Friday, September 28, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Motorola Capitalizes On iOS 6 Maps Debacle – Uses Misleading Ad Comparing Apple’s Maps Against Google Maps

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 07:07 PM PDT

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Some iFans are up in arms today after a misleading Motorola ad made the rounds across various social networks and even here on Phandroid a few days ago. Taking advantage of Apple’s recent bad press in regard to the “inaccuracy” of iOS 6 Maps (we’ve had some fun with that too), Motorola seized the opportunity to advertise the tried and true Google Maps app found on their all new Motorola Droid Razr M.

In the ad, they show the iPhone 5 finding the wrong address for Motorola’s fictional address, side-by-side with the Droid Razr M which showed the correct result thanks to GMaps. So, what’s everyone so bent out of shape about? Well, besides the fact that the address used in the ad is essentially made up (it supposedly doesn’t exist), performing a maps search on the iOS 6 actually pulls up the same location as Google’s Maps. Shady? Possibly. Deceptive? A little. Here’s the results provided by a friend of mine with an iPhone 5 when compared to the results found on my Galaxy Nexus.

This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen a manufacturer intentionally misrepresent info to place a better light on their competing handset. Samsung featured a similar ad not too long ago with some slightly misleading bullet points comparing features in the iPhone 5 with those in the Galaxy S3.

Needless to say, Apple fanboys are upset over the ad, and while their anger could be seen as “justified,” many made the mistake of placing direct blame Google for the ad (who owns Motorola Mobility) even though the Moto and more so the ad agency who was used to commission the ad operated without any approval or knowledge from Google. Google has bigger fish to fry, concocting driverless cars, and virtual reality goggles.

I guess the real question we should be asking is whether or not we’ve ever seen an ad 100% truthfully and objectively present facts when advertising a product against a competitors. But then again, we’d probably see a lot less ads, now wouldn’t we?

Thanks, Jack for the image!

[Apple Insider - Might wanna stay away from the comments section]

Springpad For Android Updated – Brings Revamped UI, Smart Notebooks, and Social Features

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 05:57 PM PDT

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We’ve been seeing a nice trend lately from Android developers sprucing up their apps with flashy new UI’s and recently it was Springpad’s turn. It was a few weeks ago the popular note-taking app was updated in the Play Store, bringing about a revamped menu system designed to make saving everything in your life easier than ever. More like a “life-taking app,” Springpad was updated yet again, addressing user concerns by removing some permissions, reducing memory usage, and adding an all new app icon (again).

I have to admit, it’s been awhile since I gave Springpad a go, and I was pleasantly surprised at all the new editions. With the ability to share and discover public notebooks, it’s blurring the lines between your typical (boring) note app, and something more… social. Users can share their notes (Springs) with the community, letting other users follow and even comment on the notes. Kinda neat. For instance, one user in particular has made a public notebook filled with his favorite Android apps. A novel idea, one I myself have decided to give a shot and if you’d like, you can follow it here.

Springpad can downloaded from the Google Play Store for free, so give it a shot — especially if you haven’t tried it in awhile. Given that there are so many options and customizations, the app does have a bit of a learning curve. Don’t forget to let me know what you think once you’ve given it a download.

[Play Store]

Rayman Jungle Run now available for $3

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 03:20 PM PDT

Android users had to wait a bit of time after iOS users before they got to play Rayman Jungle Run, but the wait was short and sweet and you can now find the game in the Google Play Store. For $3 you’re getting a side-scrolling 2D platformer that pays near-perfect homage to the long-tenured franchise.

The initial wait to get this to the Google Play Store was due to more time needed for quality assurance, and it seems to have paid off for Ubisoft as they have yet to dip below 4.5 stars in ratings as of the time of this writing. I’d say it’s high time you open your wallets and grab this fine title from the Play Store.

ZTE Engage headed to Cricket October 2nd

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 01:56 PM PDT

Cricket looks set to offer another affordable Android smartphone for the users of its no-contract service. The device comes from long-time ally ZTE, and it’ll be marketed as the ZTE Engage. The device looks to be fairly decent under the hood as it has a 4-inch WVGA display, a 1.4GHz processor, an 8 megapixel camera, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and more.

You’ll have to plop down $250 at the counter but don’t forget that there’s no contract attached to that price — once you get it, it’s paid for. It honestly doesn’t look bad for the price and we’re sure a few of you will at least give it a fair shot. It will be available starting October 2nd.

Official New York Times app updated with Holo UI

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 01:33 PM PDT

We’re always happy to see more Holo-themed apps hit the Google Play Store, and another has landed into our laps. New York Times readers can finally enjoy their stories on the go with an interface that was designed for devices with Android 3.2+, and if you somehow haven’t seen how those apps look you need to trade that rock in for a Galaxy Nexus.

More than just looks, though, they’ve added a lot of feel and function. For starters, TTS for Ice Cream Sandwich and higher is enabled for those who want to have articles read to them.

Other changes include updated navigation features, a widget that includes images, a list of your most visited blogs, and previews of the next article in line. All they’re asking for the download is 1.9MB so if this is your news outlet of choice be sure to get the app from the source link ahead. [Google Play Store]

Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S3 will be $50 on Black Friday

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 01:14 PM PDT

It usually isn’t until the beginning of November that we start to see the Black Friday ads leak, but someone has gotten their hands on at least one of Sprint’s Black Friday deals nearly two months ahead of the illustrious shopping day.

It’s been revealed that Sprint will be offering the Samsung Galaxy S3 for just $50 for November 23rd only. The price is usually $200, and you won’t find many other opportunities to get this thing under $100 any other time.

It is possible, and likely, that Sprint still has other deals under wraps so we’ll have to see what they’re enticing users with as we inch closer to one of the most exciting shopping days of the year. Is anyone biting? [via Engadget]

Day 2 of Google Play Store 25 Billion Downloads sale now live

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 12:29 PM PDT

Google is still celebrating its 25 billion downloads — and will be celebrating for three more days after today — and on the second day of this great sale comes another crop of games and apps to sink your teeth into for just $.25.

Today’s titles include the likes of Cut the Rope: Experiments, World of Goo, Sketchbook Mobile, Paper Camera, FIFA 12, and more. These sales are always a great time to get games and apps from the Google Play Store that you might not have purchased otherwise.

Yours truly is eyeing about 6 games on this list alone, and you can bet when tomorrow rolls around I’ll be looking to grab more. Be sure to hit the Google Play Store up for the downloads, and check back tomorrow for the third day of wonderful deals

NFL Pro 2013 coming soon to Android [VIDEO]

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 11:38 AM PDT

We’re three weeks into the controversial 2012 NFL season, but Gameloft’s approaching it with an “it’s never too late” attitude with its latest announcement. They’ve uploaded a new trailer for NFL Pro 2013, and although the game is available for iOS Android users will have to wait for a little while longer before we can get in on the hand-egg fun.

Unfortunately Gameloft didn’t mention when, exactly, it would be headed to the Google Play Store. We can expect this game to be free when it lands, though, and the developers will look to make their money using in-app purchases.

One scenario we imagine they implemented is buying XP and coins with real money to upgrade your players, stadium, and more. It looks like you’ll also be able to earn XP on the field, but that grind is most likely going to be a lot more grueling.

You can play as every single one of the 32 teams in the NFL, and you can even edit playbooks so you can get to the plays you like faster.

It looks pretty decent for what it is, though no one should be swapping out Madden for it (that’s not to say Madden is perfect, but it’s no slouch either). For a free game it doesn’t get much easier to bite the bullet on the download, though. Take a look above.

ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity Jelly Bean update delayed until next week

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 10:41 AM PDT

While ASUS Transformer Prime users have been enjoying the Jelly Bean update as of earlier this morning, those carrying the Pad Infinity may have to wait a tad longer than expected. ASUS representative Gary Key took to XDA to notify people that the update was delayed about a week or so.

The delay was thanks to an update to the Facebook app, as well as updates to other apps, that required ASUS to tweak the keyboard to operate correctly. Once those issues are ironed out they’ll be pushing the update out right away. Be patient, my  friends — those delicious beans aren’t going to take long to get to your tablet. [via XDA]

Samsung says save the date for ‘The Next Big Thing’ on October 24, expect more Galaxy Note 2

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 09:48 AM PDT

Samsung has just sent out an email asking us to save the date for an October 24th event to be held in New York City. A picture of a stylus along with the familiar “Next Big Thing” tagline leaves us with little doubt as to what we can expect. The event looks to be the formal introduction of the US range of Samsung Galaxy Note 2 handsets for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and a few regional providers.

While there isn’t much more to learn about the phone, we sure can’t pass up a chance to take a look at the Note 2 up close and drill Samsung on all the details. We’ll be covering the event live, so mark the date on your calendars and stay tuned.

Jelly Bean now arriving for ASUS Transformer Prime

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 08:41 AM PDT

Just as promised by ASUS, reports are rolling in that Android 4.1 Jelly Bean has started to hit Transformer Prime tablets in the US. The rollout marks the first of two major updates that ASUS plans to launch over the next 48 hours, with the Transformer Pad Infinity receiving its dose of Jelly Bean starting tomorrow. Received the update yourself? Head on over to AndroidForums to jump in on the discussion!

[Thanks, Mike and all who sent this in!]

Eric Schmidt goes Gangnam Style on South Korea

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 07:54 AM PDT

By now everyone is familiar with the YouTube sensation that is South Korean rapper PSY’s “Gangnam Style.” The catchy tune is accompanied by an equally catchy dance that has spread like wildfire, getting people everywhere to jockey up and ride an invisible horse to the pulsing bass of the song. Including Google chairman Eric Schmidt. Without further comment, we present his take on the dance captured during a recent visit to South Korea.

Samsung Galaxy Music set for October 11 launch, full specs and images leak

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 07:21 AM PDT

Ah, we must be in the midst of a lull in Samsung’s release schedule when the whole world waits with bated breath for the announcement of a phone like the Samsung Galaxy Music. By all means and entry-level device with its 850MHz processor, 3-inch QVGA display, and 512MB of RAM, the Music doesn’t hold a candle to flagship releases like the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. It does however, feature a set of stereo external speakers, as evidenced by the visually thumping bass emerging in the leaked image of the device below.

Other specs include 4GB of internal storage plus microSD expansion, a 3MP camera, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (a Jelly Bean update is already planned). A second version of the device, the Samsung Galaxy Music DUOS, will feature dual-SIM support with the rest of the specs remaining identical. Samsung is expected to announce the pair at a press event in Frankfurt on October 11th.

[via SamMobile, SammyHUB]

Google to launch $99 Nexus tablet this year?

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 06:15 AM PDT

A new rumor claims that Google and ASUS are currently working on a new version of their Nexus 7, one that will put the original’s $199 price tag to shame. According to a report from Digitimes, Google will launch a $99 version of the Nexus 7 alongside an updated, thinner $199 slate. Both tablets will feature HannStar Display panels, but little else is known about how hardware specs will shape up.

If Google manage to release a sub-$100 tablet providing a similar experience and quality to the original Nexus 7, the entire industry will be flipped on its head. If sales of the Nexus 7 are any indication of what an approachable price tag will do, just imagine the adoption rate for a name-brand tablet that costs a fifth of the price of an iPad. If these rumors pan out, we could see the result of Google’s strategy by the end of the year.

[via Digitimes]

LG sues Samsung over OLED display patents, Galaxy devices once again under fire

Posted: 27 Sep 2012 05:03 AM PDT

Samsung has once again come under fire for patent infringement, but this time Apple has nothing to do with the claims. Instead, fellow Android smartphone maker and local rival LG is suing Samsung for allegedly infringing on OLED display patents in their line of Galaxy devices. The patents cover OLED panel design, circuitry, and device design, and LG is seeking a ban of infringing devices in their native South Korea.

The Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note, and Galaxy Tab 7.7 are all included in the suit, which LG display says, “has been filed both to enforce LG Display’s intellectual property rights and promote fair competition.” So much for solidarity among Android manufacturers.

[via TechCrunch]
Posted by at 7:48 AM

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