Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Android Authority

Want a limited edition Cushnie et Ochs HTC One X? Enter this Pinterest contest
Samsung launches a Hello Kitty branded Galaxy Y in Germany
Lenovo A660: Waterproof, dust-proof, dual-SIM, Android 4.0, what’s not to like?
AT&T announces the LG Escape: $49 gets you a dual-core 4G LTE phone
Forget about the hardware, Apple and Amazon have totally different business models
Emoticons are obsolete: new technology adds real face expressions to text messages
Sprint LTE to launch in 100 new cities in the next few months
Amazon to offer in-app purchases of real-world goods
FCC planning to auction off additional UHF spectrum to mobile carriers
Google Wallet Discontinues Prepaid Cards, Refunds Coming Soon

Want a limited edition Cushnie et Ochs HTC One X? Enter this Pinterest contest

Posted: 11 Sep 2012 03:02 AM PDT

How often do you get the opportunity to see such a fashionable and "different" smartphone as the Cushnie et Ochs edition of the HTC One X? So doesn't it seem a bit unfair for HTC to only hand 150 or so such striking phones to celebrities?

It really does, but HTC has thought of us non-celebrities as well (after all), launching a contest that will put one half black-half white One X into the hands of one very lucky guy or gal.

I know, it still sounds like a drop in the ocean, considering how many people would love to get their hands on the ivory/ebony handheld. But if everyone could simply buy one, it would stop being so special, wouldn't it?

Now, if you want to join that select club of Cushnie et Ochs HTC One X owners, you won't have to do much, so, even if you see yourself like a real-life Bad Luck Brian, you should at least give the contest a shot.

To enter, you have to follow HTC on Pinterest before next Monday and repin one of the dazzling images of the HTC One by Cushnie et Ochs. You then have to go back to the original pic you decided to repin, and leave a link to your repin in the comments. It's really easy as pie, and you only need a couple of minutes to do everything. Of course, you'll need a Pinterest account before anything.

Not convinced of the phone's real "market" value? Well, here's a funny story to make you enter the contest even if you think the gadget looks like something that only Cruella De Vil would use… A Cushnie et Ochs One X was put up for auction on Ebay last night, and, after only a couple of hours, it got a bunch of bids raising its price from the initially requested $360 to around $600. Now imagine where would that price have gone in two or three days if the auction wasn't ended without notice.

We're not advising you to put the phone up for auction if you happen to win it (not officially, at least), but we're just saying. Why miss out on the opportunity to get into this giveaway just because you feel like screaming for Batman's help when you look at the "two-faced" device?

We’re of course joking with the Batman and 101 Dalmatians references and, all irony aside, I for one would definitely keep the Oreo-looking phone if I’d be lucky enough to win it. Oops, I did it again…

This article, Want a limited edition Cushnie et Ochs HTC One X? Enter this Pinterest contest , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Samsung launches a Hello Kitty branded Galaxy Y in Germany

Posted: 11 Sep 2012 02:12 AM PDT

Samsung has just announced that they’re going to bring a Hello Kitty branded Galaxy Y to the German market. The entry-level smartphone will be priced at 230 Euros, and for that amount of cash you’re going to get a 3-inch screen that pushes a meager 320×240 pixels, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a 2 megapixel camera that’s probably useless, and … not much else.

How much does a Galaxy Y cost in Germany without the Hello Kitty logos? According to Amazon DE: less than 120 Euros. In other words, you’re paying more than double the cost of the phone for what’s essentially a coat of paint and a pretty theme.

But you know what, this thing will probably sell like hotcakes. Branding has the power to make people do things they wouldn’t otherwise do. People have no problem buying an outfit that costs more than 300 Euros, so this device isn’t exactly pushing the boundaries of irrational behavior.

Are more and more companies going to start producing branded smartphones? We hate to tell this, but this trend has already come and gone. Puma released a phone in 2010 that was made by Sagem. Adidas released a phone in 2007 that was made by Samsung. TAG Heuer has a whole range of insanely expensive phones. Do you guys remember the D&G Motorola RAZR from way back in 2006?

Like we said earlier, branding makes people do thing they wouldn’t otherwise normally do. There are folks out there who are more than willing to throw money at anyone selling who will them anything with a certain logo that’s prominently displayed. Say what you will about those kind of people, but they exist, and it’s a company’s fiduciary responsibility to advantage of that character flaw.

Vodafone Galaxy Note 2 price revealed for Germany: 640 Euros for 16GB unlocked LTE version, Vodafone Germany to parade 4G Asus Transformer Pad TF700KL and Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE at IFA 2012, Germany to get the quad-core Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE in October, but at what price?

This article, Samsung launches a Hello Kitty branded Galaxy Y in Germany , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Lenovo A660: Waterproof, dust-proof, dual-SIM, Android 4.0, what’s not to like?

Posted: 11 Sep 2012 01:09 AM PDT

Last month, China officially became the world’s largest consumer of smartphones. It makes sense when you think about it. The population of the United States hovers around 310 million people, Europe has about 730 million people, and as for China, they’ve got well over 1.3 billion men, women, and children.

Now, because China has the world’s largest smartphone market, chances are you’re going to hear a lot more about Chinese smartphones over the coming years. Here are the three companies that should be on your radar: Huawei, Lenovo, and ZTE. Today they’re roughly where Samsung was half a decade ago, meaning they make semi-interesting devices, but nothing that’s going to blow people’s minds. That’ll change over time of course, and we’ll be tracking that evolution.

But enough background, let’s get on to the news! Today Lenovo is announcing a new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich device called the A660. It’s dust proof, water proof, and it even has two SIM card slots. Under the hood, there’s a dual core 1 GHz processor, a 0.3 megapixel front facing camera, a 5 megapixel rear facing camera, and a 4 inch display that pushes 800 x 480 pixels. It’s a little thick at 10.5 mm, but then again this is a phone that’s meant to survive being accidentally dropped in the toilet, so we’ll forgive it for that.

Will we see this thing being sold outside of China? Probably not, but it’s important to pay attention to what this device represents. Dual SIM is big in parts of the world where every penny saved is important. Having a rugged device is also critical if you’re going to hold onto a smartphone for at least a few years.

We don’t see too many dual SIM phones here in the West, but Sony, with the Xperia V, really impressed us last month at IFA in Berlin. That thing is not only gorgeous and powerful (Snapdragon S4, 720p screen, 13 MP camera), but it’s also completely waterproof.

Would you be interested in a dual-SIM waterproof device?

No related posts.

This article, Lenovo A660: Waterproof, dust-proof, dual-SIM, Android 4.0, what’s not to like? , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

AT&T announces the LG Escape: $49 gets you a dual-core 4G LTE phone

Posted: 11 Sep 2012 12:46 AM PDT

AT&T has just announced the LG Escape, a device we’ve seen leaked numerous times over the past few days. At $49, it’s one of the cheapest 4G LTE smartphones out there, but is it worth it? Let’s run through the specs: Starting with the screen, it measures 4.3 inches diagonal and pushes 960 x 540 pixels. Under the hood there’s a dual core 1.2 GHz processor, a 5 megapixel rear facing camera, a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera, and a massive 2,150 mAh battery. The LG Escape ships with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box, and we’re going to assume it’s going to get 4.1 Jelly Bean at some point in the future, but no official timetable has been given.

Here’s an official demo video for the LG Escape from AT&T:

Looking at AT&T’s portfolio, for $50 more you can get the HTC One X. Now yes, some of you might have a problem forking over that extra bit of money, but remember, you’re tied to your device for two years anyway. With that in mind, $50 spread out over two years comes out to a little over $2 a month. That’s the price of a can of soda. And just look at the One X! It has a better screen, a faster processor, there’s an incredibly high probability it’ll get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean by the end of the year, it has a much better camera, probably the best camera on an Android device today, and because the One X is so popular, the custom ROM community is having a field day tinkering with it.

If you really want to save money then you shouldn’t even be looking at the big operators. You should be looking at guys like Straight Talk and Simple Mobile, but that’s a whole other topic of discussion.

More about the new AT&T LG Escape, including full specs, in the press release.

Show full PR text

Get Away to an Adventure Every Day with New LG Escape(TM) for AT&T Customers Available September 16

$50 4G LTE Smartphone Features Innovative New Browser Toolbar, Long-life Battery With LG QuickMemo(TM), Write Personal Memos on any Screen Capture for Expressive Communication with Friends and Family

Dallas, Texas, September 10, 2012

Starting Sept. 16, AT&T* will expand its 4G LTE product portfolio by offering an unparalleled combination of premium performance and value. The LG Escape™ is perfect for consumers on a budget looking to transition into a powerful smartphone and pairs well with AT&T's recently announced shared data plans creating a great combination of low- cost hardware and service for data-minded families. The LG Escape is a 4G LTE Android smartphone with high-performance connectivity, processing and camera features with a vibrant qHD display. It will be available in AT&T company-owned retail storesand online for $49.99 with a two-year agreement**.

The LG Escape features the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) platform and 4 GB onboard memory with the option to add up to 32 GB with a microSD card. A 1.2 GHz dual-core processor delivers seamless multitasking agility. The crisp 4.3-inch qHD IPS display gives users enhanced image clarity with true-to-life color rendering. Near-Field Communication enabled and equipped with the QuickMemo^TM feature lets users instantly capture a screen image, add notes or decorate using just a finger, then share with friends. The LG Escape has full HD video recording capabilities, and users can even create customized videos by adding themes, music and text to videos or a series of photos with the Video Wiz editing application, played back in crisp cinematic Dolby® Mobile surround sound. To see more of the Escape's features in action, check out this video.

Because timing is everything when taking photos on the go, the LG Escape 5-megapixel auto-focus camera offers features to help users tap into their inner photographer. With the Continuous Shot feature, users can capture multiple images in a row to create that perfect panoramic photo or choose the best photo from an impromptu photo shoot to share with all their friends. Time Catch Shot eliminates shutter lag by taking several pictures before the shutter button is pushed to make sure users get the right shot every time.

Escape also features the Browser Bar powered by Skyfire's Horizon Browser Extension, a newly created browser toolbar extension that allows users to access their favorite social media pages while surfing the internet.

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network***, covering 275 million people. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. That means AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you may be on a much slower 3G network.

"This is an impressive smartphone for $49.99," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility. "Running Android 4.0 and packing a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, a qHD true-color IPS screen and cool features like our new browser bar, customers looking for incredible value will quickly select the Escape."

"LG Escape allows users to capture and share whatever life sends their way with its powerful dual-core processor, true-to-life screen and smart camera features," said James Fishler, senior vice president of marketing and go-to-market operations, LG Electronics USA. "And on AT&T's expansive network consumers can get the best possible experience with Escape by using its LTE capabilities to the fullest."

For more information, visit www.att.com/aboutus.

Limited-time offer. Discounted pricing on smartphones requires a new two year agreement with qualifying voice and data plans. Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement. Credit approval required. Activation fee $36 per line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage, and svcs not available everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 14 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $25. Other monthly charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges. Visit store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.

Key Features:

An advanced 5 MP camera with time catch shot, "cheese shutter," and different shot modes including Normal, HDR, Continuous and Panorama
Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
AT&T's 4G LTE Network
The innovative and convenient QuickMemo™ to create and share personalized memos by writing messages or drawings on screen captures
A 1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor
True-to-Life 1080p HD recording
Long-lasting 2,150mAh battery
Bluetooth® Version 4.0
A crisp 4.3" qHD true-color IPS Touch Screen with Gorilla® Glass durability
Google™ Integration with Google Play, Google Maps™ Navigation and other preloaded Google apps

Add music and themes to videos and photos with Video Wiz
Data sharing with Android Beam and NFC Technology

Additional Features:

1.3 MP front-facing camera and camcorder
Video resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 full-HD
Zoom up to 4x
Simultaneous GPS for Enhanced Location Accuracy

LG Escape press shots leaked, on its way to AT&T with S4 CPU, 1 GB of RAM and ICS, LG Escape makes another photo appearance, takes a step down spec-wise, Sony Announces the 1.5GHz Dual-Core, 12MP and 720p Screen Xperia S

This article, AT&T announces the LG Escape: $49 gets you a dual-core 4G LTE phone , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Forget about the hardware, Apple and Amazon have totally different business models

Posted: 11 Sep 2012 12:17 AM PDT

Amazon pricing

Last week Amazon announced several new devices, the most important being the company’s new Kindle Fire tablets. They’re all powered by Android, and we could spend the next hundred or so words running you through their respective spec sheets, but that would be a waste of time.

Comparing Amazon’s tablets to Apple’s tablets ignores something that’s fundamental to the way these two companies do business. Apple has ridiculously high margins. When they sell you a $500 device, roughly a third of that goes straight into their pocket. When Amazon sells you a tablet, they sell it to you for roughly the same price it took them to build the thing. Their hope is that you’ll use their device to buy stuff through their store. Whether it be digital media or physical goods, Amazon doesn’t care, they just want to become your preferred retailer.

Where have we seen this business model before? The videogame industry. Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, Sega, they’ll sell you their consoles either at cost or they’ll even lose money on the hardware, but it doesn’t matter since they make that money back by charging publishing houses for the rights to sell their games to customers. It’s a business model that has worked for several decades, and there’s no reason to believe that it won’t continue to be successful going forward.

Is Amazon a threat to Apple? Yes and no. Apple tries their best to sell you something that you can actually use as your main computing device. Meanwhile Amazon is selling what can best be described as the 21st century equivalent of a shopping catalog. Those of us who grew up before the internet remember getting thick magazines in the mail, filled with glossy pages of things to buy. All those magazines had a toll free number on the bottom so you could buy whatever it is that caught your eye. Amazon, thanks to technology, has that all too tempting one click to purchase button.

Amazon: No opt out for Kindle Fire ads on all new models, Tablet bonanza from Amazon in 2012: two (or four?) new models rumored, Eric Schmidt confirms Google is interested in the hardware business, whatever that means

This article, Forget about the hardware, Apple and Amazon have totally different business models , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Emoticons are obsolete: new technology adds real face expressions to text messages

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 11:26 PM PDT

Messaging via SMS can be great. You can use it to send quick messages or have full blown conversations. With smart phones getting larger screens and better keyboards, there are people out there who prefer texting to phone calls or email. However, texting isn’t all it could be. Even with emoticons, it can be hard to decipher the tone someone is trying to use in a text. It is, after all, text. There is no voice or facial expressions to extrapolate mood.

This is a problem that NTT Docomo Inc is looking to fix with their new software called 3D Face Avatar. Utilizing new advancements in SMS technology, texters will soon be able to send their facial expressions right along with a text message. It may seem kind of silly, but getting facial expressions along with text can be useful. It greatly increases the reader’s ability to discern the mood of the text without overusing elements like emoticons.

TechOn

How does it work?

How it works is not difficult to understand. After constructing the text, 3D Face Avatar takes a peek at your mug. Based on your facial expressions, it creates a 3-dimensional representation of your expression to send along with the text. According to photos and demonstrations, the 3D avatar should even resemble your real face.

3D Face Avatar was first introduced by NTT Docomo Inc during the action packed 2012 IFA in Berlin. Despite its very recent announcement, NTT Docomo Inc claims that this technology is ready for mobile devices now. So it may not be very long before this technology is actually available.

Between this and the ever improving voice dictation, it won’t be long before we’re talking and smiling at our smartphones like we are talking to them. While it is for the benefit of our texting recipients, it’s really just one more step toward Skynet, don’t you think?

Galaxy Nexus Face Unlock Works with Real Face AND Photo, Share Text Messages On Your Facebook With SMS Board, How to Use Voice Commands for Managing SMS Text Messages

This article, Emoticons are obsolete: new technology adds real face expressions to text messages , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Sprint LTE to launch in 100 new cities in the next few months

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 11:14 PM PDT

Sprint is looking to make up a lot of lost ground with a recent announcement to build and activate their new 4G LTE network in over 100 new cities. So far, Sprint LTE has been difficult to find unless you happen to live in a city where it was initially launched. Outside of that, customers have had to deal with WiMAX or Sprint’s tired 3G network.

The LTE roll-out initially began in the South and Midwest with Kansas City, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. Since then, the Sprint LTE coverage map has been slowly growing. Although it hasn’t stretched far beyond the initial launch points, Sprint claims that their network vision will eventually bring LTE to their entire 3G coverage area.

The list of cities included in the massive 100 city list range from backwater burgs to major metropolitan areas. Even Puerto Rico is getting in on the Sprint LTE action. Given the locations listed, it appears Sprint is focusing this major roll out in the Southern and Eastern portions of the United States. The furthest West they’re going will be Arkansas and the furthest North they’re going will be Massachusetts and Indiana. Customers outside of that umbrella won’t be seeing LTE just yet.

According to the press release, Sprint will focus mostly on the Washignton D.C., Boston, and Baltimore areas first. The rest is to be completed afterward. A little Easter Egg for customers is that they may be able to obtain LTE coverage before it’s officially completed. If you happen to live in those areas with a Sprint LTE-enabled device, keep an eye on your notification bars.

This is bittersweet for Sprint customers. It shows they are dedicated to their Network Vision, but it’s hard not to look at the listed cities without a little bit of envy. Especially for the residents of Ohio, who will surely notice that Sprint intends on delivering Sprint LTE to Columbus, Indiana and Cleveland, Tennessee.

It has been a slow and frustrating process for Sprint customers. Especially for those who already own LTE-enabled devices. However, Sprint is actually on track to complete their LTE build—as well as their 3G rebuild—within the time frame they specified. Albeit it’s 2013, but on schedule is far better than behind schedule.

Sprint ready to launch 4G LTE in 5 cities on July 15, Sprint to turn on the 4G LTE switch in Baltimore and three other cities by early September, Sprint to Launch LTE Network in First Half of 2012

This article, Sprint LTE to launch in 100 new cities in the next few months , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Amazon to offer in-app purchases of real-world goods

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 08:56 PM PDT

(Image credit: The Verge)

We’ve heard of how Amazon is positioning itslef as a leader in the mobile industry through its content business. While the Kindle lineup has been a popular low-priced tablet due to its integration of e-books and content, here’s a significant piece of news that competitors should watch out for: Amazon will soon offer in-app purchases of real-world goods.

Amazon has partnered with game publisher Activision, which will be selling actual toys within its Skylanders series of games for children. Skylanders Cloud Patrol, which costs 99 cents, will feature in-game purchase of actual Skylanders toys. Doing so will also unlock a virtual version of that character, which can be used immediately within the game.

All of this is done through Amazon’s 1-Click, which makes the purchase of online and physical goods more convenient. The e-commerce giant is now seeking to market the service to developers, who can now monetize their apps through real-world merchandise.

So far, Amazon’s advantage here is its capability to physically distribute merchandise, which Apple and Google clearly don’t have at this point. Some third-party services offer such a functionality — such as LoopJoy, which launches in beta soon — although not to Amazon’s scale.

Is there promise in offering real-world goods from within apps? Or is it just another way for consumers to easily part with our hard earned-cash through our mobile game and app addictions?

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This article, Amazon to offer in-app purchases of real-world goods , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

FCC planning to auction off additional UHF spectrum to mobile carriers

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 07:41 PM PDT

Image credit: ExtremeTech

Mobile broadband is on the rise, but with carriers trying to offer better and faster services, there is a resource that might go scarce soon: radio spectrum allocation. Most technologies today can support the network load through code-division, which lets data and voice packets share the same space, bandwidth permitting. However, as the need for “ubiquitous mobile Internet coverage” arises, the FCC feels the need to be proactive in allocating for these resources as demand grows.

FCC chairman Julius Genachowski says the move will encourage broadcasters to sell the unused spectrum that they own. As an alternative, broadcasting companies can can or move to alternative frequencies more adequate for broadcasting, such as VHF, which is not adequate for mobile telephony.

To ensure ongoing innovation in mobile broadband, we must pursue several strategies vigorously: freeing up more spectrum for both licensed use and for unlicensed services like Wi-Fi; driving faster speeds, greater capacity, and ubiquitous mobile Internet coverage.

The proposed rules on said auction have been circulated among FCC commissioners for discussion on September 28. While the effects of the said move will not likely be immediately felt by consumers, this will be beneficial in the long run.

“The auctions will yield innumerable benefits for American consumers to access wireless broadband and ensure that devices such as smartphones and tablets can continue to connect to those networks,” said Julie Kearney, vice president of the Consumer Electronics Association, the standards and trade organization that runs the annual Consumer Electronics Show every January.

Will a reallocation of the radio spectrum result in better services and faster mobile broadband speeds? That will be up to the mobile carriers and regulators. But as consumers, it’s up to us to be vigilant that we get reasonable service for what we pay.

No related posts.

This article, FCC planning to auction off additional UHF spectrum to mobile carriers , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.

Google Wallet Discontinues Prepaid Cards, Refunds Coming Soon

Posted: 10 Sep 2012 06:24 PM PDT

Today, Google announced that they soon will be discontinuing their Prepaid Card program. Since the latest versions of Google Wallet enabled users to add any debit or credit card, the need for Google’s prepaid card has diminished. As a result, starting September 17th, you will no longer be able to add funds to your existing Google Prepaid Card or add a new Prepaid Card to a new Google Wallet device. Come October 17th, the Google Prepaid Card will automatically be removed from the Google Wallet app. Have no fear, if you happen to have funds left on your Prepaid Card, you’ll be able to request a refund.

Additionally, Google Wallet now has new terms and conditions. In the past, you were charged a $2.00 as a monthly service fee after 180 days of inactivity. Since the Prepaid Card service is going away soon, you will be charged this fee after 30 days without any transactions. Don’t worry, this fee is automatically deducted from the balance of your Prepaid Card. If you still have a balance on your Prepaid Card, to avoid a service fee, you’ll want to spend your remaining balance by October 17, 2012.

Not sure if you have a balance? Open Google Wallet, select payment cards, swipe to the card labeled Google Prepaid Card. If you have a balance, just tap ‘Select Card’ below, and you’re all set.

Google Wallet now works on Verizon Galaxy Nexus, lets you add any credit cards, Google Wallet on Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE functioning once more?, Google Wallet Stickers will Give NFC to Non-NFC Phones

This article, Google Wallet Discontinues Prepaid Cards, Refunds Coming Soon , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.