Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 192



Posted: 11 Mar 2012 04:37 PM PDT
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Instagram has taken the stage at SXSW, today. One of the main announcements was that the popular picture sharing iOS app has just reached 27 million registered users, with a whopping 67% of them using the app just yesterday. But that was not the only good news. Co-founder Kevin Systrom disclosed a bit of the upcoming Instagram Android app, mentioning that “in some ways, it is better than their iOS app.”
Systrom went on to give users a quick preview of the app by flashing it to the public, running in a Galaxy Nexus. But a full-demo was not given, as this app is now under private beta. But it should not be too long before us Android users can get in on the picture-sharing fun.
We may be wondering what took such a large developer so long. Instagram was launched in the fall of 2010, and we have been hearing of it coming to Android since that year. After multiple updates and leaks, we continue to wait. It has been almost 2 years, and there are chances that the delay will reach that threshold before Instagram makes it to Android devices. Here is what Kevin has to say about the matter:
"I don’t think it took us so long. We just had priorities. Had we tried to be both on Android and iPhone at the same time, it would’ve been tough to innovate in the way that we have."
Instagram was trying to build up its fame with iOS, instead of rushing things and working on both operating systems. The team believes that they can create a better service by taking its time to make a quality product. But with a good product and customer base, Instagram now claims to be ready for the Android ecosystem.
Regardless, the app should be hitting the Google Play Store soon. And with such a high adoption rate on iOS, that 27 million number should be increasing very quickly once the little green robot gets its hands on it.
How many of you have been waiting for the Instagram app to reach Android? Will you be using the app?
[Via: TechCrunch]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 03:17 PM PDT
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Rovio and Samsung are showing off the upcoming Angry Birds Space game at SXSW. And while there are some good videos out there, The Verge has just posted one of the best hands-on demo videos for this game.
This is the latest iteration of Angry Birds, with an interesting spin and different physics approach. The game takes place in outer space and makes use of gravitational force to beat those pesky green pigs. One may become used to the different perspecitve after a while. But it sure looks like it needs some getting used to, as Ross Miller mentions.
The game was done in collaboration with NASA, which also put together a neat tutorial video straight from the International Space Station. If you are waiting for this game to land, we already know that it will be released come March 22nd (for all platforms).
It might also be important to note that Galaxy Note users will be able to play it for free, for three months. The rest of us will have to spare some bucks in order to fling those birds out of this world. But let’s just sit back and watch Ross take us through a quick demo of Angry Birds Space, while we wait.

[Source: The Verge]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 02:49 PM PDT
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Google has just announced that its Android 4.0 font is available for PC’s. During its debut, Android 4.0 had a plethora of new features and functions. One of the smallest, but highly important ones was the new font – Roboto.
This font is meant to bring better quality text to higher definition devices, while keeping lower resolution devices in mind, as well. Some love it, some not so much. But Roboto fans can now download it for free from the Android Developer site. It supports any computer that can utilize TrueType fonts. So if you are feeling like Matias Duarte’s loved font is the right choice for you, it can be all yours.
In my experience, the font is very well designed and simple, as well as clear and easy to read. But let us know what you think. Do you like Roboto? Will you be downloading the font to use in your PC?

Update

I have noticed that some of you are wondering how to install the font in a PC. The process is really not as complicated as it may seem. I have two ways of going about it using Windows 7:
  • After downloading the .zip file, one can simply drag and drop all the font files onto the font folder. This is located at C:\Windows\Fonts.
  • Open the .zip file with all the font options, and double click on the desired font. After that, a new screen diplaying the font will appear. There will be a button on the top-left section of that window that says “install.” Simply click on it, and you should be ready to go.
[Source: Android Developer Via: TalkAndroid]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 02:17 PM PDT
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Android security is currently a dilemmatic topic. The security concern is very predominant in the Android ecosystem. At the same time, many believe that anti-virus apps are not necessary, so long as one is a responsible customer. Gogole has also recently announced Bouncer, which keeps malicious apps away from the Android Market. But as Android continues to gain market share (on top of its current position), it will become a more important target for malware app developers.
A study conducted by AV Test has placed all the major mobile malware protection apps in a fierce competition. Most of your favorite security apps will be listed in the results, ranked from the best to the lowest performing. My favorite anti-virus app happens to be within the top ones – avast! Free Mobile Security.
This happens to be my application of choice due to all the other features it offers. And its anti-theft features are simply unbeatable, even having root features. While malware is not a huge concern for me, it is always great to know that my favorite security app also performs rather well in that section. Other great anti-virus apps include Dr. Web, IKARUS and Lookout.
Another interesting part of the study confirms that malware app numbers have increased rapidly in the past few months. This is still nothing to be alarmed at, just yet. As long as you stick to trusted app stores and make smart decisions when downloading content, you should still be in the clear. But as we often hear: one can never be too sure.
If you are trying to see which anti-virus app is the best, you might want to check out this study. But don’t forget to keep it safe – read the comments, check out the ratings and don’t download pirated apps.
Just out of curiosity, how many of you use malware protection apps? Do you use it to protect your device from malicious apps, or more for the other features (like me)?

avast! Free Mobile Security gets top AV-Test ranking for Android malware PRESS RELEASE
PRAGUE, Czech Republic, March 9, 2012 -- avast! Free Mobile Security got a top malware detection ranking in in the new study from AV-Test, the independent testing organization.
“avast! Free Mobile Security is available for free, easy to use and has many features to protect your device. With its very good detection rate it is one of the best security products for your Android device," stated Andreas Marx, CEO of AV-Test, in the report.
In a test that produced a wide range of detection results, avast! was one of only seven security apps out of the 41 tested which were able to stop more than 90% of the Android malware. A majority of the tested apps (24) detected less than 65% of the malicious malware.
"It’s an achievement to get a top rating from a professional organization such as AV-Test, it’s even better when this rating is supported by the experiences of thousands of users," said Vince Steckler, CEO of AVAST Software.
avast! Free Mobile Security also has the single best user ranking on the official Android Market of the top malware-detecting apps. avast! scored a 4.7 star ranking out of a potential five out of the more than 19,400 user reviews submitted.
ABOUT AVAST:
AVAST Software (www.avast.com) protects over 150 million active and 200 million registered users with our security and antivirus applications. Our portfolio includes the new avast! Free Mobile Security for Android, avast! Business Protection for company networks, the premium avast! Internet Security with SafeZoneTM virtualized desktop, and avast! Free Antivirus, the free computer security application that matches or exceeds the performance of competitor’s paid-for products. Anchored by the CommunityIQ network of sensors and supported by multiple protective shields, avast! performance is certified by VB100, ICSA Labs, and West Coast Labs.
[Source: AV Test]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 12:46 PM PDT
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It is rare to see Samsung products being announced in the US before its homeland. But the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE has just been announced for the South Korean market, and will be available from SK Telecom. For 800,000 won (about $716 US dollars), the world’s thinnest tablet will be in our fellow Koreans’ hands.
It comes with all the expected specs. These include Android 3.2 (will get Android 4.0), a 7.7 Super AMOLED Plus display (1280×800), a dual-core 1.5 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 3 MP rear-facing camera, a 2 MP front-facing camera and 16/32 GB of internal storage. But Korea is getting an extra special treat.
As opposed to the US Galaxy Tab 7.7 (Verizon), this one will also feature support for voice calls over LTE. This feature is usually stripped from US versions, which may come as a disappointment. The same happened with the OG Galaxy tab (7-inch), which had call functionality in the whole world, except the US.
Not that we would necessarily prefer to walk around talking on our 7-inch devices, but having the option doesn’t hurt. I remember envying some of my family members across the border, for being able to use their tablet as a phone.
Regardless, if you happen to be a South Korean resident, this one is coming soon to a store near you. So go right on and purchase it. And if you thought the Galaxy Note was too small, this 7.7-inch tablet will probably do the trick.
[Via: Sammy Hub]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 12:17 PM PDT
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Now in the middle of its transition, Sony has been making many great changes in its mobile department. Its device line-up is starting to look more promising, as well as software and gaming plans. But all these changes have raised other concerns for the Android community. One of the most important being the idea that the Japanese manufacturer might spread its wings to other horizons.
Recently, there have been talks of the possibility of Sony making its own operating system in the future. It would be based off its very own Vita OS. And while it seems like this will not be happening anytime soon, the company is not disregarding the possibility.
But what about other current operating systems? While Sony (and Sony Ericsson) has recently been exclusively working with Android, it also has a history with other operating systems (like Symbian). And it would not come as much of a surprise if it was looking into working with Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS.
Over a year ago, Sony Ericsson stated that the company was open minded about such possibility. Sony Mobile communications has not taken such step, mainly due to Windows Phone’s poor popularity. The company’s position is still standing.
According to Stephen Sneeden, Product Marketing Manager of the Xperia line, the idea is still within the company’s eyesight. But there are no current plans due to the fact that “no one really cares about Windows Phone.”
As it goes with such large manufacturers, they surely do not want to burn any bridges. As technology changes, anything could happen. Especially in the mobile ecosystem, and Sony Mobile Communications is keeping this in mind.
Taking Android’s popularity into account, it seems rather unlikely that Sony will be working with other platforms anytime soon. It has been investing much of its resources in bringing its game back up. But things haven’t been looking great for the past few years. Which is probably a great reason for Sony’s lack of Android loyalty in its future plans.
We will have to see how the company plays its cards in the coming year or two. The plans are looking very promising. But if it does not work out, we might see Sony working with multiple OS’s, much like HTC and Samsung. Regardless, we will most likely have Sony in our side for a while.
How do you guys see this going? I have high hopes for Sony’s changes, and believe that the manufacturer’s devices and services will substantially improve in the coming year. Do you believe Sony could do better working with another OS? Would you like to see the company offering devices with different platforms?
[Source: Phone Arena Via: PocketNow]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 11:46 AM PDT
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It’s now 5 days since Google rebranded Android Market as Google Play, and it caught quite a few people off-guard. We’d typically expect Android blog readers to be accustomed to the name by now (I try my best to type Google Play as often as possible in an article to help me out, even though I remove it later when it’s not required, which is more often than not the case).
However, I still do find myself visiting market.android.com instead of the new URL at play.google.com/store. Some habits die really hard, and I don’t think I’d ever get over this. What about you all, have you gotten used to the new URL yet?
Take Our Poll

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 11:18 AM PDT
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Path has quickly become one of the most popular mobile social networks. Its neat and simple interface offers a great variety of sharing features. But if you are not completely happy with it, the Android app has just received a new update with significant improvements.
The application has just been updated to version 2.1, offering some extra functionality and a better overall experience. The new UI includes an improved sharing screen, but aesthetics is not the only improvement. The Path team has also included Music Match, the ability to view Nike+ stories and tapping and holding for saving photos and videos.
One of the most interesting added features is Music Match. It pretty much works like Shazam. Upon request, Music Match can recognize what song one is rocking to, simply by allowing your device to listen to it. This would be great for sharing a story about a song one is listening to at a restaurant, or any event.
The other major addition is support for viewing Nike+ stories. It is a bit disappointing to see that one can not yet share such stories from an Android device. Said feature is currently only available for iOS. But that update is still in the works, and should be coming later this year. For now, us Android users will have to wait and see the other team’s members sharing their work out sessions using Nike+.
The update is available now via the Google Play Store, so go right on and get it. It might also be important that the new update might require that you sign in again.
How many of you are using Path? Do you like the new updates?

[Source: Google Play Via: Android Central]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 10:46 AM PDT
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 may be last year’s technology, but some people are still looking to buy one. It is not a bad tablet, and it continues to be one of the thinnest and lightest. If you are not in need of a Tegra 3 processor, this might still be one of the best 10-inch Android tablet options.
Those looking to get their hands on a Galaxy Tab 10.1 should probably take a look at Woot’s deal. This offer gets you the tablet for $329. It is currently going for about $400. Granted, these tablets are refurbished. But if that price does not convince you, the included SD card reader just might.
Currently, we find ourselves in a weird point in time for Android tablets. There are Tegra 3 tablets coming for $200-$250, like the rumored Nexus Tablet and the ASUS MeMo 370T. These tablets are much better and more affordable than most tablets even coming out today.
At this point, I would rather wait for those options. Or save up a bit more and go for an ASUS Transformer Prime. But if the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is your thing, this deal is worth considering. If interested in this bundle, just head over to Woot.com to see more details.
What do you guys say? Too little too late, or a good deal?
[Source: Woot]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 08:59 AM PDT
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Talk Android has spotted three Samsung trademark requests: Galaxy Accelerate, Galaxy Express, and Galaxy Thunder. They also trademarks earlier for Galaxy Stellar, Halo and Emerge. If granted, some of these could potentially be the names for the Samsung Galaxy S III variants in the US (though I’m doubtful of Halo, because of the Microsoft-owned Xbox game).
What’s more interesting, though, is the request for Samsung Wallet. Could Sammy be prepping a competitor to Google Wallet and ISIS, in an already overcrowded space?
[via Talk Android]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 07:45 AM PDT
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T-Mobile’s Chief Marketing Officer, Cole Brodman, has suggested that carriers need to put an end to device subsidies to fix the undervaluing of handsets by users. Speaking at the GeekWire conference in Seattle, Brodman said
"It (subsidies) actually distorts what devices actually cost and it causes OEMs, carriers -- everybody to compete on different playing fields... And I think it is really difficult, especially from a consumer perspective, because it causes consumers to devalue completely the hardware they are using.... It is amazing hardware, but it has become kind of throw away. So, it is unfortunate, you’ve got dual-core, multiprocessor devices with amazing HD screens that get thrown away at 18 months."
T-Mobile deserves to be applauded for at least having some worthwhile off-contract plans for those who’d rather pay the full price of a device up front (I’d prefer if someone can confirm this in the comments, being in India I’m not a 100% certain of this). However, I must say that Brodman’s barking up the wrong tree if "undervaluing" of devices is actually that big a problem.
Even if a person purchases a device on contract, he values it greatly because of the contract. Lose it or break it, and you know you’ve got a large amount to pay to get a replacement. So I can’t see why a user would actually undervalue it because of the contract itself.
However, what does cause the "undervaluing" of handsets are the lack of software updates from the manufacturers. A perfect case in point is the issue with the Samsung Galaxy S. When a flagship device does not receive the latest version of Android that was released within 18 months of the phone’s launch, simply because of the company’s custom skin, it leaves users with no option but to look for another device that does offer the best Android device.
It’s nearly a year since the "Update Alliance" was announced at Google I/O, with all companies and carriers working on a promise to provide timely updates for at least 18 months. It was one of the highlights of I/O 2011 for me, but unfortunately, the situation has only gotten worse.
So, Mr. Brodman, I agree with you when it comes to offering users with cheaper contracts for those who’d rather pay up front for the phone, but there’s a bigger issue at hand. I use your myTouch 4G, I love the phone, and can’t point to any real reason to change it one and a half years later.
But I do feel tempted to cheat on it since it’s still on Gingerbread.
[via Briefmobile]

Posted: 11 Mar 2012 01:23 AM PST
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Google’s strategic move to rebrand Android Market, and it’s various other content stores, and bring them all under a single roof of Google Play has resulted in a change of leadership of the Android Market. Kim Mai Cutler of TechCrunch is reporting that Eric Chu, who has been overseeing the Market, is stepping away and exploring other options within Google.
Jamie Rosenberg, who’s been the face of the Google Music launch, is said to be taking over at least some of Eric’s responsibilities. Rosenberg had previously worked with Andy Rubin at Danger as the VP of the company’s premium services.

How this move will directly change the operation of Google Play will only be known down the line. As Kim Mai Cutler mentions in the TechCrunch article, Eric Chu was leading the developer relations and business development side of the Android Market. While Rosenberg seems a good fit for the latter, the developer relations side looks a little open right now.
I must admit, though, that the dev relations team has been doing a great job ever since the launch of Google+, with Reto Meier as the face of it, and I don’t see any issues arising there.

Posted: 10 Mar 2012 07:37 PM PST
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There were a ton of great sales in the Google Play Store this week. If you know me, you know I can’t resist a great deal. Hell, I’ve even purchased albums whose genres I’m not even a fan of just because $.25 is unbeatable. I’ve also installed a ton of games and apps this week, as well. TuneIn Radio Pro was a no-brainer due to it being on sale, as well as a ton of great games such as Dead Space and Sprinkle. Hit the play button above as I take you through each app and game, and check all of them out using the links below.

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