Tag Archives: ICS

Verizon Samsung Nexus gets Android 4.0.4 Update

An OTA update to the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS is starting to be pushed to Verizon Samsung Nexus smart phones. Previously my Samsung Nexus was running Android version 4.0.2. Guess I skipped Android 4.0.3.

NASA Spots Old Mars Landers

On  Jan. 29, 2012, using the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the space agency spotted the lander from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit mission. The rover drove off after landing and explored its corner of the red planet for 6 years! The little rover is quietly resting now on the surface having done it’s duty. The Phoenix Lander was also found by NASA. Check out NASA’s site for some amazing color Mars images. (link below)

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Spirit Mars Lander spotted from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter--Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona
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Phoenix Mars Lander spotted from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter--Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

Where is the planet Mars now you ask? Look up tonight to the left and above the bright Moon and you’ll see the red planet shining a bright, ruddy red in the night sky. Mars will be getting closer to Earth these next few weeks and will be at it’s closest in early March. Be sure to check it out!

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The Moon and Mars high in the sky on Google's Sky Map app in ICS--Image credit: SiliconCali.com

Full image from NASA at the link. Full story from NASA here.

Google Chrome for Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0

ice cream sandwich android 4.0Google released a beta version of their fast Chrome browser for Android on February 7th. Here’s a quick rundown using the Samsung Nexus Android 4.0 powered phone.

Download in the Android Market. You’ll have to accept Google’s new privacy policy to continue.

When you first open the Chrome browser you are greeted with two floating pointer buttons: “Search the web directly” and “Switch between open tabs”
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Another screenshot:

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SiliconCali.com on chrome for Android running on the Samsung Nexus

And Chrome for Android in the news:

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Google’s new chrome for Android browser displays Google news quickly and sharply. While I haven’t done any scientific speed tests yet, the new chrome browser is faster than the default browser that comes with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

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Google's Ice Cream Sandwich and a few of his friends enjoying the Mountain View sunshine.