Saturday, March 31, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

The iPad vs Android tablets: The real reason why Android is losing

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 11:46 AM PDT

When it comes to smartphones, Android competes very well with the iPhone. In fact, I think it’s much better experience, but when it comes to tablets, I hate to admit it, Android is losing. The problem has never been the hardware, it’s the availability of quality apps. Automatically the assumption is that fragmentation is the problem, but fragmentation is an issue with phones, and yet quality apps aren’t a major issue. so why hasn’t developer support transferred to tablets? Well lets first start with a little history.

Back in late 2009, Android phones seemed far behind the iPhone, but then things changed in a hurry. Even though Android’s first phone, the G1, was introduced in 2008, things didn’t get cooking until the DROID debuted on Verizon in late 2009. From that point forward the Android world really started to multiply by numbers even I couldn’t imagine. I remember when I bought my DROID, people would say there aren’t any apps available on Android to speak of. Things changed dramatically, and by the end of 2010, the iPhone didn’t have much of an advantage when it came to apps.

It doesn’t appear that Android tablets are enjoying the same kind of success. Although the Motorola XOOM, technically wasn’t the first Android tablet, it was what really started a wave of tablets with the OS about this time last year. One could argue that it’s only been one year, and look what happened to Android phones in its second year. The problem with that theory is that the success of Android phones was actually an advantage for tablets to get a better kick-start. Actually in terms of sales, Android isn’t doing so bad. According to the IDC, Android tablet market share for the 4th quarter of 2011 was 44.6%. That’s actually very good, but somehow things don’t seem that close.

Android tablets have always been able to compete with the iPad when it came to specs. The ASUS Transformer Prime was the first ever tablet with a quad-core processor, and up until the new iPad, many Android tablets had better displays. Then there’s the  different form factors and docks that seemed to give Android a leg up. Unfortunately it’s never the hardware that sells mainstream consumers. It’s the usability. Let’s face it, the iPad wins hands down in this category. PC Mag’s Sascha Segan recently did a fantastic analysis on the apps for both platforms. I’m actually glad he did because I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of weeks, but now I don’t have to put the work into figuring it all out. Actually Sascha found that although the iPad has an edge as far as number of gaming apps, overall, it’s not the number of apps that are lacking with Android tablets, its the quality. Many of the apps just look awful and dreadful on Android.

Even the Transformer Prime, which is currently the best Android tablet available in terms of specs, doesn’t have the developer support. It’s actually sad when you consider how awesome this device is. NVIDIA is pushing their Tegra Zone for optimized Tegra 3 games, but even after being out for 3 months, there really isn’t that many choices. ASUS isn’t selling anywhere near the number of Transformer Primes as compared to iPads, but it’s just as hard to get your hands on one. Hardcores are buying them up with the hope of playing amazing “console quality” games. Yes it’s only been 3 months, but lets see where things stand at the 6 month mark and at the end of the year. I still don’t think there will be that many more.

To answer the original question as to why developers aren’t supporting Android tablets, even though the same fragmentation exists with phones, it’s the fact that tablet growth is still in it’s infancy. The projected number of overall tablets to be sold in 2012 is roughly 106 miillion. For smartphones, it’s projected to be around 657 million. People keep preaching how large the tablet market is, but smartphones have six times more of a presence, and the time involved with creating worthwhile apps makes it more attractive.

Let’s talk about the compounding rate. In 2011, smartphone sales were roughly 459 million. If you add that figure to the 2012 estimate, it’s over 1 billion devices. For tablets, the overall sales for 2011 was 68 million. If you add that to 2012′s estimate of 106 million, you get a total of 174 million units. Now we are talking about eight times more of a presence for smartphones.

Now one has to ask why do developers support the iPad if the tablet market isn’t that big? It’s simple, the iPad is one device (with no fragmentation) that represents 60%+ of the market share or roughly 100 million tablets from 2011 and 2012. So why isn’t that an issue for phones since the iPhone represents about 30% of the overall smartphone sales or roughly 300 million for 2011 and 2012? Again an obvious answer. It’s because Android phones represent about 500 million units for the same two years. The work involved to create compelling apps is more worthwhile when looking at those numbers. Of course one could argue that Android developers are starting to get frustrated with Android fragmentation and are starting to give up, but seriously, it’s too big of a market to give up on.

There’s one other thing that needs to be factored into these numbers and that’s the fact that supposedly the Kindle Fire represented about 14% of the market share by the end of 2011, which would be part of Android’s tablet numbers above. Although technically an Android tablet, it just isn’t the same, and it’s just another example of fragmentation since it has its own echo system and app store. Assuming that percentage holds through 2012, that would knock down the rest of Android down to roughly 30%. Again not bad, but certainly doesn’t help the cause. In fact, if the Kindle Fire continues to grow, development for it might increase since again it’s one device and the economies of scale would make more sense for developers. How upset would Android fans be if the Kindle Fire has better apps than all other Android tabs?

The final question is if or when things will change? Perhaps 2012 will be the year for Android tablets much like 2010 was the year for Android phones, but I just don’t see it. Ice Cream Sandwich is supposed to change things, but it’s barely on 2% of the devices. As overall tablet sales grow exponentially over the years, I suspect things will change, but will it be too late? I’m an Android fanatic and it’s in my blood, but when the average “Joe” asks me what tablet to get, I have a hard time recommending an Android tablet over an iPad. Just to give you a perspective of where I’m coming from, I own an ASUS Transformer and a Galaxy Nexus. I have never owned an iPad or an iPhone, and last, my wife has an iPad 2 because of work, but I have yet to even touch it. I admit it’s childish, but I refuse to. So I’m definitely not some Apple fanboy that’s stuck in the closet. Trust me, you can ask any of my friends and family, they will tell you that I’m a “hater.”

Android tablets are cool with the ability to customize it to your liking with widgets and live wallpapers, but again, the average person isn’t caught up with that. They just want something that will give them a great user experience. Unfortunately, and yes it pains me to say it, but the iPad wins in that category at least for now.

sources: Financial Times for smartphone sales / Forbes for Kindle Fire market share

 

 

File Your 2011 Taxes For Free This Weekend Using the TurboTax Tablet App

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 10:57 AM PDT

Quick heads up for you slackers who have yet to file your 2011 tax return. TurboTax is offering filing-fee-free this weekend through the free Android tablet app. Usually to file through the app it would cost you at least $29.99 but if you start filing before Monday (it’s cool if you finish later) the fees are on the house. This works for both federal and state taxes and has to be done on a tablet, handsets no worky. So if you have been procrastinating now would be a good time to file and save some dough making dough. Grab the app through the download links below.

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Google Play Store

Temple Run Creator Confirms New Content In Future Update

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 10:35 AM PDT

Temple Run launched on Android only a few days ago and has already managed to achieve over 1 million downloads in the Google Play store. According to a recent interview with PocketGamer, Imangi Studios, the games developer, isn’t content with the way the game is now and plans to add new content in the near future. Imangi discussed that they are working on new environments, objectives, characters and power-ups but wouldn’t divulge any detailed release plans. So if you have been playing Temple Run lately and are already bored with the same ol’ dungeonous scene, have no fear because the game is soon to get some new additions.

We will keep you posted if we hear anything else. In the meantime, if you haven’t checked out the game already, you should. It’s free! We also have a review for you to peruse as well.

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Google Play Store

source: PocketGamer

 

 

Samsung Opens Branded Store Inside London’s Phones 4U Store

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 09:52 AM PDT

Remember that mysterious Samsung display in the window of the Phones 4U flagship store in the UK? It read “Samsung” in big letters with “coming 30/03/12″ under it. Some believed that it was going to be the launch of the Galaxy S III, but we had our doubts, and eventually we learned that it would turn in to Samsung store within a store. Today being the day of its launch, the new Samsung store has opened its doors to the public and our pals from Endgadget stopped in for a closer look.

Taking over the whole second floor of London’s Oxford Street Phones 4U retail location, Samsung’s latest retail endeavor aims to compete with the Apple store located just around the corner. As you can see in the images below, Samsung has created a place for customers to go to try out all the newest flagship devices without all the carrier muddled nonsense. No ever-changing ads or contract pricing, just an unfiltered Samsung experience. They even have an accessory wall for all the latest official extras you can get for your new Galaxy device, and  apparently Samsung has trained the staff to be knowledgeable in everything Samsung. So if you live in the Oxford area you should stop by to check it out and let us know what you think! For the rest of you, jump past the break to experience the store via more photos.

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source: Engadget

 

Advertisements popping up in notification bar on T-Mobile Android phones

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 08:13 AM PDT

Some angry T-Mobile Android users are venting in the forums about the latest My Account update that seems to now included pop-up ads in the notification bar. Customers have reported recently receiving ads for Yahoo Sports and T-Mobile Web2go. For many, the notification bar is designated for important information only, such as missed calls, voice mails and messaging alerts.  To now have random spam thrown in the mix is a bit annoying to say the least. There appears to be no option to discontinue this feature at this time leaving many customers feeling deceived and trapped. Phone carriers sending a free SMS message with promotional info is nothing new. However, if the new trend is to display ads in the notification bar similarly to how ads are plastered across the top of the screen in many free apps, then things may start getting ugly on a global scale fairly quickly. Let us know what you think in the comments.

source: TmoNews

T-Mobile Uses Facebook To Highlight Reasons For ICS Update Delay For HTC Sensation 4G Smartphone

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 07:49 AM PDT

 

We know that the T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G is all set for the upcoming Android 4.0 + Sense 3.6 UI update, but there has been an unexpected delay in the prep process. According to T-Mobile’s Facebook page, HTC has sent the ICS ROM to T-Mobile, but apparently the ROM did not pass T-Mo’s gold standard of quality checks. T-Mobile has since sent the ROM right back to HTC for further testing and are hoping the bugs and kinks will be worked out sooner than later before the official update is released to customers. Here’s T-Mobile’s specific statement:

"HTC has delivered a ROM to us however it is still having issues the reason that other sensation types have the update without issue and ours did not come out that way is because every ROM must be adapted to the hardware of the device because we use a different radio than other providers and also have applications such as wifi calling it also has to be compatible with those. What the HTC rep told you is most likely correct because once a ROM is delivered we have 2 weeks to test it and then approve it or send it back they then have 4 weeks to fix the bugs and return it back to us, where we are exactly in that process I do not know but that is how a ROM is delivered to the customer.

The original ROM was not delivered to us in November, we started testing it just recently but I think it has been longer than 2 weeks so at this point HTC most likely has the ball.

You bought a phone and it has been announced that you are getting ICS you have every right to know what's going on with it and when you can see these awesome features. I did go into a lot of detail about how a ROM gets to the end user (you guys) but that wasn't to point fingers only so you would have a better understanding of why you don't have it yet, the bottom line is the Sensation has T-Mobile's and HTC's name all over it and both companies want to make you proud to be a Sensation owner so we are working as fast as we can to deliver it but also want to make sure that it stands up to your expectations."

Kudos to T-Mobile for being proactive and ensuring they’re not just pushing some second-tier update. Talk about looking out for the top quality for its customers. Sit tight Sensation 4G owners— the device will likely be officially launched sooner than later.

source: T-Mobile Facebook

Samsung Galaxy Beam Goes Up for Pre-Order in the UK

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 07:43 AM PDT

We got a chance to see the Samsung Galaxy Beam during this years Mobile World Congress and now the 15-lumen  Android projector is available for pre-order in the UK. Although official pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed, you can get dibs on one of these bad boys for £442.80 including VAT ($590) from Clove UK. Based on a rumor we recently reported, the Galaxy beam is slated for release sometime next month.

The Galaxy Beam sports a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4-inch WVGA display, a 5MP camera, 2000mAh battery, Gingerbread 2.3 and of course– the projector rated at 15 lumen’s. Hit up the source link to get your pre-order on.

source: Clove UK

 

Leaked Official Bell Document Highlights All Devices Getting Android 4.0 Starting In April

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 06:59 AM PDT

We’ve seen various confirmations of devices getting the coveted Android 4.0 update this year from wireless carriers throughout the U.S., but what about our neighbors to the north? While most Canadian mobile users still do not know of when they will receive the ICS update, Canadian wireless carrier Bell has gone ahead and confirmed it will be pushing out the update to several select devices. While Bell specifically highlights “support for some features vary by manufacturer”, it’s provided a specific list showing the concrete dates of updates for the following devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S II – April 2012
  • Samsung Galaxy Note – April 2012
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 – May 2012
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE – June 2012
  • HTC Sensation – June 2012
  • HTC Raider – June 2012
  • LG Optimus LTE – July 2012

If you’re on Bell and own one of those devices, be prepared for an enhanced Android experience.

source: Mobile Syrup

 

AT&T HTC One X Release Date Pushed Back To May 6th

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 06:39 AM PDT

While our friends overseas already has their hands on the HTC One X smartphone, we here in the States are unfortunately stuck playing the waiting game for the AT&T version of the HTC One X— which is set to be played a little longer on top of that. While AT&T is still mum on the device’s release date, an anonymous user gave us all the heads up that famed retailer Best Buy will be delaying preorders by a few weeks. The new anticipated release date from Best Buy is now May 6. That’s right folks… May. Feel free to express a disappointing sigh everyone.

Good things comes to those who wait, right gang? Here’s hoping AT&T doesn’t lag too much and will give us that concrete April release date in the coming weeks.

source: AC

HTC One X Gets Unboxed Ahead Of Schedule

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 06:16 AM PDT

 

You can’t help but be jealous of the fact some folks get coveted items before the masses. Such is the case with the lucky French blog HTC-Hub who managed to get their hands on the mouthwatering HTC One X smartphone and share their unboxing video with us. As you can see, the box is a bit on the unusual and cramped side– but gorgeous nonetheless. In addition, they are incredibly delicate with the thin device and the put its gorgeous 4.7-inch display in clear view for our eyes to see.

Ready for more yet? Hit the break to check out the unboxing video of the sweet phone.

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

 
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