Thursday, June 14, 2012

AndroidGuys

AndroidGuys


Sprint Galaxy S III training videos leak well ahead of device launch

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 02:59 PM PDT

Who doesn't love a good sneak peek? We do, and we know you do, too. While the Galaxy S III isn't set to launch on Sprint until June 21st, no less than 15 training videos for Sprint employees on the device have leaked into the wild, and you can check them all out for yourself.

These videos show you everything from Smart Gestures to S Beam, and everything in between. They are all short - less than a minute and a half - but have a plethora of information.

So what are you waiting for? Hit up the source link below and check them out for yourself!

via insidesprintnow

Sprint Galaxy S III training videos leak well ahead of device launch originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Plugbook could be a blogger’s best friend

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 02:52 PM PDT

It's not often that we write about Kickstarter projects, especially twice in one day.  But, hey, what are you gonna do about it?  We've just learned of a project that has ten days left on it but is just a little over halfway to goal.  It's called Plugbook and it looks like my new best friend.

Designed with two USB chargers and two traditional outlets, the Plugbook gives users up to ten feet of extension cable.  Only need to use a extra foot or two?  No problem.  Gotta charge up the phone, tablet, and digital camera before leaving the office?  Done.  As someone who carries around multiple devices on a regular basis, this is the type of gadget that would find a welcome spot on my bookshelf.

The Kickstarter project runs through June 24th and is taking support in the $25+ range.  For that much money you will get a Plugbook in your choice (Black  or White) and free shipping to USA or Europe.   Pledge $35 and get yours in Encyclopedia Red! Of course you could get benevolent and buy a pair of them for $45, giving one to dad for Father's Day.  He might not have a tablet, but he's probably got a drill!

 

Plugbook could be a blogger’s best friend originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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KeyCase Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Keyboard Case review

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Looking to add a bit of functionality and protection to your Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1?  Take a peek at KeyCase's Keyboard Case which features a faux leather cover and integrated Bluetooth keyboard.  Why bother putting your tablet in a case and carrying around a wireless keyboard when you can have both in one accessory?

The silicone keys, which are soft and responsive, are about the same size you'd find on a standard netbook.  And, unlike a traditional Bluetooth keyboard, the dedicated Android keys put your most oft-used functions a tap away.  You'll find buttons for HOME, LOCK, SEARCH, VOICE, VOLUME, BACK, and more.

The keyboard charges via microUSB and promises to hold 100 hours of standby time, however I've not paid that close of attention.  I simply charge it up whenever I am charging the tablet and don't think twice.  In terms of use, KeyCase indicates up to 90 hours of typing but, again, I don't count how much time I spend in front of the tablet.  To save battery juice, the keyboard will automatically turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity and reconnect with the press of a button.

I really like the tight fit of the case and find that when it's all folded up it still comes in lighter than a laptop.  Propped up, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 feels and acts like a netbook that runs Android, which is a good thing.

The KeyCase Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Keyboard Case we reviewed was provided to us from the generous folks at GearZap, who offer a vast array of accessories for many Android devices.  If you're in the market for additional Galaxy Tab 10.1 goodies, I would reccommend starting with this page.

Order one from GearZap for £39.95 (about 62.03 US)  inc. VAT (normally £59.95)!

KeyCase Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Keyboard Case review originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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HTC not concerned with lower end of smartphone spectrum

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 12:03 PM PDT

Don't look for a new low-end smartphone series out of the HTC camp anytime soon.  The Taiwanese handset maker has decided that they would much rather focus on a more premium experience with better (costlier) materials.  Rather than risk a tarnished image or negative smartphone experience, HTC plans to keep a simple portfolio stocked with flagship-worthy designs.  HTC also plans to further push into developing smartphone markets, including China and India.

"We don't want to destroy our brand image...We insist on using better materials to make better products that offer premium experience. Many consumers like that." - HTC CEO Peter Chou to the Wall Street Journal.

What do you guys think of this?  Is it a good idea to stay with a premium smartphone experience or are they cutting off too much potential?  Will this be enough to revitalize the HTC brand around the world?

WSJ (subscribe)

HTC not concerned with lower end of smartphone spectrum originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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New Adobe Connect experience gives hosting, collaboration power to mobile

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 10:43 AM PDT

Adobe announced on Tuesday that they've released a new version of their web conference software service, Adobe Connect 9, which has very strong mobile implications.  Users with Android, iOS, and BlackBerry PlayBook will find that they can manage the entire webinar experience from their mobile device just as they would from a desktop.  Both Adobe Connect and its mobile counterpart, Adobe Connect Mobile 2.0, have been enhanced with a significant number of improvements and features.

  • Customizable Event Landing Pages and Catalogs – Templates enable quick creation of landing pages, speaker information, registration pages and login pages. Templates can be customized using rich components, including images, tables, charts and carousels.
  • Template-based Email Content and Triggers – Either standard or custom, email templates can be developed quickly and easily using new drag-and-drop capabilities. Email triggers can be created for specified registration groups at predefined times.
  • Engagement Dashboard – Monitor event engagement in real time. A color-coded meter helps event hosts track message effectiveness. Critical information can be tracked to improve future events.
  • Online Analytics – Event organizers can analyze participant engagement and identify the most effective meeting elements and topics. Dynamic analytics capabilities provide real-time insight into the performance of individual marketing promotions and programs as a whole.
  • Advanced Mobile Support for Meetings and Training – Meeting hosts enjoy greater flexibility presenting from mobile devices, leveraging whiteboard and annotation tools and the ability to share documents from tablets, as well as the cloud. Instructors can manage virtual classrooms from devices with the same presenter and sharing options, as well as breakout room controls.

I spent some time chatting up a few members of the Adobe team last week, getting a sneak preview of the new experience.  My takeaway was that Adobe was pretty far ahead of other webinar software companies, especially in the area of mobile.  Watching the demos, I saw plenty of use cases for Adobe Connect, including HR, pharmaceutical, retail management, and more.  It's stuff like this that will have companies thinking twice about creating elaborate corporate meetings where they need to fly out hundreds (up to 1,500!) people to share the annual agenda.

It's one thing to join a conference from a tablet - It's entirely different when you can host and manage the full monty from your tablet or phone.  On top of the standard Adobe Connect experience, tablet whiteboard and annotations make a compelling argument for a 10-inch device.  And, since things work smoothly over 3G and 4G, there's no need to find a hotspot or WiFi connection.  You can stay on the golf course, wooing potential clients.  I know that there are other players in the field and that each has their own benefits and feature set, however Adobe looks to be leading the charge.

Read more at Adobe's blog. [1] [2]

New Adobe Connect experience gives hosting, collaboration power to mobile originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Smule adds Magic Piano to growing Android lineup

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 09:38 AM PDT

Smule is back again, bringing another one of their popular iOS titles to Android.  Today sees Magic Piano joining Songify in the Google Play store as a free and fun way to spend your free time.  Like the iOS version, Magic Piano lets users play classical pieces and contemporary classics on their touch screens.  Follow the falling dots and keep time for more than 200 songs across just about every music genre imaginable, ranging from Beethoven to Bruno Mars.  Although the app is free to install and play, with new freebies added regularly, Magic Piano offers additional songs for a nominal fee, or Smoola.

With more than 14 million iOS users having played 135 billions notes, we anticipate this to be a big hit on Android.  Speaking of big hits, Smule's Songify has already amassed more than 1.5 million downloads since hitting Google Play just one month ago.

About Magic Piano:

  • 1 million songs played every day, which equals 10,000 notes per second!
  • Offers over 200 songs of all genres, more than any other piano app. Hot new hits and new free songs released daily.
  • Play your favorite songs by following beams of light and tapping the screen. Control the notes, rhythm, and tempo, allowing your creativity to shine.
  • Special Android-only features, such as the ability to share your music any way you like, from SMS to Google+.
  • Part of the Smule family, with over 47 million installs and more than 500 million songs played.

 

Smule adds Magic Piano to growing Android lineup originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Full details for Sony’s new Xperia Miro, Xperia tipo

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 08:38 AM PDT

Sony today unveiled not one, but two Android smartphones, slated for release later this year.  Like the Xperia miro, the Xperia tipo is a fun, stylish, and smallish Android 4.0 handset with Sony's custom touches.  The two feature similar specifications and should make for decent first smartphone experiences when they hit Europe in the third quarter (Q3 12).

Here's a quick spec rundown for the Xperia miro and Xperia tipo, but keep in mind that Android is not all about hardware.  Sony does a wonderful job of integrating their own services and apps to help enhance the user experience.  Both of these devices feature Sony's Xperia Infinite Button, TimeScape, and other tweaks to help their phones stand out from other.  Not only that, but Sony provides a number of color options to suit your moods or personality.

Sony Xperia miro

Xperia miro

  • Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
  • 800 MHz Qualcomm MSM7225 processor
  • 3.5 inch (320x480) display
  • 4GB internal storage
  • 512MB RAM
  • 5-megapixel camera
  • microSD expansion

Sony Xperia tipo

Xperia tipo

  • Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
  • 800 MHz Qualcomm MSM7225 processor
  • 3.2 inch (320x480) display
  • 2.9GB internal storage
  • 512MB RAM
  • 3.2-megapixel camera
  • microSD expansion

Read more about the Sony Xperia miro and Xperia tipo.

Full details for Sony’s new Xperia Miro, Xperia tipo originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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HURRY! Back the Une Bobine before Kickstarter project ends

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 06:51 AM PDT

Ask any tech blogger in the mobile industry and they'll tell you that there's a seemingly endless list of Kickstarter projects looking for funding.  It seems that not a week goes by where someone isn't asking for you to help promote or fund their new device.  And, while most of them go unfunded and undeveloped, some of them get backed and see the light of day.  A select few are able to move beyond Kickstarter and on to bigger, better things.  Such is the case with [Fuse]Chicken and the Une Bobine.

Not only has this Kickstarter project been funded nearly twenty (20!) times over, but things are looking good for a potential retail push and/or expanded roster of accessories.  As of right now there are less than three full days left to get on board and get your hands on an Une Bobine.  What's an Une Bobine?  Only the handiest USB charger/stand you'll use with your Android phone.  Here, let me how you how it works.

I was able to spend some time at the [Fuse]Chicken office yesterday where I learned how the design and development process came about. The project lead, Jon Fawcett, walked me through some of the early prototypes and showed me how they worked with a number of Android devices. Trust me when I say that the Une Bobine is strong, flexible, and very practical. You can see in the picture below that the Une Bobine is able to support a Galaxy Note in landscape mode.

Thanks to the USB connectivity, this guy plugs into your standard charger plugs, laptop, car, and more. The arm is strong enough to bend and position without worry of getting lazy or slouching over time. Available in two length options (1' or 2'), you can pick one up the micro|USB for Android, BlackBerry, and other mobile devices. Yeah, there's also the iPhone and iPod connector, but you wouldn't care about that, right? Oh... you know someone who owns one of those? Might as well tell them about the Une Bobine, too.

Potential uses for Une Bobine

  • Charge your phone by connecting to USB or a wall charger
  • Sync with a computer by connecting to USB
  • Hold your phone in your car
  • Place at eye level for video chat
  • Hold your phone steady for photography and videography

The Une Bobine has a number practical use cases beyond charging your phone or device. The two foot cable would be very easy to wrap around a small tree branch to hang your phone for group photos. What's more, this would be a great companion for us bloggers who like to use our smartphones to capture videos but need an extra hand. Bendable in pretty much any direction, I'd not be surprised if you found your own reason to use one.

 

The Kickstarter project ends on Friday June 15 so get involved right away. Pledge whatever amount you want to help keep production swimming along, but know that $25 (or more) will score you a last one Une Bobine for yourself.  On top of that, [Fuse]Chicken will throw in a three-foot extension cable and free shipping. If or when the Une Bobine goes into retail production, you'll not see a deal as good as this.

HURRY! Back the Une Bobine before Kickstarter project ends originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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New Xperia Miro announced by Sony

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 06:03 AM PDT

Remember that little countdown timer from Sony we mentioned a couple days ago? Well, it has finally hit zero, and... what do we have here? Say hello to the new mid-range device focused on social aspects, the Xperia Miro.

The initial unveiling took place on Sony's Facebook, and here's what we've got for specs:

  • 3.5 inch design
  • 5MP Camera
  • Android 4.0 ICS
  • UXP NXT Sony software

Unfortunately, that's all we're getting from Sony at the moment. However, there's also a promo video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

According to that, we're seeing an expansion of the company's "Facebook Inside Xperia" program, which attempts to bring base-level integration between the social network and the device itself.

While the device looks to be a European exclusive for now, we don't have any word on if it will hit the U.S.. The device comes in silver,white,black, and even pink. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on this by commenting below!

New Xperia Miro announced by Sony originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Samsung TecTiles could usher in real demand for NFC

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 05:55 AM PDT

Samsung today officially unveiled their new NFC-based technology that, if you can believe it, is not tied to mobile payments.  Called TecTiles, it's Samsung's way of bringing near field communications to the masses.  What does it do for Android?  Whatever you want, really.

Users can carry one in their pocket/wallet with contact information and share that with new friends and associates.  Want to make it so your phone goes to silent and turns on the alarm clock?  Put one by your bedside.  Have a private WiFi that you'd like to share?  Put on in the office and have co-workers tap it on the way into the meeting.

Here are a few scenarios where TecTiles would work:

  • Change phone settings (Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ringer/media volume, screen brightness, etc.)
  • Send a text message
  • Share a contact or business card
  • Show an address on a map
  • Foursquare or Facebook check-in
  • Post a tweet or follow a contact on Twitter

Essentially 1-inch squares of paper with NFC chips embedded inside, the back of a TecTile is adhesive and can be placed anywhere.  Users are able to program the TecTile with whatever command they want and use it over and over.  Available in bundles of five, Samsung is going to be selling these in your local carrier retail stores for $14.99 per pack. The best part of this?  You do not have to have a Samsung Galaxy S III to take advantage of TecTiles!

Samsung NFC-Enabled Android TM Smartphones

  • Samsung Galaxy S® III on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon
  • Samsung Galaxy S® II on T-Mobile
  • Galaxy Nexus TM on Verizon, Sprint and GSM Unlocked
  • Nexus TM S ® 4G on Sprint
  • Samsung Galaxy S® Blaze ® 4G on T-Mobile

 

Samsung Mobile Puts All The Pieces in Place to Bring NFC To The Masses

 

Inexpensive, easy to use Samsung TecTiles™ Programmable NFC Tags can be customized to launch apps, send text messages, share contact information, change phone settings and more, with an NFC-enabled Galaxy smartphone

 DALLAS — June 13, 2012 — Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) is helping consumers realize the potential of NFC technology today with the creation of Samsung TecTiles™ and the TecTile™ programming application. With the largest user base of NFC-enabled devices in the United States and TecTiles available in all four major carrier stores and at major online retailers at the launch of the Galaxy S III, Samsung is ensuring NFC becomes a part of daily life.

With a simple tap of an NFC-enabled phone to a TecTile, consumers are able to automate everyday functions of a smartphone including sending a "headed/at home" text message, silencing the phone when entering a meeting, setting an alarm, and dimming the display when going to bed.

Samsung TecTiles will transform how businesses large and small engage with consumers. On premise, TecTiles enable consumers to check-in on Facebook® or foursquare®, connect to Wi-Fi® or download content. Off-premise, businesses can use TecTiles as a way to market to and engage with consumers by enabling reward programs and to download discount offers or content.

"With millions of NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy smartphones currently in the market and the arrival of our flagship device Galaxy S® III, Samsung saw an opportunity to expand the value of NFC beyond mobile payments," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America, the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S. and worldwide[1]. "The launch of Samsung TecTiles is another example of Samsung's ability to innovate new products and applications that improve the way we use our mobile devices for everyday tasks."

Samsung TecTiles are easy to program with any NFC-enabled smartphone and the free application, which can be found in the Google Play™ marketplace. TecTiles can be reprogrammed as often as needed to complete any of the following functions on an NFC-enabled phone:

Settings & Applications

  • Change phone settings (Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ringer/media volume, screen brightness, etc.)
  • Launch an application
  • Join a Wi-Fi Network
  • Show a message

Communication

  • Make a call
  • Send a text message
  • Start a Google Talk™ conversation
  • Share a contact or business card

Location & Web

  • Show an address on a map
  • Open a web page
  • Foursquare or Facebook check-in

Social

  • Automatic Facebook "Like"
  • Update Facebook status
  • Post a tweet or follow a contact on Twitter
  • Connect on LinkedIn®

Samsung NFC-Enabled Android TM Smartphones

  • Samsung Galaxy S® III on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon
  • Samsung Galaxy S® II on T-Mobile
  • Galaxy Nexus TM on Verizon, Sprint and GSM Unlocked
  • Nexus TM S ® 4G on Sprint
  • Samsung Galaxy S® Blaze ® 4G on T-Mobile

Pricing/Availability

Priced at $14.99 for a pack of five, TecTiles programmable NFC sticker tags are now available for purchase online and in-store at AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. The Samsung TecTiles app is now available for download at the Google Play store.

© Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC.  Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S, and TecTiles are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Android and Nexus are trademarks of Google Inc.  All other company names, product names and marks are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks. 

Links for more information:

 

Samsung TecTiles could usher in real demand for NFC originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Mod to Android OS helps protect your privacy by giving your apps false information

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 05:50 AM PDT

We're always, as users, on the lookout for more mobile security. The Technology Review from MIT just did a piece on programs that are designed to keep your personal data away from mobile apps that want to access contacts. In that list comes a full rewrite of Android by developer Plamen Kosseff, where the rewritten OS gives fake data to any app that requests info from a mobile devices. Does an app want bookmarks? What the app will get is the default bookmarks that come standard in the browser. Wants access to you contacts? It'll get a completely blank contact list.

While this is a little extreme, and has a definite possibility of hindering app functionality, it's still a pretty cool concept. Let us know what you think in the comments.

via bgr | technologyreview

 

Mod to Android OS helps protect your privacy by giving your apps false information originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Apple’s request for early injunction against Samsung denied, Galaxy S III will launch on time

Posted: 13 Jun 2012 05:35 AM PDT

Score one for Samsung, folks. Apple's attempt to hold back the Galaxy S III failed, as the request for an early injunction by Apple was denied by Lucy Koh, u.S. District Judge from San Jose. Basically, she was too busy to hear the case before June 21st, which is when the Galaxy S III will launch here in the states. This means that the Galaxy S III will remain untouched legally, at least until after the launch date. Keep in mind: this doesn't mean that the trial won't happen, it just won't happen in time for Apple to manipulate utilize the court system quickly enough to keep the phone out of consumer hands.

This has the capacity to be a huge blow to Apple. According to Dan Levine, mobile Analyst:

"...delays in moving its cases through the courts is a blow to Apple's efforts to get quick and favorable rulings that it hopes would give it an edge in the marketplace for mobile devices."

Do you think the denial of an early injunction could harm Apple's sales enough to make an impact? let us know in the comments.

via reuters | androidcentral

Apple’s request for early injunction against Samsung denied, Galaxy S III will launch on time originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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Sprint slated to take down 9,600 iDEN towers by October

Posted: 12 Jun 2012 07:21 PM PDT

Sprint has recently announced more plans to decommission their iDEN network. They have now said that they have selected vendors throughout the country to remove Sprint's equipment from cell towers and base stations fro recycling and re-use.

Sprint has also said that they plan to decommission 9,600 iDEN towers by the end of the third quarter. This would coincide with their recent cease of iDEN handset offering, wherein they have begun transitioning Push-To-Talk users to their PTT DirectConnect service, which is CDMA based. The iDEN network should be fully decommissioned by June 30, 2012, according to Sprint.

via phonescoop

Sprint slated to take down 9,600 iDEN towers by October originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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