Saturday, June 2, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Verizon to Push the Android 4.0.4 ICS Update to the Motorola Xoom 4G LTE on June 4th

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:22 PM PDT

In their usual timely manner, Verizon is gearing up to finally push the ICS update to the Motorola Xoom 4G LTE on June 4th. The update will be the exact same Android 4.0.4 IMM76K update that the Galaxy Nexus is getting and will most likely rollout in stages. Big Red has already posted the support documents on their support page so if you want to see the official stuff hit the source link at the end of this post.

As far as what is included, you can expect the usual Ice Cream Sandwich features as well as bug fixes, better stability, improved speech-to-text software and network connectivity, a built-in photo editor, and the swipe to dismiss notifications feature. As I said earlier, not much new but long over due at any rate. These should be welcomed changes to you Xoom 4G owners. Enjoy the Cream, friends.

source: Verizon

 

 

Google to Hold ‘The Next Dimension Of Google Maps’ Event on June 6th

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 03:53 PM PDT

Today we received an invite from Google to attend a Google Maps event next Wednesday, June 6th where they plan to unveil the "Next Dimension of Maps." Details are pretty slim right now but I imagine this has something to do with the next step in Google's 3D mapping programs and a basic improvement over Google Maps in general.

At this invitation-only press gathering, Brian McClendon, VP of Google Maps and Google Earth, will give you a behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision. We'll also demo some of the newest technology and provide a sneak peek at upcoming features that will help people get where they want to go – both physically and virtually. We hope to see you there.

What's interesting about the timing of the event is that Apple plans to veer away from using Google Maps on all of their products and will unveil their 3D competitor only five days later at WWDC 2012. Looks like Google knows about their fruity plans and wants to cut them off at the pass. What, you didn’t think the Apple / Google Maps divorce was going to be pretty, did you?

Either way we will know more next week and I imagine in typical Google fashion they have something stellar up their sleeve. Anyone care to guess what groundbreaking stuff they will unveil? Shout it out in the comments below.

Images of T-Mobile’s Galaxy S III Leaks, Physical Home Button Included

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 03:10 PM PDT

Our friends over at The Verge just received what is believed to be press shots of the T-Mobile Galaxy S III. We have recently heard rumors of a June 20th launch on T-Mo and now we can put a face to the name. What’s interesting about these images is that the device adorns the physical home button which has previously been abandoned on U.S. Galaxy devices in the past. Also worth noting is that the color options remain the same as overseas versions of the kit. Usually when a U.S. carrier brings on a device that is offered through other carriers, it has been their M.O. to molest the device’s appearance to make it stand out more. Not in this case. If these images are the real deal it just goes to show that Sammy is starting to put their foot down on cosmetic alterations and are taking a ‘Take it or leave it’ stance. Good for you, Samsung. You’ve earned it.

No word on pricing or exact availability for the T-Mobile Galaxy S III but if previous rumors hold any truth we should see a launch on July 20th along with our friends from up North. Now the real question is how do you U.S. peeps feel about a physical home button? I think I like the idea really.

source: The Verge

 

 

PowerA’s ‘Moga’ Bluetooth Gaming Conrtoller is Sure to Change the Game

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 09:35 AM PDT

Ever noticed how Android games are becoming more and more refined yet the ability to control them hasn’t? We are starting to see console quality games on phones and tablets and even more so on Tegra 3 devices. The only problem with having these awesome games is that the on screen touch controls never really seem to improve. I’ve found that the best way to play a game on my tablet is with a Bluetooth controller but when I want to use my phone I find that propping up the device when I am out and about can be quite annoying. Enter PowerA’s Moga bluetooth game controller for Android devices, a sure fire end to annoying game play on Android smartphones.

What makes the Moga controller different from the dozens of other Bluetooth controllers is that it has a pop-up smartphone clamp built in to the unit. Once opened, the clamp can strategically hold your smartphone and will pretty much replicate the perfect handheld gaming scenario. The controller even comes with a companion app that will decipher which of your installed games are compatible with an external controller and stores them neatly in one place.

The Moga game controller is due to be available in time for the 2012 holiday season but exact pricing and availability is still unknown. This is one Android accessory that has gotten our attention so you can be sure we will keep you up to date when any new information is available.

source: Engadget

Samsung Shows us ‘A Day In the Life’ with the Galaxy S III [Video]

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 08:46 AM PDT

If you were wondering what life would be like if you owned the new Galaxy S III, well, Samsung has you covered. Sammy just uploaded a video to YouTube titled, “Samsung Galaxy S III – A Day In The Life,” and shows how the device will take center stage in any cheesy family household. After you watch this three and a half minute video you will ask yourself how you’ve lived such a happy life without the GSIII.

The video basically outlines all the neat features that are packed inside the Galaxy S III. There really isn’t anything new except for how the device can make any family member smile. While I think the phone will be a huge success, I don’t think this video will play any role. Jump past the cut to check out the video for yourself and be sure to leave us a comment. I know you will be dying to say something!

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

 

Sprint Stores Will Stock the HTC Evo 4G LTE this Saturday, June 2nd

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 08:04 AM PDT

For those of you folks who have been waiting to go into an actual brick and mortar Sprint store to pick up a new HTC Evo 4G LTE, well, you wait is almost over. Sprint has finally given us the go ahead to mention to everyone that they plan to be fully stocked in most retail locations across the nation beginning this Saturday, June 2nd. Just in case you live in a small town or in an area where stock might be limited, you may want to call ahead of time just to verify that your local store will have a device for you when you get there. Price on contract is $199 and if you still have any doubts about this kit be sure to check out our initial hands on video and full review. This is one sweet phone and I was definitely sad when we had to return the review unit. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

 

MOTOACTV gets major update to 7.2, Adds Facebook Twitter and more

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 07:27 AM PDT

The MOTOACTV sports/fitness watch seemed cool when it first launched, but I must say, Motorola has done a fine job with updates and has really made it the best watch to own, even if you’re not a fitness nut. This latest update (version 7.2) now allows you to see Facebook updates and read your Twitter updates. Plus there are more options for golf, better workout planning, and so much more. To get the update, just plug your MOTOACTV into your PC or MAC. Hit the break for the full list of enhancements.

New Views, More Options for Golf - To improve game tracking, we added tee location options, more choices for ball lie marking and the ability to track the distance of your putts. We also extended the club distance range in Clubs Profile to better accommodate more players. Playing on a course with multiple segments? No problem! Your MOTOACTV can now support that too!

More Flexible Workout Planning – You can now define your targets foreach stage of any activity including running, walking, cycling and more. If you’re a runner, you can set a moderate warm up pace for the first 15 minutes, kick it into high gear for the next 30 minutes, and then set the pace for a 10 minute cool down. From warm-up to cool down and everything in between, plan it, do it, track it – better.

New Heart Rate Choices for Fitness Zones - You can now have dedicated heart rate zones for any activity. Specify which types of zones you’d like to use for each workout (basic, Carmichael or custom). Allow MOTOACTV to update your max heart rate, or stay in full control by manually updating your zones and heart rate metrics. Note: Motorola Heart Rate Monitor and Chest Strap for MOTOACTV required.

See Facebook and Twitter - Get wall posts and tweets directly on your MOTOACTV. Just go to the Google Play Store and search for MOTOACTV Facebook and Twitter plug-ins on your Android smartphone. Install the plug-ins along with the latest version of the MOTOACTV app.

Start Key Is Now a Smarter Key - If your display has gone to sleep while you’re working out, wake it up by pressing the start key.

Add More Custom Activities, Better Accuracy - Variety is the spice of life and your workouts! Add and track as many new activities as you want – quickly and easily, and know that your calories burned are even more accurate than ever.

Better Views of Your Post-workout Map - Zoom in and pan out on route details after your workout. Touch “Show Route” on the workout summary screen, then touch the screen to zoom in. Pressing and holding on the route screen enables panning.

Easier Wi-Fi Network Setup - You can run, but your SSID can no longer hide! If your Wi-Fi network’s name (SSID) is hidden, you can still configure your MOTOACTV. Don’t worry. We’ll make it quick and easy.

 source: motorola

 

Google files antitrust suit against Nokia and Microsoft in Europe

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 06:49 AM PDT

It looks like Google is going on the offensive by filing an antitrust suit against Microsoft and Nokia in Europe. Google is actually calling this a defensive measure, and their complaint is that both Microsoft and Nokia are using proxy companies like Canada-based Mosaid Technologies to enforce their patents and share the revenues derived from them.

As you know Nokia is now making phones based on Microsoft’s Windows Phone software. Because of this, Microsoft and Nokia formed a cross-licensing deal for their patents. Shortly after that was in place, Mosaid bought an entity called Core Wireless, which owned 2,000 patents and patent applications originally filed by Nokia. Google is alleging that Nokia colluded with Microsoft and Mosaid, and as a result, reversed course on their commitment to open-source software.

“Nokia and Microsoft are colluding to raise the costs of mobile devices for consumers, creating patent trolls that sidestep promises both companies have made,” a Google spokesman said in a statement. “They should be held accountable, and we hope our complaint spurs others to look into these practices.”

Microsoft made the following statement: “Google is complaining about patents when it won’t respond to growing concerns by regulators, elected officials and judges about its abuse of standard-essential patents, and it is complaining about antitrust in the smartphone industry when it controls more than 95% of mobile search and advertising. This seems like a desperate tactic on their part.”

Nokia had this to say: “Though we have not yet seen the complaint, Google’s suggestion that Nokia and Microsoft are colluding on intellectual property rights is wrong. Both companies have their own IPR portfolios and strategies and operate independently.”

This isn’t the first complaint against Mosaid. Barnes & Noble said this in a letter to the U.S. Justice Department in October: “Microsoft’s partnership with Mosaid is evidence of Microsoft’s broader plan to shield itself from patent lawsuits while also eliminating competition from Android.”

I think it’s safe to say that Google’s complaint will make its way to the U.S. very soon.

source: wall street journal

 

Judge rules in favor of Google, Oracle Java API elements not copyrightable

Posted: 01 Jun 2012 06:20 AM PDT

Last week the jury found that Google didn’t infringe on Oracle’s patents, but there was still a big issue at hand. Were Oracle’s Java API elements copyrightable? Judge William Alsup made the ruling yesterday and he found that the API’s aren’t covered under copyright law so basically this dismisses the previous infringement claims outright. The Judge said the following:

In closing, it is important to step back and take in the breadth of Oracle’s claim. Of the166 Java packages, 129 were not violated in any way. Of the 37 accused, 97 percent of the Android lines were new from Google and the remaining three percent were freely replicable under the merger and names doctrines. Oracle must resort, therefore, to claiming that it owns, by copyright, the exclusive right to any and all possible implementations of the taxonomy-like command structure for the 166 packages and/or any subpart thereof – even though it copyrighted only one implementation. To accept Oracle’s claim would be to allow anyone to copyright one version of code to carry out a system of commands and thereby bar all others from writing their own different versions to carry out all or part of the same commands. No holding has ever endorsed such a sweeping proposition.

At this point Oracle’s only options are to leave it alone or appeal. They most certainly will appeal, but things look dismal. At this point they will only receive $300,000 for statutory damages. We have statements from both Google and Oracle after the break.

Google

The court’s decision upholds the principle that open and interoperable computer languages form an essential basis for software development. It’s a good day for collaboration and innovation.

Oracle

Oracle is committed to the protection of Java as both a valuable development platform and a valuable intellectual property asset. It will vigorously pursue an appeal of this decision in order to maintain that protection and to continue to support the broader Java community of over 9 million developers and countless law abiding enterprises. Google’s implementation of the accused APIs is not a free pass, since a license has always been required for an implementation of the Java Specification. And the court’s reliance on “interoperability” ignores the undisputed fact that Google deliberately eliminated interoperability between Android and all other Java platforms. Google’s implementation intentionally fragmented Java and broke the “write once, run anywhere” promise. This ruling, if permitted to stand, would undermine the protection for innovation and invention in the United States and make it far more difficult to defend intellectual property rights against companies anywhere in the world that simply takes them as their own.

source: theverge

 

EA Sports Releases Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 For Android

Posted: 31 May 2012 10:59 PM PDT

Do you enjoy sinking a birdie putt on the back 9? Wow, I barely know what that means, but if you do, you might enjoy EA Sports‘ latest for Android, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12. This looks like it could be a great game for your Android phone or tablet judging by the Play Store description:

  • Choose your course and golfer, and play against other scores in PGA TOUR mode
  • Take on the Tiger Challenge, consisting of over 20 mini-games designed to test your skills — earn money that can be used to participate in PGA TOUR events.
  • Play through PGA TOUR courses, including Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, TPC Sawgrass, Hazeltine, Doral, TPC Boston, and Greenbrier
  • Play as or alongside 8 pros, including Tiger Woods, Anthony Kim, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Paul Casey, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Camilo Villegas
  • Customize your male or female golfer with skin, shirt, pants, hat, shoes, belts, and gloves
  • Go head-to-head against a friend with local WiFi or Bluetooth Multiplayer
  • Play the all-new Predator fantasy course
  • Play in 4 Game Modes

Not bad for $4.99. There aren’t that many reviews yet, but they are mostly very positive with only a couple of negatives from people saying it wouldn’t play on their device. Too soon to tell if that’s a widespread problem or just isolated cases, but so far the game has a 3.2 out of 5 star rating, which is considered “above average”.

Hit the break for some screenshots and the download link.
Posted by at 5:49 AM

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