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

As of today a new software update is available for Sprint’s HTC EVO Shift 4G. The update to version 2.77.651.3 deals with a few bug fixes and software tweaks, including security enhancements, a new version of the Peep client for Twitter, and improved battery life. The software update can be initiated manually starting today, otherwise users will start receiving update notifications beginning February 7th.

[via Sprint]

Android Phone Fans

If there was ever any doubt that the Motorola RAZR and the new all new and improved RAZR MAXX possibly weren’t the same phone, that has been laid to rest with this screenshot. As you can plainly see, both devices are running the exact same build, kernel — even the model number is the same.

That means you can treat the new Maxx exactly as if it was the OG Razr. When one device receives an official over-the-air update, it should arrive at the same time for both devices. Remember that leaked OTA update? Compatible. Custom ROMs? Compatible. Root methods? Compatible. Anything and everything that works for the original RAZR will work just fine on the MAXX.

A few Android users out there were a bit skeptical that possibly Motorola would try and do something funny, changing up the software on the new device after introducing only a higher capacity battery. Well, there it is folks. They’re the same. One just has a little more junk in its trunk.

Via Droid-Life

Android Phone Fans

Lately, I’ve grown to loath posting another patent lawsuit and where, normally, it’s Apple indirectly attacking Google by going after an Android OEM, it’s a rare occurrence when it’s actually the other way around. This time, it’s Motorola going on the offensive once again, filing another lawsuit against Apple for violating one of their patents.

The lawsuit targets the iPhone 4S in particular for allegedly violating 6 Motorola patents (related to mobile technology). But besides the iPhone 4S, Motorola is going after Apple’s iCloud service that was unveiled last year. This isn’t the first time Motorola has gone after Apple having filed a patent lawsuit against the company back in 2010. A Motorola spokesperson said in a statement,

“Today’s action relates to the same patents we are already asserting in Florida against Apple. Motorola Mobility has worked diligently over the years to develop cutting-edge technology and to build an intellectual property portfolio that is respected by the entire industry.”

[Via WSJ]

Android Phone Fans

Samsung Epic 4G and 4G Touch users get ready. Sprint is getting ready to send out a new over-the-air software update for both devices set to fix a few issues plaguing both devices.

First up, we have the “OG” Samsung Epic 4G who will be receiving a few bug fixes after receiving a Gingerbread update that may have been a little burnt around the edges. Users have been reporting a screeching “audio bug” after updating to Android 2.3 back in November. This OTA should deal not only with that, but removing some of Sprint’s bloatware that came pre-installed on the device when it launched (hey, better late than never).

Next up is my current personal device — the Samsung Epic 4G Touch Galaxy S II (yes, I prefer her full name). You may remember a few days ago when the HTC EVO 3D received a software update removing that nasty Carrier IQ spyware well, you can expect the same for the Epic Touch in the near future.

While no official ETA’s could be given on the software updates, you should be expecting them to hit your device sometime by the end of the month. We’ll keep you posted.

[Via SprintFeed]

Android Phone Fans

Earlier today we told you about ASUS extending warranties on the Transformer Prime because of GPS issues (and even offering refunds in the UK). Well, now the manufacturer has issued a quick software update in an attempt to fix the wonky GPS performance affecting T-Prime users everywhere. The update will bring the Prime’s build version up to IML74K.US_epad-9.4.2.11-20120117 as well as update the GPS software to version 6.9.13.

Users are already reporting better performance indoors which is promising to say the least. If you haven’t been prompted for the update, you can manually check for one by jumping into your Settings > System > About Tablet and check for a new update.

This is about as good as it’s going to get until ASUS can find a way to update the aluminum backplate over-the-air. Something we don’t see happening anytime this millennium.

[Via AndroidCommunity]

Android Phone Fans

It’s been a while since Carrier IQ’s name was in the news. If you don’t remember, their software delivers certain information back to carriers for the supposed sole purpose of helping improve their service. Developer Trevor Eckhart exposed that their application may be doing more than just sending cellular data to carriers. Read more about all of that here.

But fast forward to now and at least one of the “perpetrating” carriers look to take their name out of the tainted hat. Sprint has reportedly instructed all their OEM partners to remove Carrier IQ from their phones’ ROMs in future updates. This was confirmed by HTC who said Sprint did indeed ask them to remove the software from the HTC EVO 3D in a recent update.

While we still don’t know if Carrier IQ is involved in foulplay it’s comforting to know that Sprint users won’t have to deal with it either way. Expect more phones to get this excellent treatment sometime soon. [The Verge]

Android Phone Fans

Good news for Motorola Droid Razr owners looking to hack/mod/tinker around with their device! The stock fastboot files — required to restore your device to its original stock state — has been leaked and made available for installation. The 6.11.744 fastboot files were leaked by a member of XDA and may users are already reporting successful flashes.

This should send development into high gear for the Razr with developers and users being able to flash with reckless abandon thanks to this new safety net to fall back on. Even those who may have been wary of rooting their phone in the event they needed to sell or send back their phone to the manufacturer for repairs no longer have anything to hold them back.

[XDA | DroidRzr]

Via Droid-Life

Android Phone Fans

Kindle Fire owners should be well aware that software version 6.2.1 is rolling out for Amazon’s latest tablet and just as before, root will be completely removed from the device. The only difference is this time around, it will pretty much be impossible to re-root using SuperOneClick utility. Yep, it looks like Amazon has patched up root ability (for now). So what can you do if you’re a rooted Kindle Fire user? Well, aside from avoiding connecting to your WiFi network, not much. Well, you could always read up on the latest method for installing Cyanogen Mod on the tablet will prevents official auto-updates of the Amazon variety.

If you’re curious what new additions software version 6.2.1 brings, there’s reportedly smoother scrolling, password protected WiFi access and the ability to remove recently used items from the carousel. Once again, if you do decide to jump into the rabbit hole that is custom ROMs, make sure you read up good and well before diving in. Anyone rethinking a Kindle Fire purchase if a new root method can’t be found?

[XDA | Liliputing | Via Engadget]

Android Phone Fans

I never could get over this device’s name but the Casio G’zOne Commando hAs repOrtedly beGun (okay, I’ll stop) receiving an OTA update for those of you that fell in love with the device’s rugged good looks and durability. The ‘Mando update includes new Netflix compatbility, a few security patches, improved proximity sensor and update clock widget. Various other bug fixes were also addressed like keyboard performance and email/messaging app force closes.

It’s nice to see Casio still supporting the device with updates and you can either wait around to be prompted for the update or you can jump into your device’s Settings and manually pull it yourself. Good luck!

[Via Droid-Life]

Android Phone Fans