Saturday, May 5, 2012

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News10 new results for android
 
Android this week: Samsung Galaxy S III vs HTC One X
GigaOM
5, 2012, 6:50am PT No Comments If you're an Android user looking for new hardware, this was a good week for you. In the US, HTC's One X for AT&T made the review rounds while Samsung finally took the wraps off its much anticipated Galaxy S III.
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GigaOM
How Long Until Samsung Fork Android For The Galaxy Smartphone Range?
Forbes
By concentrating hard I picked up mentions of Android, but on the software front the dominance belonged to the 'S' suite of applications that Samsung hope conveys intelligence in their technological flagship. Which is probably the only sensible ...
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Ditch the iPhone for an Ice Cream Sandwich phone?
CNET
In this Ask Maggie I help a reader figure out whether to leave Apple for one of the latest Google Android phones. by Marguerite Reardon May 5, 2012 4:00 AM PDT Follow @maggie_reardon Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphones are rolling out and ...
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Android Malware Used to Mask Online Fraud, Says Expert
PCWorld
By Gregg Keizer, Computerworld Android malware being automatically distributed from hacked websites looks like it's being used to mask online purchases, and could be part of a fraud gang's new push into mobile, researchers said today.
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With Samsung's Galaxy S III, the experience matters
CNET
After all the rumors and built-up expectations have come to pass, we wonder if it was all worth it and how Samsung's newest phone might change Android. by Scott Webster May 4, 2012 3:36 PM PDT Follow @swebster77 The Samsung Galaxy S III: You'll come ...
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Oracle V. Google Jury Deadlocked?
InformationWeek
Oracle sued Google last year, alleging that Android infringed Oracle's Java copyrights and patents. The trial began three weeks ago. Oracle initially asked for $1 billion and an injunction to block the shipment of Android devices, but the potential ...
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Samsung Galaxy S3 Versus HTC One X: Which is the Better Android Super Phone?
Mobile & Apps
By Alexandra Burlacu | May 5, 2012 10:34 AM EDT Samsung Galaxy S3 Versus HTC One X: Which is the Better Android Super Phone?(Photo: Mobile & Apps) Samsung has finally taken the wraps off its newest flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy S3, putting an end ...
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Mobile & Apps
Jury nears verdict in Oracle-Google trial over Android
Computerworld
Oracle accuses Google of infringing its Java patents and copyrights in Google's Android OS. Google denies any wrongdoing, saying it developed a clean-room version of Java and built Android without using Oracle's protected code.
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Partial verdict in Oracle lawsuit against Google
San Francisco Chronicle
A federal court jury in San Francisco said Friday it had reached a partial verdict in Oracle's lawsuit accusing Google of stealing technology for its popular Android smart phone. Still divided on one undisclosed issue, the jury was sent home for the ...
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Judge urges more deliberations in Android case
Reuters
By Dan Levine | SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A judge urged jurors to resume deliberating Oracle Corp's copyright claims against Google over the Android mobile platform, after they indicated there was unanimous agreement on all but one of the questions ...
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Blogs5 new results for android
 
HBO Go and Max Go get Android 4.0 phone support, skip tablets for ...
By Jon Fingas
Those with Android 4.0 phones like the HTC One X have been left out of watching HBO Go and Max Go on the road so far. New updates to the respective.
Engadget
Men in Black 3 Game for Android teaser video revealed | Android ...
By Cory Gunther
Men in Black III is set to be a popular movie this summer and along with it we can expect an awesome game for Android thanks to Gameloft and Sony. Earlier we.
Android Community
ChoicePass Launches Android App: Think Yelp App For Corporate ...
By Anthony Ha
Anthony Ha is a writer at TechCrunch, where he covers media, advertising, and startups. Previously, he was a staff technology writer at Adweek, worked as a senior editor at the tech blog VentureBeat, and was also a reporter at the Hollister ...
TechCrunch
Android lost money in 2010
By Dan Graziano
During Google's ongoing legal dispute with Oracle, the judge presiding over the case revealed the Internet giant's Android mobile operating system was.
BGR: The Three Biggest Letters In Tech
NBA Jam hitting more popular Android devices | Ubergizmo
By Gene Ryan Briones
You love NBA do you? The NBA Playoffs have begun. And we bet that you're always glued to the tube watching your favorite team play. But it gets better when you're an Android user as well. NBA fanatics will be [...]
Ubergizmo

Web1 new result for android
 
The Official Lookout Blog | UPDATE: Security Alert: Hacked ...
Update Two: Based on our current research, NotCompatible is a new Android trojan that appears to serve as a simple TCP relay / proxy while posing as a ...
blog.mylookout.com/.../security-alert-hacked-websites-serve-s...


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Android Authority

Android Authority


Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to get Samsung Galaxy S3 in June

Posted: 05 May 2012 01:43 AM PDT

Galaxy-S3 official

After the official announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S3 in London on Thursday, now comes the grueling part – waiting for the super phone to be released. This time around, the wait, at least for some folks, shouldn't be as long as the wait for last year’s Galaxy S2. We've scoured the web for some official confirmations regarding the Galaxy S3's release date in several Southeast Asian countries, and here's what we've found.

Indonesia

Samsung, without a doubt, is the most recognized face of Android tablets and smartphones in Indonesia. So, when can our Indonesian friends expect to see Samsung Galaxy S3 land on their shores?

According to Samsung Mobile Indonesia product market manager Fabiant Kayatmo, quoted from news portal Detik, the Galaxy S3 will come sooner rather than later to Indonesia, at a date that will possibly coincide with the release of the phone in the US and other Asian countries.

When pressed to be more specific, Kayatmo said that June is a possible launch month of the Galaxy S3 in the Big Durian.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, Samsung holds 60% of the smartphone market share, making the Korean manufacturer number one in the country.  Talking to Bernama, Lee Jui Sang, Samsung Electronics director of regional mobile business for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Taiwan, said he's confident that Samsung Galaxy S3 will make its way to Malaysia in early June.

Singapore

As for the release date of Samsung Galaxy S3 in Singapore, the home to some of the world's most gadget-obsessed folks, we heed the words of Hardwarezone, which apparently had gotten the memo directly from Samsung Singapore.  Again, it's not a very specific one, but apparently the Samsung Galaxy S3 will debut in Singapore from Q2 2012.

From the several official sources above, it is highly likely we'll see the Samsung Galaxy S3 touching down in the SEA region in June. Unfortunately, the price hasn't been announced yet, but we wouldn't be too surprised to see it in the US$700 – $800 range, such is the case with other high-end smartphones in the past. Of course, it can be yours for free if you enter our Samsung Galaxy S3 giveaway contest!

Don’t forget to check out our hands-on impression of the Samsung Galaxy S3 as well.


This article, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to get Samsung Galaxy S3 in June , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Number of active Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich devices growing

Posted: 05 May 2012 01:29 AM PDT

Recently released figures from Google about the relative number of devices running a given version of Android are showing an interesting increase in the number of  active Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich devices. The numbers, which are based on the number of Android devices that have accessed Google Play within a two week period (ending on 1st May 2012), show that  just under 5% of all Android devices now run Android 4.0, of these, the vast majority run 4.0.3 or 4.0.4 rather than 4.0, 4.0.1 or 4.0.2.

5% might not sound like very much, but this is a significant jump from the 2.9% of devices which were running Ice Cream Sandwich at the beginning of April or the 1.6% at the end of February. So why the jump? The main reason is not new phones with ICS but rather the continuing roll-out of Android 4.0 upgrades for recent devices. Samsung have been one of the leaders in the move from 2.3 to 4.0 and have released details on which devices will be eligible for the upgrade and even an update schedule for US phones and tablets.

With the Samsung Galaxy S3, which runs Android 4.0.4, becoming available in Europe at the end of May, the number of ICS users should increase even further and June’s numbers should reflect this.

As for the rest, Gingerbread is still the leader, with just under two-thirds of Android devices using Android 2.3.3 to Android 2.3.7. One fifth of devices still have Android 2.2 and about as many devices run Android 2.1 as they do 4.0! The numbers also reveal an interesting story about Android 3.0 Honeycomb (including 3.1 and 3.2). The number of active devices is stable at just over 3%. This is probably due to the limited roll-out of Honeycomb and the limited move to ICS.

Interestingly, I just upgraded my tablet to Android 4.0.3… So maybe I helped bump up the numbers! What about you? Do you have Ice Cream Sandwich? Or are you stuck on 2.3 as 4.0 isn’t available yet for your device?


This article, Number of active Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich devices growing , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


IDC: Apple’s iPad spoiled the Kindle Fire party, Android tablet sales down significantly

Posted: 05 May 2012 01:10 AM PDT

Research firm IDC has released the latest tablet shipment numbers for the first quarter of 2012, and it's not what the Android crowd has been waiting to hear. According to IDC, worldwide tablet shipments dropped by 38% compared to the previous quarter, with Amazon's Kindle Fire suffering the steepest drop and Apple's iPad reasserting its dominance.

Out of the 17.4 million units of tablets that were shipped in Q1 2012, 68% came from Apple's camp, which means Apple has shipped 11.8 million iPads in the January – March period. The Kindle Fire, meanwhile, saw its share plummet from 16.8% to just 4%. Taking over Kindle Fire is Samsung's horde of tablets, as the Korean company leaped to second place, followed by Lenovo at number four, and Barnes & Noble on the fifth place.

IDC research director Tom Mainelli said that the huge drop experienced by the Kindle Fire is due to people hesitating to buy a tablet, now that the holiday season has come and gone. Apple, on the other hand, was lauded for its strategic move of lowering the iPad 2's price after the launch of the new iPad in March. With Android-based tablets losing their mojo, a particularly strong sales performance in Q1 2012 helped Apple offset the financial losses.

It's not all doom and gloom for Android tablets, though. IDC predicts that the numbers will quickly rebound in the second quarter, with many companies introducing their latest Android tablets at lowered price points. It's a trend that IDC believes was jumpstarted by the likes of Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Mainelli said that IDC expects Amazon to release "a new, larger-screened device at a typically aggressive price point," and that "Google will enter the market with an inexpensive, co-branded ASUS tablet designed to compete directly on price with Amazon’s Kindle Fire."

Though worldwide tablet shipments fell in Q1 2012, let's not jump yet to the conclusion that the tablet's popularity among consumers is waning. Worldwide tablet shipments still grew at a respectable 120% year-over-year rate.

What’s your take on this report?


This article, IDC: Apple's iPad spoiled the Kindle Fire party, Android tablet sales down significantly , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 to come to Australia? “No plans” at this time!

Posted: 05 May 2012 12:54 AM PDT

While European, Asian, and North American technology lovers are already getting their budgets straight and making plans for the Samsung Galaxy S3, Australians don't have much to be excited for, at least at for now. In an exclusive statement given to the guys at gizmodo.au, Samsung Australia said that there are no plans to make any announcements right now about the phone's availability in "the land down under".

The full statement reads as follows: "Samsung Electronics Australia is pleased there is continued interest about our GALAXY range in Australia, but we have no plans to make any announcements at this time."

While it's pretty difficult to make any safe assumptions based on this short statement, there could only be three possible reasons why Samsung Australia is reluctant to talk about the Galaxy S3's availability.

First off, Sammy's new flagship phone might never come to Aussie tech users, which is the worst-case scenario, but also the least credible. Compared to the US or China, the Australian market might not be a gold mine for Samsung or other smartphone manufacturers, but is still has more potential than several European countries where we are sure that the S3 will be sold.

We remember seeing the Galaxy S2 put up for sale in "exotic" places like Uganda, Yemen, or Lebanon. Also, we've been hearing people in the business saying that Samsung intends to expand in new markets, so there's absolutely no way the S3 won't come to Australia.

The second and most likely reason behind Samsung's statement is that the company simply doesn't know yet when it will be able to offer the phone in Australia. The negotiations between the three major mobile carriers there (Telstra Mobile, Optus, and Vodafone) and Sammy might not be finalized. The Galaxy S3 will definitely come to at least some of these major Australian networks.

Finally, this whole mystery might just be a marketing scheme to build up even more hype around the phone. Last year, the Galaxy S2 was released in Australia way before Canada and the US, and around the same time it arrived in Asia. The S3 has already been confirmed as hitting Asia right after Europe (sometime before June 15) and the flagship phone could well be launched in Australia at the same time.

Just because Samsung tells us today that they have no plans to make announcements at this time it doesn't mean that they won't make an announcement tomorrow or next week, now does it?

All in all, while we are certainly disappointed that we are not able to report clear things about the Galaxy S3′ release date in Australia. Our advice for all Aussie tech users reading us now would be to have a little patience. I know it's hard, but until we know something for sure, there's no reason to panic!


This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 to come to Australia? “No plans” at this time! , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Kindle Fire update brings extra parental controls, lets your children play with fire

Posted: 04 May 2012 09:47 PM PDT

Since it was launched in the holiday season of 2011, the Kindle Fire has become the most popular Android tablet in the US, with a market share of more than 50% as of February 2012. It's no wonder Amazon is so eager to provide updates for the Kindle Fire, in order to keep their customers happy.

If you're having trouble keeping the Kindle Fire from being recklessly used by the juveniles in your household, Amazon hears your pain. This update will likely please many parents, as the new 6.3.1 software update brings additional parental controls to the e-reader device. Once you apply the 6.3.1 software update on your Kindle Fire, you'll be able to password-protect purchases and disable access to specific ‘content libraries’, as well as block access to the Fire's Silk web browser, which is, naturally, full of lots of candy.

Amazon last released an update for the Kindle Fire back in March, where some major features were introduced. They included the ability to share passages and notes from books directly from the Kindle Fire, and more. They also included the Book Extras feature, that enabled users to see more information about the book being read without leaving the book. Further to this, Amazon baked in lots of other features that tie your personal data to their cloud, for viewing on multiple devices.

Although Amazon will push the update automatically to all Kindle Fire devices, you can install it manually by first downloading the 199MB file from Amazon, and then by transfering the file to the device via a USB cable. Easy peasy, right? Just in case, you can find more information about the update and installation process on the online retailer’s website. Enjoy your freshly updated Kindle Fire. Your kids likely will enjoy it a lot less.


This article, Kindle Fire update brings extra parental controls, lets your children play with fire , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Best Android apps for learning math

Posted: 04 May 2012 09:00 PM PDT

As much as we hate numbers, we know we can’t escape them. Just when you thought you were rid of your primary and high school classes, numbers are everywhere. They can be part of your job and they certainly can be part of your grocery shopping. Whether you’re an adult who wants to keep your skill with numbers sharp or you’re a parent tutoring his or her child on mathematics, we’ve got your back. We’ve put together for you a list that not only includes Android apps for adults but apps for kids, as well.

Kids Numbers and Math Lite


The first app that we have for you is Kids Numbers and Math. As the name of this app suggests, it is an app for kids, specifically for preschoolers who want to learn their math. Kids Numbers and Math teaches children about numbers and basic mathematical operations in an easy and fun manner. Your kid will be able to easily learn math with this app because numbers are spoken aloud in kid-friendly English, making them easy to understand. If your child is a fast learner, Kids Numbers and Math also has advanced exercises to keep your child entertained. Set the number ranges depending on your kid’s progress and rest assured that your child will be having fun with numbers. If you want your child to learn math in a fun and easy way, Kids Numbers and Math is the way to go.

Math Workout


There is nothing more useful than a sharp and alert mind that works 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. You can achieve this mental sharpness with Math Workout. This app gives your brain its daily dose of mental exercise by testing your mental math once a day. It gives you math drills which are designed to enhance your mental arithmetic. There’s no reason to let your math skills atrophy; whether you’re at work or at home, work that brain and see just how well you can solve these exercises. It also allows you to track your progress with charts of your past performances. Work out your mathematical skills daily with Mental Math.

Einstein Math Academy


Becoming a genius like Albert Einstein may be very hard for the average person but we can start with Einstein Math Academy. This app provides edutainment for all ages so mom, dad, and child can learn and practice their Math in a fun way. It’s basically a game where you need to find equations that work. It has four different game modes to choose from, namely, Kids, Timeless, Quick and Survival. The game has a complexly designed scoring system so you need to be very good with your math to top the scores. What’s even better is that Einstein Math Academy is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Brain Exerciser


Just like the first two apps, Brain Exerciser is designed for the purpose of giving your brain some exercise. The app has three 3 games that you can play to refresh your mathematical skills. There is the Add like Mad game where you need to tap on the squares to add numbers so that they become equal to the value at the top before the time runs out. There is also the Number Breaker where you need to destroy all the digits, and the Balloon Solver where you need solve for the right answer to pop the balloon before the time runs out. While enjoying the games, you can also share your scores via Twitter or Facebook to let your friends know how well you’re doing. Brain Exerciser is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Mental Math


Solving any mathematical equation is easier when you’ve got a pen and some paper but doing it mentally and paper-free is harder especially if you do not have a very imaginative mind. Mental Math can help you out with that. It teaches you how to master mental math through games. The app gives you useful tips for getting around difficult math problems. It also has times table training to help you sharpen your multiplication skills, as well as training in the four arithmetic operations with three levels of difficulty. And, to help you better improve your mental math, it has a “hide question” mode to train you to remember numbers in mind.

Falling Math


Falling Math is a simple game to help you enhance your mathematical skill, and it is also very effective. To play the game, you need to simply touch the right answer from the falling choices before it drops off the screen. You need to be super fast in your calculation to keep up with the falling answers. The fun part is that if you get the correct answer, the choices will fall faster for the next problem. Talk about challenging but your brain and your math skills will certainly thank you for it. Falling Math is free to download from the Google Play Store.

Mad Math 4 Kids


Another app that will help your kids to learn math is Mad Math 4 Kids. Just like some of the apps we’ve already mentioned, Mad Math 4 Kids helps your child learn basic arithmetic operations through a game. To play the game, a subtraction or addition equation with three numbers should be found and then solved. Once the equation is solved, another one replaces it. Your goal in Mad Math 4 Kids is to solve as many equations as possible within the given time limit. This challenging game will help push your child’s brain to its limit and definitely improve his/her math skills.

Math Ninja


Math Ninja is also another app that can help improve the mathematical skills of your child, specifically in using different math operations and solving complicated problems. Math Ninja does this through different mathematical games. It has 15 games to practice the different mathematical operations at 10 levels of difficulty. Math Ninja also has two game modes which involve cutting the wrong answer or cutting the correct answer. Your child is sure to have even more fun when they get to choose from between two different avatars and the app packs great sound effects to add to the gaming experience. It has 1,000 math problems that your child can solve while playing the games.

Arithmetics for Kids


Arithmetics for Kids is another simple math game to help your child start learning mathematical operations. It is both an educational and entertaining game and your child will enjoy playing without feeling the pressure of learning math. To play the game, three adjacent numbers should be connected using subtraction or addition so that their sum will equal the target number. It’s very easy but the real challenge for your child is that he or she must solve as many problems as possible before time runs out. This game will exercise the mathematical thinking of your child making him/her perform calculations quickly, as well as developing concentration and focus.

Baby Learns Numbers


Baby Learns Numbers, like most of the apps featured above, is more of a gaming app but much simpler. The aim of this app is to simply teach babies to know and recognize their numbers. Everything is presented in cute and attractive graphics to gain the interest of your child. After he or she learns the numbers, the app has a knowledge test where your child must fish for the right kind and number of fish depending on the number on the bucket. This app is a good head start for your baby to learn math.

Numbers may look intimidating but with the right mindset, and a phone full of math apps, you’ll be solving numbers quickly and without needing a calculator. Your child won’t have to view numbers as scary either when they can learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in fun and interesting ways. What are you waiting for? Get started on sharpening your number skill by downloading a math app for your Android device today. If your favorite math app didn’t make it on our list, share it with us in the comments section.


This article, Best Android apps for learning math , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Samsung Galaxy S2 – a worthy successor?

Posted: 04 May 2012 06:14 PM PDT

Finally, after weeks of debates, rumors, and leaks, the Samsung Galaxy S3 was officially unveiled yesterday at the Samsung Unpacked event in London. How does the S3 compare against its predecessor, the Galaxy S2? Is it just a minor update, as some rumors claimed a few weeks ago, or is the S3 a "legit" member of the most successful line of Android smartphones to ever go into production? How much has the Android world evolved since last year when the S2 was announced? We'll answer all these questions and more as we compare the Galaxy S3 against its predecessor, the Galaxy S2. So let's get started, shall we?

Display and form factor

Bigger, faster, just as thin, and with a bigger battery

The Samsung Galaxy S3 features a big and bright 4.8-inch SAMOLED HD display running at a native resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. Unfortunately, the lack of a "Plus" in the display tech means that the S3 uses the PenTile arrangement, where the subpixels are shared between adjacent pixels. To some, this doesn't make too much of a difference, but the most eagle-eyed of you will surely be able to tell between the display on the S3 and the 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display of the Galaxy S2, one that uses a regular RGB matrix and runs at a 480 by 800 pixel resolution. The Galaxy Nexus also used a pentile screen, much to some customer's dismay. That doesn't mean that the S3 display is poor (on the contrary), but it's definitely worth mentioning that its pixel density 306 ppi is not achieved naturally. The contrast is great, the colors are vivid, and its a huge step up from the display of the S2. Some believe that at least one US version of the Galaxy S3 will feature a SAMOLED Plus display, but that remains to be seen.

The folks over at Engadget have placed the displays of the original Galaxy S, the S2, the S2 LTE and that of the S3 under a microscope, allowing us to see the drawbacks of using a pentile arrangement instead of a regular RGB matrix. See if you can tell the difference between a pentile screen and one based on a regular RGB matrix!

As the Galaxy S3 features a display larger by half an inch compared to that of the S2, the dimensions of the handset have increased as well, although the difference isn't as big as you would expect thank to its remarkably smaller bezel and chin. The S3 measures 136.6 mm in height and 70.6 mm in width, while the S2 measures 125.3 mm in height and 66.1 mm in width. It's worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S3 is also 0.1 mm thicker than its predecessor, measuring 8.6 mm. I am a firm believer that anything under 9 mm is thin enough, as a smartphone also has to be thick enough to be used comfortably. The S3 is also heavier than the S2, weighing in at 133 grams.

Note: both the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy S2 use Corning's Gorilla Glass scratch-free screen protection technology, and the S3 features the latest from the masters of tough display tech.

Processor, GPU, RAM

Anandtech

The performance difference is staggering, especially when you consider how much higher the resolution of the display of the S3 is

As it was confirmed before the official unveiling of the Galaxy S3, the newest smartphone in the Galaxy S line features a quad-core Exynos 4212 processor clocked at 1.4GHz per core. The Exynos 4212 is based on the ARM Cortex A9 processor, but manufactured by Samsung internally. Preliminary benchmark results seem to claim that the Exynos 4212 is the fastest smartphone processor in the world, faster than both the dual-core Snapdragon S4 and the quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3. By comparison, the Galaxy S2 uses a 1.2GHz dual-core Exynos processor, also based on Cortex A9.

Both the Galaxy S2 and the Galaxy S3 use the same GPU architecture, namely the Mali-400MP, although it is believed that Samsung has clocked the S3's GPU to 400MHz, while the one on the S2 is clocked at 233MHz. We're still waiting for more benchmark results to fly in so that we can tell how the overclocked Mali-400MP GPU stacks up against the Adreno 225 CPU inside the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 SoC or the Nvidia Geforce ULP inside the Tegra 3. Both the S2 and the S3 are equipped with 1GB of RAM as the jump to 2GB of RAM is still deemed unnecessary in a smartphone these days.

LTE

Although Samsung have confirmed that the Galaxy S3 will also be available in LTE versions, they were unable to specify the differences (if any) between the 3G version unveiled yesterday and the upcoming LTE versions. Some claim that the US, LTE-enabled versions will arrive with a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 SoC, much like HTC did with the HTC One X / AT&T One XL. Granted, the Samsung S2 LTE also swapped the Samsung-built Exynos processor found inside the international version of the S2 in favor of a Qualcomm Scorpion CPU, but that was before Samsung have released their own LTE radio along with the Galaxy Nexus. As far as I'm concerned, there is a chance for the Exynos 4212 to rear its quad-core head in the LTE versions for the Galaxy S3 as well, so keep your fingers crossed.

Cameras, Storage & Battery

It turns out that the rumors claiming the S3 will feature a 12MP camera turned out to be false, as the S3 features the exact same 8MP camera as that of the S2, although Samsung have made some improvements to the camera app that should enable faster photo sharing. It's unfortunate that the quality of the camera has stagnated, but compromises are required to keep the price from jumping to astronomical levels. And let’s be honest, the S2 takes amazing photos, 720p, and 1080p video already.

While the S2 only came in 16GB and 32GB versions, the Galaxy S3 also comes in a 64GB variant. Fortunately, the S3 features a micro-SD card slot, just like its predecessor, and unlike the HTC One X. Galaxy S3 customers will also be offered a free 50GB DropBox cloud storage account.

Galaxy S2 ics telstra

The S3 features a bigger battery than that of the S2 (2100 mAh vs 1650 mAh), but so far, we're unable to tell how much of the extra battery power goes to the larger display and the quad-core processor. Unfortunately, we don't expect the S3 to sport a much bigger battery life span than that of the S2. Do reserve judgement on this part of the VS until we get a chance to do a thorough hands on review of the hardware in about three weeks from now.

Conclusion

As far as I'm concerned, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is the best Android smartphone in the world. The S3 sports the fastest processor around, will get an LTE-compatible variant soon, has a beautiful design, and runs the latest version of Android available – 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. As the S3 bests the Galaxy S2 in almost every conceivable way (minus the camera), it is definitely a true successor for the best selling Android smartphone of 2011. Unfortunately, many will be disappointed that Samsung opted for the PenTile arrangement instead of an RGB matrix. A SAMOLED HD Plus variant of the S3 is everything an Android user could possibly ask for.

And how about you? Is the S3 worthy of your dollar dollar bills? Is it a worthy successor to the best selling Android phone of 2012? Let us know if we should give Sammy a hug or a slap!


This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Samsung Galaxy S2 – a worthy successor? , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


LG announces the Optimus LTE2 smartphone, to take the Korean market by storm with 2 GB of RAM

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:43 PM PDT

Just as Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S3 in front of a huge online and offline audience, LG made a similar announcement that for some reason, went unnoticed. LG wants some attention, folks.

The Optimus LTE2 is the most recent monster phone to come from one of Samsung's longstanding competitors and, while some technical details about the device are still blurry, what we do know makes us think that this could actually be at least as powerful and cool as the Galaxy S3.

Set to hit Korea in just a matter of weeks, the Optimus LTE2 will be the world's first ever smartphone to feature 2 GB of RAM. Samsung, Apple and HTC have all stuck with 1 GB of memory for quite some time and appeared hesitant to go to the next level in this area, so it's sure nice to see someone not afraid to push the envelope.

Unfortunately, we don't know what processor will the Optimus LTE2 pack under its hood, so we can't say if this will actually be the world's most powerful smartphone. Rumors point towards either a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 chipset or a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 proc, but we should wait and see.

Other known features include LG’s own "True HD IPS" display (unknown size, though), as well as a 2,150 mAh battery with 40% longer life compared to the first-edition Optimus LTE. Other known details include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and support for wireless charging via a separate dock. Nice move, LG.

There are a few rumors going around about the phone's screen size, with the most reliable pointing towards a 4.7-incher, but, once again, we should wait for official news and confirmation. What we do know, however, is that the display will use a full RGB matrix, which might make it brighter and crisper than the pentile screen sported by the Galaxy S3.

As for the phone's design, this looks very similar to the first-edition Optimus LTE and this year's L series smartphones. The case is rectangular and elegant, and might actually draw the attention of people who don't dig the Galaxy S3's "curves".

The new Optimus LTE will hit Korea in mid-May (the exact date is still unknown), while other availability or pricing details are being kept under wraps. There's no way to know, therefore, if the phone will ever see the light of day in the US or Europe, but, considering that it could be a real road-opener, it's safe to assume that it will enjoy a worldwide release sometime soon.

What do you guys think? Could that extra 1 GB of RAM make the LG Optimus LTE2 rise to the top of your shopping lists? Could this become a more powerful and popular phone than the Galaxy S3? And finally, what's your view on LG's marketing abilities, considering the fact that this unveiling pretty much came out of the blue and was almost about to get completely ignored?


This article, LG announces the Optimus LTE2 smartphone, to take the Korean market by storm with 2 GB of RAM , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 owners to get free 50GB of Dropbox storage

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:33 PM PDT

Say what you want about the Samsung Galaxy S3. Perhaps you're disappointed about not seeing a 12MP camera sensor on the phone or how the design of the Galaxy S3 isn't the one you envisioned in your dreams. But if there's one thing that we can all probably agree on is that owners of Galaxy S3 probably will not be encountering any lack of storage problem.

In case you don’t know it yet, Samsung Galaxy S3 comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. On top of that, the phone also has a microSD card slot, which allows you to add 64GB more into the storage equation. If the combined 128GB storage of the Galaxy S3 still isn't enough, you'll be pleased to know that Samsung has partnered with Dropbox to offer owners of the superphone an additional 50GB cloud storage. All you have to do is register your phone after making the purchase.

Although the free 50GB storage space on Dropbox won't be up forever since it does come with an expiry date, it's safe to say you don't have to worry about storage space for two years. Plus, Samsung can gloat that it offers bigger free cloud storage than HTC.

Interestingly, Dropbox announced yesterday that they have inked a deal with Samsung to have the Dropbox app preloaded on future Samsung's smartphones and tablets. So while the Samsung Galaxy S3 might be the first to take advantage of the partnership, future Android tablets and smartphones from Sammy might also get the free storage – perhaps at a smaller capacity.

Will this persuade you even more to get the Samsung Galaxy S3 when it’s out?


This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 owners to get free 50GB of Dropbox storage , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 4S – no contest here, folks

Posted: 04 May 2012 04:48 PM PDT


I’m sure you’re all hungering after this! A comparison between Samsung’s new Flagship phone, the Galaxy S3, and Apple’s iPhone 4S.

Screen Size

The screen of the iPhone is laughable when compared next to the Samsung Galaxy S3. The iPhone may have it’s ‘Retina Display’, but the high resolution of the SGS3 spread over 4.8inches is even more lovely to look at. Apple should understand that big screens are what people want and studies have proven this.

Weight

The iPhone 4S has less inside it, but weighs more! Samsung have set another marker in pioneering light smartphones with even more hardware stuffed inside them. I love that the SGS3 can have the battery removed and an SD card inserted! It means that third party batteries like those from Magellan can be installed for extra power. Also, the whole affair of rooting the SGS3 will be easier when you have removable storage. In my opinion lack of removable storage is a flaw of the One X. Unibody  construction may look impressive, but what is the real point besides a ‘no edge’ finish? Alright, but let’s stay focused on the S3 vs iPhone, shall we?

Camera

While the camera in the SGS3 may not appear to be much better than the iPhone 4S’ camera megapixel wise — there are a few features thrown in with it that certainly make it a few steps better. The first is Burst Shot – The phone captures images at a rate of 3.3/second and then chooses the best picture of a set for you. The second is the Zero Shutter lag feature – quick snaps! The last, and my personal favourite, is the ability to identify people within your photos and be able to easily send them a copy. It’s a great idea, and sharing is something that the Samsung has baked into every aspect of what is contained within the S3.

S-Voice

I think everyone who has seen the pictures agree – S-Voice is a Siri lookalike. It’s Samsung’s attempt at showing off their speech recognition technology alongside Apple’s. They could have changed the design a little more though. Besides the very Siri-looking interface, it seems to mostly be a booster on the voice services that came with the Galaxy S2 I found that S-Voice worked fine for me, then again so does Siri. Have Samsung improved on Voice Recognition in the areas Apple slipped up? We’ll know soon enough.

Frills

Samsung have introduced quite a few new features and standards for other smartphone manufactures to attempt to beat. These include:

  • Pop-Up Play – The ability to continue watching a video whilst also web browsing through a floating window.
  • Burst Shot – Whilst HTC have something very similar in the One series, the software doesn’t automatically decide on the best photo.
  • Zero Shutter Lag on both the rear and front cameras.
  • S-Beam – A combination of NFC and Wi-Fi sharing with compatible devices.
  • GLONASS support in the location system
  • Eye Detection – So the phone knows when to turn itself off. That is the bee’s knees.
  • Bluetooth 4.0(LE)
  • …oh and a Barometer.

I like the sound of every single one of these. As far as I can recall, the iPhone 4S doesn’t have any frills like these?

Spec Comparison 

Final Thoughts

So all in all and in my opinion, the Samsung Galaxy S3 stands above the iPhone 4S and laughs at it. It is far thinner, lighter and delivers more for your money. In terms of the user experience, the fluidity of operation, the feature set, and in virtually every area that counts, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is light years ahead of Apple’s profitable darling.

How about you? What are your thoughts? Is the S3 too much phone? Does it stand tall when compared next to the S3? Let us know!


This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 4S – no contest here, folks , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.