Monday, May 14, 2012

Google Alert - android

News10 new results for android
 
How to Make Android Faster, More Productive and More Secure Than iPhone
PCWorld
Yet, for many users, Android is clearly the superior platform. Yes, its Achilles' heel is a big one: security. Android's openness and large market share mean that it's a juicy target for attackers. Yet, Android's openness also provides serious benefits ...
See all stories on this topic »
The Android dilemma: Too much choice, yet not enough
ZDNet (blog)
By James Kendrick | May 14, 2012, 7:42am PDT Summary: Android is everywhere and that's a good thing, except the one you want is often not where you can get it. My Galaxy Nexus S 4G recently got the long-promised Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) update.
See all stories on this topic »

ZDNet (blog)
SAP Rolls out New Mobile Apps, Boosts HTML5, IOS, Android Support
PCWorld
By Chris Kanaracus, IDG News SAP on Monday unveiled a series of mobile applications covering areas such as expense management and e-learning, as well as improved support for iOS and Android devices. The announcements came at the start of the vendor's ...
See all stories on this topic »
Samsung Galaxy S II Android 4.0 spreads but US update still MIA
SlashGear
Samsung's slow roll-out of the Android 4.0 upgrade for the Galaxy S II continues, with questions still remaining as to whether all owners will get Ice Cream Sandwich before the phone's successor reaches the market. Latest to get Android 4.0 is ...
See all stories on this topic »

SlashGear
Xamarin Releases Designer for Developing Sophisticated Native Android App User ...
MarketWatch (press release)
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 14, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xamarin, a leading provider of development software to simplify the creation and operation of cross-platform mobile apps targeting phones and tablets running iOS, Android and Windows, today announced ...
See all stories on this topic »
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1: Everything you need to know
Washington Post
Rather than compete at the highest end with the iPad or the Transformer Prime, Samsung's aiming for a happy medium: all the features we've come to expect from an Android tablet, without necessarily top-notch performance or specs, for an appealing price ...
See all stories on this topic »
Xamarin Designer brings visual Android UX development to C#, .NET
BetaNews
NET software development tool company Xamarin on Monday launched Xamarin Designer for Android, a drag-and-drop visual environment for creating native user interfaces for Android apps from within Visual Studio or within the Mono for Android IDE.
See all stories on this topic »

BetaNews
Apple Wins Review of Tablet Patent in Samsung Dispute
BusinessWeek
The Samsung dispute is the biggest front in Apple's efforts to curtail growth of phones that run on Google Inc.'s Android operating system, the most popular platform for mobile devices. Apple contends Android devices have copied features that make the ...
See all stories on this topic »
RBS Citizens Financial Group, Inc. Extends Mobile Banking to Android(TM ...
MarketWatch (press release)
With nearly half of US mobile subscribers now estimated to be using Android phones, the availability of the apps for Android users is expected to drive significant additional usage. Both apps offer the ability to make payments, check balances, ...
See all stories on this topic »
Gameloft Fan Chatrooms Now Discussing Hot IPhone and Android Games in Chat ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
Many fans have actually bought Gameloft games, especially Iphone and Android owners. Now, these Gameloft fans are discussing the company's games in a special and free chat widget known as Chatwing. This widget has recently branched out in gaming ...
See all stories on this topic »

Blogs5 new results for android
 
Android Community Weekly: May 13th, 2012 | Android Community
By Michael Crider
It's been a big week in the Android world, mostly due to the CTIA wireless show in New Orleans. Naturally Android Community was there to cover it, and you can.
Android Community
The Android Income Statement | asymco
By Horace Dediu
This is a continuation of the "Android Economics" series of posts. It deals with how revenues and costs are categorized for Android. The following diagram shows an approximate representation of what Android's "Income Statement"[1] would ...
asymco
Seraku's Android mirror lets you reflect on your operating system ...
By James Trew
Phones, watches, TVs and in-car entertainment. Android has been put to work in many corners of our technological world. Now, it's reached another, less.
Engadget
Cheap Android tablets: What will $100 buy you?
By Mike Andrici
We've set to answer a seemingly crazy question. How far will $100-$125 get you when it comes to purchasing an Android tablet? If you're willing to acknowledge that you do get what you pay for, you'll find that basic web browsing and ...
Android Authority
Sony Xperia S Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to arrive by June ...
By Edwin Kee
When it comes to operating system updates, there are many factors to consider – ranging from the carrier to the hardware manufacturer itself. In the case of Sony's Xperia S (which was first spotted at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona [...]
Ubergizmo

Web1 new result for android
 
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 lands at Carphone ... - Android Central
The latest Samsung Tab to be released is the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, which is now available at the Carphone Warehouse in the UK for £199.
www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-2-70-lands-carp...


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Android Authority

Android Authority


HTC Desire C (aka Golf) confirmed, 3.5-inch phone with ICS

Posted: 14 May 2012 02:37 AM PDT

Folks, it's our pleasure to report that all the debates (if there were any) about the HTC Golf being officially called either the Wildfire C or the Desire C can finally be put to rest. More pictures of the entry-level smartphone have leaked, and this time, they give us a better look of the phone and its specs. And yes, it will be called the HTC Desire C.

Shown on Vodafone Portugal's catalog of upcoming phones, the specs of the HTC Desire C don’t vary too much from earlier reports. But, as it always happens in this cases, it's sure nice to get some sort of official confirmation. The HTC Desire C will be powered by a 600MHz processor, and boast a 3.5-inch screen with 320 x 480 resolution, 512MB of RAM, 4GB internal storage, and a 5MP rear camera. From the picture, the 3.5G phone doesn't seem to have a front camera, although past rumors indicated that it would come with one.

Some of the saving graces of the HTC Desire C are the inclusion of HTC Sense 4 and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Oh, and the design of the phone isn't half bad either.

Though there's no clue about the phone’s price yet, the HTC Desire C is rumored to retail for below €200. We would've liked to see something more desirable in the specsheet of a phone that is supposed to continue the Desire legacy, but it seems HTC is bent to make the downgrade.

How do you like the look of the phone? Do you think HTC is making the right call by calling it the Desire C?


This article, HTC Desire C (aka Golf) confirmed, 3.5-inch phone with ICS , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Layperson’s dictionary of rooting terms

Posted: 13 May 2012 09:00 PM PDT

So, you’re new to the Android community. First off, welcome to the wonderful world of customizing your phone! Android’s all about the power to make your phone truly yours and if you dig deep enough, you’ll find a hundred ways to make your phone unlike anyone else’s on the planet. Or, at least, nearly unlike anyone else’s. The more you customize, the slimmer the chance people will have the exact same settings. If you’re a stickler for individuality, you’ve made the right choice by getting an Android. But, the moment you loaded up Android Authority, you already feel overwhelmed by new words.

What’s a ROM? What does root mean? What are all these funny words people keep throwing at each other and what is the meaning of life? We’re kidding on the last one, sort of, but just like any newbie, getting into the world of Android is intimidating. You can still your racing heart and wipe those sweaty palms on your pants because Android Authority’s got your back covered. We’ve put together a list of some of the high-sounding words that newbies frequently encounter and compile the words into some sort of easy-to-digest layperson’s dictionary of rooting terms. Come across a word that you don’t understand? Check out our list, it should be here.

ADB

The acronym for Android Debug Mode. Whenever your Android device is connected to your computer, ADB is the command line tool that helps your computer communicate with your device. ADB is part of the Android Software Developers Kit (SDK) and is often used in root tools, whether or not you’re typing the commands in yourself. Unless the instructions call for installing the SDK and running ADB commands, you won’t need to mess with it.

AOSP

Short for Android Open Source Project, you’re likely to see this in ROM descriptions. AOSP usually indicates that the ROM is based on the Android source code provided by Google itself, and not on some other ROM project or a company's firmware.

Bloatware

Like it says on the tin, bloatware is software or apps that you don’t need, but come pre-installed to a device’s /system partition. What this also means is that you can’t remove them unless the device has been rooted. Usually, these are apps are sponsored by a company and are included by a carrier for profit. For example, the Photobucket app included on the G2 by T-Mobile is deemed by many to be bloatware, although, arguably, some folks do find the app useful.  Bloatware is a subjective thing.  Some person’s bloatware is another person’s lifeline.

Bootloader

A number of ROMs require your bootloader to be unlocked, but what in the world is it? The bootloader is the lowest level of software on your phone, running all the codes necessary to start up your operating system. Most bootloaders come locked, which prevents users from rooting their phones. This is because manufacturers want you to use the version of Android they’ve provided. With a locked bootloader on Android phones, you cannot flash custom ROMs. Unlocking your bootloader doesn’t mean rooting your phone, but it does allow you to root and to flash custom ROMs.

Boot loop

When your system re-cycles over and over without entering the main OS, your system is stuck in a boot loop and the phone is said to be boot looping. This may happen if you do not follow instructions.  At other times, boot loops are caused by defects in the software code. Usually developers who are aware of this problem include boot loop patches that must be flashed after you flash the custom ROM.

Brick

You’ve probably heard this one a few times. It’s usually the result of tampering with the insides of your device and doing irreversible damage. A brick can be the result of a faulty flash or firmware update, a mod gone wrong, or being struck by lightning. Brick refers to a device that no longer functions, generally caused by a failed firmware or SPL update. Since the device no longer works as intended, it is often referred to as a “brick” or “paper-weight”, since that is all it is good for. Since any modification to the device’s software could potentially brick it, following instructions is very important.

BusyBox

BusyBox is an application that provides a standard set of UNIX tools. The default toolbox provided by Android is limited, so BusyBox is required to allow rooted ROMs or apps to use more advanced UNIX features.

Dalvik cache

Sometimes in flashing ROMs, wiping the Dalvik Cache through Recovery Mode is important, but just what is the Dalvik Cache? The dalvik-cache directory holds all of the pre-compiled *.dex files created from installed apps. These files are static and do not change unless the app is updated.

Deodex

This term is most often seen on a custom ROM’s list of features. When a ROM has been deodexed, it means that its apps have been prepared for modification. Deodexed ROMs have apps that have been repackaged in a certain way. Developers of custom ROMs choose to deodex their ROM packages, since it lets them modify various APKs, and it also makes theming possible after the ROMs have been installed.

Flash

Flashing is the term used to install something on your device, whether it’s a ROM, a kernel, or something else that comes in the form of a flashable ZIP file. It is the process of applying a firmware image or a ROM, to your device and usually entails a very specific order of steps. If you don’t follow instructions, you may end up bricking your device.

Fastboot

Fastboot is a boot menu that you can do stuff from before Android is launched. From this menu, you can choose to boot into Recovery Mode, and more. Fastboot is a protocol used to directly update the flash filesystem in Android devices from a host over USB. It allows flashing of unsigned partition images. It is disabled in almost all production devices since USB support is disabled in the bootloader.

Firmware

A phone's firmware is basically its operating system. A "firmware update" means that the operating system, the software that controls the phone, is updated. "Stock firmware" means that the firmware is unmodified: it's the version of the operating system the phone's manufacturer delivers.

HBoot

When you switch your phone, HBoot is loaded immediately and is mainly responsible for checking and initializing the hardware and starting the phone's software. HBoot can also be used for flashing official software releases, as well as a few other things.

IMEI

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a number unique to every GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile device, as well as some satellite devices. The IMEI number is used by the GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used to stop a stolen device from accessing the network. For example, if a mobile device is stolen, the owner can call her or his network provider and instruct the provider to “ban” the device using its IMEI number. This renders the device useless, whether or not the device’s SIM is changed. The IMEI can be displayed by dialing *#06#. When a procedure asks you to take note of your IMEI, make sure to store it in a safe place.

Kernel

The kernel is the heart of any Linux-based operating system. A kernel acts as the brain of the system and controls how the hardware and software interact. It also decides which activity your Android device should carry out at any particular instant.

NANDroid backup

Most how-to guides include this and all developers demand you to take a few seconds before flashing their ROM to make a NANDroid backup. NANDroid is a set of tools and scripts that will enable users who have root on access their Android device to make full system backups, in case something goes wrong or you would like to out an experimental ROM or theme. NANDroid will backup (and restore) the /system, /data, /cache, and /boot partitions. This backup can be restored later, whenever you want. NANDroid backups are created from the Recovery Mode, often with ClockworkMod Recovery.

Opensource

This term refers to software whose source code anyone is allowed to view, modify, or redistribute. In the context of Android, opensource refers to the approach of the design, development, and distribution of software. This offers accessibility to a software’s source code for modification, improvement, bug-fixing, and security-enhancement. The CyanogenMod project is based on this principle.

Overclocking

This term is used when users want to increase the speed of their device’s CPU or GPU. Overclocking can be done by installing special kernels designed for this purpose.

Radio

The radio on your device handles communication and sending and receiving voice and data. Flashing new radio firmware can improve your radio hardware’s reception and bring other benefits. You can flash radio firmware through Recovery Mode, just like how you would a custom ROM.

Recovery

Recovery is the software on your phone that allows you to make backups, flash ROMs, and perform other system-level tasks. The stock recoveries don’t do much, but if you can install a custom recovery such as the extremely popular ClockworkMod Recovery, you’ll have increased control over your device.  Other popular custom recoveries also include 4EXT Recovery and TWRP Recovery.

ROM

In the context of Android, a ROM (acronym for “read-only memory”) or, more specifically, a “custom ROM” is a modified version of Android. Developers may give it extra features, a different look, enhanced performance, and others. It may even be a version of Android that hasn’t even been officially released yet. Some of the popular custom ROMs you may have heard of are CyanogenMod, Android Open Kang Project (AOKP), and MIUI.

ROM Manager

ROM Manager is an immensely popular app for root users, allowing users to flash ClockworkMod Recovery, install ROMs from their SD card, perform backups, and even download new ROMs over-the-air.

Root

Root refers to “administrator” or “full” access to the device.  That is, your device earns enhanced privileges and can grant you more control in customizing it.  The term referring to the process of gaining such administrative access is “rooting.”

With root access, you can mount the device’s internal memory partition as read/write, allowing you to do various things like USB or Wi-Fi tethering and uninstalling annoying bloatware. You can also enjoy certain applications that require root access, overclocking or underclocking the CPU, and more.

Some phones are easier to root than others. Certain phones require a tedious process to gain root access while other phones and firmware have easy and painless one-click methods. You can get root access by either installing the Superuser application or by flashing a custom ROM that already has root access included.  Check out our section dedicated solely for guides on how to root your Android device.

Rooting, unfortunately, also voids your warranty, so you must be extra careful with whatever you do to your phone after you’ve rooted it.

RUU and SBF

ROM Upgrade Utilities (RUU) and System Boot Files (SBF, for Motorola phones) are files direct from the manufacturer that change the software on your phone. RUU and SBF are how the manufacturers deliver over-the-air upgrades and modders often post leaked RUU and SBF files for flashing when updates haven’t been released yet. They can also be handy when you’re downgrading your phone, especially when a rooting method is not yet available for the newest software version. You can flash RUUs directly from your HTC device, but Motorola users will need a Windows program called RSD Lite to flash SBF files.

S-OFF

HTC phones use a security feature called Signature Verification in HBOOT, the bootloader on HTC devices. S-ON (security on) will read-lock your /system and /recovery partitions, blocking you from performing certain root-level actions directly from Android. By default, your phone has S-ON, which blocks you from flashing radio images. You can disable this security measure with S-OFF (security off), although you risk bricking your phone in the process but will allow you to flash new radios. Rooting doesn’t require S-OFF but many rooting tools give you S-OFF in addition to root access.

Superuser

Since Android is a Linux-based operating system, Linux has something called root access. By rooting your Android phone, you gain superuser access. The superuser, or root user, is a special user account for system administration. Superuser is also the name of an app, which lets you grant or deny superuser privileges to other apps.

Wipe

Usually refers to wiping data and cache partitions of the device. Usually before flashing a custom ROM, developers will instruct users to perform a wipe. Not performing a wipe may result in problems with the ROM’s performance.

Zipalign

You’re likely to see this term on the list of a custom ROM’s features. Zipalign is a tool that optimizes the way an Android app (APK) is packaged. The Android device can interact with an application more efficiently, and in doing so, has the potential to make the app and the entire Android system perform much faster. Zipaligned applications are launched more quickly, and they use less amounts of RAM.

Congratulations! You’re now equipped with some basic rooting and Android knowledge. Now you can dive into XDA Developers and feel less like a noob. Using your newly acquired knowledge, you can make better informed decisions when  looking for a ROM to power your Android device with. Good luck and happy hunting!

Got a rooting term that’s bugging you?  Let us know in the comments and we’ll try adding it to our dictionary.

References

  • Diablo67. (2012, January 27). Android terms, slang & definitions (Read this before posting questions!) [Msg 1]. Message posted to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1466228
  • Gordon, Whitson. (2012, February 21). The always up-to-date guide to rooting the most popular Android phones. Retrieved from http://lifehacker.com/5789397/the-always-up+to+date-guide-to-rooting-any-android-phone
  • paul-ac. (2011, July 22). [Android ROM dictionary] Newbe friendly [Msg 1]. Message posted to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1180477
  • PolicyWonk. (2011, December 10). Root terms defined – ROM, shell, S-ON, etc. [Msg 1]. Message posted to http://androidforums.com/precedent-all-things-root/461024-root-terms-defined-rom-shell-s-etc.html
  • Static. (2011, July 30). Rooting dictionary [Msg 1]. Message posted to http://www.theandroidsource.com/questions-answers-forum/536-rooting-dictionary.html
  • TechCredo. (2011, February 11). Android ROM and rooting dictionary: All the terms explained. Retrieved from http://www.techcredo.com/android/android-rom-and-rooting-dictionary-all-the-funny-words-explained


This article, Layperson’s dictionary of rooting terms , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Developers, please, don’t ever use SellARing to monetize your app

Posted: 13 May 2012 11:16 AM PDT

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I’ve always felt notification bar ads are the worst things to have ever been created. However, such is the beauty of the human mind that we’re always, always capable of exceeding our previous achievements (whether for the good or for the bad).

So, what could be more annoying than ads in the notification bar? How about audio advertisements played every time you make a call. If you’ve read my articles in the past, you’d know that I would uninstall any app that comes with AirPush or something like that in it.

Developers, I’m going to take it to a whole new degree with selling if I find it in your app: not only am I going to uninstall it immediately, I’ll ensure to leave a scathing review on Google Play with a one star. Then I’ll tell anyone and everyone I know that your app is a disaster. And finally, I’ll name and shame you on Phandroid itself if I feel like it.

Believe me, I know how difficult it is to make money. My own app isn’t doing well for various reasons, but that doesn’t mean I’m ever going to sell out my users in such a horrible way. It’s not going to get you anywhere. Make as good an app, with as enjoyable a UX as possible, and we’ll help you out if we can by reviewing your work.

[via Google+]


Thai govt. signs $32.8 million deal to purchase Android tablets for education

Posted: 13 May 2012 10:33 AM PDT

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The Next Web has reported that the Thailand government has inked a deal that would see them carry out the widest educational tablet deployment to date. They will be purchasing 400,000 Android 4.0 tablets from Shenzhen Scope at $81 a pop. They might even purchase another 530,000 tablets, bringing the total spend to $75.7 million.

Fortunately, instead of purchasing crap like the Indian government did, they’ve focused on ensuring the hardware in the tablet would actually be usable. The $81 Scopad SP0712 tablet runs Ice Cream Sandwich, has a 7 inch screen (as expected), 8 GB of storage, 1 GB RAM and GPS. Shenzhen Scope is bullish that they could attract deals with governments from other countries, too.

"Thailand is the first country in which we have provided large numbers of tablets for students. Now we are talking with other governments to provide this kind of tablet device for [other] students, including Pakistan, Brazil and South Africa," chairman Liu Jun said.

 

[via The Next Web]


New Magenta Deal Days coming next weekend

Posted: 13 May 2012 10:07 AM PDT

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If you’re looking to pick up a phone on T-Mobile, you might want to wait till next weekend. TMoNews got their hands on this little flyer, and looks like customers would have an attractive buy-one-get-one-free offer on T-Mobile’s various 4G handsets.

The devices mentioned are the myTouch, myTouch Q, HTC Amaze 4G, Galaxy S II, Galaxy S Blaze 4G and the Samsung Exhibit 4G. By the sound of it, that leaves out the HTC One S, which would have made this a very, very attractive offer. As expected, new two-year agreements are required.

[via TMoNews]


ASUS teases the PadFone and it’s varying capabilities [Video]

Posted: 13 May 2012 06:24 AM PDT

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Despite having been first announced a long, long time ago, and despite the fact that we still don’t know when it would release, the ASUS Padfone has managed to maintain a decent amount of buzz. After the recent news regarding it’s amazing battery life, ASUS has also chosen to post this video, demonstrating it’s various capabilities.

So, are you still interested in grabbing one when it finally hits store shelves?


Me, Android, and my Mom [opinion]

Posted: 13 May 2012 06:07 AM PDT

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Today being Mother’s Day, I couldn’t help but look back and think of the role my mom has played in my life so far. It’s kind of difficult not to when people keep sharing this beautiful P&G advertisement on Facebook.

Sure, I might not be an Olympian, but to her I’m running a different race that holds as much importance. We spend a lot of time together, often play golf together, and she’s one of the first people I share anything I create with. More often than not, she doesn’t fit the target demographic, but her approval, and more importantly the excitement she has gives me a whole lot of encouragement.

Going against the usual “iOS is more user-friendly” cliche thrown around the web, my mom actually prefers Android. In fact, a few weeks ago someone brought their new iPad over to have me set up a few things. As an experiment, I opened Google on both the iPad and my Galaxy Tab 10.1, and gave them to my mom asking her to tell me which she preferred.

The Galaxy Tab won, hands down. No over-heating, brighter screen and settings in the notification area were the main reasons. One of the main reasons I want to buy a new phone is so I can pass on my current myTouch 4G to her, so that she’s no longer infuriated with her iPhone 3G (which was given to her by my sister, who has horrible taste in phones).

I often spend time just watching her use my tablet since it gives me some vital knowledge in understanding how people who aren’t as technologically aware as us interact with the device. She found her comfort zone very fast, learning pinch-to-zoom on her own, and even sometimes puts on YouTube while working in the kitchen.

My gift to her on this day? Besides taking her out to dinner, I’ve decided to add her Google account to my tablet, so she can easily read her mails in the app instead of opening the browser. So far, I hadn’t because I didn’t want to keep getting notifications for the chain-mails that her friends’ circulate. But, hey, I can make that little a sacrifice. She’s happy with using the browser so far, but gets annoyed at times when she can’t get the mail she’s reading to take over the complete screen space.

I really hope someone takes out the time to educate this particular demographic the benefits of Android. There’s a lot of money involved here, especially in the tablet market considering for people like her it can act as the only personal computing device required.  For some strange reason, it seems like manufacturers have just assumed that this demographic is only interested in Apple. To a certain degree, that’s true, but its generally because of the advertising strategies employed (especially the Droid series). I’d love to see everyone stop taking potshots at Apple, or talking about robots and stuff, and simply focus on family.


Apple blames Samsung for intentionally destroying evidence

Posted: 12 May 2012 08:04 PM PDT

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Last May 1st was full of tension in the Northern District of California. Same place where Apple filed a motion asserting that Samsung purposely destroyed evidence that would aid in Apple’s victory. Said conduct is known as “spoilation of evidence,” and Apple is asking that the Judge educates the Jury about said matter.

According to the iPhone manufacturer, Samsung did this intentionally, so as to not give Apple the needed information to come to a better conclusion. “Vast quantities of relevant evidence in blatant disregard of its duty to preserve all such evidence.”

Samsung is scheduled for an official reply on May 15, with a hearing set for July 7th. But the Korean Manufacturer is asking for an extension, as the Company would have to review “thousands of pages of documents and voluminous pages of deposition testimony” in order to provide a valid argument on the matter. If the Court grants Samsung said extension, the hearing would be set back to July 10, with a May 29th brief from the Galaxy makers.

If Apple is found victorious, Samsung could be accused of intentionally, and knowingly, infringing on Apple’s patents. Yes, things just might be getting pretty ugly.

[Via: Network World]


Android Central

Android Central


Android Central weekly photo contest winner: Composition

Posted: 13 May 2012 02:44 PM PDT

templon

The winner of this week's photo contest is templon, with his picture of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, taken with his Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The picture follows the rule of thirds, holds a nice level line, and above all else -- is a great picture. Congrats templon, and thanks for the great photo! Check your inbox for information about your Beats Tour headphones, we'll need to know where to have them sent.

As usual, there were plenty of great pictures this week. It really is difficult sorting out the best few, but as someone who enjoys looking at photographs, I'm not complaining. Hit the break to see the honorable mention list.  And be ready to do it all over again next week.

read more



Apple to drop Google Maps with the next iPhone?

Posted: 13 May 2012 01:02 PM PDT

Google Maps

Rumor has it that the next iPhone will eschew Google's Maps backend in favor of Apple's own. Rene over at iMore, who has a good handle on how the minds in Cupertino operate, has a great overview of Apple's supposed current strategy that you really should read to try to make sense out of this one. The short version -- Apple wants to shed Google's services. Not because users have a problem using them, but because they don't want Google to profit. Instead of offering an additional choice with their own version of a maps app, they are just going to replace what users know and love with something that generates less profit for Google. Smart business move, but a pretty foul dump on the users.

They're going to need some real magic to pull this one off. In the current version, Apple builds the UI and Google provides the mapping data. Google is really good at mapping stuff. The rumored version-in-waiting is supposed to add a 3D view, becoming the new killer feature for the next version of iOS. The problem is, users don't care about 3D map view (or anything 3D on their mobile devices) -- they care about features, ease-of-use, and integration. Apple can certainly take care of the integration part, and even give it some of that good old fashioned Apple magic in the UI department. But that still isn't going to cut it. Google has the one big thing™ when it comes to maps and navigation -- search data.

When you tap the button and tell your phone to find 1313 Mockingbird Lane, there's this unfathomably huge pool of data Google has at it's disposal to populate that map. Need to know where the closest Starbucks is? Ask Siri, or just look at the Google Maps app. Apple can't replicate this without years of its own data. Users will be left with an app with a pretty front-end, that's actually a step backwards in functionality. Apple will either have to offer a sub-par maps experience, or use Google anyway. And the first person who says Bing has to stay late and clean the chalkboard. That's two steps backwards.

Google creates the web services people want and use -- even people with iPhones. This is a space where Apple is going to find it's difficult to compete, and fickle users may just look elsewhere. Of course, you'll find just as many bloggers telling tales of how great this is, and that Apple invented Maps. It's going to be interesting to watch this one play out.

Source: iMore

 



From the Editor's Desk: A slow CTIA, whose app is it anyway, the EVO 4G LTE isn't as bad as you thought, eh?

Posted: 13 May 2012 10:54 AM PDT

From the Editor's Desk
Two thirds of these guys busted their butts at CTIA in New Orleans. One of them was not me.

Another CTIA has come and gone. I'm not usually one to gripe about the pace of a show, given that at these things we're essentially on a working vacation in cool city. But this spring's CTIA was pretty meh. The biggest announcement was, what, Verizon's Droid Incredible 4G LTE? Not an unimportant phone, I suppose, and it should sell just fine. But while Sprint and AT&T and T-Mobile are rocking phones from the new-and-improved HTC One line, with much-improved cameras, Verizon's missing out.

Samsung missed a pretty big opportunity in New Orleans, too. Not even a week after it unveiled the Galaxy S III to a worldwide (or at least European) audience in London, Sammy squandered a great chance to get the U.S. even more excited about it, and to get CTIA attendees (mostly of the American variety, we wager) proper looks at the new flagship phone. Strike while the iron is hot, they say.

Of course, the U.S. carriers will put their own spin on the Galaxy S III. And it's pretty likely that we'll see some sort of event to show them off, just like what we had with the Galaxy S and Galaxy S II. But it was pretty surprising to see a minimal showing from Samsung here in New Orleans. No both. Just a brief appearance at the Mobile Focus event, where journos and companies cram into a ballroom for food, drink and a slightly more intimate look at products than on the show proper. The Galaxy S III is an important phone that was mostly kept off the floor, and that's a shame. Good thing we went to London to get a proper introduction. (By the way, if you haven't read Alex Dobie's piece -- "Hype, expectation an the Galaxy S III" -- you've missed out.)

The roundtable keynote featuring the CEOs of Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, moderated by CNBC's Jim Cramer, was entertaining if not overly substantive. (It also went a bit long, with each of the four's intro remarks taking more time than many of us would have preferred.) But Sprint CEO Dan Hesse hit home a little bit with a renewed push for mobile privacy, security and safety. Those are three things that will only become more important in the coming years. The Sprint Guardian program, which covers all applicable lines on an account for a relatively small fee, should be an interesting way of going about it.

Otherwise, no real showstopping announcements. No real major releases. Will CTIA in the fall (back in San Diego) make up for it? Or is the usefulness of trade shows starting to run its course for manufacturers?

Oh, by the way. Those two guys in the picture above -- Jared "The Body" DiPane and Anndrew "Yes that's how it's spelled" Vacca kicked some serious ass last week. Cheers, boys.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Review

Posted: 13 May 2012 07:10 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, the tablet of all tablets, or just another tablet swimming in the sea? Read the review to find out!

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

While we aim to find the perfect Android handset to accompany our daily lives, the struggle continues far beyond that. With Android tablets ranging from low end to high end with various price points and feature sets, figuring out which tablet is right for you is no simple task. Last year we saw Samsung introduce the original Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, at the time it was a flagship device and people could not get enough. A year later we are introduced to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, the new dog in town.

Could Samsung out do what they brought to the table last year, and have a knock out device to put in our hands? Let's hit the break and check out how the Samsung Galaxy 2 10.1 tablet compares in the world of Android tablets, and see if this may just end up being your very next tablet.


The Good

While packing a 10.1 inch display, the overall device is very lightweight and extremely thin. The layout allows for easy access to buttons, and it can be charged while still in use without affecting your grip.

The Bad

Samsung has chosen to lay their TouchWiz over top of a mostly stock ICS, The cameras are far from ideal, and while the speakers are well placed, they could use some improvement as well.

Conclusion

For the price point and features you will receive, the Samsung Tab 2 10.1 brings the best of a middle range pricing to high end specs. The 10.1 inch display is a beauty, and Ice Cream Sandwich performs very well on the device.

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