Motorola is working on an update that will bring even more functionality to their MOTOACTV fitness tracker and music player. After providing a few minor software tweaks over previous months, the update planned for March will expand the MOTOACTV’s tracking abilities from biking, running, and walking to a range of other sports including yoga, dancing, Pilates, and martial arts. That’s big news for many owners of the device who have been requesting a greater range of activity support since the Android-based smart watch launched.

Other enhancements will include the ability to activate the device’s display with the flick of the wrist, set WiFi networks directly from the MOTOACTV, and compete against other users through the MOTOACTV online portal. It’s great to see Motorola expand the device’s capabilities rather than let it fall into obscurity, something other smartwatch makers have been more than happy to let happen. If Moto keeps pushing quality updates to the MOTOACTV it has plenty of life left in it.

[via Motorola]

Android Phone Fans

Our friends at BriefMobile reported a few days ago that the Atrix 4G would soon be receiving it’s Android 2.3.x update, bringing the software up to version 4.5.141. Well, that special day for Atrix users is February 7th which just so happens to be tomorrow (today). TalkAndroid received further confirmation of this with a message from Motorola stating,

“Tomorrow [February 7th] after 12 Central/10 Pacific, you will receive a pop-up message on your phone that will mark the beginning of  the software pre-release test."

The update will bring with it the usual bug fixes as well as:

• Latest Android security fixes from Android 2.3.6+
• Bluetooth voice commands while the device is asleep
• Improvements to the Messaging and Contacts applications (unspecified)
• WiFi settings update and AT&T Mobile Hotspot usage built-in
• Increases in stability, power management

Kind of a bummer for those expecting Android 4.0 but something tells me it could be awhile before we see the Atrix receive a frosty Ice Cream Sandwich update. That is, if you forgo the easy root method and have something against CyanogenMod.

Android Phone Fans

We still do not have an official release date for the Motorola Droid 4. All the keyboard lovers out there will be very happy to know that the first video review has recently showed up, though, this time courtesy of Wirefly.

Latest rumors say that the Droid 4 is scheduled to be released next week, either February 9th or 10th. The video attests to all the specs and features we have been hearing all along. There is no doubt that seeing it being handled and used makes for a much better idea of the device’s features, though.

Specs include 4G LTE connectivity, a 5-row slide-out keyboard, a 4″ display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, Android 2.3.5 and 16 GB of on-board memory. It might also important to note that this will be one of the first 4G LTE devices to gain Global GSM roaming capabilities.

In the video, Wirefly goes over the general specs, as well as the picture and video quality and some other tests. For our very own take on this device, you can go ahead and watch our hands-on at CES. Check out the video below, and let us know what you think! Who is signing up for this one?

[Via WireFly (YouTube)]

Android Phone Fans

Motorola and Woot are warning that some refurbished XOOM tablets were not completely wiped of older user data before being sold through the daily deal website. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Motorola is estimating that only about 100 out of 6,200 WiFi-only XOOM tablets sold between October and December of 2011 were not completely cleared of their previous owners data. The issues is obviously a concern for anyone who returned a XOOM tablet before that period, and while the chance of any particular previous owner’s data being present on a refurbished device is slim, Motorola is making an effort to make things right. Every customer that returned their XOOM between March and October is being offered a free two-year subscription to Experian’s ProtectMyID Alert to monitor any potential fraud that could arise from stolen personal data.

In addition, Woot and Motorola are asking that any purchaser of a refurbished XOOM return the device to Motorola to completely remove any data leftover from the tablet’s previous life. Motorola will, of course, cover all shipping costs.

Motorola can’t be happy about the slip up, but the company is doing all the right things to mitigate the negative impact of the news. With only a 1.6 percent chance that a returned tablet will still have older user data, the majority of potentially affected customers can rest easy. More details can be found at the link below.

[via Motorola | Thanks to all who sent this in!]

Android Phone Fans

Motorola ATRIX 2 users have something to look forward to with a new software update rolling out to their devices starting today. The update will bring the Atrix 2 up to software version v55.13.25 and Motorola cleverly mentions greater device security — otherwise known as the removal of Carrier IQ’s spyware. Users can also look forward to improved performance which is always a plus.

If you haven’t yet been prompted for the update, you can manually check for one by jumping into your device’s Settings > About Phone > System Updates. As always, make sure you’re on WiFi and you have more than 50% battery before starting. Let us know once you’ve received the update and if you noticed any improvements!

Thanks, Nick!

[Motorola]

Android Phone Fans

If you needed further evidence that the launch of the Motorola Droid 4 is almost upon us, look no further than the Droid Does site, where the device has just landed, complete with full technical schematics and stuffs. Although you wont be able to buy the Droid 4 just yet, you can sign up for updates, where — in our own personal experiences — you’ll most likely be the last to know once the device is finally available. You’re better off keeping it locked on Phandroid, where we’ll notify the second it drops (we’re hearing February 9th). G’night, all!

[DroidDoes | Via DroidDog]

Android Phone Fans

We’re expecting the Motorola Droid 4 to be launched shortly after its official unveiling at CES but it’s been difficult to pinpoint an exact date. Take this one with a grain of salt, however – Droid-Life is hearing from a source that the 4 inch stretching, LTE having, dual-core pushing, keyboard-laden device will launch February 9th. That’s only a short 8 days from now. Pricing is expected to be either $ 200 or $ 300 but we’d expect the latter considering all the features packed inside. Has anyone been holding out for this one?

Android Phone Fans

In a world where fragmented devices and patent lawsuits are a regular occurrence, the Android environment can be a harsh one. Today is no different. Disgruntled Motorola users have begun banding together, taking to online petitions to raise awareness of Motorola’s failed promises, in an effort to “Make Ourselves Heard,” better known as Operation: MOSH.

If the acronym sounds familiar, it’s because this was the same group who put pressure on Motorola to unlock their bootloaders last year and even though Motorola promised to comply — things didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Motorola’s initial announcement was that the bootloaders on all their devices would be unlocked by the end of 2011 and here we are, well into 2012 with no announcement and devices still locked down tight.

Motorola did, however, throw users a bone today when they announced a special “developer edition” of the Motorola Droid RAZR would be released in the coming months complete with an unlocked bootloader. I’m sure you’re thinking, “What about all of those new Motorola customers who recently purchased Moto devices with hopes of unlocked bootloaders in their future?” Seems they’ve been left high and dry. And that’s where Operation MOSH comes in. Their demands are simple:

“To let Moto know that this ‘Developer Edition’ had better be available either as a trade for our devices, paying the difference, or not at all, since we all bought our devices in hopes that they would keep their word in the first place.”

Seems reasonable enough. So what can you do to help? Well, the first and most important step is signing the online petition. From there you can take it as far as you’d like emailing Motorola executives, filing FCC complaints or simply hounding Motorola on Facebook. All the details and links can be found on the respective thread on XDA. Link for the online petition can be found below.

[MOSH Online Petition | XDA]

Android Phone Fans

Amazon’s posted another great deal for another great Android phone. The all-day battery having DROID RAZR MAXX is normally $ 300 in Verizon stores but Verizon’s willing to let it go for just $ 200 if you’re a new customer signing a new two-year contract. Existing customers will naturally have to pay more, but even your discount is quite desirable compared to the MSRP.

You’ll be able to get it for just $ 230. The device boasts all of the same features from the original – dual-core processor, 4G, 1GB of RAM, 4.3 inch qHD display and more – but has a 3300 mAh battery that Verizon claims will get users 21 hours of talk time. Check it out here if you’re interested. [via AndroidGuys]

Android Phone Fans

Grab your wallets, folks. Because one of the biggest and baddest Verizon has to offer is finally available for purchase. The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx is now officially available, online, from Verizon Wireless and can handle all the multimedia, streaming and gaming you can throw at it. This is all thanks to its 3,300mAh battery — those carrying-a-charger-with-you days are finally gone.

If you’re feeling especially chatty after buying your new Droid Razr Maxx (and who could blame you), the device is said to get somewhere around 21 hours of talk time on a single charge. And just because it offers almost double the battery capacity of the regular old Droid Razr, doesn’t mean it has to suffer in the looks department. Measuring in at only 8.99mm thick, the Maxx still keeps a relatively slim profile, making it attractive option against the rest of Verizon’s 4G LTE lineup.

If there’s one Android device to recommend to your friends, family or coworkers — this is it. You can pick up the Droid Razr Maxx from Verizon Wireless for $ 300 with an upgrade or 2-year agreement, $ 650 straight up. Anyone picking one up?

[Verizon Wireless | Droid RAZR MAXX Forums]

Android Phone Fans