Verizon Details Android 2.3.6 Update for Droid RAZR/RAZR MAXX

While we patiently wait for Ice Cream Sandwich to come out officially for the Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX that hasn’t stopped Verizon and Motorola from bumping the current flavor of Android 2.3.5 to 2.3.6 and also bringing the software version to 6.12.173.XT912.Verizon.en.US. As both the RAZR and MAXX are running the same software it would make sense that both of them would be getting this upgrade. Here is what to be on the look out for:

Applications:

Mobile Hotspot will now successfully allow other devices to connect to all Internet websites.Improvements in the Mobile Hotspot security. + VZ Navigator® has been updated with the latest 3D map improvements.

Visual Voice Mail Updates:

Visual Voice Mail messages can be marked as read.Visual Voice Mail message playback resumes when audio is switched to speaker.Visual Voice Mail will successfully subscribe or unsubscribe while connected with Wi-Fi.Successfully press back key after playback in Visual Voice Mail without error.

Data Connectivity:

Improved stability of data connectivity after Airplane Mode is disabled. + Improved data throughput performance in low-signal 4G environments.

Device Operation:

Improved Battery life when using Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) Bluetooth® headsets.Successfully save multimedia ringtones.Favorite Contacts widget has been updated.Improved device stability when moving between home screen panels.Email icon has been updated for improved visibility.When performing an Over the Air (OTA) update, the display will correctly show the remaining download time.CMAS (Commercial Mobile Alert Service) feature has been added.Besides that, look for more VCast bloatware apps to be installed as well as Motorola’s MotoCast installation steps being improved so that they are easier to use. I would also look forward to seeing this in the next week or so. If you are curious about these devices themselves you can read the reviews on each by going here, or reading on the RAZR MAXX’s initial battery tests here. Enjoy!

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Categorized as Android Carriers, Android Manufacturers, Android News, Android Phones, Android Software, Android Updates

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DROID 4 determined to drop on the 9th

The Galaxy Nexus isn’t the only phone that took Verizon forever to release. We know quite a few of you are eagerly awaiting the DROID 4, which was due in your hands by last December, on paper anyway. It seems the multitude of devices available for the holiday season were simply flooding Verizon and so the DROID 4 has been waiting in the wings. According to inside sources, the new street date is February 9th. Presumably you will be able to get the DROID 4 in store that day for $199 on a new 2 year contract.

via: DroidLife

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Droid Loot Brings One-of-a-Kind Tee’s to a Nerd Near You

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Get the Droid 4 for $199 On-Contract, $549 Full Retail

Photo Courtesy of Droid-Life

Yesterday we told you about how the Droid 4 would probably see a release on February 9th and that it would probably be going for $199. While a previous Verizon roadmap showed the next QWERTY Droid going for $249, the folks at Droid-Life are reporting that an inside source shows it going for $199 with a 2-year agreement. If you are wanting to buy this phone out right you can get it for $549.

It’s good to see that decently specced LTE phones with world-capabilities are going for a decent price.  If you need something to hold you over you can check our hands-on video with the Droid 4 from CES and if sources are correct we only have a week longer to wait. Let’s hope it’s only that much longer to get our mitts on the sexy new version of the original Droid line!

source: Droid-Life

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DROID RAZR MAXX preliminary battery results

Remember that “unplugged” teaser Motorola did before CES? They weren’t kidding because I’ve had the DROID RAZR MAXX for a couple of days now, and all I can say is if battery life is any concern to you, you can forget about anything else and just buy this phone. I’m still conducting more tests, but I wanted to give you some of my preliminary results.

Day 1

I took the RAZR Maxx off the charger at midnight and it sat idle for 8 hours. I was sleeping so I can’t verify, but it should’ve been on 4G LTE most of that time, but it could’ve switched to 3G periodically since I don’t live in the heart of the city. It lost 20% during these first 8 hours, and by the time 24 hours rolled around, it still had 5% left. I would say it wasn’t a heavy day as far as usage. I played games for a couple of hours and streamed Slacker for maybe 40 minutes. The display was on 20% of the time or about 5 hours. The display was set to automatic brightness, but I realized late in the day that the GPS wasn’t turned on. Bluetooth was on (but rarely connected) and WiFi was off. All in all, I would say the battery performance was superb, but I decided to work it a little more for day 2.

Day 2

GPS on, Bluetooth on (rarely connected), Wifi off, and Auto display off and turned up to about 2/3's brightness. I took it off the charger at 7:00am and by midnight (17 hours later) it had 5% left. A lot less, but I did a lot more with it. Other than doing a little gaming and Slacker again, I played 4 hours and 15 minutes of video. The display was on a total of 42% of the time or a little over 7 hours. It was mostly connected to 4G, but some 3G was probably thrown in. 17 hours is tremendous considering the amount of video and the fact that the brightness was set fairly high, not to mention it wasn’t officially dead yet. It might have lasted another 2 hours with light usage.

To give you an even better comparison, my Galaxy Nexus also came off the charger at 7:00am, and it was dead by 7:30pm, 12 1/2 hours later. My Nexus has extended battery (2100mAh), was on WiFi the majority of the day, Bluetooth off, GPS on, auto brightness off and set to 2/3's brightness. The display was on 42% of the time or roughly 5 hours. I didn’t play any games nor did I play any video. Again, this was on WiFi all day except for about 2 hours.

Seriously, I never expected it to be a competition. It’s 3300mAh vs 2100mAh. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who’s going to win.

Motorola has really changed the game with the DROID RAZR MAXX. At 8.9mm thick and a 33oomAh battery, no competitive phone comes close. The DROID RAZR MAXX is the only phone I’ve used in which I don’t need to panic when it’s down to 10% remaining battery. It could easily go another 3 plus hours with light usage.

I will continue to conduct more tests and add those results in my full review.

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Marble Droid brings amazing 3D playgrounds that will keep you entertained for hours [Hands on Video]

A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed 3D Stunt Marbles, which is a cool game, but if you’re looking for something conceptually the same, but a little different, the folks over at Zebralightning Studios just released Marble Droid.

With 3D Stunt Marbles it’s more about getting from point A to point B without rolling off the track. With Marble Droid, you want to get from point A to point B, but the maze or playground isn’t as dangerous. You need to figure out how to collect the orbs the fastest way possible. I say they aren’t dangerous, but I’ve only played 3 levels. The playgrounds include ramps, elevators, moving platforms, bumpers, boost pads, and even teleporters for warping to other parts of the playground. I found myself completely immersed in the playgrounds that Zebralightning Studios created, and I’ve only played three levels so far. I can only imagine how awesome the higher levels are going to be.

You can use the Accelerometer by tilting your phone or tablet (or an on screen joystick) to navigate your marble around the maze. You can even jump with a flicking motion. You can also easily change the camera angles by tapping on the the top, bottom, right or left sides.

Like many games (Angry Birds and Cut The Rope), you’re graded. While most games use stars, Marble Droid uses trophies. Just like those other games, you will unlock the next level by completing the current level (earning at least one trophy), but ultimately you want to get all three trophies to feel like you truly accomplished the level. The faster you do it, the more trophies you earn.

Marble Droid also adds OpenFeint support and the ability to unlock twenty different custom marble skins. For starters, there are 24 levels, and you can play easy, medium, and hard.

Marble Droid is one of those games you know you’re going to love before you actually play it. It costs $1.99 which is worth every penny. If you want to try it out, there is a demo version as well, but trust me, go right to the paid version because this game will give you hours and hours of fun. I’ve tried Marble Droid on the Galaxy Nexus, DROID RAZR MAXX, and the ASUS Transformer Prime. The only issue I had was with the Transformer Prime, and it was minor. The marble seemed to jump too easily, but of course that can be adjusted. Checkout my quick hands on video, and hit one of the links below to download.

Android Market Link – Demo Version

Android Market Link – Paid Version

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Moment of truth: Verizon confirms Droid RAZR MAXX price, availability

We knew it was coming, and it was coming soon. But it wasn’t until today that Verizon dropped official word on The Motorola Droid RAZR MAX‘s price and availability. As rumored, this juiced up device will go for $299.99 on a 2-year contract, and it will be available starting January 26. (Yes, this Thursday).

We know many of you have recently purchased new phones (mostly over the holidays). The promise of such good battery life is luring, and it could be upsetting for early adopters to see this smartphone come just after they purchased their original Droid RAZR (or any other smartphone).

Motorola promises 21 hours of talk time on this smartphone. We will have to wait and see if the device is able to accomplish that, but we know one thing for sure: The battery life will probably be better than most phones. And Motorola has managed to stick this 3,300 mAh battery in a RAZR without the need to sacrifice aesthetics. The device is only about 2 mm thicker (8.99 mm) and almost double the battery.

Now that the Droid RAZR MAXX is just around the corner, it is hard to choose. Verizon currently has 3 major devices – the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the HTC Rezound, and the Motorola Droid RAZR. These all have great specs. But the RAZR MAXX is sure to shake things up a bit.

If you’re still a fan of the Motorola Droid RAZR’s thin 7.1 mm body, you might also be pleased to hear that Verizon recently lowered its price. You can get the 16 GB OG RAZR for just $199.99 (Amazon has it for $169.99, for new lines). Not only that, but you get to pick between three fun colors: black, white and purple.

So, what will you be doing after Thursday? Is anyone signing up for the Droid RAZR MAXX? Are you getting/keeping another phone? And why?

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DROID RAZR MAXX is now available at Verizon Wireless

With the lack of Ice Cream Sandwich and the continued hype surrounding the Galaxy Nexus, the DROID RAZR MAXX isn’t getting much play in the blog world. Seriously folks, this is one cutting-edge device. It comes in at 8.9mm thick and sports a 3300mAh battery. Everyone has been crying about battery life for 4G LTE phones, and Motorola just solved the problem with a phone that’s thinner than most of the competition, including the Galaxy Nexus. Motorola is promising 21 hours of talk time and continuous streaming of seven hours of video while connected to 4G LTE. One rep even told me you could listen to the top 100 songs for the last 100 years on one charge. Anybody feel like testing that?

Yes, the lack of ICS is a major bummer, but I still say a lot of consumers aren’t caught up in what version of Android is on their phone. This is one badass phone and deserves a serious look for anyone shopping for a new phone on Verizon. You can also checkout our hands on video from CES here.

Please let us know if you’re a buyer today and how you like it.

[via verizon]

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Video: Can The Droid RAZR Maxx be the phone to last 24 hours on a single charge?

We have seen it and touched it at CES. The Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx is just another RAZR, albeit with a larger battery, and a bit of a thicker body. But Motorola is hitting a rather large market with this improved RAZR. Pretty much all of us complain about battery life, and we ask for at least a full day of heavy use. Could the Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx be the first to give us this privilege?

Motorola has released a new advertising video for the Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx, boasting it as the “all day and all night” 4G LTE smartphone. In the video, multiple frustrated smartphone users express their bad experiences with short battery life. They are shown the Droid RAZR Maxx, which causes great awe (as usual, with commercials).

Is this really the device to take us through a whole day of use, though? Motorola is boasting that it can, and last week Engadget got word of a rumored event that is meant to last for 24 hours. This event, rumored for February 6th, is meant to put the Droid RAZR Maxx to the test, so we assume Motorola believes (or knows) that this smartphone can go for a full day (literally) on a single charge.

To see if this is possible, we have to take a look at the Original Droid RAZR’s performance, as well as the battery differences. Users will sacrifice thinness for juice, when purchasing a Droid RAZR Maxx. It really does not make a huge difference, though. The thicker device measures 8.99 mm, just a bit under 2 mm more than the original Droid RAZR. And the battery? Well that bad boy is a 3,300 mAh monster, with much more power than the OG RAZR’s 1,780 mAh battery.

Our very own Anthony Domanico wrote a review of the Motorola Droid RAZR. According to his experience, the device lasts from 6-8 hours under default settings. But once he started using Motorola’s Smart Actions, he managed to still have 30% of his juice after a 14-hour day. And yes, this included continuous 4G LTE usage.

This means the device went down about 5% per hour. If we do the math, this means that the device would probably be able to reach 20 hours. But even if we pretend Anthony is not using the device enough, Motorola should be able to break the 24-hour threshold.

Let’s say we can make the Droid RAZR last 16 hours on a fully charged 1,780 mAh battery. The Droid RAZR Maxx’s 3,300 mAh battery is about 85% bigger. This means that (theoretically) it should last just a bit over 12 extra hours, adding up to a full 26 hours of glory. And let’s not forget that we would be sleeping for about 8 hours (on average). In which case, the phone would be on standby, lasting even longer.

If you ask us, it is definitely possible that this device will be able to go a full day (even perhaps slightly over 24 hours), under moderate circumstances. Use Smart Actions and turn off features when not needed, and you should do as great as Anthony did. There are many factors that can interfere, as always. So let’s just wait and hold judgement until we can get our hands on this bad boy and test out its battery life.

In the meanwhile, check out Motorola’s video, and sound off in the comments. Do you guys think Motorola can give you a full day of battery life with this smartphone? Would you get it if it does?

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DROID RAZR Android 2.3.6 update (6.12.173) leaks, Install without root

From time to time leaked builds become available for certain devices. Most of the time, it’s not the final build, and we never know for sure whether or not it is. In this case the Android 2.3.6 update for the DROID RAZR is now available for you to install, and you won’t need to be rooted. The new build number is 6.12.173 and it brings you to Android 2.3.6 from 2.3.5

We’re told this build brings a LTE radio update which is probably the biggest reason to install it. You will also find some Blur enhancements along with some new bloatware like the Moto Car Finder we told you about a couple of months ago.

Instructions after the break

**If you’re not rooted you can skip to step 4 and follow to step 9 only. If you’re rooted and want to keep root, please start at step 1 and complete all steps.

Prerequisite step basically. You must be running stock (current ota updated version to 6.11.748) and still have all your 748 bloat intact etc etc. Anything that you couldn’t uninstall without root needs to be on the phone. This includes things like editing the swype files so that you could install betas. If you are not in this boat, chances are extremely good that you are going to fail the current system verification phase and the update will not install. Also, make sure you have 50+% battery. MD5 of the update package (Blur_Version.6.11.748.XT912.Verizon.en.US.zip) should be aa7fe6290c0d3a60253922bac413da02. You’ve been made aware.Disable Safestrap via the app. You do not have to remove the apk itself, but the system needs to be disabled.Install Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper (free from the market). Open it and hit protect su (all the boxes should be checked green at this point). IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS STEP, YOU WILL NOT HAVE ROOT ON THE NEW BUILD. CURRENT ROOT METHODS DO NOT WORK ON ANDROID 2.3.6+. If you are not currently rooted and want/need to be, you need to root at this point with voodoo protecting root before you proceed.Drop the update file Blur_Version.6.11.748.XT912.Verizon.en.US.zip on your EXTERNAL SD card. Yes, the version number in the file name is the same as the one you’re on, but that’s how Motorola names their files.Turn off your phoneHold all 3 buttons (power and both vol keys) to turn it back on and select recovery from the menu that pops up (use vol down to scroll, vol up to select)Press Vol+ and – simultaneously to get the on screen menu. This menu behaves like CWM/SS for navigation.Install the update file on your card. It takes a while. It’s going to verify both the file and your current system before it proceeds. If your phone fails the current system check (most common) that means something isn’t factory in your phone’s system files and you’ll probably have to use RSD to fix it. (See source link for possible corrections)Choose “reboot system now”When the system reboots load up the voodoo app. You’ll notice that you no longer have root. Hit restore su.Open Safestrap and enable it again.

For more information on rolling back to 6.11.748, see the source link

[source droidrzr via droid-life]

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Hands on with the Dijit Universal Remote on the DROID XYBOARD 8.2 [Video]

One of the key features of the DROID XYBOARD is the IR port for controlling your TV, cable or satellite box, AV receiver, etc. The Dijit Universal Remote app comes pre-loaded so you will be ready to go out of the box. It’s fairly intuitive and works well except for the issues I had customizing (see video).

This is a great feature, but I’m not sure if I would want to dedicate my tablet to this because what happens if you’re in the middle of a game and someone wants to check the listings guide or change the channel? For me, a simple Logitech programmable remote control makes more sense, but I do like the integration of being able to view the listings guide on the XYBOARD itself.

The Digit Universal Remote app is not an exclusive to Motorola as it’s available in the Android Market. It’s compatible with any device that has IR, devices paired with the Griffin Beacon for Android, or over WiFi with Roku Media Players. You will find the Dijit app pre-loaded on the XYBOARD 10.1 and the XOOM 2 as well. You can checkout my initial hands on video of the DROID XYBOARD 8.2, and look for my full review soon.

Download links after the break

Android Market Link

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Verizon Slashing Prices On DROID 3 and 16GB DROID RAZR

With the newest Verizon handsets arriving just arround the corner, Big Red is slashing prices on some of their current high-tier phones as we speak. Right now you can get the microSD card-less DROID RAZR in all three colors (white, black, purple) for only $199. These devices are the same as the 32GB version of the phone, except you provide your own memory card. Not a bad deal at all.

If it’s a keyboard that you’re after then you may want to check out the DROID 3. Last week its price was reduced to $99 on contract but now you can get it for a mere $49. This deal will only last until February 6th so if you can live without 4G you may want to jump on it.

For all you early adopters out there, these price cuts should bring a little smile to your face as this could only mean that we will see the new DROID 4 and RAZR MAXX real soon.

[via Verizon]

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Unofficially Official: DROID RAZR MAXX Arriving On January 26th

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Droid RAZR MAXX coming to Verizon January 26th?

Verizon was a bit cagey about pricing or a release date for the new member of the RAZR line at CES, but Motorola apparently decided that we’d had enough waiting and slapped a January 26th release date on their Droid RAZR MAXX page.

Interestingly the “Specs” page is the only one that gives the January 26th release date today, the rest all merely indicate that the Droid RAZR MAXX will be “available soon.”

Regardless of which is to be believed it is safe to say that we are weeks and not months from this thing releasing so if you were eyeing the Droid RAZR and value battery life highly then I’d counsel patience. The Droid RAZR MAXX should be slotting into Verizon’s lineup at $299 with the original Droid RAZR dropping to $199.

Just in case you missed the Droid RAZR MAXX amidst the madness of CES it is basically an extended battery version of the Droid RAZR. They stuffed an enormous 3,300 mAh battery into it versus the 1,780 mAh found in the original RAZR. This results in a slightly more standard 8.99mm thickness versus the virtually anemic 7.1mm of the Droid RAZR, but that trade off gets you over 21 hours of talk time, 15 hours of movie watching or 7 hours of web surfing. The rest of the specs mirror the original so you can go back and read our review of the Droid RAZR if you need to refresh your memory on our opinions of that device.

I got a chance to play with the Droid RAZR MAXX briefly at CES and preferred the feel of it in hand to that of the original Droid RAZR. Getting that kind of battery life in a form factor that is still thinner than the Verizon Galaxy Nexus should be a huge selling point for users that don’t want to have to worry about tweaking settings to eke out a day of use from their phone.

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Verizon 4G LTE devices to gain GSM roaming; LG Spectrum, Motorola Droid 4 are first

4G LTE devices on Verizon’s network have not been able to have global GSM roaming capabilities. This is something we’ve been wondering about for a while. 4G LTE uses a SIM card. Couldn’t we also use that SIM card for GSM roaming? Verizon says this is possible and will be happening.

The first 4G LTE phones to become “global devices” are the LG Spectrum and the Motorola Droid 4. According to Verizon, these phones will be getting this feature later this year, likely during the first half.

The LTE phones work globally in over 40 countries that currently use CDMA technology…. For the new LTE phones to provide global roaming voice and data in non-CDMA countries, we are working on a few network enhancements so we can provide customers with the best voice and data roaming experience. We anticipate this capability to be available this year, likely the first half of the year.RepresentativeVerizon Wireless

Many of you depend on GSM roaming. If you travel often, you will find that CDMA technology is not very friendly in most other countries. And now that Verizon has announced that it will only be releasing 4G LTE smartphones, it’s definitely the time to take action and make some 4G LTE global ready devices.

What do you guys say? Have you been waiting for 4G LTE devices to become global ready? You might want to consider one of these two.

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