Most Popular Android Phone, 2013 Edition: HTC One
The best Android phones represent a powerhouse combination of features, specs, and all-around user experience. Last week we asked you to tell us which ones you thought were the best
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Five Best Android Phones: 2013 Edition
There are so many Android phones on the market that choosing the best one can mean a ton of research, price-checking, and waiting to see what's coming out in the next few weeks or months. Some are exclusive to specific carriers, some run stock Android, some are littered with bloatware but have powerful features. This week we wanted to know which you thought were the best of breed, not just because they round out a checklist of features or high-end hardware, but because you think they offer a great overall experience. Here's a look at the top five Android phones, based on your nominations.
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Factory images posted for 4.2.2 Verizon Galaxy Nexus and 4.2.1 Sprint Galaxy Nexus
Like a trail of breadcrumbs, Nexus factory images are your safe way back
Google has posted a pair of new factory images on the Google Developers site today, allowing folks using a Verizon Galaxy Nexus to have access to the 4.2.2 software, and folks with the Sprint version to grab a copy of the 4.2.1 files. These images are a must have if you like to do any sort of tinkering to your Nexus, as they allow you to restore everything to the stock state with a simple fastboot flash.
It's also a testament to just how hard Google works with partners to get licensing issues sorted so they can post the bits that aren't open source. We take this sort of thing for granted, but I'm sure we shouldn't.
If you have either of these Nexus phones, follow the link below and download your safe way back. Here's hoping you never need them, but thank goodness they're there.
Source: Google Developers
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Verizon Galaxy Nexus gets Android 4.2.2 starting today
Finally.
Verizon has announced that starting today, its much-maligned Samsung Galaxy Nexus will finally get Android 4.2.2, some time after nearly every other version of Google's 2012 flagship smartphone.
The Galaxy Nexus by Samsung will be updated to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The software will be pushed to Verizon Wireless customers in phases starting March 19.
The software includes new camera features such as photosphere to take 360 degree panoramic pictures that can easily be shared with friends. The camera app also has new tools to add filters and borders, further customizing pictures.
Additionally, an all new Gesture Keyboard is available, allowing users to slide their finger from letter to letter to type a word. Other enhancements include allowing users to place widgets on the lock screen for easier access to popular apps such as Calendar, Gmail and Clock.
Be sure to note that line stating the update will push out in phases. So if you don't get it first thing, keep an eye out. That said, we expect to see the manual download location any time now, so you probably won't have to wait too long. Hit up the forum link below to find out what's what.
Source: Verizon; More: Verizon Galaxy Nexus forums
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Android 4.2.2 update for Verizon Galaxy Nexus leaks out
The leaked build of Android 4.2.2 for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus we first saw over the weekend has just hit the internet courtesy of a member at XDA that has pulled the build directly from a Google OTA server. The update is meant to bring Galaxy Nexus users on big red up from 4.1.1 to 4.2.2 -- build JDQ39 -- directly, with no fancy hoops. As we noted, this is an actual OTA file meant to be applied to stock and unrooted devices. This still doesn't mean the update is finalized or ready for release just yet, but it does give a whole bunch of legitimacy that the update is in its testing phases.
If you're interested in giving this update a go and have your Galaxy Nexus running on stock 4.1.1, you'll need to be rooted with a custom recovery -- or be able to temporarily boot a custom recovery -- to apply the update. If you're unsure on the process to accomplish either of those, head to the forums where we have some fantastic guides to walk you through it.
Verizon Galaxy Nexus Forums
Source: XDA; Via: Droid-Life
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Is Verizon testing 4.2.2 firmware for the Galaxy Nexus?
News today points towards a testing build of JDQ39 (Android 4.2.2) for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. There's even a screenshot floating around XDA (that's it above) that shows the about screen of the phone that's running it. You've got new radios there, which is great news, but the kernel version, and the reported bootloader (PRIMELC03) are old, which is not such great news.
I'm not sure what to think here. Normally I'd shy away from something like this, as a new radio, a new system version, an old kernel, and an unchanged bootloader just doesn't feel right. We all know how easy it is to fake this sort of thing, and even if real, running on one tester's phone doesn't mean a whole lot to everyone else.
I think Verizon is trying to put out a recent version of the firmware for the Galaxy Nexus, I really do. They are close enough partners with Google, that a testing build using an old kernel and bootloader is entirely possible. And new baseband information on the about screen can't be faked with just a build.prop edit. We're going to accept this news at face value, and advise anyone with a Verizon Nexus who is worrying about an update to follow along and see how it unfolds.
I want to believe.
Source: XDA; via: Droid-Life
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Install the Ubuntu Touch Preview on Your Nexus Phone or Tablet
