Posted: 10 Feb 2012 02:13 PM PST  When I got my first Android phone a little over three years ago, one of my favorite things was to browse the Android Market and watch which apps were being pushed to the Android Market. Developers soon began to exploit the Just In section of the Android Market with fake updates to get their app to the top of the list, so Google eventually removed that feature. Now when I want to see what’s new in the Android Market, I turn to AppAware. I’ve covered the app before and it’s been around for a couple years, but they just relaunched a couple months ago with a completely overhauled version that turned the service into a social network for app discovery. The developers are awesome guys (you might have noticed they power our app stats widgets around the site), and they constantly update AppAware with exciting new features. Filters allow you to browse apps by category and drill down into your friends apps, location, trending, popular, and yes they even have a Just In tab now. I’ve found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to look at what people are actually updating, and not focus on which apps have the most installs. This shows me which apps have active support from their developers and sometimes reminds me of an old app that I might have removed long ago. The following is a Top 10 list of apps which were updated in the last seven days and received the most updates during that time period on AppAware. I hope you enjoy this weekly feature and discover some apps that you might find useful. WhatsApp Messenger - Version 2.7.3581 WhatsApp Messenger is a smartphone messenger available for Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Phone and Nokia phones. It allows you to say goodbye to SMS and provides a bunch of new features like group messaging. I have never used the app, but it currently has over 10 million installs in the Android Market with an average review score of 4.6. What’s in this version:
Go Launcher EX – Version 2.78 If you hate the custom skin that came with you Android phone then Go Launcher EX is a must install. There are many home replacement apps out there, but Go Launcher has always been one of my favorites. It has a ton of support from the Go Dev Team and there are an endless number of themes available. Go Launcher also has over 10 million downloads with an average review score of 4.7. What’s in this version:
AppAware – Version 3.0.9 I’ve already praised AppAware above, so I suggest you just go install the app and try it out. The new version only has between 10-50k installs, but I see it reaching into the millions in the coming months. This is the ultimate app for people who love apps. What’s in this version:
Official eBay – Version 1.7.2.7 I haven’t used eBay in years, but I know a ton of people who still check it every week, including my dad. The official app is a great way to manage your account and surf for the latest deals. It currently has over 10 million installs with an average review score of 4.2. What’s in this version:
Shazam – Version Varies with Device Shazam is pure magic and one of my all time favorite Android apps. It instantly identifies music and now TV commercials and then provides more information about them. I’m constantly surprised by the new features that get thrown into it with each update. They recently added the ability to display lyrics in-sync with the music, which is a feature I love. Shazam has over 10 million installs with an average review score of 4.5. What’s in this version:
Tiny Flashlight + LED – Version Varies with Device Tiny Flashlight is always my flashlight app of choice when I move to a new device. It’s the first to support many new devices and is constantly updated. The latest version improves stability and adds a share option. What’s in this version:
ROM Manager – Version 5.0.0.6 Just as the Market description says, ROM Manager is a must have app for any root user. It allows you to make complete backups of your device, flash your recovery image, install ROMs over the air, and a ton more features. They recently passed 3 million installs and have an average review score of 4.7. What’s in this version:
TuneIn Radio – Version 5.4 Pandora is my personal choice for streaming music, but TuneIn Radio has gained popularity quickly. TuneIn offers over 50,000 local and global stations and 1.2 million on-demand programs. An update to the previous version 5.3 added a Car Mode, which lets you listen to your favorite music, sports and news simply by speaking a command into your Android phone or tablet. What’s in this version:
Google+ – Version Varies with Device Most of our audience is familiar with the Google+ app, that has been adding features at a crazy pace. The latest update improved performance, added a What’s Hot section, let’s users who +1′d content, and added several other enhancements. Make sure you grab this update if you have not installed it yet. What’s in this version:
TripAdvisor – Version 2.0 TripAdvisor is an app and service that I have never used, but over 1 million people have it currently installed and gave it an average review score of 4.5. Their tagline is “Plan and have your perfect trip with TripAdvisor.” They also supply a number of city guide apps for some of the largest tourist destinations. The latest version 2.0 added a new layout for tablets. I like to travel, so I’m downloading this to my own tablet right now. What’s in this version:
|
Posted: 10 Feb 2012 11:47 AM PST  It looks like the Near Field Communications revolution is finally getting underway. After over a year of NFC chips being available in several different models of Android devices, major third-party developers are finally starting to incorporate the technology into their apps. Scanning tags is fun and all, but using NFC to share information in popular apps between devices is where NFC really shines. An update to the Foursquare app allows you to do just that. By using Android Beam, Google’s fancy name for peer-to-peer NFC communications, Foursquare users can now bump phones and transfer information like lists and places visited, along with initiating friend requests and checking in wherever NFC tags have been made available. Venues can now use NFC enabled tags, posters or other similar media that when tapped with an NFC equipped device running Android 4.0, will automatically prompt users to check in. Foursquare's Vice President of Mobile International Holger Luedorf recently sat down with Untether.tv and shared his feelings on NFC, and tools provided to Android developers to utilize the technology. The user experience is great. You just hold your phone against the tap (point). The check-in screen automatically pops up with the right venue. You're basically shaving very valuable seconds off the check-in process. We try to leverage the native experiences and APIs that are available through the platform as those usually drive the best user experience. We're trying to leverage this because we feel that pinpointing someone down to a location through an NFC chip definitely has some value.Holger LuedorfFoursquareLuedorf also mentioned that going forward, Android won’t be the only platform using NFC. When that day comes, the adoption rate for NFC should shoot through the roof. If you have an Android 4.0 device with NFC (either a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus S), you can try Foursquare’s NFC features with the latest version of the app available in the Android Market. |
Posted: 10 Feb 2012 11:43 AM PST  Google is working hard to expand its influence, and plans to stay relevant with the way we interact with people, information and objects. Projects like Android@Home and Google Fiber are proof of such, but the Search Giant is not stopping there. Google’s most recent filing with the FCC revolves around a “next generation personal communications device,” which further displays Google’s commitment with their recent jump into hardware manufacturing. We have recently seen Google hire an Apple Senior Director who was in charge of product quality at his former job. More interestingly, Simon Prakash was pulled in from Apple to work for a “secret project.” We do not know what this project could be related to, but we believe that it is hardware-related (due to his responsibilities at Apple).[1] It could be possible that Prakash will be working on making sure Google’s product are up to industry standards, and he very well could have something to do with this device and others. According to the FCC filing, this “next-gen personal communications device” is currently going through testing. It is mentioned that the device features both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, which would make it something like a smartphone. The device will be tested at Google employees’s houses, as well as Google offices. But more than testing the device, itself, Google is interested in testing the “throughput and stability at the home WiFi networks that will support the device, as well as the basic functionality of the device.” It is yet unclear exactly what this is all about, but it gives off signs of something great to come. This could be related to Android@Home or Google’s future plans to become an internet provider. And this “communication device” could very well be some form of home phone competitor or the home entertainment system we learned of yesterday. Regardless, we can expect this service to be affordable, like everything else Google offers. Surely, it would be nice if this happened to be an Android-powered device. It is mentioned that part of the purpose is to test its “real world performance and its impact on applications running on the device.” This just screams “Android” to us. We will have to wait and see what Google has under its sleeve. That won’t stop us from speculating, though. What do you guys make of this? What do you think this “communications device” could be? References
|
Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:15 AM PST  Since Google’s unveiling of Android 4.0 back in October 2011, the main question most of us want answered is: “When will my phone be updated to Ice Cream Sandwich?” We know HTC is working hard to update as many phones as they can, but there are hardware limitations to take into consideration, not to mention the dreaded fact that service providers must specifically “order” an update for each individual phone. Jump to the bottom of this page to see if your phone is on the official HTC Android 4.0 update list. Will my HTC phone be updated to Android 4.0?Since we don’t work for HTC, we can’t give you an exact answer, but we can make educated assumptions based on the announcements HTC has made. HTC’s first wave of Android updates will bring Ice Cream Sandwich to its phones powered by dual-core Qualcomm S3 processors. The overwhelming majoroty of HTC’s phones running on this chip are already on the update list, and we expect the remaining stragglers to be added shortly.For a while, we also assumed HTC would be delivering the Android 4.0 update to its phones powered by single-core Qualcomm S2 processors. This assumption was partially confirmed when HTC announced that the Incredible S, Desire S and Desire HD would also be receiving the update. Since most of the other HTC phones powered by S2 chips feature most of the same components, we expect other US-specific devices to be added to the update list, as well. While we would like to see Android 4.0 running on all HTC’s devices, those who own phones powered by Qualcomm S1 chips should not expect an Android 4.0 release. HTC has not given us any details about these phones yet, but the fact that Google has chosen to let the Nexus One live out its remain days on Gingerbread should be all the evidence we need. The HTC EVO 4G, Desire and DROID Incredible all share the same basic configuration and would most likely not have enough memory or processing power to run Android 4.0 as smoothly as HTC would like them to. Latest Android 4.0 update news from HTC
|
Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:50 AM PST  Welcome to a new weekly column where we break down each carrier to let you know the best devices and current promotions. Verizon Wireless was voted the top carrier in our Android Bowl (and it’s my personal carrier), so we thought that would be a good place to start. Each week we will rotate between the big four US carriers, so that each buyer’s guide gets refreshed every month. Read on for Verizon’s best devices and deals. Current Promotions and News Double Data: As we expected, Verizon just brought back their Double Data promotion that gives users double the data allowance for the same price. With the special promotion, subscribers will get 4 gigabytes for $30, 10 gigabytes for $50 and 20 gigabytes for $80. Double Data also applies to mobile hotspot plans where subscribers can now get 6 gigabytes for $50 and 12 gigabytes for $70 a month. We don’t know how long this promotion will last, so take advantage of it while you still can. VDayConfessions: From February 13-14, tweet a creative V-Day confession to @VDayConfessions and you could win a colored Droid Razr. Tweet poems, pics, etc with BOGO: Verizon has a current Valentine’s Day promotion that allows you to purchase the 16 GB Droid RAZR at $199 and get one free. We think there are some better options for devices (see below), but if you love the thin form factor of the RAZR then this is a good deal. Usage Controls: Do you have a family plan? Verizon just added a new feature called Usage Controls that allows you to control the amount of data that each line uses. For $4.95 per month, users can limit the amount of data consumed by lines, block ringtone purchases, and manage which apps and games are accessed. Expanded 4G LTE Coverage: Don’t have 4G LTE in your city yet? Verizon announced this month that they are investing millions in Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan to expand their network. Even more deals: If you are not quite ready to buy yet, make sure you follow @VZWDeals for the latest Verizon offers. Best Android Phone: Galaxy Nexus Galaxy Nexus Verizon normally sells the phone for $299 with 2-year agreement, but Amazon has it on sale at $99 for new customers, and $259 for upgrades. The main selling point of this phone is Android 4.0 and the promise of speedy software updates from Google. Their Nexus line of phones are always the first devices to receive the latest version of Android, which has many benefits. For example, Google just rolled out their Chrome Beta browser that is only available on Android 4.0. Even though this is my favorite phone, there are still some weak areas that we should point out incluidng camera quality, battery life, and the external speaker. I’m quite happy with the 5 megapixel camera, but I have noticed it is not quite as good as some other Android phones, like the 8 megapixel shooter on the Galaxy S II. For the battery life, I would suggest picking up the official 2100 mAh extended battery. Verizon had it on sale for $25, so shop around and see what offers are available. Leaked details also show that Google will improve the sound volume in their Android 4.0.4 update. Check out Anthony’s full review of the Galaxy Nexus for more details. Runner up: It’s worth nothing that the Droid RAZR MAXX is also an awesome device, but it still runs Android 2.3.x at this time. We reviewed the original RAZR last year and found it to be a quality purchase, and Motorola has improved upon that with the new model that has a 3300 mAh battery with all day battery life. Comparison of top Verizon phones: To see a complete comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Motorola RAZR MAXX, HTC Rezound, and LG Spectrum head over to gdgt.com. Best Android Phone with Keyboard: Droid 4 Droid 4 The Droid 4 just launched today on Verizon, where it is being sold in stores for $199 with 2-year agreement. Like always, Amazon has it priced cheaper at $99 for new customers, and $149 for upgrades. The most notable features of the Droid 4 include support for Verizon’s 4G LTE network, LED edge-lit 5-row QWERTY keyboard, 4 inch qHD display protected with Gorilla Glass, and Motorola’s new Smart Actions app. Verizon is shipping the Droid 4 with Android 2.3.5, but Motorola already announced that the Droid Bionic, RAZR, and Xyboard would be receiving Android 4.0. We expect the same treatment for the Droid 4. Motorola just delivered on their promise to upgrade the Xoom tablet to Android 4.0, and if their merger with Google goes through we should see improved software updates. About the only negative thing we can say about the Droid 4 is its locked bootloader, something that is comment with Motorola phones. If you want a fully unlocked phone, then go with the Galaxy Nexus. Best Android Tablet: Droid Xyboard Droid Xyboard 8.2 Verizon currently offers five different Xyboard models with different sizes and storage options to fit multiple budgets. The 8.2 inch Xyboard is selling at $429 for the 16 GB model and $529 for the 32 GB model. The 10.1 inch Xyboard is priced at $529 for 16 GB, $629 for 32 GB, and $729 for 64 GB. All prices are with a 2-year contract and require a data plan. As you can see these tablets are some of the most expensive around, but they are the best tablets on the largest and fastest 4G LTE network. If you would rather purchase a WiFi-only tablet and tether it to you phone, then I’d suggest the Asus Transformer Prime 32 GB model (available at $499 from multiple retailers). Best Android Phone on a Budget: Incredible 2 Droid Incredible 2 However, if I’m forced to pick a budget phone on Verizon then I’ll go with the HTC Droid Incredible 2. Verizon sells it in stores for only $99, but Amazon has it on sale for $0.01  .Highlights of the Droid Incredible 2 include 4-inch WVGA display, 1 GHz Snapdragon S2 processor, 8 MP rear camera, 1.3 MP front camera, 16 GB internal storage, and support for Verizon’s 3G network. HTC recently announced that they were updating the Incredible S to Android 4.0, which happens to be the international version of the Droid Incredible 2. There is no guarantee that Verizon will also upgrade their model, but it’s a good sign that it could be possible. What’s Coming NextNot many leaks have appeared for Verizon phones launching in the next 1-2 months. The only thing on our radar is the HTC Fireball, which is likely to be a high-end 4G LTE phone with slide-out QWERTY keyboard.Mobile World Congress is taking place at the end of February, which happens to be one of the largest wireless trade shows. We expect every handset maker to announce new phones, so keep an eye on our MWC 2012 coverage. Most of the specific models that get announced will be headed to the European market, but it’s a good indication of what’s next for the US carriers. FeedbackWe have long wanted to maintain buyer’s guides for every carrier, but it’s just something we have failed to produce. As one of the most influential sources of Android information on the web, we realize that our opinions are valuable and the average consumer just wants to know what phone they should buy without having to do all the research.Our hardcore audience lives and breaths Android, so most of them already know what device they want to buy next. However, I realize that for most of the public, reading our blog is like trying to read Swahili or some other foreign language. The purpose of these guides is to try and help the average consumer. Having said all that, consider this first guide as a rough draft that will continually be updated and improved over time. We would love to hear your feedback on what other sections or information should be added to the next version. Our lead developer Clark has some amazing site features that are coming down the pipe, and we are 100% committed to this community. I ask for your help by sharing this guide with your friends on Verizon and leaving suggestions in the comments below. |
Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:43 AM PST  LG just sent out the invite for their Mobile World Congress press event which promises to let us “discover LG’s new revolutionary smartphones.” Those are pretty big claims, but the three devices we are expecting from LG could deliver. Read on for the full details of the rumored devices. LG X3 The LG X3 was first revealed last month and we expect it to be their flagship device. The main attraction here is the quad-core Tegra 3, which we expect to see in several phones. However, we are hearing that LG might have the fastest clocked Tegra 3 out of the bunch, so keep this phone on your watch list. Rumored specs of the X3 include:
LG CX2 (aka Optimus 3D 2 or Optimus 3D Maxx) Last year at MWC 2011, LG announced the Optimus 3D and this year we expect them to unveil its successor. Expect an improved auto-stereoscopic display for glasses-free 3D and improved cameras for 3D pictures and video. Rumored specs of the LG CX2 include:
LG Vu LG's Korean blog just posted a teaser video for this super-sized phone, which features the rarely-used 4:3 aspect ratio. It is headed for the Korean market, but it could be coming to other countries as well. Rumored specs of the LG Vu include:
Wrap upWe had high hopes for LG last year, but they haven’t really impressed us yet. I purchased the T-Mobile LG G2x, which was plagued by many software issues and a sub-par display. LG has released some decent devices like the Verizon Spectrum, but they didn’t include enough extras to make it stand out from the crowd. Hopefully we see an improvement in 2012.Which upcoming LG phone has you most excited? |
Posted: 10 Feb 2012 06:25 AM PST  A mysterious HTC handset has made an appearance today running Android 4.0.1 with HTC Sense 4.0. While we typically have handset names to associate with leaked images, there’s nothing really to go off of this time around. The front of the phone could easily be mistaken for a half dozen other HTC devices, but when you flip it over, the contoured plastic panel bears the signature design aesthetics of HTC’s Incredible line. Phone Arena speculates that we could be looking at the DROID Incredible 3 or the mysterious HTC Fireball, but we have a feeling the phone will be the base design for the successor to last year’s HTC Incredible S which could morph into a variety of different phones for various carriers. Moving on to the specs, the mystery device features a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor (most likely a Qualcomm S4), 1 GB of RAM, 8 megapixel camera with LED flash, front-facing VGA camera, LTE, an AMOLED display and Beats Audio. If the hardware configuration is correct, this device will be nearly identical the the upcoming HTC Ville which is expected to debut at Mobile World Congress. The only real difference is the handset’s 4 capacitive buttons compared to the Ville’s 3 button setup. Since this is still a prototype device, we expect subtle changes before the handset is officially unveiled to the world. GalleryWhen it comes to a release date for this device, we don’t have concrete information. My guess is that HTC will unveil this new phone at CTIA in May which means it’ll be late Q2 before this device launches in Europe and the US. What do you think of this mysterious HTC handset? I’m digging the handset’s styling even though I’m a huge fan of HTC’s uni-body aluminum designs. |
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment