Sunday, August 19, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Could Apple beat Google in the TV race?

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 07:11 PM PDT


Google’s entrance to the TV market has been a bit polarized; it is substantial, but not up to par with expectations. Google TV never took off and needs some serious work, but it seems Google has been ignoring the platform lately. In contrast, Google Fiber’s offer is impressive, but it is growing slowly (currently only available in one market). Could it be that Apple might have a better chance at this?

Let’s look at the situation before you start flaming me in the comments. I am an Android/Google fan, too. Trust me, there is nothing I would love more than to see Google succeed in this field. Google TV and Google Fiber are great services with major potential, but Google isn’t taking the necessary steps for it to take off.

Google TV continues to be luxury more so than a convenience or fun product. Many of these Google TVs can be expensive. Though recent offerings are affordable (the VIZIO Co-Star being the most notable), the general consumer usually doesn’t see the benefit in it. Yes, they have been selling like hot pancakes due to their price, but one company alone can’t make Google TV succeed.

What we need is a unified service, and this is why Google missed out on a great opportunity while launching Google Fiber. A Google TV could have been offered with the launch of a very popular and anticipated internet and TV provider like Google Fiber. This boost is what would have ensured Google TV’s future, and it seems like Apple is planning a similar move.

Cupertino might not have the best internet in the world, but rumors state that the iCompany is in talks with major cable providers in the US. This means that Apple TV could soon become much more than a cool little streaming device, it could become a “smart” set-top box that lives in most cable subscribers living rooms.

This updated Apple TV hardware/software would work as a hybrid, featuring live TV and other cable TV features, as well as internet apps and interactivity with mobile devices. But what about DVR? We all want to start recording out shows, right?

Well, rumors state that Apple is also working on a cloud-based DVR service. This means that users would be able to record shows in the cloud. Any recorded content will probably also be able to be watched from any Apple device, as it would most likely be linked to iCloud.

Apple is known to keep its mouth pretty shut about upcoming products, so all of this is still considered speculation and rumors. Where does Google stand on this, though? The point here is not that Apple may be threatening Google TV’s and Google Fiber’s future. Any company with enough resources, popularity, a good idea could do it. And most importantly, the will, which seems to be what Google lacks.

Will Apple take this market from Google’s hands? Maybe, maybe not. Google TV is a platform with great potential, and Google Fiber will start spreading like a virus (in a good sense of the word) soon. I say it is time for Google to get working on this – do you?

[Via: The Wall Street Journal 1, 2]

A better view of the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (Official Images)

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 05:13 PM PDT

The device has received a whole new name and official documents have been leaked, but we haven’t really raken a good look at the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G. Some of the images we have are… alright. But if you want some high-def, official shots of the Relay 4G, we now have them for you.

A TmoNews reader has managed to get a hold of an official link from Samsung. In this support site, the device is shown from multiple angles and its components are labeled. Always a good day for some juicy details, so lets take a look!


Most specifications and features continue to be a mystery, but rumors indicate that this device will be no small contender. It is said to carry a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, a 4-inch 720p display, 1 GB of RAM and Android 4.0.

Regardless, we know the phone is coming, and probably soon, so stay tuned to see when you can pick this baby up! Are any of you eyeing the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G for T-Mobile?

[Source: Samsung]

Time to level up – Dark Legends gives you extra EXP this weekend

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 04:40 PM PDT


Android gamers know that Spacetime Studios is the developer to go for a good mobile MMORPG. Dark Legends is one of their latest games, with a vampire theme and quests/missions to throw around. If you want to get strong and level up you character, though, this should be about the best time to start.

Dark Legends is currently holding its Bonus EXPWeekend, in which users will be able to get extra experience points for completed missions.

BONUS XP WEEKEND IS ON NOW!

Bonus dungeon XP Weekend!
Maps with a previous iteration reward of 5xp award 10XP!
Maps with a previous iteration reward of 10xp award 15XP!
First time dungeon completions have an extra bonus!

My main character is up to level 25, so I will spend more time doing other things this weekend. You should jump on it if you want to get to my level, though! Hurry up, because this event ends on Monday. And don’t forget to hit us back in the comments section below; are those extra EXP points helping you out? What level are you, and how much have you leveled up this weekend?

Samsung pulls out weapons, asks Apple for $421.8 million for patent infringement

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 04:19 PM PDT

The spotlight is on Motorola right now, as the Google owned company goes on the offensive trying to ban Apple imports. Samsung is pulling out its weapons too, though, and may be getting $421.8 million if Apple is proven guilty.

Sammy has brought three non-major patents to the table, related to e-mail, photo browsing and music playback. As Samsung is not losing sales due to said infringement, Apple would only have to pay for royalties. This means that it will be the same as if they had signed an agreement from the start, adding to $22.8 million in total.

Things get a bit rough once we look at Samsung’s standard-essential patents, which are not cheap to take care of. These patents would account for about 2%-2.75% of net profits, or between $290 and $399 million.

This war is far from being over, so both companies will want to juice each other out as much as they can. There is a possibility Motorola may be discriminating Apple due to their history of rivalry. Apple believes that Motorola should be more reasonable about standard essential patents and offer a sweeter deal. Plus, Cupertino doubts Motorola is charging other companies as much.

But then again, Apple’s demand of over $2.5 billion is also claimed to be an over-estimated figure. So both companies are to be blamed of getting dramatic. We should be seeing a conclusion soon(ish), so be sure that we will be here to let you know what happens.

[Via: The Verge]

Official: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition Bundle launching on August 19 for two weeks only

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 01:46 PM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition Bundle (what a name!) has been making rounds through the rumor mill for a few weeks now. One of our readers managed to purchase one ahead of release, but that was obviously not supposed to happen, as Samsung has officially announced the device’s release date to be this August 19th.

The education-oriented bundle comes with the tablet (of course) in white, a keyboard dock and a USB adapter for the same $249.99 tablet’s original price. It is a great deal for those looking to get a portable tablet with some extra functionality without breaking the pocket. Some might still prefer the power and quick updates the Nexus 7 offers, but the general consumer wouldn’t mind getting $100 in added value (price of the accessories) in exchange of paying $50 over the Nexus tablet.

Samsung’s official press release confirms the $250 price tag, but also brings a bit of sad news. This offer will only last two weeks (while supplies last), so you better get to your nearest participating store if you want this student bundle. You can get it starting this Sunday at Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Costco and Fry’s Electronics.

It might not be the high-end device every gamer is looking for, but the added keyboard and USB adapter will come in very handy for light school tasks. So what is it going to be, Nexus 7 or Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition Bundle?

SAMSUNG Brings the Galaxy Tab 2 Back to School with Student Edition Bundle adding Keyboard Dock and USB Adapter at no Extra Cost

For Two Weeks Only Beginning 8/19, Bundle delivering $100 in added value to be available at participating retailers

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., August 17, 2012 - Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announces that its Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 device will be available in a special Student Edition, beginning 8/19 and for two weeks only. The Special Edition includes a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 in a unique white color, a keyboard dock and USB adapter in the box - a retail value of $350 – for an SRP of just $249.99.

Students will realize substantial benefits from the bundle, which will add a physical keyboard to the device as well as a USB adapter that supports plugging in USB thumb drives as well as peripherals such USB mice. With these accessories and the preloaded Polaris Office, the Galaxy Tab 2 is perfect for typing research reports or even creating presentations. In addition, the multimedia features on the Galaxy Tab 2 are perfect for enjoying movies and music.

"The education market is a significant priority for Samsung, and we are very pleased to deliver a bundle that is sure to be appealing to just about any student at a very competitive price point," explained Travis Merrill, Director of Marketing, Galaxy Tab, Samsung Electronics America. "A busy student can achieve a PC-like setup in the dorm room, yet still pop the Galaxy Tab 2 out of the dock and slip it into a pocket for usage while on the go. It truly is the smarter way to learn."

The special packaging for the new bundle also includes an insert with a series of recommended cool educational apps from Google Play.

Galaxy Tab 2 - Powerful, Smart, Easy to Use

The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is a powerful dual-core tablet running Android 4.0. The devices features an integrated IR blaster for universal remote capabilities, as well as an easily accessible memory card slot for convenient loading of multimedia files in a range of supported file formats.

The tablet also offers endless content access in a sleek design that can maximize the home entertainment experience. The Smart Remote App and built-in IR Blaster turns the Tab 2 into a universal smart remote, helping users easily find their favorite shows. Users can choose from over 450,000 apps, surf millions of web pages with Adobe Flash™ support, and access favorite movies and TV shows from Google Play or Media Hub.

In addition, the Galaxy Tab 2 is fully Google certified for complete access to Google Play and is competitively priced at $249.99, so students don’t need to compromise when selecting a tablet.

The bundle will be available while supplies last, from 8/19 through 9/1. Participating retailers include Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Costco and Fry’s.

[Source: Samsung]

All rumors (kind of) cleared up – OnLive sold to a new company, not shutting down

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 01:06 PM PDT


Onlive’s future suddenly became uncertain as yesterday’s rumors started spreading. We didn’t know if the company was simply shutting down or being acquired; lay offs and a possible bankruptcy filing were a probability, as well. OnLive declined to comment most of the day, but the day concluded with an official statement.

You can discard all possibilities of OnLive shutting down completely (at least any time soon). Instead, the company will be acquired by a “newly-formed company” that is “backed by substantial funding.”

We can now confirm that the assets of OnLive, Inc. have been acquired into a newly-formed company and is backed by substantial funding, and which will continue to operate the OnLive Game and Desktop services, as well as support all of OnLive’s apps and devices, as well as game, productivity and enterprise partnerships. The new company is hiring a large percentage of OnLive, Inc.’s staff across all departments and plans to continue to hire substantially more people, including additional OnLive employees. All previously announced products and services, including those in the works, will continue and there is no expected interruption of any OnLive services.

We apologize that we were unable to comment on this transaction until it completed, and were limited to reporting on news related to OnLive’s businesses. Now that the transaction is complete, we are able to make this statement.

While the e-mail clears up many rumors, it also creates a series of new questions. We have no idea what company this is or any details of its “substantial funding,” but at least we know much of the OnLive team will be sticking around. And don’t worry guys, OnLive is not going anywhere and your cloud-gaming won’t be interrupted.

[Via: The Verge]

Samsung might release a 5.8″ Galaxy Player/Tab, depends on what you consider it to be

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:51 AM PDT

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If SamMobile were to be trusted, the Galaxy Note 2 might not be the only 5+ inch device unveiled by Samsung at IFA 2012. A tip they received points to a 5.8 inch Galaxy Player which would run Ice Cream Sandwich, unlike previous Galaxy Players that all run Gingerbread.

While the feature-set isn’t too shabby for a media player, I can’t help be concerned about the size. At 5.8 inches, the device seems far too large to be a media player, and way too small to be a tablet. Android-based devices in the domain are already a niche, with a 5.8 inch screen they might be significantly limiting themselves even in that small subset. I fail to see how it could prove to be a commercial success, but hey, that’s how I felt about the Galaxy Note.

RadioShack will also offer Google Play gift cards, will come in 3 denominations

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:30 AM PDT

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We’ve received an anonymous tip from a RadioShack employee that the retail outlet will also offer the Google Play gift cards, after the earlier news that some Target stores might already have them in stock. Additionally, so far most reports claimed that the cards will come in a $10 or $25 flavor, but based on the image of the RadioShack inventory, it looks like there would also be a $50 version.

Asus Transformer Pad TF300 seeing Jelly Bean update

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:00 AM PDT

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Great news for all Asus Transformer Pad TF300 users: check your tablet’s updates because according to some users over at Droid Life, you should be seeing some Jelly Bean treats waiting for you! It’s really good to see the update being made available a little over a month since the release of the source code to the AOSP. Hopefully, similar news isn’t too far away for the other Asus Transformer users.

If you do happen to have a Transformer Pad that has been updated to Jelly Bean, we’d love to know how significant the improvements are.

[Droid Life]

Google-backed AOSP support program for Sony Xperia S kicked off

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 09:08 AM PDT

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This might be the most interesting bit of news I’ve ever covered at Phandroid: Google’s Jean-Baptiste Queru made a little announcement about an experiment that would see the Sony Xperia S receive direct software support through the AOSP, in a manner similar to the Nexus devices and the Motorola Xoom. Queru explained the choice of device as being a form of “thank you” to Sony for their relative openness with the developer community.

“It’s a powerful current GSM device, with an unlockable bootloader, from a manufacturer that has always been very friendly to AOSP.”

What really piques my interest about the experiment is

(a) Is this an early indicator for a possible Sony-branded Nexus device itself? Queru’s praise could definitely count in their favour, and also the community-driven AOSP codebase for the Xperia S could form the foundation for the device. It’s a very thin argument, but it’s the first thing that struck me.

(b) If this project were to be a success, would manufacturers be interested in offering users with the choice of their firmware, with updates coming through them, or AOSP ROMs with updates provided through Google?

This definitely has the potential to go on to become a huge deal later on, the biggest step taken against the slow-update problem that plagues the platform.

[The Verge]

Motorola goes on the attack, sues Apple for iPhone & iPad patent infringements

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 07:50 AM PDT

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A new day, a new lawsuit to report on. Not too long after Judge Posner famously threw out their other case, Motorola and Apple will once again go head-to-head, though this time it’s Motorola who made the first move. It’s the first time the company has gone on the offensive since the completion of Google’s takeover, and hence might be the first time Google has used the patents it owns aggressively (I’m not totally sure of this, if anyone can point to a previous occasion, or confirm this, please do so in the comments).

Motorola is demanding a ban on the imports of the iPhone and iPad for alleged infringements of intellectual property used in Siri, E-Mail notifications, location reminders and music/video players. Ideally, most of us would like to see the end of this nonsense, but honestly, considering the known animosity Apple has towards the Android platform, I’m going to be cheering Motorola on.

What are your thoughts on the case? Do you think Motorola/Google should have gone on the offensive?

[The Verge]
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