Posted: 08 Feb 2012 06:53 PM PST  Is Android 4.0 mature enough to replace a desktop PC? I’m writing this post with Chrome Beta for Android on my Asus Transformer Prime and I think it’s almost there. Previously I was disappointed with the Browser performance on the Prime, but the recent software updates to Android 4.0.3 combined with the Chrome browser are starting to live up to my expectations. Before there was almost no way I could get any real content creation done on the Prime, but it is now passable. The performance still does not match my Samsung ultrabook, but I have noticed great improvements since I first gave this a try last year. The keyboard lag with heavy web apps like WordPress is gone, scrolling is smooth, and my Logitech USB mouse works great. I’m not the only one that thinks Android 4.0 is passable as a desktop operating system. Android enthusiast Christian Cantrell hooked up his Galaxy Nexus to a computer monitor, wireless keyboard with touchpad, and speakers to demonstrate the user experience. He notes that Android 4.0 has most of the functionality he could need, but the performance of the dual-core OMAP4460 in the Galaxy Nexus leaves a little to be desired. Most Android manufactures have not really tried to push the envelope for this type of user experience, with the exception of Motorola. Their Atrix 4G was ahead of its time, but it clearly hinted where Android was going. We predicted over a year ago that Android, Chrome, and Google TV would merge onto a single device, and we are almost there. Motorola’s webtop experience and lapdock accessory were both cool ideas, but the final experience just sucked. Now that Google is taking over Motorola and hardware continues to advance at a rapid pace, we will finally see Sanjay Jha’s original vision come true. Your smartphone will become your most personal computer and eventually replace your desktop or laptop PC. ASUS is likely to be one of the first companies to produce one of these so called ultraphones. Their upcoming Padfone will dock into a tablet, that can dock into a keyboard, that can connect to any display. This modular design will be copied over and over by every other OEM. We might still be another generation away from mobile processors that can deliver the PC-like performance we crave, but there are software solutions to fill the gap. NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang demonstrated this at CES. Apps like Splashtop provide a virtualized OS that delivers the same exact experience you would expect from a desktop PC. As I wrote yesterday, I still think Chrome will one day overtake Android as Google’s platform for connected devices, but that could be a decade away. Over the next five years, I see Android becoming the number one operating system on all web clients. I realize this might sound crazy and Windows still has 70-80% market share depending on the source, but who would have predicted that Android would become the top smartphone OS as fast as it did. Smartphone sales already overtook client PCs in 2011, and that trend will continue to accelerate. What do you think the Android ecosystem needs to deliver before you would give up your PC? |
Posted: 08 Feb 2012 12:44 PM PST  Skype and Vonage were strong competitors some years ago, before the smartphone boom. And while Skype did take a while to get things sorted out, they managed to become one of the most popular mobile VoIP services quickly. This is not stopping Vonage from making a glorious return, though. Vonage has just released its new mobile app for Android (and iOS), boasting better prices and a more intuitive experience. Vonage has already been active in the Android ecosystem, only with an extension to its home telephone services. It was only meant for subscribers, and other consumers had no use for it. With this new app, we can all take advantage of it. Users rely on VoIP services for two main reasons – prices and lack of signal (depending on your area). Vonage is targeting both issues by making this app available via WiFi, 3G and 4G, as well as being good to your wallet.  Vonage is emphasizing its competition against Skype Mboile. While vonage lacks video call functionality, it is very competitive in voice and text services. Vonage is claiming that its per-minute voice prices are 30% cheaper (for the 50 most called countries) than Microsoft’s VoIP service, and 70% less than traditional mobile carriers. It might be important to note that Vonage is offering free calls to numbers in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, for a “limited time”. But this is only for non-commercial calling, and as expected, you are limited to 3,000 minutes per month. Regardless, it is still a very generous amount and a great way to lure customers. Not to mention that you can make calls from anywhere in the world.  Vonage is also very proud of its more intuitive user interface. The app works directly with your contacts, recognizing anyone that is currently using the app. If some of your contacts are not Vonage users yet, it is very simple to invite them, or simply make the call using your Vonage credit. It is also simpler to purchase such credit. The app uses in-app billing to allow customers to purchase credit directly from their Android Market (or Apple App Store) account – a process much simpler than what you’ll find with the competition. You do not need to visit the website to purchase credit, and if you worry about privacy, you also don’t need to give them your credit card information. For a company that we haven’t heard from in a while, Vonage is sure making a strong entrance. Even if you are not much of an international caller, Vonage would help you save some minutes and texts from your plan. And until further notice, you can even call regular numbers in the US. Check out the video and press release for more details. If you give it a try, let us know if it’s worth what it seems. How many of you could take advantage of these services, and why? GalleryShow Press Release Vonage Launches New Mobile App Providing Free Calling and Texting to Other App Users around the World Savings of more than 70 percent on international calls to those without the app HOLMDEL, N.J., February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Vonage Holdings Corp. (NYSE: VG) announced the launch of Vonage Mobile®, the new iPhone® and Android™ app that lets users make free high-definition calls and send free texts to all users of the app, worldwide1. The app works over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G wireless data networks. When calling those who have not yet downloaded the app, Vonage Mobile provides ultra low-cost international calling with per-minute rates that are on average 70 percent less than major mobile carriers and 30 percent less than Skype™2. Users can instantly add calling credit directly from the app through iTunes® or Android Market™ in increments of $4.99 and $9.99. Vonage Mobile uses the phone's existing mobile number and contact list, eliminating the need for unique user names and duplicate identities for contacts. Users can instantly build a free global calling and texting network using the app's multi-invite system from their existing contacts. "Vonage Mobile consolidates the best features of our prior applications, while adding important functionality, better value and improved ease of use," said Marc Lefar, CEO of Vonage. "It combines the best of free high-def voice and messaging along with incredible value for traditional international calls, all while using the existing mobile number and address book for unsurpassed ease of use." In addition, calls to any phone in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico from anywhere in the world will be free for a limited time3. Users do NOT need to be a Vonage customer to use the app. However, as an added benefit to all app users, calls to Vonage home or business lines are also free. The Vonage Mobile app can be downloaded to any iPhone or Android device for free; and it also works on the iPad®, iPod Touch® and Android™ Tablets. For more information on Vonage Mobile, please go to iTunes, Android Market or www.vonagemobile.com. # # # 1 Data rates may apply. 2 Based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. Comparison reflects published rates of leading mobile carriers in markets representing the majority of iPhone and Android users. 3 Limited time free calling offer to the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico is for personal, non-commercial calling and excludes calls to certain geographic locations, premium and special services numbers, satellite telephony services and other call forwarding services. Not to exceed 3000 minutes per month. iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. |
Posted: 08 Feb 2012 11:10 AM PST  Vodafone Germany has chosen to use a HTC phone to be the first mobile device to launch its shiny new 4G LTE network. The HTC Velocity (can you feel the speed?) for Vodafone may look familiar to those of us in the US market since it’s essentially the HTC Vivid with a different name. Specs on the HTC Velocity include a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor, 4.5-inch qHD (960×540) display, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, 1620 mAh battery, 8 megapixel main camera with auto focus, dual-LED flash, f/2.2, 28mm lens, 1.3 MP front-facing camera and 1080p HD video recording capabilities. The HTC Velocity will launch with Android 2.3 and HTC Sense 3.5, but an update to Android 4.0 should already be in the works since the US variant of the device is expected to get the upgrade within a month or two. The HTC Velocity features support for Vodafone’s 800/2600MHz LTE network which currently provides coverage for 8.5 million Germans. The actual data speeds for the phone are still unknown, but both the HTC Velocity and Vodafone’s LTE network are rated for 100 Mbps downstream and 50Mbps upstream. Unlike in the US, most of Europe’s LTE network is expected to run on the same 800/2600MHz frequency which means customers will still be able to enjoy 4G speeds even if their carrier does not have LTE coverage in their area. At launch, the HTC Velocity will only be available at Vodafone shops which are currently covered by the netoworks LTE blanket. No price or release date for the HTC Velocity have been announced, however we suspect Vodafone will want to get the device to market as quickly as possible to give the phone a decent shelf life before it becomes overshadowed by HTC’s new 2012 lineup which will be unveiled in a few short weeks. |
Posted: 08 Feb 2012 10:40 AM PST  Tablet computers have become popular among professional sports athletes, but you have probably never seen one on the sidelines during an actual game. That will change soon because the Phoenix Suns, along with Verizon Wireless and Samsung Mobile, just announced that they integrate the LTE Galaxy Tab 10.1 across all company operations. The National Football League and Major League Baseball have strict rules that won’t allow tablets on the sidelines, but the National Basketball Association allows coaches to bring them on the court. It’s sort of a mystery why we haven’t seen tablets during games, but the Suns will be changing that this season as the first NBA team to adopt a tablet on the court. Head coach Alvin Gentry and his staff will implement the Galaxy Tab 10.1 into all aspects of the team’s preparations on and off the court. Every player will receive their own tablet that will include a team playbook, video from practice sessions, scouting reports for upcoming opponents, and travel itineraries for road trips. Think of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as a one-stop shop for all the basketball information that a player would need. Gentry said that tablets are the best way to display diagrams of plays that he wants to run during a game. ”If I say, ‘I’m going to run a play called four-pop, [assistant coach] Noel Gillispie can cue that right up for me,” Gentry told the Wall St. Journal. The Phoenix Suns organization will use the Tab 10.1 for business development opportunities. This includes such actions as season ticketholder presentations and in-game promotional programs. The Suns will also integrate the Tab 10.1 into their TV and radio broadcast to interact with their digital fans through social media platforms. Ryan Bidan, Samsung Mobile Vice President of Product Marketing, said, ”The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hosts an impressive array of technology that will allow the Phoenix Suns to collaborate, share, interact and prepare for games in ways that were impossible before. Not only will the Phoenix Suns be untethered from the traditional hard copies of their playbook but the Tab 10.1 will also provide the Suns with a premium and truly mobile, multi-media experience over Verizon's 4G LTE network.” The question I’m wondering is, will this tablet have any affect on the team’s performance on the court? This season the NFL allowed two teams, the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to use iPads as their official playbooks. We saw the Ravens come up just one game short of the Super Bowl, but they have been a strong team in the past. Phoenix currently sits three games out of playoff contention in the NBA’s Western Conference, but they have the 5th oldest team in the league and they are still struggling to find their rhythm. Gentry says today’s announcement “marks the beginning of a new era in the NBA.” Hopefully it also marks the start of a new era for the struggling Suns. Show Press Release PHOENIX SUNS, VERIZON WIRELESS AND SAMSUNG MOBILE ANNOUNCE INTEGRATION OF SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1 Suns become the first professional sports franchise to "Tab" across all company operations PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns, Verizon Wireless and Samsung Mobile announced today that the Suns have become the first NBA franchise to fully integrate wireless tablet technology into both their business and basketball operations. Suns President, Brad Casper, Suns Head Coach, Alvin Gentry, Verizon Wireless President of the Southwest Region, Brian Danfield, and Samsung Mobile Vice President of Product Marketing, Ryan Bidan, made the announcement unveiling the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, powered by the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, as the tablet of choice for the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are incorporating the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 into business development opportunities, client and season ticketholder presentations, and in-game promotional programs. The team will utilize the tablet throughout US Airways Center on game-nights for more effective activation related to Suns partner initiatives, as well as showing prospective Suns ticket holders an interactive view of seats from anywhere in the arena. In addition, the Suns are integrating the Tab into various elements of their TV and radio broadcasts as a way to interact with the club's digital fans through social media and other in-game promotions. "Our organization has always placed a priority on remaining at the forefront of digital innovation within the sports industry," said Casper. "Utilizing the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network to integrate the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 into our daily operations is yet another great digital milestone for the Suns." Suns head coach Alvin Gentry and his staff will implement the tablet into all aspects of the team's preparations, both on and off the basketball court. Each player will receive a tablet which includes a custom Suns playbook, video from team practices and games, team and individual scouting reports for upcoming opponents, and travel itineraries for all road trips. The Tab provides the team an environmentally friendly way of communicating with players and team personnel by eliminating volumes of paper communications. "Today's announcement marks the beginning of a new era in the NBA, where I think teams throughout the league will want to integrate a tablet into their operations," said Gentry. As the exclusive mobile provider of the Suns, Verizon Wireless is pleased to help bring forward, innovative, game-changing technology solutions, all backed by the largest and fastest 4G network in America. "The Suns' creativity and leadership, together with the strength of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and the extensive capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will no doubt be a winning combination," said Verizon Wireless' Danfield. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 4G LTE is an ultra-slim 8.6 millimeters and boasts an incredibly light weight of just 1.25 pounds (568 grams) for outstanding mobility. Designed with a brilliant 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display with WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 delivers vibrant colors and crisp clarity. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 4G LTE supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times. Additionally, the Tab 10.1 also includes a 1GHz dual core processor and features a 3 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front camera providing smooth video chat capabilities and seamless video playback. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hosts an impressive array of technology that will allow the Phoenix Suns to collaborate, share, interact and prepare for games in ways that were impossible before," said Bidan. "Not only will the Phoenix Suns be untethered from the traditional hard copies of their playbook but the Tab 10.1 will also provide the Suns with a premium and truly mobile, multi-media experience over Verizon's 4G LTE network." |
Posted: 08 Feb 2012 08:13 AM PST  This week my inbox has been blowing up with invitations and meeting requests for events scheduled around Mobile World Congress, but one major company has been notably quiet. Today Sascha Segan of PCMag confirmed that Samsung Mobile will not be hosting a press conference at Mobile World Congress. We already knew that Samsung would not be showing off the Galaxy S III, but a company spokesperson still said they were looking forward to “introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.” I had speculated we might see a 2 GHz super tablet with 11.6 inch display, but that is seeming less likely now with no press event scheduled. If the Galaxy S III is to be announced at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of this year, then the company could be holding their other big announcements for that same day. Last year at MWC 2011, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S II and Galaxy Tab 10.1 at their Unpacked event. This year’s MWC show will definitely be noisy, so it will be hard to capture the attention of the media. We expect at least a half-dozen quad-core phones to be announced, along with a handful of tablets. Samsung is such a huge company that it almost makes sense they could start hosting their own annual event, similar to Google’s IO, NVIDIA’s GTC, or Qualcomm’s Uplinq. Hopefully Samsung will have a few surprises to unveil (like the Galaxy S II Plus), but don’t expect any major announcements from them at Mobile World Congress. |
Posted: 07 Feb 2012 11:00 PM PST  What Android devices will LG unveil at Mobile World Congress later this month? We are likely to see the Optimus 3D 2, quad-core X3, and now possibly the 5-inch Vu. LG’s Korean blog just posted a teaser video for this super-sized phone, which features the rarely-used 4:3 aspect ratio. Highlights of the LG Vu include a 5-inch 1024×768 IPS display, Android 2.3, dual-core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, 1 GB RAM, 8 GB of internal storage, NFC, and an 8 megapixel camera. The only recent Android device to use the 4:3 aspect ration was the Pantech Pocket, which failed pretty miserably on AT&T. We don’t know if the LG Vu will be available outside of Korea yet, but it’s still worth mentioning to get an idea of future devices that could come to the US. What do you think of this interesting design choice? |
Posted: 07 Feb 2012 09:42 PM PST  We saw it coming, but Chrome for Android is the biggest news for Google’s mobile platform this year. It signals that Android will be around for a long time, but we might also look back on today as the day that native operating systems began to die and web operating systems started to take over. The future of connected devices, the Internet of everything, is when our smartphones and tablets will boot to the web. Google has their own project for this called Chromium OS that targets the desktop, while others like Mozilla are already targeting mobile devices with their Boot to Gecko (B2G) project, the standalone operating system for the open web on mobile. Their shared mission is rather simple. They believe the open web can displace proprietary, single-vendor stacks (Android, iOS, WP7, etc) for application development. There are still gaps that prevent web developers from being able to build apps that are the equals of native apps, but that is slowly changing. Mozilla plans to announce significant updates to their Boot to Gecko project during Mobile World Congress, so prepare to be surprised. Back to today’s announcement, Chrome for Android is not a simplified version of Chrome or Chrome-lite. It is the full blow multi-process desktop browser, applied to the Android activity model for small devices. That includes things like advanced HTML5 features, GPU accelerated rendering, and Google’s V8 JavaScript engine optimized for Android. “You should have your Chrome experience wherever you are,” says Arnaud Weber, Engineering Manager at Google. Chrome for Android is based on Google Chrome version 16.0.915.75, one that is newer than the latest stable release for personal computers. Because Chrome for Android is pretty much the same browser that we see on desktops, we should expect updates from Google every six to eight weeks. For example since Google released Android 4.0, they have also shipped Chrome 15 and Chrome 16 to desktops. Chrome 17 should be available in the coming weeks. When the news broke this morning we were uncertain what this meant for the default Android Browser, but now its fate might be written on the wall. A Google spokeswoman told Computer World that ”Right now, our focus is on making Chrome for Android Beta available to Android 4.0 phone/tablet users to gather initial feedback…. [But] our long-term plan is for Chrome to become the standard browser on Android 4.0 and above.” Mobile devices running Android 3.x and lower might never see Chrome. Right now users with Android 4.0 can install Chrome without replacing the stock Android Browser, but Google hinted that this might change in the coming months. A Google spokeswoman said, “It currently does not replace your Android Browser.” Thinking along those same lines, we can also say that Chrome OS does not currently replace the Android OS, but it sure feels like that is where Google is going. Android is the glue that fills the gap until Chromium OS is ready for mobile devices. I believe Google has had this vision for quite some time, but the technology was not advanced enough to achieve that goal. Back in 2009, we thought that Google would abandon native Android apps in favor of web apps, but that obviously didn’t happen. Now that companies like Google and Mozilla are filling in the gaps of the open web, we could see a true web operating system sooner than we think. Heck we could see a mobile device that boots to the web this month, but I think the actual transition of consumer devices will be much slower since the wireless carriers own everything and they hate changes that make them lose control. But yeah, Chrome for Android is pretty awesome right now. I’m excited to see where this goes. |
Friday, February 10, 2012
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