Android World: Android Phone Fans

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Android Phone Fans

First impressions: Xbox SmartGlass for Android (Update)
LG Nexus 4 Quick Start Guide leaks
Google’s Nexus event threatened by Hurricane Sandy: will it be canceled? [UPDATE: CANCELED]

First impressions: Xbox SmartGlass for Android (Update)

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 04:12 PM PDT

Today is a good day for Xbox users with an Android smartphone. Microsoft has finally released the Xbox SmartGlass Android app, and we have been playing around with it for a bit. SmartGlass promises a second screen to use with the Xbox 360, much like the WiiU and its gamepad.

As the feature develops, one will be able to access secondary menus and options with a smartphone or tablet, without interrupting your game or media. During Microsoft’s demo, a tablet was able to access information about the battlefield while watching video of a war in the popular series Game of Thrones. That level of interactivity definitely seems like a step forward as we approach a new era in video gaming.

The app doubles as a SmartGlass and Xbox Live app. One has access to messages, friends, currently-played games/apps and even featured content. On the SmartGlass side, one is able to use an Android device as a form of remote control for the Xbox 360. You can easily navigate around the dashboard, and open any games or apps of your choice; all by sliding and tapping your finger on the navigation screen (reminds me of a mouse app for Android and PC).

The new app has its good and bad sides, so let’s just jump in and see what we have.

The Good

Xbox SmartGlass has all those features we are salivating over (even if not perfect yet), but there is more to it. Xbox 360 junkies will be able to have a central app, allowing them to access Xbox Live content on-the-go. I have been using it to read and send messages, look for new games and search for apps. If you are interested in any of the content found on the device, you can go ahead and pull it out on your Xbox by simply tapping a button. One can purchase it from there.

Likewise, there are other shortcuts and features that are very helpful. Everything from being able to search and access content to enjoying Play, Rewind and Forward shortcuts appearing under the navigation screen when playing a movie on Netflix.

The Bad

Because it is made by Microsoft, it’s to be expected that Windows Phone will get the better end of the stick. Certainly, the app is good, but it feels like it is not fully developed, but it could also be an issue of SmartGlass, itself. With that said, there are some faults we wish to see improved in the near future.

For one, the Dashboard navigation screen is a bit laggy. We must consider the device communicates with the Xbox via internet, so that should definitely make it a bit slower. The interface is also a designed oddly. It seems like a pressed down Xbox 360 interface instead of an Android app. It is a form of mix between the Xbox UI and the Windows Phone Metro UI, which makes it feel very out-of-place.

All aesthetics aside, the app does need some functional improvements. It is quite annoying to see that even when the app is left open, it has to sign back in if the screen goes to sleep and you turn the device back on. If you hit the home button and re-open the app, it has to sign in again. Pretty much, it seems to lose connection with your Xbox every time you leave the app. It could be a battery-saving “feature,” but it would be nice to have the option to keep a stable connection.

Another noticeable issue is that the navigation screen is not very helpful when using it to control the pointer (with the browser, for example). Navigation works perfectly for the Dashboard and apps as the Metro UI lets you jump to categories and tiles one by one. It gets very hectic when you are trying to use the pointer, though. The SmartGlass navigation screen is no use, the pointer moves like a millimeter per full swype. It is simply unusable, so you might as well pick up your controller and use that.

For some reason, I have also not been able to use the keyboard, even though there is a shortcut for it. I just can’t pull it up, whether it is in the browser, the Search Box or within an app.

Verdict

As you can see, the app has more downsides than I expected. Over all, it works for what it is intended for, but Microsoft has a lot of work to do. We need a bit smoother navigation, better shortcuts and a working keyboard. Not to mention full compatibility with at least all native apps.

I have not tried the Windows Phone app yet, but I sincerely hope it is better than the Android one. Ultimately, SmartGlass has huge potential. Let’s hope it evolves into all that Microsoft promised and other developers make great features for it.

I have been here breaking my head over it, thinking maybe I was doing something wrong. If you have been using SmartGlass and have found these (or more) issues, please let us know! If not, you can go ahead and download it straight from the Google Play Store. As for me, I will start using it more once it becomes more integrated and seamless.

Update

The slow pointer and keyboard issues were fixed after connecting my Android smartphone to the same WiFi connection as the Xbox. I happen to prefer using Verizon’s 4G LTE, so I almost never connect my device to my home WiFi.

I definitely apologize for this misunderstanding, but that brings another issue. The app certainly connects to my Xbox and does other things when not on the same network. Why not make these features available regardless of how the device connects to the internet?

Thanks, ego!

LG Nexus 4 Quick Start Guide leaks

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 01:50 PM PDT

All Android fans are sad to hear that Google’s event in NYC has been canceled. Now we will have to wait more to hear about all those goodies, like Android 4.2, the new Nexus 7 version, the Nexus 10 and of course, that mighty LG Nexus 4 we have been drooling over for quite some time. If you need something to keep you strong, though, we have a new leak for you to stare at until Google decides to throw this delayed party.

Turns out LG Australia accidentally released a Quick Start Guide for the LG Nexus 4, which was quickly pulled from the site. The guide confirms the LG Nexus 4 name and the pulled site mentioned both an 8 GB and 16 GB version coming. We still have no idea if the 8 GB variant will come with that rumored $400 price tag, but we should find out more as soon as this event actually takes place.

And if you were wondering, the guide also brings an induction coil to light, meaning you will be able to charge this device wirelessly. Like NFC, this is a technology that hasn’t been widely adopted, but we love the fact that Google and other Android manufacturers are testing the waters. It might fail, it might not, but taking risks is key for tech evolution.

The device images are labeled with things like the front and back cameras, the notification light right under the screen, speaker slit and all other components. The hardware and design is everything we have been expecting so far, so download the PDF to take a look and let’s cry together over having to wait more.

[Via: Engadget PDF]

Google’s Nexus event threatened by Hurricane Sandy: will it be canceled? [UPDATE: CANCELED]

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 08:03 AM PDT

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Update

We have just received a bit of sad news from Google: the event in NYC scheduled for this Monday, October 29, has been postponed.

We are canceling our Monday morning event in New York due to Hurricane Sandy. We will let you know our plans as soon as we know more.

We have no idea when the event will happen, but we will definitely stay in touch with our friends at Google and keep you up-to-date. Sad day for all Google fans out there, but it was to be expected. Stay safe, New Yorkers!

On Monday October 29th, Google is scheduled to host a big Android event in NYC. We’re expected to see some Nexus devices, potentially the LG Nexus 4 and Nexus 10. But for those of you not tuned into East Coast weather, Hurricane Sandy – dubbed the “Perfect Storm” by many meteorologists – is threatening to delay Google’s October announcement for a 2nd straight year.

Current expectations are that the East Coast will be bombarded. Airports shut down. Electricity knocked out for several days. Public transit closed. Winds at 80+ MPH. Flooding in coastal areas. And this thing is supposed to touch down Sunday night, with the biggest impact on Monday into Tuesday. The same time Google’s event is supposed to occur.

It’s a bit surprising that the collision of mother nature, Google’s event schedule, and sensitive travel itineraries hasn’t caused Google to issue a public or private statement regarding the event’s status. I can’t imagine they would risk hosting an event without electricity, especially when traveling to the venue could prove unsafe and potentially life threatening. But as we speak, many potential attendees could be readying themselves to travel to NYC, where they will be greeted by a hurricane.

Don’t forget last year’s Google Android event was intended for CTIA in San Diego but later rescheduled for one week later in Hong Kong. Rumors swirled about the event being moved out of respect for Steve Jobs passing while others claimed the announcement was intended to avoid patent lawsuits in one way or another. Rumors aside, this would be the 2nd year in a row Google is forced to move or reschedule their event.

Google – if you’re listening – could you give us an update on the status of the event?

We took to Google+ and Facebook to ask our Phans if they thought Google would cancel/reschedule the event or surge along with fingers crossed. Here are some responses we received: