Posted: 13 Feb 2012 04:32 PM PST  BB10 has shown its pretty face, and we'll be damned if there's not a lot there to love. There should be, as Research in Motion has certainly borrowed more than a bit in the UI department from Android, as well as a little from Windows Phone 7. We're not knocking them for it (OK, maybe just a little), because RIM has needed a serious refresh to their image among consumers for a while now, and using what people (and pundits) have been praising makes perfect sense. We'll let you look the whole thing over at CrackBerry, where you can see B10's homescreen widgets in action, but we have to call out a few things here. Just as it is with Android, the application tray looks like it's done well, with 16 icons per page, well spaced and high resolution. We're not sure, but there are probably more than 16 apps for BlackBerry, so you'll have a multi-page design, and you have full time access to the buttons that RIM deems important across the bottom. Speaking of which, notice the widgets on the homescreen. We can't decide just who should be flattered the most here, because they look like a healthy mash-up of an Android phone with WP7's Metro interface thrown in. It's pretty, and functional. It's also going to makes those BlackBerries look all the same, or would if more phones were getting it. We fully expect to see BlackBerry fragmentation rants across the 'tubes any second now. All kidding aside here folks -- we want RIM to succeed in a big way in their quest to keep things afloat. If all the competition dies off, the winner(s) have no reason to keep trying to make things better. We all want things that are better. We're happy to see RIM pulling what works from other mobile operating systems, and changing it up to fit better with theirs. If BB10 turns out to be the best thing since sliced bread, Google will have to rethink how to slice bread and give us more with the next version. We all win here, and winning is a very good thing indeed. 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 04:11 PM PST  We've known about Intel and Motorola's partnership for some time, and we've even seen the chip giant's Medfield platform powering prototype handsets. Today, a leaked render obtained by PocketNow purportedly shows the first Motorola-built, Intel-powered Android smartphone, running Ice Cream Sandwich with a new version of the Motoblur UI. And if you look closely, you'll notice what seem to be Galaxy Nexus-style on-screen buttons below the main viewport. It's also claimed that the unnamed device will be making its first public appearance in a couple of weeks, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. That's certainly possible, but remember that Motorola's Sanjay Jha said at the Intel keynote that phones wouldn't hit carrier testing until the summer, with launches coming after that. Of course, there's no way to verify that this thing is running an Intel chip just by looking at a render. And as is always the case with leaked renders, the finished product may end up looking nothing like this. Time will tell. What is certain, though, is that we'll have full coverage of whatever's on show at MWC in the days ahead. Source: PocketNow 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 03:56 PM PST 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 03:26 PM PST  I received my Skyfall-branded phone just now, and I'm already on the hunt to become the Proving Grounds champ! If you're wondering why ngmoco chose to create this little competition, it's in celebration of the Skyfall open beta, which I checked out back in November at their headquarters in San Fransisco, CA. If you're interested in getting to know what Skyfall is all about, you can head over to the official site and check it out. Wish me luck, Android Nation! P.S. - I took this picture with the super cool branded Skyfall phone they sent me just for your enjoyment, even though Mondays is my "lay at home on the couch/watch TV/play SWTOR" day. You're welcome, nerds. 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 02:31 PM PST  The key phrasing from the DoJ: “The division concluded that the specific transactions at issue are not likely to significantly change existing market dynamics." When Google first announced the deal, they stated that it was done to "supercharge" Android with Motorola Mobility's extensive patent portfolio. And in addition to basic market competition, that's exactly what the DoJ was looking at as part of three investigations. The feds don't appear to be overly impressed with Google's intentions, saying that "Google’s commitments were more ambiguous and do not provide the same direct confirmation of its SEP licensing policies." And as such, it's going to keep an eye on things and that "The division will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action to stop any anticompetitive use of [standard essential patents] rights." Where it really gets good, however, is when the DoJ basically says that in the course of its investigation, it determined that Microsoft and RIM have too low a market share to use as offensive weapons the patents they have a stake in as part of the Rockstar Bidco purchase (and whose purchase was also approved in the same ruling today). It also alludes that it considers those patents to be essential, and that if Google were to seek a licensing agreement with them, the Rockstar Bidco group would have offer fair terms. In other words, if everybody doesn't play nice -- or at least fairly -- Uncle Sam's gonna step in and lay the smack down. The Justice Department also notes that Microsoft already has licensing agreements with a buttload of Android manufacturers anyway, so it's kind of moot for the folks in Redmond. But essentially calling Microsoft and RIM "small" in the process is amusing. With respect to RIM’s and Microsoft’s acquisition of Nortel patents, their low market shares in mobile platforms would likely make a strategy to harm rivals either through injunctions or supracompetitive royalties based on the acquired Nortel SEPs unprofitable. Because of their low market shares, they are unlikely to attract a sufficient number of new customers to their mobile platforms to compensate for the lost patent royalty revenues. Moreover, Microsoft has cross-license agreements in place with the majority of its Android-based OEM competitors, making such a strategy even less plausible for it.Now we all wait to see what China has to say, but this deal likely is all but complete. Source: U.S. Department of Justice Android Central's Sean Brunett contributed to this report. 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 01:53 PM PST  
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 01:51 PM PST  We love seeing new Android tablets get announced and released, honestly we do. Especially when they are nothing like the new Chinon Swift series tablets, which pretty much set a new standard for cheap craplets running Android. The idea is solid -- an affordable option to the high-priced tablet market here in the US, but the execution is flawed. There's no one thing inherently wrong with tablets like this, but the sum of the parts makes for a less-than-satisfying whole. Chinon is dropping a 7-inch version, the Swift 7, and a 10-inch Swift 10 tablet, at prices that will tempt you. The Swift 7 checks in at just $160 and the 10-inch version is $280, so it's obvious that more than a few of us will be taking a long, hard look. Start with the specs to really tell you all you need to know here, as the capable 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM CPU (of unknown make) is matched up with just 512MB of RAM and Android 2.3. This should set off a warning flag before you drop any dollars for these things, and if it doesn't, the 4:3 aspect ratio just has to make you do a double take. (Or the giant iPad design ripoff.) This isn't how good Android tablets are done, folks. There are a lot of better things to spend your money on, and even if these things prove me wrong and the performance blows our doors off, you're still better served to spend just a few more dollars on a Kindle Fire or Acer A200, depending on the form factor you want. Of course, someone is bound to buy one of these and have a great experience with their new toy. In fact, I hope it happens and I'm wrong about the whole thing. But I don't think I am, and I don't want to spend my money to find out. I certainly don't want you to spend your money and find out either. More: Chinon 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 01:39 PM PST  read more 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 01:14 PM PST  It's been a while since we saw any mention of Quadrant benchmark scores in phone reviews. We hoped that it was for the obvious reason, but in a world where the Galaxy Nexus is king we couldn't run a Quadrant score even if we wanted to -- it didn't work properly with Ice Cream Sandwich. Version 2.0 lands today with support for ICS and multicore CPU's. Oh, and it now supports Polish as well. What perhaps makes this version more irrelevant than the previous version is down to the changes that have been made to get it working on these new devices. This updated version scores differently to all the previous 1.x releases of the app, so at the moment there is a grand total of 4 results in the results browser. This will be restored in future updates but so far I can compare my Galaxy Nexus to the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Tab and Nexus S. Useful. Otherwise everything is the same as it has always been. In 2012 it is definitely not how we should be judging our smartphone performance. Only using a smartphone can judge that. We already know that benchmark results can be cheated, so while it looks good to be at the top of the pile, it isn't necessarily where you belong. And if you don't set out to cheat, it still isn't all that accurate. My Galaxy Nexus scored significantly higher than the Galaxy Nexus in the results browser at first run of the app. We'll never tell you guys how to use your phones, and with the right results running a Quadrant benchmark can still make you look better than your friends. Just don't read too much into it. Please? You will find the handy download links after the break. read more
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 12:43 PM PST  The Acer Iconia A200, (read the review), is a 10.1 inch Android tablet featuring a 1280X800 resolution. The A200 is powered by a dual-core Tegra 2 processor and carries either 8 or 16GB of memory on board, depending on your preference. The device launched back at the end of January and at that time we were promised that the ICS update would follow, and here we are not even a full month later and the update is here. With a price point of only $329 for the 8GB version and $349 for the 16GB version you can have a rather inexpensive Ice Cream Sandwich tablet. The update is slowly rolling out, so you may or may not have already noticed the notification that it is available for download, but if you haven't don't worry you can manually check for the update. If you are unaware of how to check for an update just hop into the settings, scroll down to about tablet, select system update, and check for new updates. Be on the lookout for the manual download location and be sure to sing out in the comments or in the forums if you happen to find it. Source: Acer Tablet Forum; via: Android Police 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 12:25 PM PST  It's time for another weekly photo contest, and this week the theme is animals. It's a broad category, and we can't wait to see how some of you guys and gals dazzle us with your great pictures. Whether it's a picture of your pet, something from the park or zoo, or something exotic, we wanna see those pics. This week the winner gets a headset of his or her choice from ShopAndroid.com to keep the noise down while shooting those elusive wildlife shots. Rules are easy -- you'll need to use an Android device to take the picture, and be sure to let us know which one in case your photo is selected as a finalist. Also tell us who you are so we can give proper credit. Only submit one picture per person, and e-mail your entry to pics@androidcentral.com by Friday Feb 17. We'll pick the best of the bunch, and announce the winners on the blog Sunday, Feb 19. Good luck all, and we can't wait to see this weeks pictures! 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 11:26 AM PST  Just a quick heads up that there will be a Mobile Nations Podcast today at 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. EST / noon PST. This is the one where Join us on the Mobile Nations Live site, or on our Android Central live page. 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 10:45 AM PST  Google and Motorola Mobility announced the deal last August, with Google paying a cool $12.5 billion for the manufacturer. This gives Google control of Moto's extensive patent portfolio, which will no doubt prove useful in the on-going legal battles between Android OEMs and Apple. In today's blog post, Google restated its belief that the acquisition will help "supercharge Android" and offer users "faster innovation, greater choice and wonderful user experiences." Source: Google Blog 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 10:12 AM PST  The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 keyboard dock is a great accessory for a great tablet. I'm not fully convinced that you can get any real work with a tablet just yet, but this has me thinking hard. It's simple to use, looks good and brings one big think that touchscreen tablets are lacking -- a physical keyboard for fast and accurate typing. Setup is a breeze. Pull the keyboard dock out of the box, and plug your Galaxy Tab 10.1 into it. If you're using a third party keyboard, you'll get a notice that you need to switch to the stock one for best functionality, and a handy button to press to do just that. Then you start using it. The keyboard itself is responsive, and the keys are easy to reach and after a few minutes you'll get the flow and feel like you're working with an Android powered netbook. There's special function keys for home, back, menu and all the other special Android functions, as well as volume and brightness controls. It's pretty much like the keyboard you're using on your computer, minus a dedicated set of number keys (some PC and laptop keyboards don't have those either). It's weighty and the rubber feet and back panel keep it from moving while banging out e-mails or Tweeting, and there's a 3.5mm audio output to connect a pair of speakers of headphones. The pass through port allows for charging and a connection to your computer or other Samsung accessories, so it makes for a nice all around desktop dock if you've got the space. A tablet of any sort isn't going to replace my computer or laptop any time soon, but when i need to get work done on my Tab, I can do it much easier and faster now. I wrote this blog post with it! Hit the break for a couple more images of this one in action. read more
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:28 AM PST  The most interesting part of the teardown focuses on the Droid 4's troublesome non-removable battery. The teardown process revealed that in addition to a warning sticker, the battery is fixed in place with Torx screws and glue, making removal challenging and potentially hazardous. Putting pressure on a lithium ion battery tends to cause bad things -- like explosions -- to happen, so iFix recommends gently prising it out with a spudger. The bottom line is that this Droid is the most difficult to fix yourself, due to the battery situation and the fact that the keyboard contacts have been moved onto the main board. That means that if a keyboard contact breaks, you'll need to replace one of the most expensive components. So while the Droid 4 may be one of the best QWERTY-toting Androids available, it's going to be a little tougher to repair any faults or damage yourself. If you're into looking at smartphones in various states of undress, you can find the full teardown over at the source link. Source: iFixit 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:27 AM PST  Having a hard time getting going on this second Monday of February? Staying up nights worrying about Google Wallet or if you'll want Chrome for Android or the Motorola Droid 4? Fear not, as we've got the cure for what ails ya.The Android Central Podcast is your weekly peek into the world of Android, where we break down the news that really matters, and explain what's just a bunch of hype. Plus, we answer your e-mails and voicemails. You don't want to miss it. Check out the Android Central Podcast. 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 08:04 AM PST  It seems like a never ending wait for Sky TV's Android offering of their Sky Go service. Further information has appeared which says the application will not work with Ice Cream Sandwich or with rooted devices. A post in the Sky TV official forums has further clarified details surrounding the highly anticipated application. We already know that at launch it will be supported by only a handful of devices, but what we didn't know was that Sky Go won't work with any Ice Cream Sandwich updates for those devices. If you update your phone to Ice Cream Sandwich, which is highly likely if you're offered it, you will not be able to stream content from Sky Go. If you have a rooted device, you will not be able to stream content from Sky Go. The latter of these isn't too surprising, after all, since Sky are very concerned about DRM and content protection. What is perhaps more alarming for potential users -- there are no plans to support Android tablets. Sky goes so far as to say that a "lack of market penetration" for Android tablets is one of the reasons behind their decision. We're still expecting Sky Go to launch sometime this month, but this latest news is sure to sour the experience somewhat. Especially if you're running it on a HTC Sensation and looking forward to your forthcoming ICS update in March. via Modaco 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 08:03 AM PST Welcome back for another week of awesome daily giveaway's from ShopAndroid.com! Today we'll be checking out the Seidio SURFACE Case for the Verizon/Samsung Galaxy Nexus, HTC 2750mAh Extended Battery for HTC Rezound, Motorola Folio Case for Motorola Xoom, and the Motorola Droid RAZR Qmadix Snap-On Cover w/ Holster. Leave a comment letting us know which of these featured accessories you'd like to get your hands on, and we'll announce a winner next Monday. Seidio SURFACE Case for Samsung/Verizon Galaxy NexusThe Seidio SURFACE Case is perfect for keeping the slim look of your Galaxy Nexus. The case consists of interlocking top and bottom pieces that fit your device snugly, with a felt lining on the interior to keep your Galaxy Nexus safe from scratches on the inside and out. There's access to all ports and buttons of your Galaxy Nexus, with the exception of the three-pin connector. read more 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 07:37 AM PST Take a look at our hands on with the GSM Galaxy Nexus extended battery There is still a distinct lack of official accessories for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. While we're still eagerly awaiting the arrival of such tasty treats as the vehicle and HDMI docks, there is at least one which has made it over to UK shores. Available now from MobiCity, the 2000mAh extended battery and replacement battery door will set you back £49.95. We really like this battery, and the replacement door adds a slight thickness to the phone which actually makes it nicer to hold in the hand. Hit the source link below to head over to the product page. Source: MobiCity 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 07:06 AM PST It was just a few days ago that we first caught a glimpse of the Nokia N9 running Ice Cream Sandwich. Now that glimpse has progressed into the first video footage from developer Alexey Roslyakov and it's looking pretty impressive so far. As expected progress is slow, but steady. Key areas not functioning at the moment are network connectivity and the battery indicator. At the moment the phone shows that it needs charging even when plugged in. OpenGL support is also causing headaches, but the guys working on this definitely get an 'A' for effort. An early alpha build of this is in the works, and we're already starting to feel a degree of envy. While not in many hands, the N9 is an incredible looking device. Perhaps we'll see a few more around should this project really take off. via Slashgear 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 07:04 AM PST  The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day for Feb. 13 is the Qmadix Snap-On Cover with Holster for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Verizon Galaxy Nexus. The durable Snap-On Cover protects your device while allowing full access to all functions and protects from dirt and scratches and has a textured rubber exterior for a good grip. It's available today only for just $14.95 -- that's 50 percent off! Get yours while supplies last. 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 05:54 AM PST  Alongside the new render, Korean site ETNews gave details of the device's size, weight and screen resolution. The site claims that the new device will sport a higher resolution 3D display, compared to the Optimus 3D's WVGA offering. Apparently LG has brought the device down to a thickness of just 9.8mm, and shaved 20 grams off its weight, too. The reported resolution increase is interesting, as it contradicts earlier reports that LG was sticking with WVGA for its second 3D phone. However, given the company's push towards 720p displays for its high end devices (as well as the reduction in visible resolution required for glasses-free 3D), we wouldn't be surprised to see a 720p IPS panel in this thing when it launches. We'll know more about LG's next flagship device in just a few days, assuming the rumors of a MWC unveiling hold true. 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 05:47 AM PST 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 05:02 AM PST  The Tab 2 is powered by a 1GHz dual-core CPU, along with 1GB of RAM, and packs a 7-inch, 1024x600 display. As we said, the main attraction is Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which makes the Tab 2 the first Samsung tablet to run the latest version of the OS. Other specs include a 3MP camera on the back and a VGA front-facer, optional 3G/HSPA connectivity, 8/16/32GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot. Like the original 7-inch Galaxy Tab, the Tab 2 offers voice calling capability, too. So this appears to be a budget tablet offering from Samsung, and we'd expect to see it priced as such. What's a little strage, however, is that Samsung already has a 7-inch tablet that's almost identical to the Tab 2 -- the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. Design aside, the only differences lie in CPU speed and OS -- the Tab 7 Plus runs Honeycomb on an Exynos chip. So we have to wonder where this product fits in Samsung's increasingly crowded tablet line-up. In any case, if the price is right, it looks like this could be a decent 7-inch tab for mid-range buyers. We've got the the full press release after the jump. read more 
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Posted: 13 Feb 2012 04:59 AM PST |
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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