Sunday, April 15, 2012

Update - 97



Posted: 29 Feb 2012 04:26 PM PST
Android Design has long been a developer favorite when it comes to the development of apps for the Android platform. While it is a great resource to use, developers have complained of the lack of stencils available. The Android User Experience Team has heard your cries and finally released some mockup stencils for any and every Android developer to use. The AUE team promises the stencils will feature the “rich typography, colors, interactive controls, and icons found throughout Ice Cream Sandwich.”
The stencils are available today. The AUE Team has highlighted Adobe Fireworks and Omni OmniGraffle are among the design programs for which the stencils will be available with. Moreover, the source files for the various icons and controls are also available in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
source: Android Developers Blog
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 03:20 PM PST
If you are a Twitter user, you are already familiar with Promoted Tweets, which is Twitter’s fancy name for “ads”. Now, the official Android Twitter app will bring these promotions to your timeline:
Promoted Tweets will appear in your timeline like any other Tweet, and like regular Tweets, they will appear in your timeline just once; as you scroll, the Promoted Tweet will flow with the rest of the Tweets in your timeline.
The promoted tweets were already accessible in the timeline of desktop and mobile versions of Twitter, but had only appeared in searches in the official Android app. Recent updates to the app had added “Promoted Accounts” suggestions in your “Who to Follow” section. In the coming weeks, the app will show promoted tweets in your timeline from brands or companies that you are currently following.
If you feel that the promoted tweet isn’t relevant (or you think it’s just plain annoying) you can remove it from your timeline with a single swipe.
For now, it appears this will not apply to third-party Twitter Android apps.
source: Twitter blog
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 02:22 PM PST
If you’ve been eyeing the Samsung Galaxy S II, you may want to jump on the bandwagon with U.S. Cellular. As we previously reported, the phone will not work on their upcoming LTE network, but will use their 3G network. This version of the Galaxy S II will have the 1.2GHz dual-core Exynos processor. The phone comes with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but will hopefully update to Ice Cream Sandwich at a later date.
For new activations, the phone will be $229.99 with a two-year contract after a $100 mail-in rebate. You can also use the additional $100 activation credit that US Cellular is offering online right now. If you’re looking to upgrade on U.S. Cellular, the Galaxy S II will be $249.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. You can order yours now at the U.S. Cellular link below, or you can go in store starting tomorrow.
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 02:21 PM PST

Whilst the Google Execs were busy strutting their stuff at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Google Developers were beavering away in the labs to bring you some updates. If you head on over to the Android Market you’ll find updates to both Google Wallet and Google+ waiting for you. The excitement stops there I’m afraid folks as both updates are minor bug fixes and process enhancements.
Still it’s good to know that the Google Developers are always working on improving their already great applications. Bug fixes and stability improvements can only be a good thing so why not check out the links below and get yourself updated!
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 02:19 PM PST
Some of you may already be familiar with Samsung’s various social and cloud “hubs” that are included on current Sammy tablets and smartphones. So far they have the Social, Music, Video, Reading, and Game Hubs but they are getting ready to add the new Learning Hub that was announced at MWC. I imagine you are wondering what the Learning Hub actually is and thanks to our friends at the Phone Arena, we now have a video demo from a Samsung specialist himself. Essentially you can watch a video lecture on one half of the screen while a text explanation is displayed on the other half. What’s cool about this idea is that you can use a stylus (or finger) to highlight or take notes on the text portion of the lecture. A very interactive way of learning indeed, and one that could change education for the better.
When the Learning Hub launches on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9 LTE on launch, it will provide access to over 6,000 textbooks and videos spanning across 30 different publishers. As you probably already imagined, some of the content will be free but the majority will most likely come at a reasonable price. This isn’t a bad thing when talking about furthering one’s education. Jump past the break to see what the Learning Hub is all about. 
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: Phone Arena
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 02:17 PM PST
There have been a lot of big announcements at MWC this year already and everyone looked forward to Google’s keynote speech in hopes that they would drop hints at Jelly Bean or some other Android based projects they had in the works.Well sadly the speech came and went with no word on Jelly Bean or these projects. However, that’s not to say that the speech wasn’t great nonetheless. Eric Schmidt delivered what he believes the world of technology should be. As we told you before Google hopes to get it right with everyone having a Android Device ut rather than tell you all the stuff I think you should take away from it I will let you folks watch it for yourselves. Get some popcorn and a cold one and sit back, you have about 70 minutes worth of watching ahead of you. Hit the break below to check it out and let us know in the comment section what you took away from it. Enjoy!
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: YouTube
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 02:16 PM PST
It’s no secret that GoogleTV hasn’t made the largest splash in the smart TV sector. This isn’t to say that it’s done horribly, but it’s safe to say that work still needs to be done to facilitate higher adoption rates. It’s also fairly hard to judge the number of GoogleTV’s in the wild, since Google and it’s partners don’t really like to give out the sales numbers. This is where Xyologic comes in; an app search company that allows users to find mobile apps across various platforms. They’ve recently released results that suggest, based on an estimate of the active install base for pre-installed GoogleTV apps, that the number of GoogleTV’s actively in use are between 500,000 and 1 million, of which the Logitech Revue dominates 50 to 70 percent.
It’s very important to point out that these numbers are estimates only, and do not actually resemble sales numbers, which could contain variables such as people that purchased the hardware but never even ended up using it. Another variable that these numbers don’t reflect are GoogleTV units that are running v1.0 of the software, which don’t show up on Android Market data. This data does still provide insight into usage of GoogleTV, and although the numbers aren’t exceptional, I wouldn’t say Google is out for the count just yet.
source: xyologic
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 01:34 PM PST
Looks like Google is offering another one of their Google Music sales in celebration of leap year, but you better act quick as it ends tonight. Currently there are 29 full albums to chose from and each one will only run you $2.99. This can be a great opportunity to add to your online music collection so you can stream even more tunes to your Android device. From hip-hop to country there is bound to be something in this selection you can groove to. Hit up one of the links below to check out Google Music’s one-day-only sale.
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Posted: 29 Feb 2012 01:30 PM PST
Dolphin Browser has just been updated to v7.4 and includes a new concept. Dolphin has unveiled Dolphin Sonar, which looks to change the way we do our web browsing. It’s a voice-control feature which aims to let us use our voices in order to search on the web, find what we are looking for on websites, bookmark a page and actually navigate the internet— all using our voice! Here are the 3 major features we can look forward to by using Sonar:
1) Search – Talk to Dolphin and let Her Do the Work
2) Social Search – Impress your friends and stalk like a pro
3) Navigate – Just Tell Your Dolphin Where To Go
The update is ready and waiting for Android 2.0+ devices. Before you go out and download it, make sure you hit the break to see the full presser.


February 29, 2012 12:00 ET

Dolphin Browser Redefines Mobile Browsing With

Launch of Dolphin Sonar for Android

Voice-Control Capabilities Bring New Dimension to the Mobile Browsing Experience

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire – Feb 29, 2012) – Dolphin Browser, the most popular third-party browser on Android and only gesture-based browser on iOS, today announced the release of Dolphin Sonar for Android, a voice-control feature that allows users to search the Web and navigate the browser using speech. Dolphin Sonar is part of the Dolphin for Android v7.4 update, which is now available for free in the Android Market worldwide.
With Dolphin Sonar, users can easily speak to search the Web and navigate the browser without typing a word. Dolphin Sonar brings a whole new dimension to mobile browsing, transforming the way users interact with their phones.
Users activate Dolphin Sonar by tapping the microphone icon at the bottom of the screen or shaking the phone. For example, when a user says “Facebook Justin Bieber,” Dolphin will search directly within Facebook and display his Facebook profile. Saying “eBay Nike shoes” will result in Dolphin searching directly in eBay and displaying a list of Nike shoes. Navigating the Web using Dolphin Sonar is just as easy — simple commands such as opening a new tab or moving to the bottom or top of the page are just a few words away.
“Our Gesture-based browsing function was a game-changer in terms of the way people browse on their mobile devices, and Sonar is the logical next step,” said Yongzhi Yang, CEO of MoboTap, makers of Dolphin Browser. “Just as sonar is used by dolphins to navigate, Dolphin Sonar interprets sound to get you where you want to be online. We are continuously thinking of new ways to heighten our users’ mobile browsing experience with new and innovative features.”
Dolphin Browser, which launched on the Android Market in 2010 and came to iOS last summer, has been downloaded over 12 million times across both platforms. Dolphin Browser is highly regarded for its signature Gesture and Add-on features.
In addition to unveiling Dolphin Sonar, other updates in Dolphin Browser for Android v7.4 include moving the Webzine feature from the browser to Dolphin’s Add-ons, reducing the app’s device fingerprint and making browsing speeds even faster.
About MoboTap
MoboTap is a mobile technology developer that is committed to advancing the mobile revolution by improving the way people experience the Web through their mobile devices. Founded and led by an international team of proven engineers and entrepreneurs and backed by leading venture capitalist firm Sequoia Capital, MoboTap has begun this revolution with the launch of Dolphin Browser, a free Web-browser specifically optimized for mobile users.

Contact Information
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 01:24 PM PST
Skinny is in this season, and Toshiba is bringing it with the world’s thinnest and lightest 10-inch tablet. It’s only 0.3 inches thick and weighs 1.18 pounds. This magnesium alloy cased tablet, with a 1.2GHz processor, can be yours in the US on March 6. It will set you back $529.99 for the 16 GB version, and $599.99 for the 32 GB version. It will ship with Android 3.2 Honeycomb, but will be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich. The 10.1-inch screen has a Corning Gorilla Glass display, and a 1280 x 800 resolution. It has 1 GB of RAM, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera, 2 megapixel front-facing camera, micro SD card slot, micro USB, and micro HDMI ports.
We went hands-on with this tablet at CES, when it was previously called the Toshiba Excite X10. We found it to be a pretty nice piece of hardware, especially considering its thinness, but the price is a little bit high for the 1.2 GHz CPU. The ASUS Transformer Prime is a hot competitor with its Tegra 3 quad-core processor. Which do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.
Check out the press release and some photos after the break.
Toshiba LE Excite toshiba le excite toshiba excite 10

Toshiba Brings World's Thinnest 10-Inch Tablet to U.S. Market

World's Thinnest and Lightest 10-inch Tablet, Excite 10 LE, Available for Purchase on March 6, Starting at $529.99
IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced that the Excite™ 10 LE tablet will be available for purchase from select U.S. retailers on March 6. Previously introduced as the Excite X10, the Excite 10 LE is the world's thinnest and lightest 10-inch tablet measuring just 0.3 inches (7.7mm) thin and weighing just 1.18 pounds (535g)1.
"Excite 10 LE embodies what a luxury tablet should be"
The Excite 10 LE tablet, powered by Android™, carries a starting price of $529.99 MSRP2 for the 16GB model and $599.99 MSRP for the 32GB model.
"Excite 10 LE embodies what a luxury tablet should be," said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "We have engineered this tablet with premium materials and components, given it elegant yet durable styling and more connectivity options than any other tablet in its class, while fitting everything into an astonishingly thin and light design."
A More Premium Design with All the Essentials
The thin and light Excite 10 LE features a vivid high-resolution 10.1-inch diagonal AutoBrite™ display3, delivering optimum browsing, reading and entertainment. Designed for durability and style, the device also features a high-quality magnesium alloy surface and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass display with an anti-smudge coating for greater resiliency.
The tablet also comes with an array of connectivity interfaces and ports on board, including micro-USB and HDMI® ports, a micro-SD slot to share content and files with other devices, plus Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® connectivity. Stereo speakers with exclusive sound enhancements by Toshiba and SRS® Labs deliver superior audio capabilities. Front and back HD cameras provide convenient photo capture, plus 1080p video recording and video chatting.
Smart Multicore Performance with Long Battery Life
Powered by the 1.2GHz Texas Instruments OMAP™ 4430 multicore mobile processor4 and dual-channel memory, the Excite 10 LE offers smooth web browsing and multitasking plus the performance for high definition video and entertainment. Extremely power efficient, the Excite 10 LE delivers up to 8 hours of battery life5.
Powered by Android
The Excite 10 LE tablet features Android 3.2, Honeycomb, and will be upgraded to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich later this Spring. Also included is a full suite of familiar Google™ Mobile Service applications, including the Android Market™, YouTube™, Gmail™, Google Maps™, Music, Videos. Additionally, the tablet comes pre-loaded with a mix of Toshiba software and third-party applications including TOSHIBA App Place, TOSHIBA Book Place, TOSHIBA Media Player, TOSHIBA File Manager as well Netflix™ and Zinio™.
Docking and Accessories
Toshiba will also offer a suite of tablet accessories for the Excite 10 LE, including a docking station, multiple cases and more.
Specifications
  • Android 3.2, Honeycomb (upgradeable to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich)
  • 10.1-inch diagonal LED Backlit widescreen Corning Gorilla Glass display with IPS technology and 10-finger multi-touch support
  • 1280 x 800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio
  • Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 multicore processor; 1.2GHz with 1GB LPDDR2 RAM
  • 16GB and 32GB configurations6
  • 2 megapixel front-facing camera
  • 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash
  • Micro USB, Micro HDMI ports
  • Micro SD card slot
  • Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Gyroscope, Accelerometer, GPS, eCompass and Ambient Light Sensor
  • Stereo speakers with sound enhancements by Toshiba and SRS Labs
  • Built-in 25 watt-hour rechargeable lithium ion battery
  • 10.1" (W) x 6.9" (D) x 0.3" (H)
  • 1.18 pounds (535g)


Posted by at 11:03 AM

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