Android Phone Fans |
- How will Google continue to support Maps on iOS?
- Because pulling out your phone is too much work, check out these jeans with transparent pockets!
- Google feels the pain, lowers price for Google Maps API
- Got your US Samsung Galaxy S3? It can now be rooted, regardless of what carrier version it is
- Firefox teases “something BIG is coming your way”
- [Deal] Samsung Galaxy S III free for new connection. Canada only
- 8 minute detailed video spills the beans on the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity
- Warning to our Indian readers: be wary of Flipkart while buying devices
- A little addition to Chris’ last post
| How will Google continue to support Maps on iOS? Posted: 23 Jun 2012 06:49 PM PDT
In a Google+ post talking about Street View, Googler Jeff Huber encountered a comment from a disappointed Google Maps fan. He then responded with a very vague but hopeful comment:
We have no idea what this could mean, and this is by no means any announcement or leaked information. We could see Google attempting different strategies to stay relevant for iOS users, though. They could support Google Maps via HTML5 or a good web app. Another method would be to support their native app via the Apple App Store. Users could then simply download it. This would still not be as convenient as having it installed directly on the device’s stock software. But would it be a good move from Google? Definitely – Us Android fans always say that options are good. As already mentioned, we do not know what will become of this pandemonium, but Google is already planning ahead. They have just lowered their prices for using the Google Maps API, and significantly. There is also a flurry of new features coming, including their unbelievably realistic 3D maps. As for us Android users, we will continue enjoying Google Maps as we always have. How do you guys think Google should handle this, though? [Source: Jeff Huber (Google+) Via: The Next Web]
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| Because pulling out your phone is too much work, check out these jeans with transparent pockets! Posted: 23 Jun 2012 02:59 PM PDT
The extraneous pair of pants feature a transparent pocket that is covered by a zipped piece of cloth. Upon unzipping the pocket, you will only find a transparent layer separating you from your precious smartphone. And what is even more interesting is that one can operate touchscreen devices through this transparent film. Aside from using your phone in the rain, we really don’t see too much use for these. The feature seems like a luxury, or even a “gimmick.” We suppose it would be a cheater’s dream during a test, or convenient just for using it in the bus or any similar situation. But for $160, this pilot-pocket-inspired pants come at a very high price. So what do you guys say? Would you get some of these? I can totally see Chris rocking these pants.      
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| Google feels the pain, lowers price for Google Maps API Posted: 23 Jun 2012 02:20 PM PDT
Developers have been paying $4 for every 1000 Map loads after a daily limit of free 25,000 hits. This price has been brought down to $0.50 per 1,000 third-party app map loads. In addition, Google is also relieving developers from “styled maps” distinctions. Such developers would get a lower usage limit before these changes. The vast majority of apps using the API will not exceed the 25,000 daily hits. In fact, Google states that only about 0.35% of them exceed said limits. But there is no doubt companies of the likes of Apple and Foursquare reach their limit very quickly. It is hard to say if developers will start flocking back to Google’s wing. We know Apple won’t. But at least current users and upcoming developers will see this as a great incentive. Google IO is coming next week, and we will probably be hearing more about the improved 3D map features. Which by the way, look rather impressive. We know Google will be working hard to improve its Map services, and with lower prices it hopes to keep as many partners as possible. [Source: Google Developers]
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| Got your US Samsung Galaxy S3? It can now be rooted, regardless of what carrier version it is Posted: 23 Jun 2012 01:37 PM PDT
It has only been a couple of days since AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile devices started hitting the streets (though with some delays). It goes without saying that developers are not going to let a phone of this magnitude slide through their curious fingers and have been hard at work. We now have root methods for all three versions of Samsung’s flagship device. It is only a matter of time before those ROMs start becoming available, as the source codes have been released as well. As always, though, we advice that the light-hearted stay away from all of these geeky procedures. There is the usual risks of bricking your device and/or voiding your warranty, so only root your phone if you are willing to take all responsibilities and do your fair share of research. If you are still down to start taking full advantage of this beast’s stunning specs and capabilities, you can hit the links below to start digging into your shiny devices. And don’t worry, Verizon users. We are sure a root method will be available for you soon after Big Red rolls this one out. Did you get yours yet? Are you ready to root it, or are you holding off for now? [Source: XDA Developers - T-Mobile version / AT&T version / Sprint Version]
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| Firefox teases “something BIG is coming your way” Posted: 23 Jun 2012 11:43 AM PDT
I love a good tease, and Mozilla’s just posted one on their Twitter page. Apparently, something BIG is coming our way next week. We’ve got no clue (though I’m betting their UI unification would be part of it). Will it be big enough to be noticeable with all the I/O news, though? [Twitter via Mobile Syrup]
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| [Deal] Samsung Galaxy S III free for new connection. Canada only Posted: 23 Jun 2012 10:53 AM PDT
Canada, this is your moment. The only time most of the Americans (and the rest of the world) will look at you and say “I wish I lived there”. Why? Because NCIX.com is giving you guys the Samsung Galaxy S III for FREE, with a new activation on a 3-year term on Bell. You can check out the details here. Thanks, Michael
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| 8 minute detailed video spills the beans on the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity Posted: 23 Jun 2012 10:41 AM PDT We’ve got no clue on when the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity would be out, and to be honest we’ve pretty much forgotten this tablet with the Nexus on our minds. But this video below managed to make its way to Reddit, and I’ve got to say, I like the look of it. Check it out, and then tell us in the comments if you’d prefer a powerful tablet like a Transformer or a cut-down, cheaper Nexus? Personally, I prefer the Nexus. I have my laptop with me for most serious work, while the tablet is used more for reading and watching movies on the rare occasion I’m travelling. [Reddit via Talk Android]
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| Warning to our Indian readers: be wary of Flipkart while buying devices Posted: 23 Jun 2012 08:19 AM PDT
For those who haven’t heard of the company, Flipkart is the “Indian Amazon” of sorts. The two co-founders were, in fact, emplyed by Amazon.com prior to coming together to start the company. Flipkart has been lauded over the past year or two for their practices which managed to get Indian customers to finally spend more money buying goods on the internet. One of the highlights of their services is employing their own delivery people, who’s company uniform helps the site gain more visibility. As with Amazon, Flipkart first began as a bookseller before moving on to other goods. Having garnered users’ trust, they moved on to more expensive products such as mobile phones, TVs and air conditioners, products that hardly anyone would have been ready to buy online in the country until very recently. However, at this point I must warn you against purchasing such items from the site. A friend of mine recently ordered a Samsung Galaxy S III from Flipkart. He had to pay an exorbitant amount for it: the phone costs Rs. 38,000 and upwards (approximately $665), but he really wanted the phone. He chose Cash-on-Delivery as his preferred mode of payment, which is common over here. Flipkart has a strange practice that the customer must first pay the money before checking if the product is fine, even if the mode of payment is Cash-on-Delivery. Fortunately, the delivery guy made an exception and allowed him to first check if everything’s in order. It wasn’t. The first thing he noticed was a broken seal. He pointed this out to the delivery guy, before opening the box. USB cable and charger: check. Headphones: check. Warranty and user guide: check. Phone: missing. Immediately, a call was made to the Flipkart customer care to point this out. Their response (to the delivery guy) was to ask my friend to hand over the money to them. Yep. They wanted him to pay Rs 38,000 for the phone. Without giving him the phone. Now, I understand that they would probably send him another device some time later, as they would with someone who purchases using a credit card. But to still expect a customer to pay that large a sum, after this experience, is hilarious. Even the delivery guy said so, and left the place without taking the money from my friend. This post is in no ways meant to trash Flipkart. Some aspects of their services are exceptional and the company has been gamechangers in regards to E-commerce in India. However, I would advise you against purchasing from them. Go to a local store, where you can first check if everything’s there. And, more importantly, they will get you a better deal. Just bargain a bit, but you will end up paying less than you would to Flipkart. And even if you must, choose Cash-on-Delivery, but don’t pay until after you’ve ensured the box does contain everything.
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| A little addition to Chris’ last post Posted: 23 Jun 2012 06:22 AM PDT
First, thank you Chris. Your last post gave me the perfect start to the day. I’ve been keeping an eye on the news regarding this Apple – Motorola lawsuit for the past couple of weeks ever since I first heard the Judge Posner was looking to throw out the case until either side could prove monetary loss. After years of shambles, we had finally heard some sense coming out of the software patent side of things. Reading up a bit more about the verdict, it was heartening to see Judge Posner echoing the countless comments we’ve made for so long: that companies are using courts as a strategy to boost their marketshare, and that software patents hold much less value than the claimants would have us believe. This particular statement, that I came across on Android Police, stood out for me:
Make no mistake: while this is a win for Android itself, but more importantly the entire software community at large as long as it sets a precedent for similar cases in the future. If other judges follow the lead, instances of patent trolls going after indie developers might become a thing of the past. Cases such as Yahoo vs Facebook might become a thing of the past. Cases such as this which makes me despise humanity might become a thing of the past. (If you’ve got the time, please read the link I’ve shared in the last sentence).
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