for the Calendar to re-sync.

If option 1 doesn’t work for you then move on to the second option below. The second option takes a little more work but seems to fix those calendars that weren’t with the first try.

Droid X Calendar Fix Option 2:

  1. Create a new dummy Gmail account
  2. Add your new Gmail account under “Settings -> Accounts & Sync -> Add Account”
  3. You should now see the Calendar, Gmail and Contact sync options
  4. Wait about 5 minutes for the Droid X to do its thing
  5. Now Delete the dummy account and your original Calendar should work

Please let us know if these fixes worked for you. If they didn’t for whatever reason let us know if you notice anything else or need help. These two options seemed to have fixed all of the Droid X’s that we have tried it on.

Control Data Usage with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Brandon Orndorff
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0
Control Data Usage with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Control Mobile Data Usage View Apps Mobile Data Usage

With all of the mobile carriers moving to tiered data plans those with new contracts are having to keep track of data usage. Now that there are so many streaming movie and music services like Netflix and Pandora data can be an expensive issue. While most of us realize that by connecting to Wifi when available we can avoid ever going over it could still pose a problem for some.

Ice Cream Sandwich has a Data Usage feature that is a built in monitor for your data. What this feature will do is let you know specifically what apps are using most of your bandwidth and how much you have left. It will also let you know and disable mobile data when you hit a defined limit. Not only can you see data usage on a per app basis but you can control what apps are allowed to use mobile data.

This is the most user friendly useful feature Android has ever had included for the average user. This gives users that have a minimal knowledge of their Android device more control than they have ever had in the past. Also not having to root a device to get these features it a plus in itself.

Enable Sideloading on the Amazon Kindle

Brandon Orndorff
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0
Enable Sideloading on the Amazon Kindle

Sideload Android Apps on the Kindle Fire

We already know that while the Amazon Kindle Fire will have access to Android Apps, but that these apps will not come from the Google Android Market. So how do you get access to the Android Market on the Amazon Kindle if its on the Google Market? These are very easy and functional instructions to sideload apps to your Kindle Fire when you just can’t find the app you want on the Amazon App Store.

NOTE: You must have the Android SDK installed on your computer for this to work.

Enable Sideloading on the Kindle Fire (Windows Instructions)

  1. Go to your command prompt
  2. Enter “echo 0x1949 >> %USERPROFILE%\.android\adb_usb.ini”
  3. Press “ENTER” and close the command prompt
  4. On your Kindle go to “Settings -> Applications” and check “UNKOWN SOURCES”
  5. You can now sideload apps to your Kindle Fire via PC!

Enable Sideloading on the Kindle Fire (Mac Instructions)

  1. On your Kindle go to “Settings -> Applications” and check “UNKOWN SOURCES”
  2. Plug your Kindle Fire into the Mac via USB
  3. Open ~/.android/adb_usb.ini with Text Edit
  4. Add “0x1949” to the end of the file and save it
  5. Restart the adb server via the command “adb kill-server”
  6. Run “adb devices” and your Kindle Fire should show up
  7. You can now sideload apps to your Kindle Fire via Mac!

Root the Kindle Fire with One Click Root Method Kinda

Brandon Orndorff
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0
Root the Kindle Fire with One Click Root Method Kinda

Root the Amazon Kindle Fire

With the release of the Amazon Kindle Fire the first thing we look for is Root access and it has already been achieved. XDA member death2all110 has gained root access on the Kindle Fire using the SuperOneClick 2.2 method that is already available and used on many devices.

There are a few things that need to be done before actually one click rooting the Kindle Fire although its a pretty easy process. One thing you will need to understand is ADB and have it setup on the computer you are using to run SuperOneClick.

Instructions to Root the Kindle Fire:

  1. Download and install the Android SDK on your Computer
  2. Go to %USERPROFILE%\.android and edit the adb_usb.ini
  3. Add “0x1949” to the end of the adb_usb.ini file and save it
  4. Go to where you installed the Android SDK and open the folder “google-usb_driver”
  5. Edit the file android_winusb.inf adding the following to [Google.NTx86] and [Google.NTamd64]
    • ;Kindle Fire
    • %SingleAdbInterface% = USB_Install, USB\VID_1949&PID_0006
    • %CompositeAdbInterface% = USB_Install, USB\VID_1949&PID_0006&MI_01
  6. save and close android_winusb.inf
  7. Plug your Kindle Fire into your PC via USB
  8. You may at this point have to open device manager and find “kindle” under other devices and choose the android_winusb.inf file as the driver.
  9. Turn on Installation of apps from unknown sources: tap the top bar>choose more…(+)>device
  10. open a command prompt and run “adb kill-server” then try adb devices
  11. You should see a device listed
  12. Download and run SuperOneClick and choose “root” (Download Link)
  13. Congrats your Kindle Fire is now Rooted.

Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 iPod Touch Competitor?

Brandon Orndorff
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0
Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 iPod Touch Competitor?

Finally Android is starting to compete with other Apple products, in this case its the iPod Touch. Samsung has decided to release a iPod touch competitor called the Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0. The Samsung Galaxy Player will not have the functions of an Android phone, it will have access to the Android Market and should prove to be a good competitor to the iPod Touch. There is no monthly contract and no 3G available on the Galaxy Player and it has a price tag set at $229.99 for an 8GB model.

Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 Features:

  • Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread
  • Samsung TouchWiz extensions
  • 1GHz Hummingbird processor
  • 4 inch 800 x 480 LCD display
  • 8 GB Internal Storage
  • Dimensions 2.5 in x 4.9 in x .4 in
  • Weighs in at 4.3 ounces
  • 3.2 MP camera on the back
  • VGA camera on the front
  • Micro SD expansion available
  • Flash Support

From what we can gather the iPod touch does win on price but if you are a fan of Android devices you can trade in your iPod Touch for a Samsung Galaxy Player and have the freedom you’ve come to love on Android devices. This is your Android phone without the phone down to the last app and custom ROM.

Sony Xperia Arc S Available on Sony’s Site

Brandon Orndorff
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Sony Xperia Arc S Available on Sony’s Site

Sony Xperia arc S Android Phone

It looks like Sony now has the Xperia arc S available for order on their website. From what we have found you will be able to get this unlocked version of the arc S this week in the US.

The Sony Xperia arc S is a 4.2 inch Android 2.3 Gingerbread device with a Mobile Bravia Engine display. It sports a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm processor and 8 MP camera coming in 4 different colors. If your interested in the device it will set you back $499 to buy unlocked directly from Sony. If you plan on waiting for a carrier discounted price there is no date right now that we can find.

If you get your hands on one of these Sony Xperia arc S phones let us know what you think. Check out Sony’spress release below for more information:

XPERIA arc S AND XPERIA neo V FROM SONY ERICSSON ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE U.S.

The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V from Sony Ericsson are now available for purchase in the U.S. at the Sony Store. The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V showcase an enhanced entertainment experience with the latest Sony technology and Android™ operating system, version 2.3.4 (Gingerbread).

The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V feature Sony’s groundbreaking 3D sweep panorama technology, which enables image capture and viewing in 3D by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output, so you can show off those amazing pictures from your last vacation or that video of the flash mob you saw today to your friends and family.

This version of Android™ Gingerbread includes new functionality and features that allow you to benefit from improvements to Sony Ericsson’s unique Facebook inside Xperia™. Share, see, like and comment on all your favorite stuff – from tracks on your music player to photos from your gallery and even apps and games downloaded on your phone.

Xperia™ arc S Key Features and Pricing:

  • Android™ 2.3.4 operating system
  • 1.4 GHz processor
  • 8.1 megapixel camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
  • 4.2″ Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine® Engine
  • 3D and 2D sweep panorama photography
  • Available in Pure White, Gloss Black, Midnight Blue, and Misty Silver
  • MSRP $549.99, unlocked

Xperia™ neo V Key Features and Pricing:

  • Android™ 2.3.4 operating system
  • 3.7″ capacitive, multi-touch screen
  • 5 megapixel camera with 16x digital zoom
  • Front-facing camera
  • Available in Pearl White, Silver, and Blue Gradient
  • MSRP $349.99, unlocked

Android™ 2.3.4 – At a Glance*

  • Xperia™ smartphones introducing world’s first 3D sweep panorama functionality powered by Sony
  • Updated Facebook inside Xperia™ functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities
  • Gesture input – text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next
  • New features including Google™ Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras

Availability:
The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V are available unlocked, at Sony Store. Additional availability can be found at other retailers such as Newegg.com starting early December. Check for pricing and availability.

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