Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Google Alert - android

News10 new results for android
 
Fake Android Security App is Mobile Zeus Malware in Disguise
PC Magazine
The fake security app, called the Android Security Suite Premium, is actually the latest Zeus malware, Denis Maslennikov, a Kaspersky Lab researcher, wrote on ...
See all stories on this topic »
New Android Malware is Disguised as a Security App
PCWorld
The new Zeus malware steals incoming text messages and sends them to command-and-control servers operated by the attackers.
See all stories on this topic »
Samsung Makes Android SAFE for IT
TechNewsWorld
Samsung's forthcoming Galaxy S III smartphone will be the company's first device to be officially branded and sold under its new SAFE program. SAFE stands for ...
See all stories on this topic »
Google to introduce low-priced Android tablet in 'coming weeks'
Apple Insider
The new Android tablet will be unveiled in the "coming weeks," according to The Wall Street Journal. Citing "people familiar with the matter," the report said that ...
See all stories on this topic »
Is Samsung looking to leave Android?
CNET (blog)
With Google now a competitor with the purchase of Motorola, is Samsung's new CEO looking to focus on the company's own proprietary operating system?
See all stories on this topic »

CNET (blog)
Samsung's Pincer Movement Android Strategy to Winning the ...
ZDNet (blog)
Samsung's new Galaxy S III is not only the most secure, BYOD-friendly Android smartphone yet, but it could steal away many users who would other.
See all stories on this topic »
Should Samsung Shed Android?
PC Magazine
Threatened by Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility, some speculate that Samsung might develop its own OS.
See all stories on this topic »
Is the Best Android Tablet Available Made for Kids?
Wired News
If you've been considering investing in a tablet for your child, you've got lots of options these days. Just do a Google search on tablets for kids and you'll find ...
See all stories on this topic »
WinZip(R) Android App Now Available
MarketWatch (press release)
WinZip for Android builds on the success of WinZip for iOS, introduced earlier this year and already downloaded by more than a million people. WinZip tools are ...
See all stories on this topic »
Android gets a Siri-fighter
CNET
Meet Robin, a natural language voice-activated navigator for Android that puts Siri on notice. Read this blog post by Liane Yvkoff on The Car Tech blog.
See all stories on this topic »

Blogs5 new results for android
 
Dropcam's Android app is now native, improved and live at Google ...
By Sharif Sakr
Sure, Dropcam already had an app for monitoring its web-connected home monitoring cameras on Android smartphones. The thing is, it wasn't native -- it.
Engadget
Android Overload: ZTE Grand X LTE Officially Announced, Intel ...
By Chris Chavez
Greetings, friends! You've wandered into the Android Overload. This is the place we pile up all the Android/mobile/carrier/Google related news we find from.
Android Phone Fans
Dropcam Launches Android App, Announces $12M In Series B ...
By Matt Burns
The new app is built natively for Android rather than using Adobe Air and provides live video, two-way audio and free motion alerts through a better user interface. The company said today in a press release that the app was built to better ...
TechCrunch
Sharp and frog work together on Feel UX Android user interface ...
By Shane McGlaun
Many of the Android smartphones on the market today have a custom user interface over the top to allow the maker to tweak how the operating system looks and.
Android Community
Oppo Finder 6.65mm Android smartphone pre-orders now available ...
By Gene Ryan Briones
It was just last month when we wrote about the 6.65mm Oppo Finder, one of the few ultra-thin Android devices revealed this year. And while the ZTE Athena – currently the record holder of the world's thinnest smartphone at 6.2mm [...]
Ubergizmo


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Android Authority

Android Authority


Idolian unveils $98 IdolPad Plus tablet with ICS, starts shipping on June 20

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 03:07 AM PDT

While Android is all about diversity, freedom of choice and all that, low-priced gadgets (except for Amazon's Kindle Fire, maybe) have earned themselves a reputation for being glitchy, buggy or featuring poor hardware.

And although in most cases it’s true that you shouldn’t expect much from an Android-based tablet available for less than $150, there are those (rare) exceptions to the rule. Idolian's IdolPad Plus seems to be one of these exceptions, at least at a first glance, being available for just $98 (!) and coming with some not-so-horrible tech specs.

Idolian, a California-based technology manufacturer, has attempted to draw some attention with a couple of tablets in the past, but the original IdolPad and the TurboTab C8 haven't exactly hit it big.

The new IdolPad Plus, up for pre-order right now on Idolian's website and set to start shipping on June 20, sports a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixels resolution, which might not seem that impressive by high-end standards, but is in fact a huge upgrade over the original IdolPad's display.

The first 7-incher from Idolian came with a resistive touchscreen that, although featured the same 800 x 480 pixels resolution, was pretty horrible in terms of responsiveness and user interaction. The IdolPad's processor has itself been upgraded, from a Cortex A8 clocked at 1 GHz to a 1.2 GHz model. It's true, the new chipset is still single-core, so you shouldn't expect the gaming experience of your lifetime, but for a tablet this cheap, the proc is decent enough.

IdolPad Plus' most important upgrade comes on the software front, where Gingerbread has been ditched for Ice Cream Sandwich. There's full support for Google Play, too, and pre-installed Adobe Flash Player, so what more could you need?

The rest of the tech specs are pretty much the same with what you would find in the original IdolPad, including 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal memory, a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, a microSD card slot for expanding the storage space to up to 32 GB, WiFi 802.11 b/g connectivity, a microUSB 2.0 port, G-Sensor, and an accelerometer.

Unfortunately, Idolian had to compromise somewhere to fit the hardware in the below $100 price tag, so the 3,500 mAh battery powering the first-edition IdolPad has been downgraded to a more modest 2,800 mAh unit, only capable of running for around three hours between charges, based on regular use.

In terms of design, there aren't any notable differences between the two tablets. The IdolPad Plus weighs in at 0.8 pounds (362 grams) and measures 0.56 inches (14 mm) in thickness, being pretty skinny, but not very robust or reliable-looking.

You can pre-order your IdolPad Plus dirt-cheap tablet from Idolian's official website, where you'll also find a bunch of optional accessories on sale and extended warranty. If you can wait for a couple more weeks, you will be able to get it from Amazon, Sears, and Buy.com.

How about it, guys? Could this actually be the first decent Android-based tablet available for under $150? Would you have preferred a gadget with a rear-facing camera, a better battery, and maybe even a snappier processor, although it might cost some more?


This article, Idolian unveils $98 IdolPad Plus tablet with ICS, starts shipping on June 20 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Sharp introduces the Feel UX, a new Android UI overlay for its Aquos smartphones

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 02:53 AM PDT

Sharp is a brand that we associate more with television sets rather than its line of Android phones, but the company is determined to capture a slice of the ever expanding smartphone market. The first step towards that goal is to create a unique Android experience that looks and feels different from what the competitors are offering. Taking inspiration of HTC's Sense and Samsung's TouchWiz UIs, Sharp is introducing, the Feel UX, a new user interface for its Android-powered Aquos series smartphones.

Developed together with Frog, a software design company based in San Francisco, the Feel UX was built with a simplified interaction model in mind. Their vision was to create a sleek line of smartphones that is easy to use, yet offers stunning visuals and a highly interactive experience.

The simplistic look of the Feel UX is dominated by large icons. Users will be able to browse photos and access widgets without unlocking the device. There's a real-time weather display with animation that dynamically changes according to real-time weather patterns, neutral-color visuals, and a streamlined home space that is accessible for beginners, but offers high flexibility for advanced users.

The Feel UX will make its debut on seven of Sharp’s Aquos smartphones in Japan, this summer. It's currently unknown when the new UI overlay will be available on the company's other Android offerings worldwide. The last time we heard about Sharp Aquos in the US was when one model of the series, the Aquos SH-01D, made a stop at FCC back in November of last year. Despite its rather impressive specs on paper, such as a 4.5-inch HD 3D display and a 12MP shooter, we haven't heard much about the device over the last months.

Sharp AQUOS Android Smartphone – Feel UX from frog on Vimeo.

It'd be quite a while before we see this new UI coming out of Japan, but how do you like what you see so far of Sharp's Feel UX?


This article, Sharp introduces the Feel UX, a new Android UI overlay for its Aquos smartphones , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


LeTang launches Apocalypse of Skyland I and King Pirate II RPGs for Android, get them now for free!

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 02:46 AM PDT

Everybody loves free Android games (come on, admit it!) and, especially when talking about RPG titles, we've had some pretty addictive freemium content released recently. Our good friend Alvin Ybanez compiled a very useful list of role-playing games (some of which, though, aren't free) for Android just a few days back, but you might want to check out a couple of new titles as well.

Coming from LeTang, the developers behind some pretty popular games like King Pirate, King Fighter, or Zombies Crisis, Apocalypse of Skyland I and King Pirate II have just been unleashed to Google Play and, if you're willing to give them a shot, might make you spend a few (hundreds) extra hours with your Android device.

Apocalypse of Skyland I

Okay, it might not be Zenonia 4, one of the most popular RPG titles for Android around, but Apocalypse of Skyland I has a certain something that will glue you to your handheld. The story takes place in a world where evil rules (a pretty original idea, you have to admit) and, according to the developers, there are eight possible endings to your battle against the bad guys.

Over 70 hours of gameplay, lots of weapons, attractive quests, and a chaotic world that needs you to restore peace. Sounds good? I personally think it sounds great, but don't expect spectacular visuals or an overly complex storyline! Then again, the retro graphics are not half bad. The best thing about Apocalypse of Skyland is that it can be played smoothly on any Android device running 2.1 or up, including some pretty old devices.

Also, we have to note that LeTang has so much faith in "Apocalypse of Skyland" that the developers have already made it clear that a sequel is in the works.

King Pirate II

I bumped into the original King Pirate game by chance a while back, and I have to say that I fell in love with the RPG almost instantly. Its sequel looks even cooler and, although once again the visuals are in no way impressive, the action is simply addictive.

King Pirate II stands out from Apocalypse of Skyland by featuring more action, more quests, and therefore being a tad more difficult to finish. Your goal is to explore unknown civilizations and become the supreme King on the sea. Trust me, you'll have no easy time in doing so!

The list of the updates over the original King Pirate is not overwhelming, but you shouldn't try to fix something that isn't broken, now should you?

You can download Apocalypse of Skyland I and King Pirate II for free from Google Play at this and this link. Enjoy and let us know what you think of these two new RPGs from LeTang!

No related posts.


This article, LeTang launches Apocalypse of Skyland I and King Pirate II RPGs for Android, get them now for free! , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Galaxy Nexus is selling for only $149 on Verizon right now

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 02:31 AM PDT

verizon galaxy nexus lte

Google and Samsung’s flagship phone, the Galaxy Nexus, came out on Verizon as quite expensive, at $300 with a two year contract. Of course it came with 32 GB, while for instance, the 32 GB iPhone 4S costs the same, and it also had LTE, which adds quite a bit to the price. If you remember the first LTE phones, they have 1 GHz processors and they still cost $300.

But the Galaxy Nexus shouldn’t be as expensive as it once was, considering that Google has recently dropped the price to $399 in their Play Store. Now it’s Verizon’s time to drop the price, and, at least for a limited time, you can get the Galaxy Nexus with LTE for only $149 on a two year contract.

In related news, it seems Best Buy is going to stop selling the Galaxy Nexus, as they are labeling it with the “end of life” tag in their inventory. The news is unfortunate, although probably not completely surprising, considering Google is now selling the phones themselves for a pretty low price for such a high-end device. In addition, there are are other more interesting phones right now and Samsung’s Galaxy S3 might have something to do with it as well. Perhaps Best Buy just wants to replace the Samsung-made Galaxy Nexus with Samsung’s new flagship, the Galaxy S3.

We’ll you take advantage of Verizon’s latest promo?


This article, Galaxy Nexus is selling for only $149 on Verizon right now , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Anti Spy Mobile: Your self-defense against privacy and malware threats

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 06:00 PM PDT

Making your smartphone “smarter” also means granting it permission to do certain things. Some apps collect usage statistics, for example, and others read your e-mails and messages. That’s not really a problem when you’ve downloaded your app from a trusted developer, but what happens when you’ve been bitten by the app bug and you go on an app downloading spree?

Not every app on the Google Play store is safe, and some of them could be collecting all sorts of information from your device for some nefarious and dastardly end. Some discriminating device users will avoid apps that ask for access to too many permissions, but what about the regular Android user who isn’t quite as well-versed in what permissions could be potentially dangerous?

Developers of Anti Spy Mobile definitely thought of the regular Android user when they developed this handy app that helps users check permissions and identity problematic apps on their devices.

When you first launch Anti Spy Mobile on your device, it performs a scan of all the applications on your device. Depending on how many apps you’ve installed on your device, it may take a while. For me on my Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100, it only took a few seconds for it to scan all 167 applications. At the very end of the scan, I received this message:

Already Anti Spy Mobile detected something. After you see this message, you’re then brought to the app’s home screen.

The UI is very simple and attractive, without a lot of frills so Anti Spy Mobile is extremely easy and intuitive to navigate.

The first button lets you see any spyware that the app detected on your device. Lucky for me, no such spyware was on my Galaxy S2. Beneath that button is the Warnings button where you can check what applications could possibly have spy-able permissions granted to them. Let’s take a look at what Anti Spy Mobile detected:

Neither SMS backup+ nor Astrid tasks are particularly harmful, but I certainly appreciate the Anti Spy Mobile app’s pickiness. I tried tapping on SMS Backup+ to see what the problem was.

If you’re okay with those permissions, you can confirm that the program is safe. Unfortunately, adding apps to a white list is only available in the pro version of Anti Spyware Mobile. As you can see, you do have the option to see when an application was installed, but that’s also only available in the pro version, as is being able to access the More Info button. You can uninstall the potentially malicious app if you don’t feel safe with it.

The third and last button allows you to view All Applications that you’ve installed on your device. Scrolling through all the apps I’ve installed on my phone was a little choppy, sometimes smoothly running through the device list and at other times, scrolling through in starts and stops. Tap on any app to get an idea of what permissions it’s asking for. In case certain apps need root access to be uninstalled, Anti Spy Mobile will inform you.

The free version of Anti Spy Mobile gives you an idea of how the app functions and already gives you a heads up on what permissions your apps are asking for. To be able to completely enjoy the app, however, purchasing the pro version of Anti Spy Mobile is necessary. It also gives you the option to automatically scan your system daily in the background for any spyware and shows status bar notifications when problems are detected.

What are you waiting for? Protect yourself from spyware and unauthorized spy-able permissions; download Anti Spy Mobile Free for free from the Google Play Store today. To enjoy even more of the app’s functions, you can purchase Anti Spy Mobile PRO for US$4.99 US$3.99 (discounted price until end of June only) from the Google Play Store.


This article, Anti Spy Mobile: Your self-defense against privacy and malware threats , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Microsoft Surface Windows 8/RT tablets unveiled: specs, features, release date and pricing

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 05:49 PM PDT

Microsoft on Monday unveiled its first tablets ever, a Windows 8 and a Windows RT machine that are both going to be known henceforward as Microsoft Surface. The name seems awfully familiar not only because an earlier report suggested the product will be called Xbox Surface, but also because the company has coined the "Surface" term long ago, although at the time it described a touch-based product that was about the same size of a tablet.

We have recently wondered what operating system the new Microsoft tablet will run, as some sources suggested the device may not be a Windows RT / Windows 8 product since it's too early in the game to unveil such a device – Windows 8 is expected to become official at some point this fall, with the first Windows 8 tablets manufactured by third party OEMs to hit stores by Christmas or thereafter. But Microsoft made it clear from the start of the media event, the Surface is a Windows-based product.

 

Surface appears to be a new flagship device for Mircrosoft, a company best known for its software dominance in the PC operating system business, but also for its console gaming hardware such as the popular Xbox and the Kinect. But more importantly, the Surface is Microsoft's own Nexus-like device, a tablet meant to show the world, and Microsoft's Windows 8 PC-making partners, how Windows on a tablet should look and feel like.

Surface also appears to be a high-end tablet meant to compete directly against the iPad and the most important Android tablets out there from various manufacturers, unlike the Google Nexus 7 that’s supposed to be a very affordable device meant to take on directly the unexpectedly popular (at least for Google and its Android tablet-making partners) Amazon Kindle Fire.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the main characteristics of the device, its release dates and pricing.

Specs and Features

Here are the main specs and features of the two Surface kinds, Surface for Windows RT and Surface for Windows 8 Pro:

Surface for Windows RT

  • OS: Windows RT
  • Light: 676 g
  • Thin: 9.3 mm
  • Clear: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display with 16:9 aspect ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass 2 technology also included.
  • Processor: ARM-based by NVIDIA
  • Energized: 31.5 W-h battery
  • Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
  • Productive: Office '15' Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
  • Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand, edges angled at 22 degrees
  • Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

  • OS: Windows 8 Pro
  • Light: 903 g
  • Thin: 13.5 mm
  • Clear: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display with 16:9 aspect ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass 2 technology also included.
  • Processor: Intel Core Ivy Bridge
  • Energized: 42 W-h battery
  • Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
  • Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
  • Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand, edges angled at 22 degrees
  • Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB

 

Accessories

  • Built-in stand – 0.7mm thick (comes with any Surface)
  • Surface Touch Cover – 0.3 mm thick full multitouch keyboard dock that also acts as a magnetic cover, with trackpad included
  • Surface Type Cover – similar to Touch Cover but slightly bigger at 0.5mm, it's a keyboard with actual keys and trackpad buttons
  • Pen with Palm Book – a pen that magnetizes to the body of the Surface to offer digital ink support

Microsoft’s execs demoed the product on stage emphasizing its most important features and the design challenges they had to go through to produce this tablet. The device looks, at least on paper, and in the images and video the company showed, like a worthy iPad rival, and certainly a tablet that could become a tough Android tablet competitor in the months to come. But on the other hand, and most importantly, the Surface may become a Windows RT / Windows 8 tablet competitor and therefore cannibalize on sales from Windows partners, something that may not necessarily suit the needs of the company.

Unlike Windows Phones, which are yet to become a worthy third player in the smartphone business, Windows 8 may become a lot more popular as a tablet OS. The only thing we don't know at this point is how reliable the new software will be on tablets, and wether users will enjoy a Metro UI-based Windows 8 tablet as much as they appreciate other tablet designs.

 

Release Date and Pricing

The Surface, while interesting enough for tablet fans, will not be available in stores for quite a while now. The company revealed that it took a lot of time to design it –  we kind of appreciate the fact that the device was not leaked in the past months – and it will take a lot of time to see it in stores. Unfortunately Microsoft is not ready yet to share actual launch details and pricing details for the Surface at this time, but the execs mentioned more than once the fact that the device will be priced quite competitively, or better said, the two Surface versions, ARM-based and Intel-based, will each come with competitive prices compared to their direct rivals.

The ARM model is said "to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet" and it will be available in store at the same time Windows 8 launches. The Intel model will be a bit more expensive with a price comparable to Ultrabook-class PCs, which are generally more expensive than traditional laptops. The Intel model will also be available only later down the road, around 90 days after the ARM-based Surface hits stores. If I’m reading correctly between the lines the Windows RT will be the really affordable version, but then again if you want Office 15 and other perks the Windows 8 Pro model will offer then you’ll have to be ready to shell out more dollars for it.

With that in mind, it's probably safe to say that this winter we'll have quite a lot of tablets fighting for the cash of the consumer including the iPad, the iPad mini (if certain rumors are to be believed), the Google Nexus 7, the Amazon Kindle Fires (more than one model, again if certain rumors are to be believed), various flagship Android tablets from important Android makers, the Microsoft Surface models, and various other Windows-based tablets coming from other OEMs.


What tablet are you buying this year?

Show full PR text

LOS ANGELES — June 18, 2012 — Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.

Surface: A New Family of PCs for Windows
June 19, 2012
Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company's 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise.

Advances in Industrial Design

Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company's 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface represents a unique vision for the seamless expression of entertainment and creativity. Extensive investment in industrial design and real user experience includes the following highlights:

Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out.

VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.

Integrated Kickstand: The unique VaporMg approach also enables a built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. The kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.

Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.

An Amazing Windows Experience

Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. From the fast and fluid interface, to the ease of connecting you to the people, information and apps that users care about most, Surface will be a premium way to experience all that Windows has to offer. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later. Both will be sold in the Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and available through select online Microsoft Stores.

Contributing to an Expanded Ecosystem

One of the strengths of Windows is its extensive ecosystem of software and hardware partners, delivering selection and choice that makes a customer's Windows experience uniquely their own. This continues with Surface. Microsoft is delivering a unique contribution to an already strong and growing ecosystem of functional and stylish devices delivered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring the experience of Windows to consumers and businesses around the globe.

Additional Product Information

Surface for Windows RT

OS: Windows RT

Light(1): 676 g

Thin(2): 9.3 mm

Clear: 10.6" ClearType HD Display

Energized: 31.5 W-h

Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae

Productive: Office '15' Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover

Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand

Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

OS: Windows 8 Pro

Light(1): 903 g

Thin(2): 13.5 mm

Clear: 10.6" ClearType Full HD Display

Energized: 42 W-h

Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae

Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block

Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand

Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB

(1), (2). Actual size and weight of the device may vary due to configuration and manufacturing process.

Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.

For more information about Surface, visit http://www.surface.com.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it is commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.


This article, Microsoft Surface Windows 8/RT tablets unveiled: specs, features, release date and pricing , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 vs LG Optimus 4X HD – head to head comparison [video]

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 02:50 PM PDT

The Galaxy S3's presence is currently being felt throughout the world. With the S3, Samsung has easily produced one of the hottest smartphones to ever hit the market. Destined to shine, the Galaxy S3 bears the specs that help it handily beat out nearly any phone on the market. But, despite its prowess, Samsung’s superphone is facing some top-notch competition. Competitor HTC, with their One series phones, obviously aims to steal the spotlight from the Galaxy S3. But, who would expect the not-so-prominent LG to throw a quad-core behemoth into the mix? One that gives Sammy a run for their money, at that!

Not yet slated for a U.S. release, the LG Optimus 4X HD has been shaking up European and Asian markets for a few weeks now, and is waiting to make a stir in the West. LG's beast of a phone produces no grey area, people usually love it, or they hate it. Personal preference aside – the LG stands up to the GS3 in almost every single aspect of hardware and software.

Price and Availability

The Samsung GS3 is available for $699.00 unlocked, and will also be shipping in carrier variants in the next month . The LG Optimus is available on the European market for a firm $733.00, and is pending release in the US and other markets.

Hardware

The second you lay eyes on each phone it is obvious that their makers have spent some quality time perfecting the design of each.  The build quality is unmatched in both the LG and the GS3. Each device feels solid and strong in the palm of your hand. Each of these devices are garnished with silver/chrome accents and look extremely attractive.

Spec Comparison

Spec wise, both devices are remarkably similar, except in a few notable areas, like the display technology, and the SoC (processor) they use. In terms of the most obvious difference, that would definitely have to be the display. Samsung is well known for its AMOLED displays, and, while quite popular, tend to offer images and video that are more saturated in nature, than that of LG’s IPS-LCD.

The Galaxy S3

  • Quad Core 1.4GHz Cortex A9 processor
  • 4.8" super AMOLED display with 1280×720 resolution, at 306 pixels per inch.
  • 8MP rear facing camera with 1080p video capture, and a 1.9mp front facing camera with 720p HD video.
  • 2100mAh battery

The LG Optimus 4X HD

  • Quad Core 1.5GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor
  • 4.7" True HD-IPS display with 720×1280 resolution, and 312 pixels per inch.
  • 8mp rear facing camera with 1080p video capture, and a 1.3mp front facing camera with 720p HD video.
  • 2150mAh battery

Software

Each device is running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. On top of ICS, Samsung has overlaid their TouchWiz user interface. LG has done the same with their Optimus 3.0 overlay. Each overlay is fairly intuitive, despite many users’ wish for a vanilla Android experience. The hardware of each phone makes for a buttery smooth software experience, and gives users access to features that otherwise wouldn't be available.

UI comparisons

I found that folder access and creation was much easier on the LG Optimus 4X HD. Folders, when created on the GS3, require the user to drag an icon to the bottom of the screen, rather than over the top of another icon, like on the LG. Both devices feature rather obtrusive ways of opening folders. Dimming the rest of the screen around the folder makes the folders feel out of the way.

The LG also give easy access to screen brightness right from the notification menu. Whereas the Galaxy S3 has no master brightness control, the brightness must be changed on a per-program basis.

For example, when on the homescreen, brightness may be set to full, but upon opening the web browser the user must access the menu to set the specific brightness for the browser. This makes for a rather tedious experience, in my opinion. The Optimus also has a QuickMemo feature, where the user can instantly draw on the screen at any time. LG also has implemented their LG Tag NFC client, which allows users to program NFC tags, much like Samsung’s upcoming TecTiles. The S3 has the advantage of being preloaded with apps like S-Voice, which is a native voice control app. LG has none. The Galaxy also bears the Smart Stay feature, where the phone monitors the user’s actions, and turns off the screen if the user is no longer looking at it. Controls such as the screenshot utility are heavily gesture-based on the Galaxy S3, making for a more simple, intuitive experience.

Camera

Each device is packing an 8mp front facing camera. The options are pretty similar, but the focus options on the GS3 take the cake, and both LG and Samsung offer HDR options here, too.

Here are some test shots with each device.

Speed and Performance

The blazing fast quad core chips provide an almost identical user experience when using the phones for basic tasks. It is when we benchmark that differences are seen in performance.

Make no mistake though – both devices represent the absolute pinnacle of performance on a mobile device of this nature. Operation is ridiculously smooth across the board, and I was not able to make either stutter under even absolutely ridiculous loads.

Battery Life

The LG Optimus has a slightly larger batter with 2150 mAh. Each phone has power saving functionality as well as battery management options. Each device is very capable of keeping charge for 24 hours with moderate-to-heavy use.

Display

Some smartphone users swear by HD-IPS displays, and others loyally support Amoled displays. Purists tend to favor the true IPS, as it provides optimal vertical viewing angles, and colors more “true” to thier source. Amoled displays provide more rich dark tones, as the pixels actually turn off, instead of displaying the color black. Here is a test image between the two devices, with each devices’ brightness on full.

Video

To see each device in action check out our comprehensive review video here

Wrap up

All in all, each device is extremely capable and will outperform most users needs. The Galaxy S3 is a humongous hit, and will probably sweep the U.S. market, unlike the LG. Only time will tell if the LG Optimus 4X HD will make an multinational appearance, and only personal preference can lead you to buying one or the other. Which one takes your pick? S3 for the win with its HD AMOLED display, or LG with its IPS-LCD and industrial design? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.


This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 vs LG Optimus 4X HD – head to head comparison [video] , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Xbox Surface 7-inch tablet detailed ahead of Microsoft event, Barnes & Noble not involved

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 02:43 PM PDT

With just a few hours to go until the official Microsoft event that's supposedly going to bring us a new entertainment-oriented tablet we have more rumors for you about this upcoming iPad and Android tablet competitor.

Earlier today, we talked about a TechCrunch report that claimed Microsoft's tablet will not necessarily be a Windows machine and that the device will be a joint Microsoft-Barnes & Noble project. In the mean time, Barnes & Noble has officially denied the rumors, therefore the unnamed device that will be unveiled today appears to be a device made by Microsoft.

What's even more interesting is that we now have a leaked product name for the tablet, right alongside a full specs sheet. According to CNET, the tablet will be called Xbox Surface, and the name, if real, is a clear indication that we're looking at a tablet meant to entertain the crowds. Moreover, it's also a confirmation that Barnes & Noble can't be a partner in such a product since Microsoft would surely not want to share the Xbox brand with any third parties.

According to the leaked spreadsheet above, the Xbox Surface would be comprised of two components, the tablet and the "stationary computing device" or the Xbox. Here's what the tablet component will have to offer:

  • 7-inch touchscreen LED display with 1280 x 720 resolution
  • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • up to 7-hour battery
  • SD card slot
  • Custom IBM engine for scale-out workloads
  • 288MB RLD/RAM 2 at 533MHz DDR operation

And here are the main characteristics of the "stationary computing device:"

  • Two IMB Power7 SCMs, 6 active cores per SCM, running at 3.1GHz
  • 5GB DDR3 memory
  • custom 28-nanometer AMD GPU with 1.2GB GDDR5 memory
  • 250GB HDD
  • 4 USB 3.0 ports
  • support for up to four wireless game controllers
  • 1 headphone port per wireless game controller
  • HDMI support
  • Ethernet port
  • HD video support
  • 64-bit audio processing
  • Dolby Digital 5.1

What's interesting though is that the leaked specs sheet does not mention the operating system of this 7-inch Xbox Surface.But I wouldn't be surprised to see Microsoft's recently unveiled Xbox SmartGlass mobile app run on the device, no matter what OS will power it. Mind you, the details above as well as the name of the device have not been confirmed yet, so you'll have to wait a few more hours before getting too excited about it. We'll be back with more details about Microsoft's first tablet once the company makes it official.


This article, Xbox Surface 7-inch tablet detailed ahead of Microsoft event, Barnes & Noble not involved , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


SportsYapper: Yapping about your favorite sports in real-time

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Sharing your opinion of a sport, whether bad or good, is every sports fan’s way of expressing his or her feelings and sentiments. And, what better way to air out your remark than by sharing it with your friends and your closest mates who love the same sport as you do?

There are plenty of applications available on the Google Play Store with sports-oriented themes like tracking scores or giving you the freshest news, but one way to fully enjoy the sport that you love is by airing out your opinions to thousands or millions of people online right as the game unfolds.

Inject a little bit of social networking and you have SportsYapper, a real-time communication tool that connects every sports fan from around the world. Initially launched as an exclusive iOS application, SportsYapper is now making the rounds in Android world. Catering to almost all global sports and teams, the app features real-time conversations with fans of any sport.

In order for SportsYapper to work properly, you need to authorize the application by letting it access your Facebook ID. As soon as you are logged in, you will see a welcome screen split into four tabs, namely, All Yapps, Teams, Game On!, and Alerts.

At the top-right corner of the app’s screen is a white message icon that lets users start a new Yapp. For this to work effectively, select what sport you would like say something about, choose your favorite team, and compose your message. Once you are done, simply tap the Yapp! button and wait for other sports fans to hop on the bandwagon and join the discussion.

The All Yapp tab found on the main app's screen features your personal and worldwide Yapps. You can either join any of the discussions by just tapping the title or create your own by starting a new Yapp. SportsYapper also lets users filter Yapps that only relate to their specific likes or choices. This feature is especially handy as it narrows down your selection.

The Teams tab, on the other hand, lets you select your favorite sports teams and at the same time allows you to keep a close watch on any Yapp discussion about your favorite team. The Alert Tab, as the name suggests, alerts you on the activities on the SportsYapper network that involves discussions you have made.

If you happen to be watching a live game alone, tap the Game On! Tab and stay connected with other sports aficionados from all over the world. Provided there's a live sports event happening right now, you can instantly create a brand new Yapp that lasts for five hours, good enough for the entire duration of a game. Another useful feature that is worth mentioning is the customizable push notifications.

Just like its iOS counterpart, SportsYapper for Android still has all the elements that every sports fan needs. Download SportsYapper absolutely free from the Google Play Store.


This article, SportsYapper: Yapping about your favorite sports in real-time , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Best Android apps for learning French

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 09:00 AM PDT

Whether you’re learning French because it’s required of you in school or you’re trying to impress someone, you can’t deny that there’s something about the French language that attracts people. The language used to be the language of nobility and diplomacy all across Europe and in the Ottoman Empire, making it the world’s first international language right before English replaced it in the mid-20th century.

At present, the French language is spoken by 270 million people worldwide, of which 120 million are fluent or native. That may be why so many schools are including French for their foreign language courses. Thanks to Android devices and how everyone’s hell-bent on getting an app for everything, it’s now easy to learn French even when you’re on the go.

Leave your heavy French dictionaries and textbooks at home and load up on these apps that will have you speaking the language of love in no time.

French Translator / Dictionary

When you’re so used to speaking only one language, it can be hard to start learning a new one. Some of you might benefit from the French Translator / Dictionary app, developed by GreenLife Apps, which allows you to translate text in English to French and vice-versa.

Instead of just relying on learning from your translated texts, French Translator / Dictionary also gives you a new word each day so you can add something new to your growing French vocabulary. Each word of the day is in French, naturally, and comes with a sample of how it’s pronounced and a definition in English. You’re also provided a sample sentence using the word of the day, in both French and English.

Challenge yourself by granting the app permission to translate your SMS into French. You can also share translations with your friends on Facebook, via e-mail, or SMS.

Get French Translator / Dictionary to help you learn French today! It’s free to download from the Google Play Store.

Littre French Dictionary

Imagine that we’ve been learning how to speak since the day we were able to and we’ve accumulated thousands upon thousands of words in our brains to help us convey our messages. Now imagine that we have to accumulate even more words in French!

It’s no wonder that the bible of any student learning French is a French dictionary, with a huge preference given to the thicker and more complete volumes. Lugging that around all day can be tiring, not to mention a little embarrassing.

Do away with that thick and heavy French dictionary and travel with your dictionary on your Android device. The Littre French Dictionary is a great reference for classic and literary French from the 17th to the 19th century.

It’s great for beginners in French, able to provide you with supporting information on word definition and usage. The best part is, the Littre French Dictionary is free to download. The downside of the app, however, is that you need an Internet connection whenever you look up a word.

English<->French Dictionary

If you need a dictionary app that doesn’t require an Internet connection, the English<-> French Dictionary is the app for you. The app’s English-French dictionary contains 141,602 entries complete with pronunciation and the French-English dictionary has 8,1647 entries with pronunciation.

The app’s UI is simple and clean and offers you options to search for a word that you need and a history option. Search for a word in English and see its equivalent in French. If you’re reading a French article and you just want a certain word’s English meaning, simply enter it into the Search bar.

You can tap on a word to view how it should be pronounced and how it should be used. Once you find the word that you need, make sure you won’t forget it by adding it to your Favorites. The English<->French Dictionary supports Google Translate, so you can easily translate any messages you want to shower your loved one with from English to French and vice-versa. Unfortunately, translation requires a connection to the Internet.

Learn French with busuu.com!

Now it’s time to get more involved. Learn French with busuu.com! packs an extensive vocabulary of over 3,000 word and key phrases and contains levels from beginner to advanced intermediate (A1 – B2). Learning French will be easy when you can relate to 150 different topics using day to day situations.

Because learning a language isn’t all about reading words, you can easily hear them and visualize them with the app’s comprehensive audio-visual learning material, complete with photos and recordings by native speakers. If you’ve got an account with busuu.com, you can synchronize your learning progress with your profile.

To test your learning, you can take some of the app’s interactive tests and submit your writing exercises to be corrected by native French speakers. The app’s free version comes with 20 complete learning units, but if you want the full experience of the Learning French with busuu.com! app, you can purchase the app’s full content inside the app. No Internet connection is required for this app, but keep in mind that the app is about 14 MB in size.

Learn French with babbel.com

If you want another approach to learning French, download Learn French with babbel.com today. Babbel’s learning system is based on the latest technology and teaching methods so that learning a new language isn’t a chore but something you can enjoy.

You can study vocabulary with interactive exercises so you have a better idea of how to use the words in conversation, effectively and systematically deepening your knowledge. You can also practice your pronunciation with the app’s integrated speech recognition.

Access over 3,000 words with images, pronunciations and sentence examples. The first lesson of any category is already included in the app, and if you want to learn more, you can download the rest of the lessons through the app.

A babbel.com account is necessary, however, and if you don’t have one, you can easily sign up through the app. Learn French with babbel.com also sports an offline mode, a vocabulary trainer for beginners and advanced learners.

French Verbs

Browse and search the conjugations of the most common French verbs with this app. French Verbs, developed by Robert Muth, is ideal for French students and can be used as a travel companion for trips to Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Quebec, and other French-speaking locations.

If you’re worried about having to be connected to the internet all the time, worry no more for French Verbs works offline. This app is surprisingly lightweight and has a very clean and simple UI.

Don’t let its small size fool you; French Verbs packs a grammar section and composite tenses. Search for a word and view all its conjugations. You can also check a word’s English meaning.

Optimize your learning experience by choosing from French Verbs’ number of color themes. Some users may complain that French Verbs isn’t equipped with enough verbs but if you want to learn more, upgrade to French Verbs’ pro version. Download French Verbs for free from the Google Play Store today.

Learn French Phrasebook

Now that you’re familiar with some words and their pronunciation, you won’t need to lug around a physical phrasebook anymore when you can have the Lean French Phrasebook on your Android device.

This app contains more than 800 common words and 200 essential phrases, such as those for greetings, general conversation, numbers, directions, transportation, and eating out.

Practice French on the go with Learn French Phrasebook. Learn French was recorded with a native speaker, which means that you can learn not just authentic but easy-to-understand pronunciation.

No Internet connection is required. You can store your frequently used phrases in your favorites and search the app’s database using keywords. If you’re planning to go to France or any French speaking area soon, the app also includes helpful tips for travelers.

If you want to learn more, upgrading to the pro version for a small fee lets you access over 800 phrases for accommodation, time and date, shopping, colors, tongue twisters, and more.

French in a Month Free

Language isn’t just a collection of words we have to arrange in certain patterns to communicate our messages. It’s also an “audio-visual dynamic environment of images” that adheres to a system of rules. Of course, to learn something, you have to learn the basics before you start learning the technicalities.

French in a Month Free is an app that promises users that they will be able to learn basic phrases and vocabulary, as well as hear and understand native speakers. The app works best if you already have a basic grasp of French, as it will show you images to relate to, before it quizzes you.

The app keeps reusing words, but don’t be fooled. It’s also slowly inserting new ones in, steadily making sentences complex. If you’re someone who speaks more than one language, you’ll know that not everything can translate well from one language to another, so being able to relate to words visually is certainly helpful. You can test yourself using the app’s typing quiz and visual quiz.

BabelFish Voice: French

It’s one thing to read French and another to actually hear it. If you’re planning to go to France, you’re really going to need to get used to accents and pronunciation.

BabelFish Voice: French developed by Vandroid can help you out. It gives you voice translation from English to French. Speak slowly and clearly in English into the mic to get a French translation of your speech.  Users have reported that the app can pick up whatever you’re saying even with a lot of noise in the background and can translate it perfectly.

If you’re studying French with a friend or a family member, BabelFish Voice: French also lets you send our translations easily using e-mail. There are three speed settings available and also supports speech translation from French to English.

The pronunciation that the app provides isn’t accurate, however, so be careful using it around native French speakers. Get BabelFish Voice: French for free from the Google Play Store.

French for GO Keyboard

Now that you’ve gotten the hang of the language, it’s time to sink or swim. We’re talking about practicing your French with friends who are fluent or native speakers, of course. You can’t just practice by yourself all day if you’re actually planning to go to a French-speaking country.

To make sure that you’re typing all the right words, install French for GO Keyboard. Of course, you will need GO Keyboard installed on your Android device to be able to use this plugin.

If you aren’t familiar with GO Keyboard, it’s one of the most popular keyboards on the Google Play Store, being able to predict in multiple languages and keyboard layouts and packing accurate dictionaries.

After you’ve installed French for GO Keyboard, don’t try to open it; instead, access GO Keyboard’s Settings > Input Settings > Input language settings and you’re set.

Use the phrases you’ve learned from other apps and work on polishing your vocabulary. GO Keyboard and French for GO Keyboard are both available on the Google Play Store for free.

With all those apps for learning French, you’ll be learning the language in no time. Of course, keep in mind that simply learning the language won’t automatically make you fluent. Try to practice with native speakers or else all that time you spent learning will go to waste. If your favorite app for learning French didn’t make it to our list, let us know what it is in a comment below.


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