Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Court Docs Reveal 11.8-Inch Samsung Tablet With Retina-Like Display

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 06:40 PM PDT

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The Apple vs Samsung trial has already uncovered a few buried nuggets from Apple’s camp, revealing early iPad prototypes that never made it into production. Today, with the Apple vs Samsung trial kicking off in full effect, court docs are giving us details on tablets coming down the pipeline, this time from Samsung.

Looks like ‘ol Sammy is prepping a tablet codenamed the “P10,” and it’s claim to fame will no doubt be its 256 ppi, 2560×1600 super high resolution Retina-like display. It will be interesting to see how Android will handle a resolution higher than 1080p (I’m wondering if things will look stretched out like in Android’s pre-tablet days).

Court docs don’t reveal too much in terms of a release date, citing only a vague 2012 launch. It’s possible Samsung could be announce the P10 during their launch event on August 15th — they did mention something about a new Galaxy — but I’m still placing my bets on a Note 2 unveiling. How do you guys feel about an Android tablet, of this size, with that high of a resolution. Excessive? We’re gonna need a bigger gun- er, better processor.

[TheVerge]

Samsung: Fighting Over Rectangles Is Unreasonable – We’d Have To Agree

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 05:56 PM PDT

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The Apple vs Samsung trial kicked off today here in California and both sides are lighting  up their cannons, preparing for  war. In my head, this has all been playing out like those Spy vs Spy comics from back in the day, with both sides making strong arguments against one another, tossing around a lot of legal mumbo jumbo. If it’s been hard for you to follow along thus far, Samsung’s Chief Product Officer Kevin Packingham breaks it all down — real down — in an interview he did today with Wired. His view? It all comes down to rectangles. His opinion is that Apple is trying to claim a patent on things that they never owned. You know, that almost square shape with rounded corners that Moses held when returning from Mt. Sinai. Here’s what Packingham had to say:

“In terms of patents, we have a made lot of contributions in the design space as well. I would say the patents we’re struggling with -- where there’s a lot of discussion and litigation right now -- are around these very broad design patents like a rectangle. For us, it’s unreasonable that we’re fighting over rectangles, that that’s being considered as an infringement, which is why we’re defending ourselves. “

Now, his opinion of course with just a little bit of bias (just a little) and even though I’m currently writing this post wearing a “Team Samsung” shirt, I’d lying if I said the original Galaxy S didn’t look just a little like the iPhone 3GS. Still, you gotta admit, it’s pretty ballsy for a company — no matter who they are — to try and patent a simple rectangle. If you guys want to check out the full interview (it’s a good read), visit the source link below.

[Wired]

Strategy Analytics: Android market share drops to 56% in the US in Q2

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 03:36 PM PDT

Strategy Analytics released some new numbers today regarding smartphone market share in the United States. In Q2 2012, Android market share ended up at 56%. This is four points less than what they did in the same quarter 2011. Meanwhile, their biggest competition – iOS – actually gained 10% this quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago.

They now command 33% of the market share. SA’s Neil Mawston says it’s clear Google is nearing its peak in market share, and while these numbers can’t be indicative of a forthcoming free fall from space it’s alarming to know just how much Apple has shot back up.

In all, smartphone shipments didn’t do so well as they fell 5%. 24 million smartphone units were sold in all. Android’s 56% is still a pretty big share of the pie, but with Apple’s yearly iPhone release coming up in the 4th quarter of this year we can’t say we’d be surprised if their market share didn’t suffer just a bit more by the time 2013 rolls around. We’ll definitely keep our eyes on this one. [PCMag]

WikiPad gaming tablet specs revealed

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 02:32 PM PDT

WikiPad is a company making a tablet that will double as a gaming console. It will ship with a wireless controller for traditional gaming, and we now have an idea of what to expect for specs.

VentureBeat was told in an interview that the device would feature a 10.1 inch IPS display with 1280×800 resolution, NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM,  at least 16GB of storage (this number could change by the time it ships), an 8 megapixel rear camera, a 2 megapixel front camera, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and more.

There’s a possibility that later revisions of the WikiPad could get 3D displays but there are no certain plans just yet. While any of these powerful devices rival OUYA when it comes to power, the aforementioned company’s gaming console attracts attention due to its low price of $99.

It’s noble to think of this as a tablet and a gaming console all in one, but the truth of the matter is I could pretty much call any modern Android phone a gaming console and dismiss the advantages of OUYA.

But the WikiPad gaming console with its wide detachable controller (something that doesn’t look bad, I should say) gives this one a unique angle that I’m sure many will consider once it’s up for sale. The only problem is we don’t have a solid date just yet, but the device should make its way to the market by the end of the year for an undisclosed price. [via VentureBeat]

Casio G’zOne Commando receives build C771M120

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 01:54 PM PDT

The Casio G’zOne Commando, Verizon’s rugged phone with a very bizarre name, seems to receiving another software upgrade. The changes include improved stability to decrease power cycles during PTT calls, the ability to automatically shut off the speakerphone following a PTT call, the removal of “Mobile IM,” an bug fixing update to the Desktop Cradle app, and more. This device will cost 14.9MB of your bandwidth so be sure to get on WiFi if you don’t want that to go against any data caps you may be under. Find instructions to apply the upgrade here.

Archos 97 Carbon with Android 4.0 now available for $250

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Archos is now shipping the Archos 97 Carbon, an Android 4.0 tablet with a 9.7 inch display and a 1GHz processor. 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage (expandable up to 32GB), and dual-cameras round out the major specs of this device. You could do much better for $250 if you don’t mind going lower in screen size.

The Nexus 7 is one such route to take with its quad-core processor, 7 inch display, 1GB of RAM, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and most importantly updates directly from Google. But if screen size is a concern for you and you need an iPad-sized tablet at an affordable price point, then I guess this is as good as you’ll bet. Head to Archos to order one now.

So long, Sidekick 4G (and hope for a replacement?) [Early Retirement]

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 01:23 PM PDT

Welp, it’s finally official. We’ve known for a long time that T-Mobile was beginning to phase the Sidekick 4G out of its line-up, and now it’s official: a T-Mobile rep has confirmed to PhoneScoop that the Sidekick 4G has been retired. The device was introduced early last year as a continuation of the Sidekick line.

It would mark the first time that the smartphone was not based on Danger, a company and line of products (both hardware and software) that would eventually get swallowed up by Microsoft. T-Mobile pegged Samsung to create the Sidekick 4G, and Samsung put their Android expertise to good use on this rendition.

It took a sharp turn from Samsung’s usual user interface, of course, as Samsung tried to incorporate elements from Danger’s software while introducing some new ones of their own. Long story short, the device enjoyed a pretty decent run but it has run its course. Is the Sidekick line dead? Absolutely not.

When we first learned that the Sidekick 4G was being phased out we’d questioned whether or not the line was dead. It wasn’t clear back then, but it is clear now: the rep confirmed that the retirement of the Sidekick 4G “doesn’t mean we are discontinuing the T-Mobile Sidekick line.” So yes, there is hope that the Sidekick family could live on, but there’s no telling whether or not it will live on with Android.

Samsung Galaxy Beam brings portable projection to the UK

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 12:03 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy Beam was introduced this past February at Mobile World Congress and it has finally made its way to the UK. It’s a 4 inch device with a 1GHz dual-core processor and Android 2.3. Hardly exciting, right?

Well Samsung’s banking on the gimmicky mini projector that the device gets its name from to generate interest. The 15-lumen projector makes this thing little more than a novelty feature for those who can’t resist a cool, unique feature, but those who need it for professional work might want to look for other options.

But as it stands, if you absolutely must have both a phone and a projector in one this is going to be your best bet. Carphone Warehouse has the goods for free on a two-year contract through either Orange or T-Mobile.

Best Buy offering Verizon Galaxy Nexus free on-contract

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 11:11 AM PDT

Looking to get one of the most widely-supported Android handsets (via third-party developers, anyway) on the planet? You’ll definitely want to consider Best Buy’s attractive offering.

They’ve been selling the device at Best Buy Mobile locations for free on new two-year agreements. Both new customers and those upgrading will be able to get in on the deal so no one should have anything to worry about when they walk into the big yellow ticket store. Check in with your local Best Buy to see if they’re mirroring the deal. [via PhoneArena]

Motorola DROID Bionic gets alpha build of CyanogenMod 10

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 10:56 AM PDT

The Motorola DROID BIONIC may have been put into a bad situation on Verizon but there are still a ton of people who like the phone. With uncertainty in regards to a Jelly Bean-filled future we’re sure many are willing to go along unofficial routes to get it. CyanogenMod 10, the AOSP ROM that everyone’s craving, is only available in alpha form for certain devices right now, and Bionic users will be happy to know that their phone has been added to the list.

As usual, an alpha build is not meant to be used for daily drivers. Many things won’t work, and in the specific case of the DROID Bionic one of those things is a biggie: the camera. But if you don’t mind giving it a shot just to see what’s in store for the future then get your nandroid backups going and grab the download here. [via Droid-Life]

Google Talk video chat to be replaced with Hangouts in Gmail

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 10:37 AM PDT

Google Talk was the official video-chat service for Gmail users for quite some time, but since Google+ and its 10-person Hangouts now dominate the former’s feature-set the latest out of the Google camp is nothing surprising.

Google Talk’s video chat service, which allows members to chat one-on-one with their friends and family, will now be replaced by Hangouts in Gmail.

No longer will users be confined to talking to just one soul at a time, though that option is obviously still available if you so choose. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the unique sharing features such as watching embedded YouTube videos anyone posts into the chat.

Gmail users will need to sign up for a Google+ account to do more than the one-on-one bit, but that should be no issue considering your current Gmail account will also act as your illustrious new Google+ account.

The service is available today for those with personal Google accounts while those on a Google Apps account will begin to see it in the coming weeks. What’s next? YouTube? (That would be an AWESOME combination especially if Google allowed the ability to record Hangouts.) Head on over to Google’s blog for the full details.

Samsung Galaxy Note coming to T-Mobile August 8 for $249

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 09:15 AM PDT

T-Mobile has announced the availability of the Samsung Galaxy Note for August 8th after months of speculation and lead up. With rumors all but confirming the release of the phone, TMo came clean about the upcoming device a couple weeks back without detailing price or exact availability. Now both questions have been answered. The August 8th date applies for select retail stores and online purchases. The Note will cost $249.99 after $50 mail-in rebate with a standard two-year voice and data package. A Value voice and data plan sees the price drop to $199.99 up front with an additional $20 fee spread out over the first 20 months of the contract thank to T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan.

 

No Ice Cream Sandwich for LG’s Optimus 2X?

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 08:47 AM PDT

According to LG Canada, the Optimus 2X won’t receive an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich as originally stated. The statement was issued on response to a tweet asking about the status of the update, or what we assume is asking about the status of the update — the actual phrasing doesn’t make much sense in terms of standard English. Regardless, LG Canada offered no explanation for the change of heart, only stating “the original announcement was a general statement issued from HQ.”

If we want to find a silver lining in those words, we may be looking at a situation where the update isn’t currently planned for versions of the device tied to Canadian carriers, but that a rollout in other locations might still be on the table. This seems unlikely, however, as it makes little sense for LG to spend the man hours developing the update only to not deploy it on all compatible handsets. Things aren’t looking good for Optimus 2X owners at this point, but manufacturers have been known to flip-flop on these decisions in the past. The 2X certainly has the hardware credentials to support Android 4.0.

[via Twitter]

ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity receiving OTA update

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 08:21 AM PDT

ASUS is continuing its streak of providing frequent and timely updates for their line of Android tablets, the latest of which is headed to the newly released Transformer Pad Infinity TF700. A full changelog was not provided alongside the software refresh that seems to be rolling out on a staggered basis, but users already receiving the update claim enhanced touchscreen responsiveness, support for 64GB SD cards, and an updated camera app. It sounds like some of the same enhancements that were included in a recent Transformer Pad TF300 update.

The update brings the TF700′s software version to 9.4.5.26. You can check to see if it is available for your device by navigating to “System Firmware Update” under “About Tablet” in the settings menu.

[via AndroidCentral]

16GB Nexus 7 back in stock at Google Play

Posted: 30 Jul 2012 07:38 AM PDT

Holding off on picking up the Nexus 7 in favor of the larger of the two storage options? Good news. The 16GB model of Google’s first Jelly Bean tablet is back in stock through Google Play. The site once again lists the slate as shipping immediately and arriving in three to five days. While Google has done a better job of keeping the lower priced 8GB model in stock, the $249 version of the Nexus 7 had been on backorder for the past couple weeks. Those with orders already placed can expect their tablets to start shipping soon and new orders look to be processed at the time of purchase. Head on over to Google Play to place an order now before stock dries up once again.

[viaDroidLife]
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