Android Authority |
- Google working on Phone X and Tablet X, now in development at Motorola
- What goes around, comes around: Samsung sues Apple over notification center
- Rockstar GTA 3 and Max Payne just $.99 via Google Play
- FTC reportedly delays decision of anti-trust probe against Google
- Office Suite Pro only $.99 for a limited time
- Gameloft’s Wild Blood for Android now available for $0.99 through Google Play
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update starts rolling out to US Cellular customers
- Amazon selling AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 for just $79.99
- Happy Holidays from Android!
- 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited comes with Qi wireless charging built-in
| Google working on Phone X and Tablet X, now in development at Motorola Posted: 21 Dec 2012 02:19 PM PST
The Nexus program seems a success (save for the availability problems that have marred the launch of the Nexus 4), but Google isn't content with providing just half of the Android experience. While the operating system on the Nexus devices is pure Android just as Google wanted it, the hardware part is pretty much controlled by whatever manufacturer Google decides to partner with. If only Google had a subsidiary that manufactures phones… Well, our dreams will come true, if a report from WSJ is to be trusted. The newspaper claims that Motorola is working at producing a pure Google phone, one that is known internally as "Phone X". The Phone X will be an entirely new product, that will complement Motorola's current lineup of devices rather than replace it. Moreover, once the Phone X is released, WSJ says that Google plans to release a "Tablet X". The report says that the person in charge with the Phone X project is Lior Ron, who previously managed Google's successful (and very important) Maps service. Motorola is apparently laser focused on providing a high-quality camera and great photo software. On the hardware side, the possibilities are quite exciting – according to the WSJ report, innovations like bendable displays and ceramic materials are on the table, although it's not specified if Google/Moto has finished the design of the device. It's worth noting that the Google-Motorola acquisition was completed seven months ago, and that the typical phone takes about 18 months to develop. Whatever Google is planning for the Phone X, it's likely still in an early stage. One last tidbit – the Phone X will apparently integrate technology from Viewdle, an image and gesture recognition company that Motorola bought in October. Related Posts |
| What goes around, comes around: Samsung sues Apple over notification center Posted: 21 Dec 2012 01:45 PM PST
We can't say we didn't see this one coming. The notification system on Android is stellar, and Apple obviously agrees, because it lifted it wholesale on its own iOS products. For years now, Android fans frustrated by the wave of litigation that Apple unleashed against Android OEMs (and Samsung in particular) have asked one thing – why isn't anyone suing Cupertino for the obvious rip off that is their notification center? Well, someone is finally suing, if a report from the Korean news is to be believed. According to the Brightwire news service, the Korean news portal iNews24 reported today that "Samsung Electronics has brought a lawsuit against Apple in a court in South Korea over its ‘Notification Center’ patent infringement." Sadly, no other details were revealed, but we are working on finding more. Needless to say, this development has the potential to be huge. Samsung has opened various legal actions against Apple before, with little success. In some cases, judges ruled that the Koreans can't make use of their standard-essential patents against competitors, while in others, jurors found that Apple isn't infringing Samsung's IP. The notification center case is, however, far more clear, and Samsung has a better shot at winning a legal action based on this feature. What's interesting is that Samsung doesn't own patents related to the notification center, as Google is the inventor of the feature on Android. The Mountain View company was just awarded its first patent related to the notification system just last month. It's possible that this development has triggered Samsung's attack on Apple. We'll look for more details and come back with an update. Related Posts |
| Rockstar GTA 3 and Max Payne just $.99 via Google Play Posted: 21 Dec 2012 12:08 PM PST
With Christmas less than a week away, it seems like just about every Google Play app is going on sale to get in on last-minute holiday purchases. Now Rockstar joins the club by slashing the price on Max Payne and Grand Theft Auto III down to just $.99 for a limited time. These games are nothing short of classics in their original form, but on your Android device they look even better thanks to optimized visuals that bring the experience closer to HD than ever before. The controls have also been reworked to work great on a tablet or smartphone. If you are a fan of free-roaming titles and haven’t picked these up yet for whatever reason, you’d be wise to purchase them now before this deal runs out. Related Posts |
| FTC reportedly delays decision of anti-trust probe against Google Posted: 21 Dec 2012 11:54 AM PST Google has been the subject of an anti-trust probe by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the last two years, over the search giant allegedly giving competitors lower rankings in search results to promote its own products. FTC was expected to wrap up the two year old case before the end of this month, but a new report has surfaced that says the decision could be delayed for a few weeks. The Wall Street Journal was first to report that the delay is due to the parallel investigation in the European Union, where investigators have taken a hard line against the search giant. The EU has given Google a month to come up with detailed proposals to resolve the two-year old investigation into Google’s search practices. The competition regulator has been taking in settlement proposals from Google since July, but has not agreed on any of them so far. While Google has agreed on making changes to its search results, the company is reluctant on letting regulators interfere in its search algorithms. It is widely believed though that the search giant would walk harmless at the end of this investigation. The exact date for the announcement of a decision is yet to be made public by the FTC. The Commission’s decision is expected to come in 2013, while Google could settle with the European Union in January. If found guilty in Europe, Google could face a fine of up to $4 billion, which is 10 percent of its global revenue. Related Posts |
| Office Suite Pro only $.99 for a limited time Posted: 21 Dec 2012 11:46 AM PST
Although there are many document editors out there for Android, many times these types of apps can be rather pricey. Luckily, for a limited time you can pick up the highly-acclaimed Office Suite Pro for just $.99 via Google Play. Office Suite is normally $15, so this is a pretty substantial discount. That said, it has been a free app of the day on Amazon’s Store in the past. As far as compatibility is concerned? Word, Excel and PDF documents will play nice with Office Suite for both editing and creating new files. There are quite a few features found in Office Suite, including a full spell check, built-in file browser, presentation module and more. Although a full-fledged word processor experience on a PC still beats out most of these mobile apps, Office Suite is certainly worth the dollar it takes to purchase it. Keep in mind that this is likely a limited time promotion, so it probably wouldn’t hurt to pick this up right away if you are interested. Anyone already pick this app up? If so, what do you think of it? Related Posts |
| Gameloft’s Wild Blood for Android now available for $0.99 through Google Play Posted: 21 Dec 2012 11:43 AM PST
Wild Blood for Android is a game that allows users to play as Sir Lancelot — in 3D — while battling their way through Avalon to conquer a whole host of difficult challenges. Apart from story mode, it also has an 8-person multi-player mode that offers a good way to spend the time while playing 4 v 4, whether local or online through the use of Wi-Fi. Because it uses Unreal Technology, players can really live the unforgettable journey of Sir Lancelot like never before. And the best thing about it is that it is now available through Google Play for only $0.99, down from the previous price of $6.99. Its current price is up as a limited time offer for the holidays. If you’ve always wanted to play Wild Blood or simply want to get a taste of Unreal Engine 3D, now is the time to do so by following the Google Play link below. Related Posts |
| Samsung Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update starts rolling out to US Cellular customers Posted: 21 Dec 2012 11:10 AM PST
Recently we reported that Verizon subscribers were starting to see Jelly Bean rollout to the Samsung Galaxy S3. Following on Verizon’s heels, US Cellular has also starting roll out an update for the Galaxy S3. The announcement came from US Cellular’s Facebook page earlier today. That said, not all customers will see it right away, as it will likely take a few days to completely make its way to all S3 owners. So what’s new? Jelly Bean includes tons of improvements such as Google Now, Project butter speed improvements,enhanced notifications and much more. In most cases an update notification should appear when the download is ready for you, but it’s never a bad idea to check manually under "Check for Updates" in the system settings. Any US Cellular customers get the update yet? If so did the experience go smoothly for you? Related Posts |
| Amazon selling AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 for just $79.99 Posted: 21 Dec 2012 10:50 AM PST
If you are an AT&T user who is planning on buying a Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone, then you are in luck. Amazon Wireless is back with yet another offer. The retailer is selling the Samsung Galaxy S3 at a discounted price of $79.99 only. Don’t get too excited though, as you will have to sign a two-year contract in order to take advantage of this deal. If sticking on AT&T’s network with Galaxy S3 isn’t a problem with you then this is the deal you should not miss. The $79.99 price tag is only available to new customers. Those who need to upgrade their contract will have to pay $99.99. Amazon is currently offering the Sprint variant of Galaxy S3 for $0.01 only while the Verizon variant is up for sale for $59.99. Nevertheless, $79.99 is the cheapest rate AT&T’s Galaxy S3 is available in the market today. AT&T is selling the Galaxy S3 for $199.99 in its stores. All colors of Galaxy S3 except the Garnet red are available in the Amazon Store at the lower price. Related Posts |
| Posted: 21 Dec 2012 10:39 AM PST
The folks at Google have prepared a nice little video post card for all of you Android users out there. Allow us to join the green robot from Mountain View and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Related Posts |
| 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited comes with Qi wireless charging built-in Posted: 21 Dec 2012 10:29 AM PST
Need to charge your phone’s battery? Just set it on the console. That is if you would be driving (or riding) the 2012 Toyota Avalon, which comes with built-in Qi charging capability, letting you charge compatible devices by just setting them on the mat. Mobile phones and automobiles are a good mix, especially with smartphones now doubling as navigation devices. But having to fumble with a lighter socket charger and having to work through wires might be in the way of a peaceful commute. Here’s where wireless charging tech comes in. Toyota has announced this week that the 2013 model of its flagship Avalon sedan will come equipped with Qi charging — something that smartphone enthusiasts are likely to wish all car manufacturers will support in the future. Support for the Qi standard is growing, with about 130 companies now part of the Wireless Power Consortium. But Qi is not alone, with other emerging standards also vying to be the dominant standard in wireless charging. These include the Alliance for Wireless Power (Samsung, Qualcomm) and the Power Matters Alliance (Google, Starbucks). Whichever will become the dominant standard will depend on device support. In the case of Qi, 110 devices reportedly support the standard already, with a global install base of 8.5 million, as of 3Q 2012 figures. With the release of the Nexus 4, interest in Qi as a wireless charging and peripheral platform is most likely to grow. Of course, Qi does not only involve wireless charging, but also other wireless peripherals, such as audio and video docks. Now, your car might be he next peripheral you would want your smartphone to connect to. We hope to see more auto makers introducing built-in wireless charging mats in their cars, so that charging while on the move will be less of a hassle. Related Posts |
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