Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

March comScore MobiLens Report is in, Echoing Samsung’s Reign

Posted: 01 May 2012 04:53 PM PDT

Earlier today we posted IDC’s analytics which heralded Samsung as champion among vendors  for both units shipped and market share. Now, the latest comScore has just became available and it too spouts the resounding success of Samsung. To that end, IDC cited the company’s  ridiculous 267% year-over-year change. As far as just this past March, though, Samsung has found itself on top with 26% ownership of the market. The leader is followed by LG at 19.3%, Apple at 14%, Motorola at 12.8%, and HTC at 6% with the remaining percentage points being tussled over by “Other.”  Also of interest here is the breakdown of mobile operating systems. As of this past three month average, Google Android acquired 3.7 points bringing it to 51%: an insurmountable majority in the making. Bravo to Samsung for leading the charge.

source: comScore

Manage All Of Your Cloud Storage With SanDisk Memory Zone, Also Makes For A Decent SkyDrive Client (Video)

Posted: 01 May 2012 03:49 PM PDT

 

Now-a-days cloud storage is beginning to become the norm and several of you by now have probably caught on to the fact that you can open several cloud storage accounts to get yourself a decent little chunk of the storage space in the sky.  Well, how do you manage so many accounts at once?  SanDisk wants you to take the guesswork out off wondering how much storage each of your services has left thanks to its application, SanDisk Memory Zone.  While we’ve written about this app in the past before, Memory Zone has been given a few updates and allows you to keep even better tabs on not only how much storage you have left but also serves as a file browser for each of those storage services.  The application assists in helping you control and manage all of your content seamlessly and with very little effort.  Whether you have content on your memory card, your phone’s storage or directly in the cloud, you can easily move files to and from with just the click of a few buttons.

SanDisk Memory Zone offers you more memory management functionality than any other application available for the Android™ phone.

SanDisk Memory Zone puts you in complete control. Manage and backup both your local and cloud memory with one free app. Move files back and forth from your memory card to select cloud services, or from the cloud directly to your phone. Cloud services supported: Box, Dropbox, Google Docs, Picasa, SugarSync, SkyDrive and Facebook.

So, if your device is getting bogged down due to limited storage space, then maybe it’s time to better manage your device. In addition to the integrated functionality you’ll also have the opportunity to secure your content while on the go by applying a password protection feature.  You can also backup/restore all of your files on command.  So, without further ado, what are you waiting for?  Get the application now and start uploading your videos, photos, music, docs and whatever else you want.  In addition, when initially surveying the application, I noticed that it had pretty decent SkyDrive support, something that is lacking a bit on the Android platform.  This application is the closest I’ve seen in  the Google Play Store that will allow you to seamlessly navigate through your SkyDrive files, all for the price of free.

SanDisk Memory Zone not only allows you to transfer and back up your files, it also allows you to secure them through a password protection feature. So you have the peace of mind knowing your videos, photographs, music and other files are not only available, but they're available only to you.

Get seamless, integrated storage connectivity between your phone, your memory card and your files in the cloud. It's never been easier to enjoy, manage, share and protect your digital assets.

Unlike utilities with awkward and difficult to navigate folder structures, SanDisk Memory Zone has an intuitive, graphical user interface that lets you get the job done, fast.

Check out the quick video demo below as well as the screen shots of the app in action.  Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.  

Click here to view the embedded video.

SanDisk_1 SanDisk_2 SanDisk_3 SanDisk_4

 

qrcode

Play Store Download Link

AT&T HTC One X unboxing and initial hands on review [Video]

Posted: 01 May 2012 03:10 PM PDT

The phone to buy is going to hit AT&T on May 6 for an incredible price of $199. The HTC One X has been impressing the media ever since it was launched. Will it be the phone of the year? Or will it be the soon to be announced Samsung Galaxy S III? If you’re in the U.S. and in the market for a phone now, I would have to recommend the One X because no matter what Samsung shows us, it’s unlikely to land in the U.S. for several months.

The One X is absolutely hands down the best phone on the market as far as performance and looks. This is the best phone I’ve put my hands on. It’s impressive across the board, but nothing is perfect. If there’s anything that I would say is a negative is HTC’s UI skin, Sense. Now don’t get me wrong, Sense has improved with 4.0, but I’m more of a stock guy. I think Sense is perfect for the average consumer and it adds more than it takes away.

As far as specs go, this is the same One X known globally except for a few changes. One of them seems big and that’s the processor. Since the NVIDIA quad-core Tegra 3 doesn’t play nicely with LTE, we get a a dual-core 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4. On paper this seems like a big drop, but trust me, you won’t notice a difference. The other is internal storage. The global gets 32GB of internal storage while this version gets 16GB. There is no way to increase storage other than the cloud. Again some may complain about this, but AT&T has found that 16GB is more than enough for the majority of people out there. Don’t forget, this one is priced at $199 with no rebates. That is an amazing price for the best phone on the market. It’s little sibling, the One S is priced the same on T-Mobile and that’s after a $50 mail-in-rebate.

The rest of the specs include a 4.7-inch (1280 x 720) Super LCD 2 display, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera with f/2.2 28mm lens and 1080p video recording, 1.3MP front facing camera, 1800 mAh battery, micro USB (MHL out), Beats Audio, Bluetooth 2.1, DLNA, GPS, WiFi, HSPA+, and LTE.

Look for my full review shortly, but for now check out this quick hands on.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus or Samsung Epic 4G Touch: Should I stick with stock?

Posted: 01 May 2012 03:02 PM PDT

Okay my fellow Android lovers, I have a serious question for all of you and I would like your honest opinions. I currently own a beautiful, white Samsung Epic 4G Touch (GSII) that I really do love. Though I am not a huge fan of TouchWiz, I do like a lot of functions that it incorporates and it actually runs very smooth on the device. It has a gorgeous 4.5 inch display, a notification LED, headset jack is located on the top (which I prefer as I rest my phone in my car cup-holder while it's plugged into the auxiliary port), expandable/removable memory, 8 MP camera, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, and a top-notch GPU for all my gaming fixes.

Despite the fact that it was released on Sprint in September of 2011, many would say that the company's GSII variant is still one of the top phones today. That being said, why on Earth do I want a Galaxy Nexus? I find myself combing eBay and Craigslist searching for a great deal on one of these bad boys, and according to my math, if I can sell my Epic 4G Touch for what I want, and then buy the Galaxy Nexus for the price that I want to pay, it will most likely just be a wash.  So I guess my question is should I go through the trouble? Hit the break for more of my dilemma!

To make matters worse, I actually still own a Nexus S 4G with the Ice Cream Sandwich update which is practically identical to its big brother Nexus sans the larger, sharper screen and the dual-core processor. I just can't seem to get away from the fact that I really love having stock Android on my phones. I have always been a huge advocate of the Nexus line of devices for that reason, and I also just simply adore stock ICS. It's so beautiful and functional and I love everything about it. I literally have been switching back and forth between my Nexus S 4G and my E4GT for the last few weeks unable to decide what I like more. I know I would love the GNex but let's be honest, because on paper, the E4GT seems to be the clear winner on almost all hardware fronts.

Just to recap, the Galaxy Nexus comes with a larger 4.65 inch display with slightly sharper resolution versus the E4GT. The camera is smaller at 5 MP, there is no expandable/removable memory, and the headset jack is awkwardly located on the bottom of the phone. The GNex also sports a 1.2 GHz processor, just like the E4GT, however its PowerVR SGX 540 GPU is widely accepted to be much less powerful than the ARM Mali-400 found in the E4GT. As a lover of everything games, this is a huge pill to swallow. In fact, I tried running Super Smash Bros. on a Nintendo 64 emulator on my E4GT and on my buddies GNex, and to my surprise, the E4GT completely smoked the GNex. It was choppy but playable on the Nexus, yet ran like it was the actual N64 on the E4GT. I immediately decided that this was a deal breaker and thought nothing more on making the switch. Or did I?

Again, I find myself just millimeters away from hitting "buy it now" on eBay. Then I pull away to question my intentions and true desires. Houston, we have a problem! Possibly an addiction to really awesome smartphones, but the fact you’re reading this probably means that you can relate and might possibly have some advice. I realize that the specs listed do put the E4GT in a brighter light, but is the sharper, larger display and stock ICS worth making the switch? I realize some of you may be thinking, why doesn't he just wait for the GS3 or the Evo 4G LTE? Well for one, they are not stock ICS devices, and what I really want to know is whether or not I should stick with stock? Please feel free to leave your opinions and suggestions in the comments below. Thanks for the therapy session!

Latest Android Commercial Reminds Us That Our Information and Photos Have Always Been Synced to the Cloud

Posted: 01 May 2012 01:36 PM PDT

For years I have always relied on the fact that Google stores my photos, contacts, calendar events, documents and what not in the cloud. Almost to the point that I forget about the fact this happens. That is, until I flash the newest ROM out there and I don’t have to worry about that stuff syncing as it happens behind the scenes. Well it appears that I’m not the only one as Google has revealed it’s next commercial showcasing this very fact along side the Galaxy Nexus. Thanks to this cloud syncing ability I have long forgotten about ever using Verizon‘s Back Up Assistant or using other apps to sync my photos. As this is a newer feature for Apple folk I can’t help but think that this commercial pokes fun at that a little. If you don’t believe so hit the break below to check it out for yourselves. Enjoy!

 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Folks in the UK Can Finally Purchase Official Galaxy Nexus Accessories

Posted: 01 May 2012 12:13 PM PDT

Those of you who live in the UK can shout FINALLY at the top of your lungs if you want as Clove UK is now offering accessories for your Galaxy Nexus devices. While it’s been almost 6 months since the initial release of the device, those in the UK have been made to wait patiently while their US counterparts have been able to purchase accessories since release day. We did inform you back in January that we’d see official accessories then, but it got delayed to February and well, got delayed again. However this is no longer the case. Upon checking the Clove site, you will find various accessories that include:

  • An HDMI Dock
  • A Desktop Dock
  • An MHL/HDMI Adaptor
  • Spare batteries
  • A Spare Battery Charger
As you can see the only thing missing is the car dock. However given that these other accessories are available, the car dock can’t be too far behind. So if you live in the UK and are interested in snagging an awesome dock for your device hit the source link below. You can pick up the HDMI dock for £42 (roughly $68) and the desktop dock for £49.99 (roughly $81). I don’t know about you folks out there on that side of the pond but this would definitely get me excited if I had to wait that long.

source: Clove UK

Android 4.0.4 rolling out to Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 01 May 2012 11:52 AM PDT


While many Galaxy Nexus owners have been enjoying Android 4.0.4 and the series of bug fixes it brings for over a week now, it’s easy to forget that many people are still waiting for their fix. The Verizon flavoured version of the Nexus has been waiting patiently for the update and it looks like today is the day that could be set to change. Droid Life has received a number of reports, including screen-shots, from happy customers having just received the update OTA.

The update is 30MB in size and looks to bring the same fixes as the update to the GSM Galaxy Nexus. You can expect to wave goodbye to the spotty signal issues and auto-brightness screen lag while waving hello to bug fixes, speed tweaks, improved camera performance and an updated News & Weather widget.

Some of the chatter from the tech world suggests that this is the first wave of OTA updates, the full roll-out could last throughout the month. Now might be a good time to hit the ‘check now’ button and see if you’re one of the lucky ones! Let us know if you’ve head the update in the comments below.

source : Droid Life

Cure that Galaxy Nexus Data problem now with the Sprint Software Update

Posted: 01 May 2012 11:41 AM PDT

 

No more that 2-3 days ago reports started going around that there was a quite an issue with Galaxy Nexus users getting zero data connection. So not only do the owners of this latest Sprint LTE device have to wait for LTE, they couldn't even get a 3G signal. Well Sprint quickly responded saying that they were aware of the issue and were working on releasing a fix as early as "next week". Now here it is, "next week" and today we have a fix that will be pushed over a 2 day period. Although having no data for a couple days is quite frustrating, it's great to see a carrier like the Now Network jump on a problem like this and fix it quickly. So if your device is starving for some data, keep a look out in your notification bar for the software update version FD02. See the details of the update after the break.

“Galaxy Nexus Software Update – IMM76D.L700FD02

Enhancements/Fixes:
– Device not connecting to data services after activation
– Device not displaying correct network time after activation
– Google Wallet Update

Important Notes:
– Software version is FD02
– This update will be pushed to all devices within a 1-2 day period.
– This update will be available under the following conditions:
      –  Devices experiencing a problem accessing data services, will need to be connected to a WiFi network to receive the udpate.  Once connected to a WiFi network, the software will automatically download in the background and then prompt you to install it.
      –  Devices not experiencing the problem accessing data services will also receive the update. The software will automatically download in the background and then prompt you to install it. There is no need to be connected to WiFi to receive the udpate.
      –  Starting the week of 5/17, Sprint Retail Stores will have the software available to update devices
– Refer to the Galaxy Nexus Software Update blog for further install instructions.”

source: sprintcommunity

 

GS3 purported pics courtesy of anonymous tipster

Posted: 01 May 2012 11:27 AM PDT

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood here in north Texas and what day would be complete without yet another Samsung Galaxy S3 rumor and leaked photos? Our rumor du jour is courtesy of an anonymous tipster that has not only provided two pics of the supposed new Galaxy S3 but has also confirmed that the smartphone titan will indeed provide 12 MP quality stills. Of course this all will be taken with the usual grain of salt with maybe a shot of tequila and lime wedge for good fun, but we all know that the official details are only 3 days away. In the meantime, what do you all think of the pics?

source: sammobile

 

Smartphone market continues to grow, Samsung now takes the lead

Posted: 01 May 2012 09:07 AM PDT

In Q1 of this year, the smartphone market grew by 42.5 percent globally which comes as no surprise given the continued functionality that is being incorporated in the latest phone releases. Among all the major phone manufacturers, Samsung has come out on top as the leader of the pack with 29.1 percent of the pie, having increased 17.8 percent from last years numbers. As an added bonus, Samsung has now bumped Apple to the number two spot with 24.2 percent. What is alarming to me is that HTC is at the very bottom of the chain with an embarrassing 4.8 percent. Even RIM is still slightly stronger at 6.7 percent. So congratulations to Samsung and wake-the-heck-up HTC! Hit the break for more details.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. May 1, 2012 – The worldwide mobile phone market declined 1.5% year over year in the first quarter of 2012 (1Q12), as Samsung ousted longtime leader Nokia to become the world’s top mobile phone vendor. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped 398.4 million units in 1Q12 compared to 404.3 million units in the first quarter of 2011.

Nokia has been the global market leader in total mobile phone shipments since the inception of IDC’s Mobile Phone Tracker in 2004. Samsung’s ascension to the market’s top spot is largely a reflection of its gains in the smartphone market over the past two years. “The halcyon days of rapid growth in the smartphone market have been good to Samsung,” said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker program. “Samsung has used its established relationships with carriers in a mix of economically diverse markets to gain share organically and at the expense of former high fliers such as Nokia.”

Meanwhile, the worldwide smartphone market grew 42.5% year over year in 1Q12, as Samsung overtook Apple for the smartphone leadership position. Vendors shipped 144.9 million smartphones in 1Q12 compared to 101.7 million units in 1Q11. The 42.5% year-over-year growth was 1% higher than IDC’s forecast of 41.5% for the quarter, and lower than the 57.4% growth in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“The race between Apple and Samsung remained tight during the quarter, even as both companies posted growth in key areas,” said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC’s Mobile Phone Technology and Trends program. “Apple launched its popular iPhone 4S in additional key markets, most notably in China, and Samsung experienced continued success from its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet and other Galaxy smartphones. With other companies in the midst of major strategic transitions, the contest between Apple and Samsung will bear close observation as hotly-anticipated new models are launched.”

Smartphone Vendor Highlights

Samsung reclaimed the smartphone leadership position and established a new market record for the number of smartphones shipped in a single quarter. Propelling the company forward was continued expansion of its Galaxy portfolio in nearly all directions – new and old smartphones, product and market segmentation, and multiple price points, screen sizes, and processor speeds.

Apple slipped to second place in the worldwide smartphone market, but nonetheless posted strong year-over-year growth to reach 35.1 million units shipped. Apple’s gains in the market benefited from iPhone availability at additional mobile operators worldwide, as well as sustained end-user demand among both consumers and enterprise users.

Nokia‘s Symbian phone shipments declined precipitously last quarter as demand dropped in key emerging markets, such as China. The company’s current smartphone woes make a speedy transition to products powered by the Windows Phone operating system, upon which it has bet its smartphone future, critical.

Research In Motion‘s BlackBerry unit decline continued last quarter, reaching levels not seen since 2009. Like Nokia, RIM is a company in transition. Smartphones running on its new platform, BB 10, will be released later this year. Until then, results like these may be a sign of things to come.

HTC‘s struggles in the U.S. market once again negatively affected its overall performance. However, its relatively strong performance in Asia/Pacific still allowed the company to maintain its position among the top 5 smartphone vendors. The company is staking future success in large part on its One X and S products.

Top Five Worldwide Smartphone Vendors, Shipments, and Market Share, Q1 2012 (Units in Millions) 

Vendor

1Q12 Unit Shipments

1Q12 Market Share

1Q11 Unit Shipments

1Q11 Market Share

Year-over-year Change
Samsung

42.2

29.1%

11.5

11.3%

267.0%
Apple

35.1

24.2%

18.6

18.3%

88.7%
Nokia

11.9

8.2%

24.2

23.8%

-50.8%
Research In Motion

9.7

6.7%

13.8

13.6%

-29.7%
HTC

6.9

4.8%

9.0

8.9%

-23.3%
Others

39.1

27.0%

24.5

24.1%

59.6%
Total

144.9

100.0%

101.7

100.0%

42.5%



Posted by at 5:40 AM

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