Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Twitter updated with Instagram-like filters, Instagram updates with new filter

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 04:53 PM PST

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For those unaware, Twitter and Instagram have been going at it for quite some time now. The social networking behemoths have been distancing themselves from each other ultimately leading to Instagram pulling picture previews off of Twitter completely. Yeah, things are gettin’ rough out there.

Today the feud continues with Twitter introducing their own photo filters into their app, allowing tweeters to get apply retro style filters to their uploads, compliments of Aviary. Because smartphones outfitted with top of the line 8MP sensors is great and all, but they just aren’t low quality enough. Unfortunately, there’s only 8 filters currently available and, not to sound like a hipster but… all of them pretty much suck. Also, if Twitter thinks this is the single reason users flock to Instagram in the first place, they’re sadly mistaken.

Instagram isn’t taking the Twitter update laying down, rolling out an update of their own update almost simultaneously as Twitter’s. Instagram’s latest addition? Not the much requested ability to add a collage of images, or even display the app in landscape mode — it’s a filter. A single, solitary filter named “Willow.” How does it look? Well, it’ s simply a less contrasty black and white filter. Good one, IG. Way to stick it to ‘em.

[Google Play Links: Twitter | Instagram]

Nexus 4 can pick up on AT&T 4G LTE via very limited Band 4

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 03:16 PM PST

Chalk another loss up for the “Nexus 4 will never, ever gain LTE access” folks — yet another group of people have proven that notion to be utterly false. It appears that the Nexus 4′s Band 4 LTE radios are actually compatible with a very, VERY small amount of spectrum on AT&T’s network.

It appears AT&T owns the bands in a few select markets — including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Raleigh, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and more — and uses it to fill coverage in spots where needed. The coverage area for their share of the Band 4 spectrum is so small that the amount of Nexus 4 owners that might be able to access the LTE network would likely come out to 1% or less.

It’s not the wide-spread coverage we’d want, of course, but there it is. It’s likely AT&T won’t gain much more of that spectrum in the near future as T-Mobile is said to be eyeing it for deployment of its own LTE services. If that were to happen then the Nexus 4 certainly could be up and running on a major LTE network in some official capacity by 2013′s end.

AT&T users can try their luck and see if they can pick up an LTE signal just for giggles, but as it stands the coverage is so minuscule that it won’t be a practical solution for anyone at all. Have a look around XDA to see how you can go about enabling your device’s 4G LTE radios to see if your area has a sliver of 4G coverage over Band 4.

[XDA via Android Police]

15 Minute Challenge: $16 Next Launcher from the GO Launcher Dev Team [VIDEO]

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 03:14 PM PST

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A wise man once said, “You can never have too many options.” Or maybe that was just me. Anyway, that’s the beauty of the Android OS. When it comes to customizing, there are almost countless methods at an Android user’s disposal, making for devices where no 2 are ever the same. One of the easiest ways to change things up is simply to swap out your stock launcher (you know, your homescreen where you dump all your app icons) for another. Instead of releasing another of the same old traditional Android launcher you’ve come to expect, the boys at the GO Launcher Dev Team are it again. This time they’ve released a re-imagined launcher into the Google Play Store called Next Launcher.

First things first — let’s talk about that price. Next Launcher is one of a very elite group of “premium” launchers to launch in the Play Store at the $16 mark. While I’m all for paying good money for great software, you really gotta bring something new to the table to warrant box-o-Ferrero-Rocher-pricing. The GO Team attempts to accomplish this by injecting an incredible amount of flare and pizzazz into Next Launcher. But does it really make for anything new or intuitive? Well, yes and no.

Initial Impressions

Unlike TSF Shell that threw the traditional Android launcher for a loop, Next Launcher behaves very much in the same way you’d expect a typical launcher to behave. You have your homescreen, app drawer — all of which can be customized with various animations, shortcuts and widgets. Nothing new there. However, you have a bit more freedom in how to display your icons on your homescreen. Using a 2-finger gesture, icons can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing for a fun, and unique layout.

Everything in Next Launcher is fluid and animated beautifully. I haven’t seen a launcher hitting a constant 60fps since TSF Shell. But alas — that’s where the eye candy ends. The stock “theme” on Next Launcher is a sort of mix of glossy, glass looking icons with neon highlights. Yes, neon. This (aside from its ridiculous pricing) will no doubt be the biggest turn off for most Android users. I understand Matias Duarte’s “Holo UI” may not be for everyone, but for heaven’s sakes, the GO Dev Team could have gone with the traditional GO Launcher icon set/theme. Something less Fast and the Furious and more minimal. To call Next Launcher simply “inspired by” SPB Shell 3D Launcher, is an understatement. It’s clear what the Go Team was trying to accomplish here (even in pricing).

Widgets n’ Things

Like GO Launcher, Next Launcher has specific widgets and live wallpapers that will only work 100% on NL. Not yet available, the GO Team did mention that “fancy 3D widgets” will be coming soon, so we’ll have to wait and see how impressive those turn out. The first live wallpaper for NL, Next Honeycomb Live Wallpaper, is truly a sight. While you can get it to display on other (cheaper) launchers, it wont have the same special effects as when displayed through NL.

15 Minute Verdict

Of course, it’s going to take a whole lot more than fancy live wallpapers and snazzy animations to get anyone to plop down $16 on a launcher replacement. In fact, in its current state, I can honestly say there is absolutely nothing offered by Next Launcher that really deserves such a ludicrous price tag. $5? Sure. $7? Maybe. $10? Easy, tiger. $16? STAHP. While I normally love almost anything the GO Team releases in the Play Store (no, not because it’s free), when it comes to Next Launcher, your money could be better spent supporting smaller devs like Tesla Coil’s Nova Launcher.

[Next Launcher on Google Play]

Verizon says it blocks Google Wallet due to secure element requirement

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 01:46 PM PST

The saga of Google Wallet on Big Red’s airwaves has been an interesting one to follow. The mobile payments app was initially allowed on Verizon’s network, but was later blocked by the carrier through the Google Play Store and within the app itself. Well, an FCC complaint was filed and it caught Verizon’s eye, so much so that America’s largest carrier ended up responding to the complaint with haste.

In its response, Verizon reiterates that it would not be blocking Google Wallet on NFC devices if the app didn’t require access to the devices’ secure element. The company goes on to state that alternate payment apps — like Starbucks, Square and Paypal — aren’t being blocked because they don’t require access to the NFC chip’s secure element.

This is no doubt a move to dispel any anti-trust allegations that may arise thanks to Verizon’s conflict of interests with its mobile payments provider ISIS. ISIS is expected to make full use of the NFC chips inside Verizon’s phones whenever it launches, and it sure wouldn’t look pretty in the eyes of the FCC should the development take place without any explanation from Verizon.

Verizon states ”Google is free to offer its Google Wallet application in a manner that doesn’t require integration with the secure element, and many payment applications do just that.” Verizon apparently won’t grant an application access to the secure element until it goes through a “special process,” one that we’re not surprised to see go unexplained in the text sent to the FCC.

Whether or not there actually is a special process that Google could go through to get Wallet approved for full NFC use is an entirely different beast of a story yet to be told. You can be sure we’re hunting down official word regarding that bit. Whatever the case may be, though, one thing is clear — Verizon thinks it’s in the right, and is not the least bit afraid to express that.

[XDA via Droid-Life]

Google shuttering Motorola’s Korean branch, 500 jobs to be cut

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 12:41 PM PST

As part of continued efforts to trim down the operations of Motorola Mobility after acquiring the company last year, Google has confirmed it plans to cease the majority of the division’s operations in South Korea in 2013.  The move, which Google described as “difficult but necessary,” will see the end of Moto’s R&D and mobile device marketing departments and result in the loss of around 500 jobs.

The news comes just months removed from a proposed restructuring that would cut some 4,000 jobs as efforts shifted toward refocusing Motorola Mobility’s product offerings. There has also been talk that Google is shopping Motorola’s Home division to potential buyers in hopes to further lighten the $12.5 billion load.

Google points towards slimming margins as reason for the closures. The tech giant hopes cutting expenses will lead to greater profit, but warns investors to expect “significant revenue variability” in the meantime.

Motorola’s wide patent portfolio was a driving force behind what many analysts have called a knee-jerk reaction on Google’s part. The deal hasn’t paid off for the two companies just yet. As evidenced by these downsizing efforts, Google may have bit off a bit more than they could chew.

[via AllThingsD]

ASUS Padfone 2 receives Jelly Bean

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 12:32 PM PST

While the Padfone 2 might not be one of ASUS’ most marketable devices there is, there’s no doubt ASUS wants to maintain the reputation it has built for itself in the way of timely Android upgrades. That’s why ASUS has started pushing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out to the device starting today. The over-the-air process should be initiated over WiFi in order to avoid data charges, of course, but once you find your way to a hotspot you should be cruising to the wonderful world that is Jelly Bean.

We’re not quite sure how this works just yet. We know that the “Fone” part of the PadFone will definitely run Jelly Bean (with ASUS’ custom interface still sitting atop the core Android elements) but it’s unclear whether or not the “pad” part is getting the same treatment. We’d hope so, but without a PadFone of our own to apply the upgrade to we’ll have to wait on word from ASUS.

Regardless, Jelly Bean is available in some capacity and should bring with it all the goodies you’d expect. Nothing much has changed on the ASUS side of things, but in all you’re getting Google Now, Project Butter and all that lays in between. If you own a PadFone 2 be sure to check for the upgrade in the About Tablet menu. In the meantime we’ll be reaching out to ASUS to find out how this interesting convergence of phone and tablet will handle such a unique over-the-air upgrade situation.

[via Engadget]

Google and Facebook lead group seeking stricter guidelines for tech patents

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 11:04 AM PST

As the US Patent and Trademark Office mulls the validity of Apple’s multi-touch patent, a group of tech companies led by Google and Facebook is asking that the courts reconsider granting such rights for vague tech concepts. Their plea was submitted as an amicus curiae brief as part of a current dispute between CLS and Alice in which CLS argues that Alice’s patents for computer-based financial intermediation are too vague.

The case is in the appeals process after an initial ruling landed in favor of Alice and the company’s portfolio of patents. Now Google and company hope to use their weight to sway a decision by backing CLS’s claims with documents that detail a lack of innovation in patents that fail to describe specific implementations of technical ideas.

Here is the general argument set forth by Google, Facebook and a group consisting of Zynga, Dell, Intuit, Homeaway, Rackspace, and Red Hat:

“Many computer-related patent claims just describe an abstract idea at a high level of generality and say to perform it on a computer or over the Internet. Such barebones claims grant exclusive rights over the abstract idea itself, with no limit on how the idea is implemented. Granting patent protection for such claims would impair, not promote, innovation by conferring exclusive rights on those who have not meaningfully innovated, and thereby penalizing those that do later innovate by blocking or taxing their applications of the abstract idea.”

We’d say that just about hits the nail on the head when it comes to the bountiful number of tech-related lawsuits involving patent litigation. It would seem that the US patent system has not kept pace with the very technologies it was designed to protect, and in turn numerous companies are taking advantage by patenting vague concepts and ideas. The ultimate result is the stifling of innovation, not the encouragement of it.

If the court sides with CLS with consideration to the brief submitted by Google and its cohorts, it would set a precedent for judges sitting on other patent-related trials. Don’t be surprised if we see a huge shakeup in the patent system should we continue down this road, though any meaningful changes likely won’t come for several years.

[via TechCrunch]

 

Coverlight aims to add LED flash to devices which don’t have one [VIDEO]

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 10:20 AM PST

It’s hard to believe that there are still phones that ship without LED flashes in this day and age, but you’d be surprised how many phones there are without this seemingly basic addition. In fact, the original phone that started the current Samsung craze — the Samsung Galaxy S — was one such device. An interesting solution has been thought up to take care of that oversight, though, and it exists as a project on IndieGoGo.

It’s being called Coverlight, and the engineer — Stefano Emidi — has done an excellent job constructing this one. It’s a battery door replacement that has a built-in LED flash. It’s been carefully built to steer clear or blocking other elements like the camera (of course) and speaker, and also does well to steer clear of causing any issues with radios.

The door includes a button to turn the flash on and off. It obviously won’t be able to provide a quick flash as it doesn’t interface with the Galaxy S’s hardware or software in any capacity, but it’s a lot better than not having the option at all when you need to take those tough pictures in the dark.

The only problem with Coverlight is that it has only been built for this specific device. The idea is noble, but at this point the Samsung Galaxy S has lived out the typical two-year lifespan that devices tend to have thanks to the nature of mobile contracts. There are sure to be a few strays here and there, but the device has been antiquated for the most part. This means Coverlight is going to have a tough time raising the funds it needs to get off the ground.

A better idea might be to provide a line of cases for a multitude of devices with this functionality built-in. Still, the problem with that is most popular devices these days already come with LED flashes built-in. If nothing else, though, Coverlight serves as a great reminder that the most simple ideas can perhaps turn out to be the most useful, and perhaps this hardware mod can inspire more people to solve the problems OEMs force us to solve with glaring omissions.

We’ve contacted Stefano to get his thoughts on how he could take this project further, but if you happen to own a Galaxy S and find yourself needing something like this be sure to pledge some funds to the project on IndieGogo. It’s already racked up a modest $700+ so there’s some interest there, but only time will tell if this ends up becoming something that members of the crowd-funding community find themselves wanting in droves.

Google Now could be coming to Chrome browser, would be perfect iGoogle replacement

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 08:40 AM PST

Code discovered within Google’s Chromium project has started speculation that Google Now’s predictive cards system could soon migrate from Android handsets to the desktop version of the Chrome browser. Backend commands were uncovered for the purpose of “creating a skeleton for Google Now for Chrome implementation” using Chrome’s notifications extension.

While the discovery does little to reveal Google’s actual plans, the implementation of the popular Jelly Bean feature into more Google products makes sense. Last week we asked readers how they felt about Google Now, with a majority of those responding to our poll saying they like the concept, but feel improvements are needed. Perhaps one of those improvements is ubiquity. Having access to Google Now in more places via more Google services would not only improve its usefulness but also increase the service’s data set, allowing for cards with more accurate and relevant information.

Google Now as part of the Chrome browser seems like the perfect replacement to the soon-to-be defunct iGoogle homepage. That service, which already uses a card-like system to provide info on weather, sports scores, email and appointments, and more, will cease to exist on November 1st, 2013.  Bringing Google Now to the forefront of the Chrome experience could go a long way. As things stand, the service is tucked away in Android devices. If you weren’t looking you might not be able to find it.

Having said all this, there is no guarantee we will see Google Now as part of Chrome. If we do, it could be months or more down the road. But the idea has us intrigued. Let’s just hope Google Now is a bit more useful by then.

[G+ via BriefMobile]

 

Bango brings carrier billing services to Google Play for Australians

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 08:18 AM PST

Carrier billing in the Google Play Store has been something that US carriers have enjoyed for quite some time, but did you know that a ton of the world still doesn’t have this functionality? It’s unfortunate, really, because carrier billing is one of the most convenient tools one can have.

Imagine being able to pay for everything you download when your monthly bill arrives instead of racking up tons of smaller purchases at a time. It may not mean much for many of you, but there are a lot of us who just can’t stand to look at a long monthly bank statement filled with smaller, irrelevant purchases.

Well, it looks like that problem is set to be solved in more countries soon with the latest news from Bango. The company has announced that it would begin rolling out its carrier billing services to the Google Play Store. The first partner on-board is Telstra in Australia. Our friends down under can buy all that weird music they like without having to pay for it until their bill is due!

Fun quips aside, it should be exciting news for those who aren’t on Telstra, too. Bango has deep roots in the UK (that’s where its homebase is, after all) so hopefully we can Play Store carrier billing in more European countries as Bango continues striking up partnerships with the various carriers of the world.

In fact, Bango’s blog post on the matter suggests that more carriers are already lined up, but it is not yet ready to disclose which other carriers are set to receive the service. Bango says it’s too early to know how this new development will affect the level of business generated, but the general idea is that easier payment options equals more sales. Be sure to try it out if you’re on Telstra, and let us know how smooth things are in the comments below!

[via Bango]

[Update] Verizon Galaxy Note 2 bootloader unlock said to be achieved

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 07:22 AM PST

Many were worried how things would pan out for the development scene of the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2. As you know, Verizon requests OEMs to keep bootloaders of its phones locked and encrypted for one reason or another. The community has grown to expect and accept that, so there’s no shocker there.

As a result, however, development tends to crawl along until someone can figure out a way to get the bootloader cracked. The Verizon Note 2 has already been rooted and a couple of ODIN-flashable ROMs have sprung up, but things like a custom recovery haven’t been achieved due to the locked bootloader, and developers will surely steer clear until deeper access has been achieved.

Well, it looks like the wait might soon be over as one developer has claimed to achieve a full bootloader unlock on his own personal Galaxy Note 2. The beneficiary is Adam Outler, an active and trusted developer around the scene (XDA, in particular).

He says he has already gotten Verizon’s bootloader unlocked on his own personal device, and will soon be sharing that method with the rest of us lowly non-developer types soon enough. Testing has to be done to make sure this won’t bork anyone’s device, and he likely wants to make sure that the method is as painless as possible for anyone looking to apply it.

Going a bit deeper, it seems Outler tricked the Galaxy Note 2 into thinking it was a Galaxy S3, and has been able to unlock its bootloader that way. The video above says he hasn’t found a way to flash a PIT file in this state, but an update on Google+ suggests he has gotten past that particular issue and has been able to revert the phone’s identity after applying the unlock.

This news should soothe the nerves of many as it’s possible we could have been waiting a long time for an unencrypted bootloader to leak from the development heavens. Thankfully Samsung’s bootloaders are known to be easier to crack than most other OEMs’ so it’s refreshing to know that someone has already started to prepare a method.

Following Adam Outler’s Google+ page is like the tech geek’s most awesome bedtime story. The developer has shared many steps of the process, from the roadblocks and pitfalls to the eventual satisfaction of finding his way around them.

The developer has found several exploits, and while some won’t be as “community friendly” as others it’s nice to know that there will be something for folks to sink their teeth into in due time. Be sure to add him to your Circle if you want to follow along, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for even more great visuals to behold as he turns his Verizon Galaxy Note 2 into “anything but stock.”

[Update]: we’ve learned that the exploits used might require a mod chip. As it stands, a vast majority of us would be unfit to apply said unlock method. Nevertheless, the bootloader has been unlocked and Adam Outler continues to dive deep into his device to dig out a method fit for all to enjoy. Stay tuned!

Samsung teases ‘something new’ for CES 2013

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 07:13 AM PST


Ladies and gentlemen, start the speculation. Samsung has dropped a short teaser for whatever it is they are planning on unveiling at CES from January 8th through 11th, but if you were hoping for any insight as to what that might be you’re out of luck.

The short video offers the promise that we will see “something new” at the yearly trade show encompassing all of the consumer electronics industry (with an increasing focus on mobile). If you have ever been to CES or followed our coverage of the event you will know there is no shortage of new things to be found, so the “innovation, ideas, wonder, technology,” etc. that we all await do not offer any specific hints.

It could be that Samsung is merely teasing all that they will offer at CES, from televisions to smartphones. Or they could be teasing a specific product, which most will immediately assume is the the Galaxy S4. Rumors have already pegged CES as the venue for the debut of new OLED technology that will enable full HD displays in future Samsung smartphones. This display has been linked to the GS4, so there is a chance we will see the phone at CES.

But Samsung typically has a small mobile showing at the Vegas show, saving the bigger announcements for February’s Mobile World Congress. Could that change this year? Or is Samsung’s video merely a red herring of sorts, leaving us frothing at the mouth over nothing specific at all?

[via SamsungTomorrow]

LG moves 10 million L-series phones worldwide, calls achievement ‘modest’

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 06:44 AM PST

LG has announced that its L-series of Android smartphones — including the Optimus L3, Optimus L5, Opitimus L7, and  Optimus L9 — has totaled a combined 10 million units sold globally. LG referred to the accomplishment as a “modest milestone.”

The range of smartphones was first introduced in February at Mobile World Congress 2012. L-series phones share in common a focus on stylish design at an affordable price, with each handset featuring an increasingly high-end set of hardware. While it is true that sales don’t quite match the likes of flagship phones like Samsung’s Galaxy series or Apple’s iPhone, with LG focused on bigger releases such as the Optimus G and Nexus 4 the number of low-cost L-series devices sold is still impressive.

Overall, LG hopes to ship over 35 million smartphones by the end of 2012. Considering the number already sold plus high demand for the Nexus 4, we’d imagine they should meet their goal easily.

[via LG]
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