Android Community |
- Google I/O 2013 dates set for May 15th-17th
- Android distribution numbers for November see Jelly Bean making gains
- Samsung S Pebble music player coming to the US
- Verizon Selects starts this week – optional targeted advertising for mobile
- Rockstar shows off Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for Android
- Nabi Jr. $99 Tegra tablet is aimed at toddlers
- Gameloft’s Modern Combat 4 coming soon to Android
- Makers of Cut the Rope announce next game called Pudding Monsters
- Nexus 4 stock returning to UK Play Store at 5pm GMT
- Android 4.1 available for Samsung Galaxy S III on AT&T
- The Times offering subsidized Nexus 7 for £50 with subscription
- Toshiba announces new 10-inch tablet called the Excite 10 SE
- Android Community Nightly: December 3rd, 2012
- Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean leaks for Galaxy Note II LTE
- Galaxy S III in Canada getting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update today
- XBMC for Android beta officially released
- PSA: You must enable pinch-to-zoom in the new Gmail
- SMS celebrates 20th birthday today
- Google updates Maps API, gives developers access to all the neat features
- No injunction for Motorola in Microsoft case, Judge says
| Google I/O 2013 dates set for May 15th-17th Posted: 04 Dec 2012 11:07 AM PST Get ready to clear your calendar and get ready for some Android goodness from our friends at Google. One of our favorite events of the year was just announced. Google I/O 2013 will begin on May 15th and run for 3 days again this year, wrapping up on the 17th. This is Google’s biggest event of the year where will learn about the next version of Android, Key Lime Pie, and much much more.
Google just dropped the news this afternoon on their official Google Developers Twitter and didn’t really reveal much other than the official dates. After last year when they had to add a third day, and move the date to June, this year we will get to enjoy everything Google has to share in the usual month of May. I’m getting excited already.
The folks from Mountain View didn’t reveal when registration will start, but did mention “early 2013″ so we’ll have to wait and see. Just like the past few years registration literally sells out in a matter of minutes – like under 5 – so you’d better hurry if you have any dreams of enjoying their awesome events. Until we hear more details from Google regarding I/O 2013, you can relive all the exciting moments from this year by heading to the Google IO page. This year they announced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, project butter, Google Now, expandable notifications, the now dead Nexus Q, their extremely popular Nexus 7 and much more. We’re expecting tons of awesome Google Glass news in 2013 too so stay tuned. |
| Android distribution numbers for November see Jelly Bean making gains Posted: 04 Dec 2012 10:49 AM PST Google has released the Android platform distribution numbers for November, and things are starting to look up for Jelly Bean. Whereas Jelly Bean only held a 2.7% share in October, it was up to 6.7% in November. That’s not too bad when you think about the sheer number of Android handsets out there, but of course, Gingerbread is still reigning supreme as it’s running on 50.8% of handsets according to the data.
That number is actually down from 54.2% in October, so it seems that a fair amount of users adopted Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean in November. Speaking of Ice Cream Sandwich, it rose from 25.8% in October to 27.5% last month, so that version of Android is on the rise as well. We’ll probably see Gingerbread at the top for a while yet, but don’t expect to see it make any new gains – as users who were stuck with a Gingerbread handset on a two-year commitment come off of their contracts in the coming months, they’ll likely upgrade to a handset running ICS or Jelly Bean (preferably Jelly Bean). It seems like it won’t be long before we say goodbye to Cupcake and Donut, with those showing 0.1% and 0.3% share respectively in November. Of course, those numbers remain unchanged from October to November, so they could manage to hold on for a few months to come. Eclair still has 2.7% share all to itself, while Froyo is holding out at 10.3% – not as much as October’s 12%, but still enough to beat out the likes of Jelly Bean. Finally, Homeycomb comes in at 1.4%, down ever so slightly from the 1.6% it was showing in October.
Google collected this data by looking at all of the Android devices that accessed the Google Play Store during a 14 day period, which ended on December 3 (though the period for the historical chart you see above ended on December 1). Jelly Bean’s significant jump during the month of November can be attributed to the new handsets that have launched running Jelly Bean out of the box, along with the manufacturer and carrier push we’ve been seeing to get Jelly Bean updates out the door. We’re interested in seeing what kind of jumps Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean make during this, the biggest shopping month of the year, so keep it tuned here to Android Community for more details. [via Android Developers] |
| Samsung S Pebble music player coming to the US Posted: 04 Dec 2012 10:44 AM PST When Samsung announced their extremely popular Galaxy S III flagship smartphone earlier this year, along with it was a neat little music player. It was called the Samsung S Pebble, came in the same Pebble Blue color option, and obviously was shaped like a little stone. It has been for sale internationally but new details are now confirming the tiny little media player is headed to the US.
According to SammyHub, Samsung will re-brand the S Pebble as the Samsung Muse music player and it will launch in the US for $49. The new Muse music player will have 4GB of internal storage, and their accompanying Muse music app will allow seamless sync and integration with many of Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Users with the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note, Note II and many others can all sync and stream their Google Play Music, Samsung Music Hub and more all to the device. This will allow users to clip the little pebble on and never remove their phone from a purse or pocket. You can also transfer songs from Google Music or your smartphone right to the devices internal storage using their app – no PC required. The Muse music player is made out of the same lightweight plastic as the Galaxy S III, features a metal clip for a security while jogging or hitting the gym, 3.5mm headphone jack, and looks pretty neat. It’s small, portable, and most importantly cheap. It might not be full of features like an iPod or Galaxy Player, but then you’re only spending $49 here with the Muse. Anyone interested in this little music player?    |
| Verizon Selects starts this week – optional targeted advertising for mobile Posted: 04 Dec 2012 10:19 AM PST We have some important news to share with you guys on Verizon Wireless today. This week the carrier will be starting their new program called “Verizon Selects” and you’ll want to be on the lookout for the email or text from Big Red. This is essentially Verizon’s new mobile advertising plan but you’ll want to read on for the full details and see if you’d like to opt-in, or opt-out. I’ll go for the latter.
If you agree to take part in Verizon Selects you’ll be sharing your personal information such as data usage, location, web browsing, and mobile app data usage, and a few other things. In return for sharing this information you’ll get to enjoy the “pleasure” of targeted mobile ads. People who chose to opt-in will get targeted mobile advertising in the form of emails, text messages, or other use cases directly from Verizon. My first response was, no way I’m opting into this. After reading the details I still feel the same way and this is all a bit unsettling. However, it’s important to remember that Verizon states this entire program is completely optional. Users can opt-out any time they’d like. If you opt-in though, you’ll get rewarded with some sort of coupon from Verizon Wireless, or “some other form of reward.” Pretty sure we’ll have a few comments of users ready to get out the pitch forks and complain, but remember this is optional. I’m still a little skeptical and never really plan to willingly share my data, but to each his own. Thoughts on this new optional mobile advertizing program from Verizon? Let us know below, but keep it civil. [via SlashGear] |
| Rockstar shows off Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for Android Posted: 04 Dec 2012 09:54 AM PST In case you guys haven’t heard the news, the developers behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise are bringing another classic to Android. After GTA III was extremely popular on Android smartphones and tablets, they are now set to release the popular Vice City this week. It will be available starting Thursday, the 10th anniversary of the game, and today they are teasing us with a few in-game screenshots.
The new screenshots posted today appear to have come from an iPad, but the graphics and gameplay should be equal or better for Android. Hopefully they’ll release updates with Tegra 3 quad-core support and more, just like with GTAIII. These new photos show my favorite in game vehicle — the motorcycle — as well as character models, lighting effects during the day and night, and much more. I’m getting excited already.
Pretty epic right? I’m excited to shoot down hordes of people relaxing on the beach. Isn’t that the point of the game? Everything in these few screenshots should look extremely familiar as it’s essentially the same game other than a few minor tweaks. Rockstar promises slightly better graphics than when we played on consoles, as well as an improved firing and target mode to be more accurate with weapons on a touchscreen. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City certainly doesn’t have the best graphics we’ve seen on a mobile game, but then again it is 10 years old this month. We love the fact that Rockstar is continuing to release classic titles to our favorite Android devices. Get the brand new GTA: Vice City starting Thursday and let us know what you think in the comments below. Who’s excited for this release?    [via SlashGear] |
| Nabi Jr. $99 Tegra tablet is aimed at toddlers Posted: 04 Dec 2012 09:26 AM PST Yup, you read that title right. If your toddlers and young ones are screaming for more power on their Android tablet the folks from Nabi have just the device for you this holiday season. We’ve reviewed the Nabi Tegra 3 tablet before, but this new Nabi Jr. is aimed at the little ones in your household. With a 5-inch display, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and more.
If your toddlers aren’t happy playing with your smartphone and want their own device, or you’d rather not keep giving them that shiny new expensive Galaxy S III to play Angry Birds on — then the Nabi Jr is perfect coming in at just $99. As mentioned above, it comes with a 5-inch display, Android 4.0 ICS, and is powered by NVIDIA’s aging but powerful Tegra 2 dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. Enough for any child to enjoy some games. The Fuhu Nabi 2 tablet is probably their most successful, but this new child friendly budget option should be a big hit this holiday season. The screen is smaller, with only a 480×800 resolution, you get 4GB of storage for $99, and 16GB for $129, but it has access to NVIDIA’s TegraZone full of games and apps, and of course you can side-load the Amazon Appstore for all those other games. The Nabi Jr. does not have access to Google’s Play Store, but the manufacturer has loaded tons of kid friendly games and apps to keep your crawlers plenty busy throughout the day. Including a front and rear camera, although the don’t specify the details on those cameras. It has educational apps, games, and even videos all pre-loaded too. For $99 this is a good start to the holidays for a toddler. It will be available this month in select retailers across the nation, so head to Walmart or Best Buy and give it a try. |
| Gameloft’s Modern Combat 4 coming soon to Android Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:52 AM PST Gameloft’s Modern Combat franchise consistently pushes the visuals in terms of mobile gaming. We first got to see Modren Combat 4 a couple months ago in the form of a trailer, and now, Gameloft has teased us a little more by letting us know that game is coming soon. Gameloft announced a final release date of December 6 for the iOS version of the game and “shortly after” for Android.
When you see Modern Combat 4, obviously, Call of Duty is the first thing that comes to mind. That’s not a bad thing; who doesn’t want some Call of Duty-like gameplay on the go? In fact, Modern Combat games are among the highest reviewed games on mobile devices, and if the trailer is any indication, Modern Combat 4 looks like it will follow that trend. Hopefully Gameloft announces the final release date for our beloved Android devices soon. The iOS version launches the same day as Grand Theft Auto Vice City, which we can only assume is not a coincidence. We are assuming that something is preventing Gameloft from dropping the game on 6th on Android, as it seems Gameloft would like to have it available on all platforms the same day as GTA to take a chunk of Rockstar’s business. |
| Makers of Cut the Rope announce next game called Pudding Monsters Posted: 04 Dec 2012 07:58 AM PST Cut the Rope is easily one of the best causal games on mobile devices. It’s right up there with Angry Birds, the kings of the casual mobile gaming scene. Since its release, Cut the Rope has racked up a staggering 250 million downloads across mobile platforms. ZeptoLab, the creators of the ultra-popular game, have finally announced its next game called Pudding Monsters. It will hit the market on December 20.
Just like Cut the Rope, ZeptoLab plans to release all kinds of other stuff along with the game. The company plans to roll out plush toys, comic books, and other merchandise based on the new game. If it follows a similar pattern to their previous game, we expect tons of merchandise based on the characters in the game. In spite of hitting the market over two years ago, Cut the Rope still has around 50 million monthly active player. Obviously, ZeptoLab is hoping to recreate some of that magic with the release of its next game, but only time will tell if they are able to recreate that success. If they can follow in the footsteps of Rovio, this game is sure to be a smash success. |
| Nexus 4 stock returning to UK Play Store at 5pm GMT Posted: 04 Dec 2012 07:38 AM PST Have you been patiently waiting to get your hands on an unsubsidized Nexus 4 in the UK? So far, that has been easier said than done, what with the stock Google is able to generate selling out at ultra-high speeds. Well today, Google is adding some more inventory to the Play Store in the UK at 5pm GMT, so if you’ve been waiting to scoop up one of these devices, you had better be sitting at your computer ready to pull the trigger.
Of course, it was not just in the UK that users had problems with the Play Store. The problems were repeated when the device hit the US market later on, with users complaining of shopping carts that emptied randomly, and general sluggishness. It was generally a poor experience, and hopefully today will be nothing like that day. The device has been available from several carriers after Google ran out, but the cost is generally higher in the long run as it requires users to be locked into a contract. When the device was restocked in the US, it sold out almost as quickly as the initial launch. If you want one, don’t think you can wait around, as it is almost a certainty that it stock will not last long, so go to Google Play and get ready for it to return. |
| Android 4.1 available for Samsung Galaxy S III on AT&T Posted: 04 Dec 2012 07:05 AM PST Samsung Galaxy S III owners on AT&T have been waiting for a certain piece of news to drop. What might that news be? Android 4.1 is finally ready to be downloaded on Galaxy S III for AT&T customers. Owners of the device have been patiently waiting, and now, the wait is finally over.
Samsung reminds users that you may see some delay while update with Kies depending on network speeds. Once the update is downloaded, simply install it to your device and within a few minutes, you will be able to use all the new features of Jelly Bean on your AT&T Samsung Galaxy S III. As always, you should back up your Android device before installing an update. There is always the possibility of data being lost during an update. With Android 4.1, users will get access to Google Now, Project Butter, and all kinds of other awesome new features. It’s an update that truly takes Android to another level, and finally, Galaxy S III owners on AT&T’s network can enjoy those awesome new features. |
| The Times offering subsidized Nexus 7 for £50 with subscription Posted: 04 Dec 2012 06:21 AM PST The British newspaper known as The Times is trying to bolster its digital presence by offering discounted Nexus 7 tablet with subscriptions. For only £50 and a £4 a week subscription, users can grab a 32GB Nexus 7 tablet. Normally, the 32GB version of the Nexus 7 sells for £199.
The subscription to The Times is the digital bundle, which gets you access to the tablet edition of the newspaper, as well as access to the website and smartphone app. With The Times+ membership, users also get wealth of events, offers and extras including complimentary film screenings, private views and expert talks. It’s an interesting deal, and seems like a good move for The Times to get more readers using its digital platform. Of course, the Nexus 7 is one of the most popular tablets on the market. It comes with the latest version of Jelly Bean, 10 hour battery life while browsing, and more general awesomeness. Hopefully, we see other companies working out plans like this, where users can grab a service they need with a discounted tablet. Unlike phones, subsidized tablets are not overly common. [via The Times] |
| Toshiba announces new 10-inch tablet called the Excite 10 SE Posted: 04 Dec 2012 05:42 AM PST Toshiba has just announced a brand new 10-inch tablet which shall be known as the Excite 10 SE. Toshiba is going for the higher end tablet market with this new model. It comes loaded with all the hardware you would expect to see from a tablet on upper-end of the spectrum.
Toshiba’s new tablet is only 0.4 inches thin, which is only slightly thicker than the Nexus 10. It also weighs in at 22.6 ounces, which is about an ounce heavier than the Nexus 10. Both depth and weight differences between this new Toshiba and Nexus 10 are essentially negligible. In terms of size, it is definitely one of the smaller and lighter 10-inch tablet on the market today. Toshiba’s new tablet will be available on December 6. Toshiba will be selling it at ToshibaDirect and at select retailers. The tablet starts at $349.99 for the 16GB model and goes up from there for models with more memory installed.     |
| Android Community Nightly: December 3rd, 2012 Posted: 03 Dec 2012 07:43 PM PST December is finally here folks. It’s time to get out the Christmas decorations, put lights on the tree, and hopefully we get a Christmas themed Android collectible sometime soon from those folks at Dead Zebra. Today is December 3rd and welcome to another edition of the Android Community Nightly. Below you’ll find all the news and stuff that mattered to us most.
It was another exciting day in the world of Android but first off lets start off with the little bit of bad news. The news of Nokia joining the Android army last week ended up false, and they’re only hiring a Linux engineer for their Nokia HERE Maps service. Move along folks! Then as usual Samsung was in the news basically all day. All starting with 3 new devices that leaked in detail, but nothing there was extremely new or too exciting. One that wasn’t mentioned but leaked later today was a possible Samsung Galaxy Note 7-inch — which would be an awesome tablet I’m sure. Please don’t make this a phone Samsung! That’s just too big. Then probably the most exciting news for us here at Android Community is the video that showed off the upcoming SwiftKey Flow keyboard. SwiftKey Flow you’ll be able to glide your finger using gesture based typing and never even remove your hand for each word. Their amazing app will guess the words as you go all with ease. It looks extremely impressive so here’s the video one more time: Our friends from Google were in the news a few times today, multiple times actually. First off the Nexus 4 went up for sale in the Canadian Play Store today, but I’m sure it sold out rather quick. Then the second most exciting bit of news for me was that Google finally, finally updated Gmail for the masses with pinch-to-zoom. A feature we should have had years ago. Give Google a nice slow clap why don’t you… Lastly for team Google, they are allowing all the awesome features of Google Maps to be used by developers of all kinds, and released a brand new updated API for their service. In software update news it looks like multiple devices are getting, or will soon get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Today Verizon and Motorola officially started rolling out Jelly Bean for the DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD. Then the folks from Samsung issued Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean for the Canadian Galaxy S III too. In other exciting news today the text message (SMS) turned 20 years old, Polk Audio announced Android specific headphones, and XBMC was released for Android in beta. Oh, and don’t forget you must enable the new pinch-to-zoom and features in Gmail. See you tomorrow guys! |
| Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean leaks for Galaxy Note II LTE Posted: 03 Dec 2012 04:26 PM PST Samsung’s been on a roll working rather hard lately making sure they update all their devices to the latest and greatest versions of Android. Earlier today we reported Jelly Bean was rolling out to more Galaxy S III phones, and now it appears a minor update to 4.1.2 JB has leaked for the international 4G LTE capable Galaxy Note II.
The Galaxy Note II thankfully comes out of the box with Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, but today a leak of their minor update to 4.1.2 has appeared on the internet for those interested in giving it a try. The exact model is the Galaxy Note II LTE (GT-N7105) which is the European 4G LTE model, not to be confused with what we have here in the US. Most likely however this means the update is coming along rather nicely, and we should see it roll out to multiple devices and carriers soon enough. I’m hoping US carriers just skip this and go right to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but that’s wishful thinking. Today’s update is an unofficial leak provided by Samsung-updates.com according to Android Central, and is available as we speak for those daring enough to give it a try. It was actually leaked late last week, but now users are just starting to take notice. Android 4.1.2 enhances a few issues with JB, improves the expandable notifications, but is mostly just a mild update without too many changes. Give the leak a try yourself, but do so at your own risk. Device Info
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| Galaxy S III in Canada getting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update today Posted: 03 Dec 2012 03:39 PM PST Today all you lucky Samsung Galaxy S III users up in Canada should begin receiving the awesome and much anticipated update to Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. Last week Samsung confirmed the updates would start today, and we can now confirm Jelly Bean is rolling out to the Galaxy S III on multiple carriers across Canada as we speak.
Samsung stated today would be the day, and we’re now seeing Jelly Bean get pushed out on Bell, TELUS, Rogers and more up there for all you Canadians. It’s been hitting other regions over the past few weeks, but you’re still on Ice Cream Sandwich so it wasn’t an extremely big deal. It’s nice to see Samsung issuing these updates at such a quick pace. As usual the update is rolling out in stages and users can expect to see it arrive for their handsets over the next few days. Or you can just manually check for updates in settings and hope your carrier is ready to rock and send you that Jelly Bean treat. Also with Samsung, you can always pull the update and do it yourself right this minute with Samsung Kies should you not want to wait. Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean brings tons of awesome new features to the Samsung Galaxy S III. My favorite still has to be the increase in performance with project butter, and of course Google Now. You’ll be able to enjoy those expandable notifications, the new keyboard, better browsing, and everything else that comes along with Jelly Bean. Hopefully 4.2 won’t be too far behind. Let us know how the update process goes for you down in the comments below. Device Info
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| XBMC for Android beta officially released Posted: 03 Dec 2012 03:11 PM PST The folks at XBMC have just released their official version 12 beta 2 complete with Android support. Back in July we first learned that the popular XBMC was coming to Android, but now it’s here with no compiling or tweaking required. This awesome open source media player will bring tons to Android now that it’s officially available instead of users just tweaking it to run on Android. More details below.
XBMC is like the ultimate cross platform media streamer with support for now basically all different kinds of operating systems, multiple file types, remote controls, and it will make media streaming even easier for Android phones and tablets. Sadly the team did mention they won’t support NEON devices, that list can be found here. That isn’t much of a concern, because almost all new phones and tablets will be supported from here on out and support will only improve and get better, as will the application. Getting official Android support is a big deal, and something I’m excited to toy with as things progress. We’ll now be able to enjoy our Android devices along with our home theater like never before. Currently the beta v2 available now doesn’t support Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but the 3rd beta is days away and will fix a few problems and support the latest version of Jelly Bean. Again, this is still a beta, so don’t expect things to be perfect. More details can be found by clicking here. [via Android Police] |
| PSA: You must enable pinch-to-zoom in the new Gmail Posted: 03 Dec 2012 02:32 PM PST Today about 4 years late Google has finally updated their popular Gmail application with one of the most requested features ever. That feature being auto-fit to pages and pinch-to-zoom. Something that should have been available on the Nexus One and beyond. Sadly it has taken ol Google a few too many years to release this update, but now that it’s here you’ll want to enable the feature.
For some unknown reason this epic and badly needed feature for Gmail isn’t actually enabled by default either. This means the millions and millions of users that see an update will probably not even see “what’s new” and instead just update Gmail and continue with their day. We’re here to tell you all this new feature is available now, just make sure you enable it first! The new Gmail for Android 4.0 ICS and above devices is available right now and it offers pinch-to-zoom, auto-fit to screen, swipe to delete (or archive) emails and much much more. Sadly these options need to be enabled so quickly head into settings and give it a check. This has probably been my biggest complaint about Gmail, and now it’s available so here’s how to enable it inside the app. Gmail > Menu > Settings > General Settings > Auto-fit messages Make sure that is selected in the Gmail application and you’re good to go. Then while you’re in settings make sure you click on “swiping conversation list” and select if you want swipes to delete emails, or archive them instead. Pretty snazzy new features right? About time Google. Thank you! Another quick reminder is you can pinch-to-zoom to your desired level, then double tap to get the text to auto-fit or reflow the text, since it doesn’t do it for you. Enjoy the new Gmail folks!   |
| SMS celebrates 20th birthday today Posted: 03 Dec 2012 02:14 PM PST Text messaging, the service that has led to many ridiculously large phone bills and equally ridiculous acronyms, is celebrating its 20th birthday today. That may come as a surprise to some, considering that text messaging is often viewed as a phenomenon of the 2000s, but the first text message was actually sent on this day in 1992. What did that first text message say? Simply “Merry Christmas.”
December 3 might be a little early to start wishing people a Merry Christmas, but no matter – when British engineer Neil Papworth sent that first message 20 years ago, it was impossible for him to know how big SMS would become in the future. In celebration of this milestone for SMS, BBC News got in touch with Matti Makkonen, the man often cited as the creator of SMS. Rather appropriately, their interview took place over SMS. Makkonen said that he never envisioned SMS becoming as big as it is today when he came up with the idea way back in 1984, and thought it would simply become a way of sending quick business messages. He also doesn’t consider himself the creator of SMS, instead preferring to think of its creation as a “joint effort to collect ideas.” Oh, and for the record, he can’t “txtspk,” just in case you were wondering. SMS was slow to take off, but fast forward today and we have trillions of messages being sent out each and every year. It’ll be interesting to see where SMS goes in the future, considering all of the Android handsets out there that can connect us to social networks and the rest of the Internet in the blink of an eye. Where do you think the future has in store for SMS? |
| Google updates Maps API, gives developers access to all the neat features Posted: 03 Dec 2012 01:57 PM PST Today the folks from Google up in Mountain View announced some awesome news for Android developers, especially if you’re a developer that works with apps taking advantage of Google Maps. Today they launched an update to the Google Maps Android API that opens the door for developers to use the comprehensive and extensive amount of options and features available from Google Maps.
Google’s bread and butter Maps app has continuously got better and better over the past year, and now all those apps using Google Maps can integrate many of the awesome abilities Google’s included. The new API features vector-based maps that load insanely quick, and have all those awesome pinch-to-zoom, tilt options, 2D and 3D views and more. Good news right? All the hundreds of Android apps that users use like Expedia, Hotel finding apps, or even company apps like RedBox that uses Maps can integrate all the improvements right to their apps too. All the tilt and rotate options, and 3D maps will soon find their ways into everything we use from the Play Store. Google also mentions this will help with Android Fragments, and gives devs a more flexible and dynamic UI to use on larger or smaller screens, and they’ve tossed in all the layers for added good measure. Things like Terrain, satellite view, hybrid mode and even the brand new indoor maps are all included. Google just made it a whole lot easier for many Android developers to enjoy Google Maps and everything it has to offer. More details available at the via link below. [via Google Blog] |
| No injunction for Motorola in Microsoft case, Judge says Posted: 03 Dec 2012 01:37 PM PST The US patent suit between Motorola and Microsoft wrapped up last month, but today Motorola was dealt a pretty serious blow by federal Judge James Robart. Robart denied Motorola’s request for an injunction on Microsoft products today, which of course means that Microsoft can continue selling the allegedly infringing products here in the US. That isn’t the best sign for Google, which shelled out billions of dollars to buy Motorola, partly so it could have access to the company’s massive patent portfolio.
There were a couple of reasons Robart denied the injunction request, it seems. First and foremost, Microsoft has already agreed to pay a licensing fee for the standard-essential patents at the center of this case. Since Microsoft and Motorola both agree that fees should be paid, there’s no real reason for Robart to ban the sale of Microsoft products in the country. Another reason Robart denied the injunction request is because Motorola hasn’t proven that it’s been “irreparably harmed,” by Microsoft’s infringement. If they company was able to prove such a claim, that may have changed things. Instead, Motorola now suffers a setback in not getting the injunction it wanted. Now our sights turn to Robart’s decision – Motorola and Microsoft have been in disagreement over how much Microsoft should pay in fees. Microsoft says Motorola tried to charge too much for access to its standard-essential patents, which will ultimately come down to Robart’s call. We’ll see soon enough, as Robart is expected to deliver his verdict in January. Stay tuned. [via Wall Street Journal] |
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