Don’t get your hopes up if you’re waiting for a version of Flash to appear for use in the new Android Chrome Beta. Adobe’s Flash blog has just updated us on the issue, reminding everyone that it’s now stopped developing the mobile versions of Flash. So if you need flash in a browser, use the standard browser pre-loaded on your phone, is the advice.

This, in fact, is some of the advice from Adobe…

Today Google introduced Chrome for Android Beta. As we announced last November, Adobe is no longer developing Flash Player for mobile browsers, and thus Chrome for Android Beta does not support Flash content. Flash Player continues to be supported within the current Android browser.

…which is just a fancy way of saying “no” to the people that will be asking for Flash support within Android Chrome, from now until… forever.

So don’t go cluttering Adobe’s comments sections up with your questions. It’s washed its hands of the whole Android love affair.

No related posts.

T-Mobile has just joined UK network Three in offering an “unlimited” mobile data plan, which it claims offers users who sign up a genuinely unlimited mobile data allowance – plus it goes a little further than Three’s One Plan in offering unlimited calls and SMS messages, too. It’s called The Full Monty, with the announcement promising that “No fair use restrictions apply to internet, calls or text messages.”

The pricing plans are a little iPhone-centric at the moment, but there is one Android option – the Samsung Galaxy S II is available on the starter £36 per month tariff – which is the only slightly limited tariff, in that you’re limited to 2,000 cross-network mobile minutes. Here they all are:

If you seriously hammer the data and calling minutes, that’s just about acceptable. Here’s the thing from T-Mobile:

T-Mobile launches The Full Monty – the UK’s first plan to offer unlimited calls, texts and internet

- No fair use restrictions apply to internet, calls or text messages
- Plan offers UK customers market leading value for money
- Unique to T-Mobile, this plan is a landmark for the mobile industry
- Available on all phones in the T-Mobile range – including iPhone, Android and BlackBerry

London, UK: 30 January 2012 – T-Mobile today announces the launch of The Full Monty, a ground-breaking new mobile phone plan that offers consumers the freedom to make unlimited calls, send unlimited texts, and use as much mobile internet as they want – with no fair use restrictions. The first of its kind for the UK, The Full Monty plan offers unbeatable value and is available from 1 February through T-Mobile stores, online shop, telesales and in-direct partners.

Customers signing up to The Full Monty 24 month plan will not only have the reassurance that there are no caps on their calls1, texts and internet, they will also have access to unlimited WiFi2, and can use their mobile internet for whatever they like – including tethering (using a smartphone as an internet connection for a laptop or tablet), streaming and downloading.

The Full Monty plan offers four simple price brackets, each of which offer a great range of free high-end smartphones.

What’s more, further to the ‘big 3G switch-on’ last year, customers signing up to The Full Monty plan will be joining the 28 million T-Mobile and Orange customers who can already benefit from the widest 3G network in the UK, and faster internet and data speeds in more places for no extra cost, thanks to the sharing of 3G signals from both networks.

Ben Fritsch, Head of Propositions, T-Mobile UK , comments: “Over the past two years, we’ve seen a rise in mobile internet use of over 250%, which reflects the consumer trend of being ‘always on’ wherever they are. However, consumers also still want to retain a more personal level of communication by calling or sending a text.

The Full Monty has been designed for customers who want the peace of mind that there are absolutely no limits placed on their allowances, whilst also knowing they’re getting market leading value for money. We believe our Pay Monthly portfolio offers plans to suit anyone’s needs, all at accessible prices – and we’re really proud to be the first to offer a plan like The Full Monty in the UK”.

For more information and to sign up to The Full Monty plan, please visit www.t-mobile.co.uk/TheFullMonty.

No related posts.

Huge news from SEGA today, which has followed up its surprisingly faithful version of the legendary Sonic CD with a full Android release of Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Part 1. If you’ve not been paying attention to the gaming news recently, Sonic 4 is an all-new 2D version of Sonic, released in episodes, which rather divided opinion.

Some liked its return to 2D, while others weren’t happy with how the perfect 2D control system of the old Mega Drive titles was needlessly fiddled with in the name of progress. We didn’t bother playing it at all, so have not formed an opinion at time of writing.

Sonic 4 currently has a price tag of £2.56 attached to it. Much as we love Sonic, we’ll be waiting for a bit of feedback before risking what is a large amount of money for a game these days. Looks very awesome, though.

Plus the game is NOT a Tegra exclusive as we sort of thought when it was announced. The Market says Sonic 4 is compatible with the Xperia Arc, HTC Desire, Galaxy Nexus, HTC Sensation and plenty of other hardware variants we’ve used over the years.

Related posts:

1. Sonic CD now available on Android
2. SEGA releases Sonic Advance on Android (in Japan)
3. SEGA increases server bandwidth “tenfold” to cope with Sonic CD demand

The recently revealed Android app that sucks in content from The Sun’s web site is currently on the Android Market for 69p – and annoying users by containing adverts as well. And it’s about to get more expensive to stay on top of your celebrity scandal and football news, as from next month you’ll be asked to pay £4.99 for a monthly subscription to the site’s content.

Which is rather expensive, given the web content is currently freely available through the browser. The paywall must surely be imminent.

The Sun for Android is on the Market here. Revel in that 69p option while it lasts. And yes, we read The Sun. A wise man once told us it’s important to keep up with the mood of the nation via the tabloids. Plus it has those endlessly fascinating Jodie Marsh photographs.

Link via The Drum.

Related posts:

1. Galaxy Nexus upfront fees dropped by Phones4U

Vimeo, which we associate with YouTube videos that NEVER LOAD, has launched an official app for Android. The app is rather specific about its requirements, with Android 2.3 or higher needed to make it work. If you have that version of the OS your phone, this is what you’ll see once it’s up and running:

As well as letting you watch other videos, Vimeo for Android has also been designed as more of a personal file manager, letting you upload your own clips to the service – and download any existing videos you’ve previously published to your phone. Plus there’s sharing, stats and comments and all the usual social stuff.

Vimeo’s on the Android Market here.

Related posts:

1. LOVEFiLM finally has an official Android app
2. Vue cinema chain also has an official Android app
3. OnLive gaming service launches official Android app

One of the long-rumoured Sony Ericsson Android models has been confirmed today at the CES 2012 tech event, with Sony – yes, just Sony from now on – announcing its new Xperia Ion in conjunction with US network AT&T.

The first Sony-badged Android phone is a monster, arriving with a 4.6″ BRAVIA Engine/Reality Display screen running at 1280×720 resolution, powered by a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S3 dual-core processor and featuring a class-leading 12megapixel Exmor R camera sensor around the back – and a 1.3MP front chat cam.

But despite launching in Q2 of 2012, the Xperia Ion will arrive with Android 2.3 onboard as its OS. No mention is made of a Euro release as yet, and as this is an LTE model, we may not see it at all. But here’s the press release anyway – and more tech specs can be found on the phone’s official site:

Xperia ion revealed – first LTE smartphone from Sony available exclusively from AT&T

- HD powerhouse – two HD cameras, 4.6-inch1 HD screen and HDMI-out support
- Unmatched Android camera experience in the US with 12 megapixel rear camera
- Effortless sharing of content with easy connectivity across multiple screens within the world of Sony
- PlayStation™ Certified and access to entertainment services from Sony Entertainment Network

January 9, 2012, Las Vegas, Nev. – Xperia™ ion, the first LTE smartphone from Sony®*, was introduced today at the 2012 International CES and will be available exclusively in the U.S. from AT&T in the second quarter.

Xperia ion from Sony enables easy connectivity with multiple screens for consumers looking to share and enjoy content on whichever screen they choose, whether it’s TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Xperia ion from Sony has a stunning 4.6-inch HD display (1280 X 720 pixels) that provides a visual brilliance for superior viewing experiences. For photo enthusiasts, Xperia ion features a new Fast Capture innovation to make sure life’s unexpected moments are not missed: the HD camera goes from standby mode to first shot in 1.5 seconds.1 The impressive images taken with the 12-megapixel rear camera are unmatched by any other Android smartphone.

Additionally, both rear- and front-facing cameras deliver HD recording capabilities.

“With Xperia ion, we’re bringing together several firsts that will take users beyond the smartphone,” said Paul Hamnett, President, Sony Ericsson North America. “Designed to deliver a seamless experience across the multiple screens we use to play, watch, listen, and share, Xperia ion is the gateway to entertainment when and – most importantly – where you want it.”

Xperia ion users will be able to access the richest entertainment experiences from Sony Entertainment Network. Music Unlimited offers a global catalogue of 15 million unique songs while Video Unlimited has the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows from all major studios.

Xperia ion is also PlayStation™ Certified, guaranteeing a high quality smartphone gaming experience.

Key Features for Xperia ion: 4.6-inch HD Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine with HD resolution screen (1280 x 720), as well as rear (1080p) and front (720p) cameras for HD recording. 1.5GHz dual-core processor for fast browsing and content download, which can be stored on the internal 16GB flash storage. 12MP rear camera with Sony Exmor R™ for mobile with fast-capture to go from standby to first shot in less than two seconds. HD sharing through DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA Sync to quickly and easily stream content on other screens.

Related posts:

1. LG Prada 3.0 – 4.3″ NOVA display, 1GHz dual-core, 8MP camera
2. Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray review

One of the odder news stories to emerge from CES so far has come via Asus, which has announced a slightly enhanced version of its only-just-released Transformer Prime tablet. The new tablet will contain the same Tegra 3 quad-core processor, only now it’s 10″ display has been updated to run at 1920×1200 resolution.

There’s also a 2MP front-facing chat camera, plus a reworked back panel to help resolve GPS radio issues some users have reported. Apart from that, it’s the same as the existing Prime.

Asus has also slightly awkwardly “announced” the Eee Pad Memo, a redesigned version of the 7″ tablet and stylus combo it first revealed exactly this time last year but which is yet to go on sale. Only now the updated Eee Pad Memo has a 1280×800 display, Android 4.0 and a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor.

Link via Droid-Life.

Related posts:

1. Asus Transformer Prime Launching on January 12th 2012
2. Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime – Android 3.2 on a Tegra 3 processor
3. Asus Eee Transformer Prime Android 4.0 update due Jan 12th

Huawei has just announced a high-end and super-skinny new Android phone, which will arrive under the name Huawei Ascend P1 S. It is unbelievably thin, measuring just 6.8mm in places, plus it’ll arrive running Android 4.0 so there’s some brain behind its beauty.

It’s a 4.3″ model using Super AMOLED display tech at 960×540 resolution, while the show is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor – and there’s an 8megapixel camera with 1.3MP secondary chat cam, plus Dolby Mobile 3.0 along with an implementation of 5.1 surround sound. It is surprisingly top-spec for Huawei. Here it is:

Huawei says the Ascend P1 and the P1 S models will arrive in “Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, Middle East & China from April 2012″. Hopefully we’ll be first in line.

The Ascend P1 is a slightly fatter version of the above with a higher capacity battery inside – 1800mAh compared to 1670mAh.

Related posts:

1. Samsung Galaxy M – 4″ Super AMOLED, 1GHz single-core processor

Sony Ericsson has taken the rather bold step of releasing an early work-in-progress version of the Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” update for a few of its 2011 Xperia mobiles, giving those who are keen on installing custom ROMs a chance to have a play with the update as it stands right now.

The release will bring a semi-working version of Android 4.0 to unbranded versions of the Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V and Xperia Ray, with everything you need to get it running listed on SE’s Developer Blog.

Obviously this comes with many disclaimers – for a start, the alpha code doesn’t currently support phone calls! If you’re still keen, or just curious, there’s a video of Android 4.0 running on an Xperia Arc S embedded below…

Again, as with that early Samsung Galaxy S II Android 4.0 update, it’s quite disappointing to see much of Google’s hard work in updating Android’s look and feel disappear beneath a manufacturer skin. Still, it’s a big step forward all the same. And Sony Ericsson’s UI is pretty nice in itself.

Related posts:

1. Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray review
2. Unannounced Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc HD photographed again

This promotion by Sony Ericsson and cloud storage company Box was accidentally announced a little ahead of time last week, but now it’s live. They’re both giving owners of Xperia-branded phones 50GB of online storage space. Thanks.

All you have to do is download the Box Android app on an Xperia Android phone, login to a Box account on the phone and there you go. 50GB instead of the usual 5GB Box gives to other free account holders. Here’s visual proof:

And here’s the press release, just in case there’s any small print we may have glossed over. There doesn’t appear to be a “catch” of any sort.

Xperia™ and Box® give the gift of online storage this festive season

· 50GB free online storage for digital content such as photos, music and video for all Xperia™ users with Box® for Android™

· Log into Box® for Android™ just once to access for lifetime of account

· Year-long promotion runs from today until end of 2012

15 December 2011, London, United Kingdom – Sony Ericsson today announced details of a new promotion that will give every Xperia™ owner 50GB of free file sharing and storage in partnership with Box®. By simply logging into their Box® account through the Box® for Android™ application in the Android™ Marketplace, Xperia™ owners globally will be able to enjoy free cloud storage and file sharing for life.

The Box® promotion begins on 15 December 2011 through until December 31, 2012, and is available to all consumers worldwide who own any Xperia™ smartphone including and released after Xperia™ X10.

“With people taking more pictures, listening to more music and watching more video on their Xperia smartphone than ever before, especially over the holidays, we wanted to make sure that they had the ability to upload their content to the cloud and share it across multiple devices.. Xperia™ and Box® will provide consumers with access to a massive amount of content on the go putting their smartphone at the very heart of their connected lifestyle,” commented Steve Walker, Chief Marketing Officer, Sony Ericsson.

“As more people bring their personal devices in to work to take full advantage of mobile computing, it is essential that they never have to worry about storage limitations,” said Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box®. “By partnering with Sony Ericsson we are bringing the full power of Box®’s cloud content management and sharing to those users.”

With file sharing and storage from Box®, Xperia™ users are able to access their content from anywhere across multiple devices and applications with extreme ease. . Today, Box® helps more than eight million individuals and 100,000 businesses view, upload and share and manage all their content in the cloud and from mobile devices. Now Xperia™ smartphone owners will be able to manage an immense amount of content in the cloud with 50GB of free storage, the equivalent of approximately 50,000 docs, photos and presentations.

Related posts:

1. Unannounced Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc HD photographed again