Android and Me |
- Pebble watch passes $8 million from backers, gains first Android app partner
- Select Google Play users can now buy apps, music, movies, and books by carrier billing
- Verizon’s public beta test of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus could be coming to an end soon
- HTC teases Sprint EVO 4G LTE with new camera samples
- T-Mobile wants to pay you $100 to ‘buy’ the HTC Sensation 4G
- Android Gaming Weekly: Max Payne, N.O.V.A. 3, Pocket Academy, Zombie Bowling
- Nokia sues HTC, RIM, and Viewsonic for patent infringement
- Android 4 now on 5% of Android devices, Gingerbread still dominant
| Pebble watch passes $8 million from backers, gains first Android app partner Posted: 02 May 2012 02:06 PM PDT  The Pebble smartwatch is on fire, even though the first units don’t ship out to customers for another five months. Application developers have taken notice of the buzz and today RunKeeper announced they would become the first Pebble app partner. A company blog post shared the RunKeeper team’s excitement about the news. “When Pebble approached us about integrating with RunKeeper, we loved the idea. We know that many of you are always looking for ways to make your fitness tracking easier, and with Pebble integration, you won't ever have to pull the phone out of your pocket or armband – you can just see and do everything you need right from your watch.” Last time we mentioned the Pebble watch, it had already raised $3 million from backers on Kickstarter. Now a couple weeks later it has already received over $8 million in pledges and become the most funded project ever. If you still want to pick up a Pebble watch when they ship, you can get one for a pledge of $115. The first units are expected to arrive sometime in September. For those that already placed their order, now might be a good time to check out RunKeeper and see if you like the app.
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| Select Google Play users can now buy apps, music, movies, and books by carrier billing Posted: 02 May 2012 01:20 PM PDT  Google has allowed carrier billing as a payment option for Android apps since 2009, but this week they expanded this service to include all types of digital content on the Google Play Store. Select customers can now purchase apps, music, movies, and books, by charging them directly to their monthly carrier bill. T-Mobile appears to be the first US carrier to fully support all types of digital content, but we should expect to see similar options on Sprint (and hopefully AT&T). Google also specifically mentions that DoCoMo, KDDI and Softbank customers can now purchase all types of content. Google Play currently provides direct carrier billing options in the countries listed below:
It’s nice to see more payment options available, but we are still waiting on Google to support gift cards. I buy apps and other types of content all the time, and I’d spend a lot more if I could buy digital goods and share them with my friends and family.
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| Verizon’s public beta test of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus could be coming to an end soon Posted: 02 May 2012 11:46 AM PDT  The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is an amazing phone, but customers who purchased the Verizon version have not been too happy with the device because of a number of bugs. After nearly 5 months of waiting, it appears that Verizon could be close to releasing a software update that resolves many of the known issues that users have been complaining about. Verizon customers with the Galaxy Nexus are still running Android 4.0.2 (unless they hacked their device), while most other Galaxy Nexus models have already moved on to Android 4.0.4. The latest update included over 100 changes and fixed many of the annoying bugs that people were complaining about. This week several lucky Verizon subscribers started reporting that their device received an upgrade to Android 4.0.4 over the air. This latest software package included a build number, IMM76K, that was newer than the Android 4.0.4 build that Verizon was testing back in February. Several persistent hackers were able to discover the download URL for the update package, but Google quickly pulled it down after it leaked out. There are instructions floating around all over the web if you want to try and manually flash it, but keep in mind this might not be the final version that goes out to all Verizon customers. I have decided not to hack my Galaxy Nexus because I want to share the voice of the average Verizon subscriber who has no clue what flashing is. We recently reached out to Verizon to see if they could provide us a statement on the software upgrade for the Galaxy Nexus and we finally received something we could share. All updates are a result of work with our hardware and software partners and have to be tested on our network just like our phones. When they are ready we push them to handsets but we don't do that until we are absolutely certain they won't harm either customers' phones or our network.Company RepresentativeVerizon Based on that statement it appears that Verizon might be testing a new update with a small group of devices. We don’t know when the broad rollout will begin, but Verizon has a good track record of letting the online media know when new software updates are available. As we reported last week, a Google employee said they were “very glad that Google is back in the business of selling phones directly without any middlemen to interfere.” It’s unfortunate that Verizon customers had to put up with a device that randomly reboots daily, has multitouch issues, drops call, and suffers from poor battery life, but at least help is on the way. Going forward, Verizon and Sprint customers should get used to the fact that their Galaxy Nexus devices will likely lag behind the GSM version by at least a month when it comes to new updates. It might not be that big of an issue after this Android 4.0.4 update is out and fixes most of the known bugs, but it could be annoying when your friends on AT&T and T-Mobile are enjoying Android 5.0, and you are stuck waiting on your carrier to approve the update. Look for an update as soon as we hear the official update is going live.
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| HTC teases Sprint EVO 4G LTE with new camera samples Posted: 02 May 2012 10:51 AM PDT  After yesterday’s review of the AT&T HTC One X, many Sprint fans are even more excited to get their hands on the EVO 4G LTE. Sprint’s version of the device will feature all the same awesomeness, with the addition of a microSD card slot, slightly larger 2,000 mAh battery (vs 1,800 mAh), and a kickstand. Today HTC shared a new gallery of photos taken by the EVO 4G LTE to show off their ImageSense technology. For this round of shots, HTC hired Meeno Peluce, American photographer and former child actor. Head over to the source link to check out the entire album. Sprint opens up pre-orders for the EVO 4G LTE on May 7th, and you can head over to their holding page to sign up for reminders. We are still waiting on the official release date, but the latest rumors suggest it could be as early as May 18th. The elephant in the room remains Samsung’s next Galaxy phone, but they unpack that tomorrow so we will know how the two device stack up soon enough. If you are on Sprint, let us know which way you are leaning. What would Samsung have to do in order for you to pass on the EVO 4G LTE?
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| T-Mobile wants to pay you $100 to ‘buy’ the HTC Sensation 4G Posted: 02 May 2012 10:18 AM PDT  While most of us are concerned with getting the best phone money can buy, there are some who are always on the lookout for the best deals from places like Amazon Wireless and the big four service providers. There are always offers for free phones, but it’s not often that you get paid $100 to “buy” a dual-core powered Android phone. If you’re a T-Mobile customer (or have been waiting for a good excuse to switch to T-Mobile), you can now purchase the HTC Sensation 4G for free when signing up for a new two year contract. On top of that, you can take advantage of T-Mobile’s latest Magenta Deal Days offer and get an extra $100 back when you trade-in a qualifying smartphone. The HTC Sensation 4G may not be as good as the HTC One S, but it is still a great device and will be updated to Android 4.0 sometime soon. The Magenta Deal Days offer lasts until May 7, but the free web-only HTC Sensation 4G deal ends on May 3. Are any of you willing to get paid $100 to “buy” the HTC Sensation 4G?
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| Android Gaming Weekly: Max Payne, N.O.V.A. 3, Pocket Academy, Zombie Bowling Posted: 02 May 2012 10:11 AM PDT  Welcome back to our regular column Android Gaming Weekly, where we recap all the new releases and highlights every Wednesday. We post small bits throughout the week related to Android games, but readers have requested a condensed summary that makes it easier to keep up with all the latest news. Read on for this week's best in Android gaming. New Games This WeekMake your dream school in Pocket Academy
Kairosoft is king when it comes to simulation games. They have a hardcore following that throws money at the screen with every new release, and Pocket Academy is the latest title in the series. This time around you manage your own school as you build classrooms, make clubs, and even decide the hot couple of the week. Early reviewers have given the game a near perfect score of 4.9. Contract Killer: Zombies upgraded to version 3.0 Glu Mobile released Contract Killer: Zombies last year, but they recently upgraded the game to version 3.0 and tossed in a bunch of helicopter missions. This game is another mindless shooter, but it’s free and it has exploding zombie brains so grab it from the download link below if you need to kill some time. Knockdown the standing arms at the end of the lane with the zombie head
Sticking with the undead theme, we have Zombie Bowling by G-Gee. This game looks absolutely ridiculous, but the developer actually has several other successful bowling titles, so maybe they know what they are doing. Ginger man's grand escape adventure, Oven Break
Com2uS has been one of the top Android devs for awhile now and this week they ported over the popular iOS title Oven Break. You play the role of Ginger man who awakes in the witch’s magic oven and tries to escape. Gameplay consists of basic two button controls that let you jump and slide to avoid obstacles. This one might not be for everyone, but Com2uS normally produces great Android games. An epic RPG adventure awaits you in Rule the Kingdom Developer Game Insight International has become one of the leaders of freemium entertainment with several titles always appearing in the top grossing section of the Google Play Store. Their latest game Rule the Kingdom is a mix of RPG action, city-building, farming and storytelling. The graphics don’t look that good, but the game is still free and it has an average review score of 4.5. If RPG games are your thing, then you might want to check this out. Asobimo releases two english MMORPGs
Japan’s number one RPG maker, Asobimo, released two of their more popular games in English this week. Celes Arca and Iruna Online are two massive-multiplayer-online RPGs that feature full 3D graphics. Celes Arca is the more popular of the two, which promises “10 trillion dressing patterns” for your character. Several users have reported trouble with getting the games to start, but those who got it working have given it high praise. Android Games Coming SoonN.O.V.A. 3 coming this month Just last week we saw the first teaser video for Gameloft’s N.O.V.A. 3, and this week we get new previews of single player and multiplayer modes. The big addition to mutiplayer this year is drivable vehicles including two-person jeeps and mechs. Gameloft says we should expect a May release, so look for this game in the coming weeks. Max Payne Mobile landing tomorrow?
We have been waiting on Rockstar Games to release Max Payne since last year and tomorrow could finally be the big day. The game was scheduled to release last Thursday, but some last minute changes pushed the release date back. Keep an eye on @RockstarGames for updates on the release. Eden to Greeeen arriving in Q2 Eden to Greeeen is a turn-based strategy game we first saw back at Mobile World Congress, and now we have a tentative release date. According to an update on NVIDIA’s TegraZone, we should see the game sometime in Q2. The game will be free to play, and allow players to level up their characters via in-app purchase. I had a lot of fun with an early demo, so I’m looking forward to checking out the final release. Games I'm currently playing
Zombie Smash: I purchased this game last week when it came out and I haven’t put it down since. The gameplay is very simple and lets you pick up little zombies with your fingers and then fling them to their death. As you progress through the game you get to unlock more weapons and special FX that makes killing the zombies even more fun. The game runs $0.99, but it’s definitely worth the asking price. Dark Meadow: We previewed Dark Meadow last week and it remains one of my favorite Android games. The graphics are the best we have ever seen and the twisted story line keeps me coming back. The game is free to play, but it looks like I have finally progressed far enough that I need to pay to level up my stats and weapons to make it to the 3rd level. I want to finish this game and see the ending, so I keep coming back. What Android games are you playing?Find any great new Android games this week? Share your favorites in the comments below so we can check them out.
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| Nokia sues HTC, RIM, and Viewsonic for patent infringement Posted: 02 May 2012 09:28 AM PDT  The number of patent infringement cases has grown again this morning. In an official press release, Nokia has announced that it is suing RIM, Viewsonic, and HTC for violating as many as 45 Nokia patents. The Finnish handset maker has filed a complaint to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) against HTC, filed US patent infringement suits against HTC and Viewsonic in Delaware, and suits against all three companies in Germany. Nokia currently licenses its affected patents to over 40 companies, indicating that HTC, RIM, and Viewsonic are not among those companies. Nokia wants the companies to either join their licensees, or compete using their own technologies, but felt a patent infringement suit at this time was necessary in order to enforce its intellectual property. Of course, with Nokia so deeply in the hole with no short-term end in sight, it’s clear Nokia is doing all it can to bolster its bottom line, and easy-win lawsuits are obviously at the top of their list. Should the companies be found to be in violation of Nokia’s patents, there would be cash exchanged by means of a settlement, and the companies would be forced to either license Nokia’s technology or build it in-house. The cases should come to court over the next few months, though we may see an ITC ruling on the matter before then. We will, of course, bring you the updates as it pertains to the cases against Android fan favorite HTC as the cases develop. Stay tuned. Show Press ReleaseNokia takes new steps to protect its innovations and intellectual property Espoo, Finland – Nokia has filed claims in the United States and Germany alleging that products from HTC, RIM and Viewsonic infringe a number of Nokia patents. “Nokia is a leader in many technologies needed for great mobile products,” said Louise Pentland, chief legal officer at Nokia. “We have already licensed our standards essential patents to more than 40 companies. Though we’d prefer to avoid litigation, Nokia had to file these actions to end the unauthorized use of our proprietary innovations and technologies, which have not been widely licensed.” Nokia’s actions include a complaint to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) against HTC, suits against HTC and Viewsonic in the Federal District Court of Delaware, US, against HTC and RIM in the Regional Court in Dusseldorf, Germany and against all three companies in the Regional Courts in Mannheim and Munich, Germany. In total, 45 Nokia patents are in suit in one or more of the actions. Nokia proprietary innovations protected by these patents are being used by the companies to enable hardware capabilities such as dual function antennas, power management and multimode radios, as well as to enhance software features including application stores, multitasking, navigation, conversational message display, dynamic menus, data encryption and retrieval of email attachments on a mobile device. “Many of these inventions are fundamental to Nokia products,” Pentland concluded. “We’d rather that other companies respect our intellectual property and compete using their own innovations, but as these actions show, we will not tolerate the unauthorized use of our inventions.”
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| Android 4 now on 5% of Android devices, Gingerbread still dominant Posted: 02 May 2012 07:54 AM PDT  No longer the platform of the 1%, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is now found on nearly 5% (4.9%) of Android devices, according to the latest Android Platform Versions Chart. Android 2.3 Gingerbread is still found on the most devices by far, with 64.4% of Android devices running the previous version of Android. These charts are based on the number of devices that have accessed the Google Play Store over the past 14 days, giving a fairly good estimate of the breakdown of devices in the general population.
Still, with Ice Cream Sandwich now six months old, and Jelly Bean set to be unveiled later this year, we’re a bit disappointed that Android 4 is not available on more devices. The update to Android 4 is the greatest improvement yet in the Android OS, meaning it has taken OEMs significantly longer to push out updates to their devices. With an update for the best selling Android device, the Galaxy S II, hitting the airwaves around the world recently (coming soon to the U.S.), we should see this number creep up and break the 10% mark shortly. Are you one of the lucky 5% to be on the latest and greatest version of Android? One of the 0.3% still on Cupcake?!
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