Saturday, March 10, 2012

Update - 46



Posted: 23 Feb 2012 03:41 PM PST
Fresh off of the approval by both the E.C. and U.S. for the acquisition of Motorola, Google is making news again by suggesting who will take the reigns of hardware company when the deal is all said and done. As this is common in most acquisitions it comes as no surprise that Google is looking to shake things up with a new CEO. Gone will be the current reigning Sanjay Jha and in his place we will see Dennis Woodside. It was previously rumored that Google would be appointing Nikesh Arora as CEO and Woodside would take Arora’s position, however this move completely surpasses Arora’s involvement.
Woodside has been with Google since 2003 where he’s held various positions that include, Director of Business Operations, Managing Director of Emerging Markets, Managing Director and VP of Google UK, President of Google Americas, and Senior Vice President of Google. The most recent position he held was to oversee the acquisition and report directly to Larry Page. 
Some see this as a good move by Google. Omid Kordestani, SVP, Global Sales & Business Development, had this to say about Woodside:
"Ever since I met Dennis in 2003, I have been impressed by his combination of entrepreneurialism and operational excellence. He's never afraid to try new things and always ready to roll up his sleeves and pitch in."
However other’s feel differently about Google changing things up. Motorola VP Marty Cooper told the Verge in an interview that Motorola should be left alone after the deal is closed. Marty said:
 "As soon as Google starts treating them like their child and puts constraints on them, they're going to have trouble competing."
There isn’t definitive word on what role Sanjay would play but if The Times of India is correct he will be right along side Woodside helping him out. There also isn’t word about how Mr. Jha feels about this move but it’s reported that he will be receiving $66 Million as compensation. My guess is that he won’t be entirely too hurt by the move. It will be interesting to see how this shake up affects the merger and what Woodside has to offer the company. More news as this story develops. Stay tuned!

source: Bloomberg
via: Android and Me 
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 01:28 PM PST
There’s cause for celebration over at Samsung Headquarters today as the Korean giants announced that the critically acclaimed Galaxy SII has hit a whopping 20 million sales worldwide. Perhaps even more impressive is the time in which it has taken Samsung to reach these heady heights. It took just short of 3 months to hit 5 million sales, 5 months to hit 10 million and 9 months to hit this most recent milestone. Not bad for a device that didn’t have a universal, worldwide launch date.
The prestigious ‘Galaxy’ name has proven to be a real golden ticket for Samsung with sales of all Galaxy labelled devices totalling well over 40 million. The appeal of the Galaxy name shows no sign of slowing in momentum, only today Samsung registered 4 new suffixes to tag on to the end of future devices. With the Galaxy S III looking to be arguably the most hotly anticipated Android phone of all time the future is looking extremely bright for Samsung and the Galaxy range in particular.
Samsung’s recent announcement that the world won’t see the unveiling of the new flagship phone at the Mobile World Congress leads me to believe that Samsung are timing the launch of the new device to steal some of the thunder from Apple’s iPhone 5 launch. What say you readers? Does the Galaxy name have the momentum to go toe-to-toe with Apple’s next big release? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

source : samsungtomorrow
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 01:22 PM PST
Well it appears that the Galaxy S line will be seeing some brand new members added to its already large family of phones. Samsung has recently registered four new device names with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The names registered are The Galaxy Awaken, Galaxy Axiom, Galaxy Heir and the Galaxy Rite. This trademark move is a decent indicator as to the fact that we will be seeing these phones make their way to U.S. carriers sometime here in the future.
Considering that U.S. Cell Carriers tend to sell the similar phones but under different names it could also mean that these could be carrier related. Given that Samsung is looking to make a less than spectacular showing in Barcelona next week at MWC I doubt we will see much regarding these new names or the devices they are named for. But hey I’ve been wrong before. While it’s also suggested that Samsung could be using these names to import some budget style phones to the U.S. only time will tell. What do you guys out there think of the names? Let us know in the comments below.

source: Fusible
via: Android Community 
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 11:59 AM PST

Whilst the tech world is all in a frenzy over the imminent arrival of quad-core phones, Qualcomm has today sent us all a gentle reminder that there’s still plenty of life left in dual-core units.
According to a NenaMark2 benchmark report posted on the TmoNews website, the Snapdragon S4 powered HTC Ville has decided to show us what it’s got, and the results are mighty impressive. Qualcomm’s 1.5 GHz chip managed a high score of 60.6 fps ranking the device as the 2nd highest device ever to go through the test.
Over and above the lightning fast S4 chip, the Ville is also rumoured to be 8mm thin Android ICS device packing a 4.3″ qHD Super AMOLED display, 8mp camera with 1080p recording and a 1650mAh battery. Audophiles will pleased to know that the device is also set to come with Beats Audio software and headset.
T-Mobile could well have another huge hit on it’s hands if this early report card is anything to go by. All signs point to a full unveiling at the Mobile World Congress next week so be sure to stick with TalkAndroid as we bring you the news from Barcelona.

source : TmoNews
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 11:06 AM PST
Finally! My favorite ICS launcher replacement has graduated from 15 different beta versions and is now available to everyone in the Android Market. My main reason for loving Nova so much is it’s plethora of customization options. In case you didn’t know already, I love to customize!! From removing the dock divider to different homescreen transition effects, Nova has it all.
This launcher replacement has everything you ever wanted in a launcher and some items you didn’t even know were possible. Unlike the beta version, Nova 1.0 comes in two different flavors. There is a free version that similarly resembles the beta builds, and a $4 paid Prime version that comes with a bunch of additional new features. For those who are unfamiliar with Nova I recommend starting with the free app because it will take you a little while just to get used to all of its possibilities. For you veterans like myself, you might as well jump head first and grab the paid version. Besides getting all of the promising new features, if you’ve been using the beta then you know how much time and effort the devs have put in to this project. The $4 is well deserved. Jump past the break for download links and a breakdown of differences between the two apps.
Nova Launcher
  • Custom Grid - Configure the rows and columns to fit all your app and widget needs.
  • Scrollable Dock - Keep all your favorite apps on the dock, with up to 7 icons per page and up to 3 pages.
  • Scroll Effects - Enjoy eye candy when scrolling your desktop and drawer. Effects include Cube and Cardstack and more for Prime users.
  • Infinite Scroll - Never be far from your favorite page, loop through your desktop continuously.
  • Folder Icons - You can chose a background, preview style or even replace the whole icon.
  • Backup/Restore - Export your settings and layout before a wipe to quickly get back up and running.
Nova Launcher Prime Features (Paid version)
  • Gestures - Quickly start Nova Actions or Apps from gestures on the desktop, such as pinching, swiping or two-finger swiping.
  • Hide Apps - Keep a clutter free drawer by hiding never used apps.
  • Dock Swipes - Get more use out of your dock apps by setting swipe-actions
  • Additional Scroll Effects
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Posted: 23 Feb 2012 10:46 AM PST
Talk about a slap in the face.  The scrappy Magenta would like to offer their condolences for the failed acquisition, thank AT&T for the newly acquired spectrum and begin rolling out their LTE network in 2013 all in the same breath. T-Mo means business and they’re looking to remain competitive by offering low price plan bundles while simultaneously expanding their network out over the next two years, which Philipp Humm calls their ”reinvigorated challenger strategy”.  The company’s press release states that they’ll be investing $4 billion on its network for “modernization” as well as expanding their current HSPA+ technology.  And get this, they’re going to be doing it with the newly acquired AT&T spectrum from the acquisition fall-out. Ouch, that’s gotta sting a bit if you’re AT&T.
In addition, the company will attempt to free up space for LTE in their existing AWS spectrum.  Here’s to hoping the company can get out of a rut after losing nearly 800,000 subscribers over the last three months which they claim is from iPhone 4S lanches landing on three of the four major US carriers.  Hit the break for the full press release and don’t forget to let us know what you think about it all in the comments below.  

Press Release


T-Mobile USA Announces Reinvigorated Challenger Strategy
Begins Major Network Transformation in 2012 with LTE Launch Planned for 2013
BELLEVUE, Wash. — Feb. 23, 2012 — Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. CEO and President Philipp Humm outlined the company's reinvigorated challenger strategy focused on making amazing 4G services affordable. T-Mobile will invest in strategic initiatives to get the business back to growth. The most significant investment is a $4 billion network modernization and 4G evolution effort, which will improve existing voice and data coverage and pave the way for long term evolution (LTE) service in 2013.1
“We want to be known for delivering the best value in wireless because of the advanced technology we deliver at an affordable price," said Philipp Humm CEO and President of T-Mobile USA. "Over the next two years, we're prioritizing and investing in initiatives designed to get T-Mobile back to growth in the years ahead — beginning with the transformation of our network."
Additional investment areas core to the company's challenger strategy include aggressively pursuing the B2B segment, expanding the sales force by 1,000; ramping up advertising spending; and attracting new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) partners with an efficient platform for getting to market. T-Mobile will also continue to remodel its retail stores and expand distribution.
T-Mobile Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray detailed the company's network strategy, which includes installing new equipment at 37,000 cell sites and refarming spectrum to launch LTE in 2013.1 The key catalyst of refarming is the additional spectrum T-Mobile will receive as a result of the termination of the AT&T transaction. Also, other enablers are faster adoption of 3G and 4G services and improved device performance.
T-Mobile will invest a total of $4 billion over time into network modernization and LTE deployment. Over the next two years, this represents approximately $1.4 billion in incremental network investment. T-Mobile expects to reach broad deployment of LTE, with service in the vast majority of the top 50 markets and 20 MHz service in 75 percent of the top 25 markets.
"Today, we operate America's Largest 4G Network delivering a fast and reliable 4G data experience with HSPA+," said Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile USA. "Launching LTE next year lets us take advantage of technology infrastructure advancements and benefit from a more mature LTE device ecosystem while continuing to meet the growing demand for data with a powerful 4G experience."
T-Mobile expects to be the first carrier in North America to modernize its 4G network infrastructure with new antenna integrated radios on many of its cell towers, which will deliver higher performance and strengthen coverage.
More than 90 percent of T-Mobile device sales in the fourth quarter were 3G and 4G smartphones. As data usage and smartphone adoption accelerate, fewer customers are utilizing 2G services. This enables T-Mobile to refarm existing spectrum holdings, reducing the amount of 1900 MHz PCS spectrum being used for GSM; to deploy HSPA+ 4G services in the PCS band; and to make room in the AWS band for LTE. In addition to creating capacity for LTE in AWS spectrum, deploying HSPA+ in the PCS band will harmonize T-Mobile's spectrum bands with the U.S. market and international carriers. As the company refarms spectrum, T-Mobile will continue to support its 2G customers.
T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ network, which currently covers well over 200 million people, will continue to deliver a competitive 4G experience. T-Mobile will continue to expand its HSPA+ 4G footprint and its innovative 4G product and service offerings. For example, the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S® Blaze™ 4G, launching in March, is the newest smartphone in T-Mobile's portfolio to support the faster speeds offered by the HSPA+ 42 network.
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 10:27 AM PST
I’m not sure if you remember the cool 7-inch ASUS tablet we got to check out at this years CES, the MeMO 171. This little device stuck out in my mind after leaving the show for one reason, it’s ability to use a the bundled Bluetooth MeMIC to make and receive phone calls through the tablet. Yes the 7-inch tablet actually doubles as a phone, and no ASUS doesn’t expect you to hold it up to your face. The included handheld accessory may have limited functions but when used just for phone calls while the tablet is in your bag, I think this one of the coolest tablet accessories I have seen yet. Some other features found in the MeMO 171 are:
  • 7-inch Super IPS display
  • 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm 8260 processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 16GB built-in storage, microSD slot
  • 5MP rear camera
  • 1.2MP front-facing camera
  • microUSB and microHDMI ports
  • Android 3.2 (will be upgraded to 4.0)
  • Integrated stylus
  • MeMIC Bluetooth headset for calls
We originally were skeptical on whether or not this device would actually hit the market, but according to ASUS’ web page it’s a done deal. The MeMo 171 is slated for a March 5th release in Asian markets but no word on when and if it will see a European or U.S. launch. Hit up the source link below for further details.
source: ASUS
via: Android Police
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 10:13 AM PST
Well, it’s quite apparent what HTC is doing on their FB page now.  Yesterday the company displayed a pic of a device showing off the number “5” causing the world to speculate as to what the heck it could be.  Well, today they’re showing off a similar image but this time with the number “4“, so it’s pretty safe to assume this is a count down.  And while yesterday’s FB post stated “This Sunday you’ll discover something fast.“, today the saying goes “This Sunday, you’ll hear something authentic“.  Hmm… is that a Beats Audio reference?  We’ll see Sunday.
In addition, thanks to the folks over at Pocketnow, we’ve got a press shot of the HTC One X and all of its glory.  Take note that the device looks slightly different than previous shots we’ve seen such as the button layout on the bottom of the device.  Where before we saw a four button layout, there are now only three buttons.  In addition, you can see the Tegra 3 device’s HTC Sense 4.0 home screen from the shot as well.  We’re highly looking forward to checking out HTC’s debut on Sunday so stay tuned to Talk Android while we attempt to decipher whether or not the show will offer a live stream.  If it does, you can bet your first born we’ll get it for you.  There’s been no mention yet as to who or what network the device will be launching on but my money is with T-Mobile in the U.S.  So, we’ll see Sunday when the device launches along side a few other big boys who want to play such as the One S and One V and who knows, maybe even a tablet.  HTC’s event will begin at 8:30 pm Barcelona time which translates to 11AM PST and 2PM EST for U.S. folk.
source: Pocketnow
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 09:34 AM PST
Well we brought to you news earlier today that Asus had started rolling out the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the original Transformer in Taiwan. We told you that other markets would see the update sometime soon after that. Well for those of you in North America have I some good news for you. Asus has taken to their Facebook page to announce that we will see ICS roll out for us starting tomorrow. The post also mentioned that the Slider will be the next device to get an official ICS update but they don’t know when. Short and sweet, here is what they said:
While this is certainly good news as most folks have been patiently waiting since January with the roll out of ICS for the Transformer Prime and the previous announcement that the original would see it this month. It also puts to rest the rumor that the update would be pushed back into March. I will be spamming the check update button in the settings menu when I wake up tomorrow, what about you folks?

source: Asus’ Facebook Page
Posted: 23 Feb 2012 09:19 AM PST
After hearing a bunch of rumors surrounding LG’s upcoming quad-core best, the LG Optimus 4X HD, LG has finally officially announced the device, putting all speculation to rest. We originally reported about the device as the LG X3 but now we know the recent name change will stick. Sporting some amazing specs, the X4 HD could potentially give LG a better name for themselves, veering away from their association to mediocre devices.
The 4X HD sports an Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display and will launch running ICS without the much despised TouchWiz overlay. The device comes equipped with 16GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 2,150mAh battery, 8MP rear camera, and a 1.3MP front camera. To get an idea how fast the Tegra 3 is going to be in this device, check out our previous post showing a leaked benchmark test when the device was being referred to as the X3. From the looks of this thing it’s going to be sweet and it’s refreshing to see LG make an attempt to change for the better. You can expect the device to be unveiled at this years Mobile World Congress next week.
source: LG
Posted by at 10:10 PM

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