Friday, July 6, 2012

Google Alert - android

News10 new results for android
 
Spam Emails: Android Botnet or Not?
PC Magazine
Reports emerged this week about a spam-producing Android botnet, but is this really an Android problem?
See all stories on this topic »
Friday Poll: Will you buy Android now or wait for iPhone 5?
CNET
Hot Android smartphones are reaching the market, but the frenzy over the iPhone 5 is growing. Are you waiting for Apple's next phone or buying an Android device now? Read this blog post by Amanda Kooser on Crave.
See all stories on this topic »
Amazon Plans Android Smartphone
InformationWeek
Amazon is working on its own Android-based smartphone to compete with Apple and Google in the digital content arena.
See all stories on this topic »
10 Essential Tips And Tricks For Jelly Bean, The New Version Of Android
Business Insider
android jelly bean right size Google's new version of Android, called Jelly Bean, will launch in just a few weeks. We've been noodling around with Jelly Bean for several days now. To get you ready for the big launch, here are a few of our favorite tips ...
See all stories on this topic »

Business Insider
Security Researchers Backtrack on Android Malware Claim
Wall Street Journal (blog)
Internet security researchers said Thursday they may have been mistaken about claims that mobile devices powered by Google's Android operating system were hacked and used to send spam emails.
See all stories on this topic »

Wall Street Journal (blog)
Amazon's "Kindle Phone" killer feature: A dumbed-down Android experience?
ZDNet (blog)
Summary: If Amazon does indeed develop an Android smartphone, then the likes of Samsung, HTC and Sony need to be prepared for their sales to fall.
See all stories on this topic »
A Botnet On Google's Android Found In The Wild
Forbes
Or at least it appears that there's a botnet out there living on machines running Google's Android. The discovery was made by the nice people at Microsoft who of course do not have any reason why they would want to identify such a creature: All of ...
See all stories on this topic »
Android botnet claim in dispute
CNET
Google and Lookout see no evidence that Android devices are spewing spam as claimed. Read this blog post by Elinor Mills on Security & Privacy.
See all stories on this topic »
Uninstall Yahoo Mail App for Android, Warns Lookout
PC Magazine
If you’re one of the 50000000 million people who’ve downloaded the Yahoo! Mail app for Android, you’ll want to uninstall it for now.
See all stories on this topic »
Confirmed: Android 4.1 uses different layouts for different tablet sizes
Computerworld (blog)
Google's Android 4.1 Jelly Bean delivers a smartphone-like layout on the new Nexus 7 tablet -- but with larger devices, the platform will take on a different form.
See all stories on this topic »

Computerworld (blog)

Blogs5 new results for android
 
KeyPoint's Adaptxt keyboard enters beta for Android tablets, adds ...
By Jon Fingas
Aftermarket keyboard layouts are still relatively rare among tablets, which makes KeyPoint Technologies' new Adaptxt beta for Android tablets that m.
Engadget
Android Overload: Security Researchers Backtrack On Android ...
By Chris Chavez
Android Overload: Security Researchers Backtrack On Android Malware Claim, Google Employees Receive RC Android Blowup Toy, and More. posted on Jul 6th 2012 at 5:21am by Chris Chavez. Share This Story. Greetings, friends. I hope ...
Android Phone Fans
Archos Unveils 97 Carbon -- an iPad-sized Android Tablet for $250
By Emily Price
Archos is taking on lower-priced Android tablets like the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire with its newest tab: The Archos 97 Carbon.
Mashable » Tech
Is there really an Android botnet sending out spam?
By Gary Sims
The creators of Android issued the following statement: "The evidence does not support the Android botnet claim. Our analysis suggests that spammers are using infected computers and a fake mobile signature to try to bypass anti-spam ...
Android Authority
Google - Android Community
By Cory Gunther
In case you missed the news, this week Apple was granted an injunction and sales ban of Samsung and Google's Galaxy Nexus smartphone. Unless you've been living.
Android Community


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Rumor: Amazon to launch an Android-based smartphone soon

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 02:27 AM PDT

According to Bloomberg, Amazon is developing a smartphone that is meant to compete both with Google and Apple’s phones. This Amazon smartphone is apparently going to be manufactured by Foxconn, the same Chinese company that also makes Apple’s iPhone, and they manufacture for a few other big tech companies in the industry as well.

This is not the first time we’ve first heard about an Amazon smartphone. The first time we heard about it they were preparing to launch their Kindle Fire tablet. Back then the rumors were also that Amazon wanted to make a 9″ tablet, which I tend to believe, but I think Amazon changed their mind at the last moment because they thought it would create a confusing branding strategy for their Kindle Fire. If the Fire was the perfect device for reading, then what would a 9″ one do? Plus, their App Store was, and still is pretty small for them to be jumping straight to 9″-10″ tablets, but it’s possible we’ll see one of those, soon, anyway.

Speaking of the the App Store and Amazon’s device strategy, which was to sell the Kindle Fire for as low a price as possible, while making their money back on content – the problem with an Amazon smartphone is that you’re a lot less likely to watch movies and read books on a smartphone, than you are to do it on a tablet. Plus, Amazon’s offering is pretty limited in movies and sitcom content in other countries.

However, you might listen to more music on a smartphone, which is where Amazon’s MP3 store could come handy. Also, it could explain why Amazon is pushing their App Store in Europe, among other things. All of these could tie into a strategy that is meant to make their content available to as many of their users as possible, all over the world. This might actually push Google to do something about the almost complete lack of content outside of the US (besides Android apps).

I’m not too excited about what the Amazon smartphone or their next tablet could be like, because I know that at the end of the day, they won’t have the full Android OS, and even if they continue getting new code from Android (like from ICS), it would still be at least one version behind. Their app store is also a lot smaller than the Play Store, and Amazon tends to be as restrictive, if not more so, as Apple.

However, let’s not forget that while the $99 TouchPad firesale may have had Google thinking about affordable tablets last year, what really pushed them over the edge, and wanting to make a $200 Nexus 7, was Amazon’s Kindle Fire. If they can push Google and Android manufacturers to make a $250 phone that is unlocked and is almost as powerful and high-quality as a $600 one, then we should be very grateful for that. Since Amazon originally intended to go with Tegra chips for its devices (but changed their mind later), it’s possible Nvidia is helping them make a Kai smartphone.

Hopefully, Amazon’s smartphone won’t be drowned in patent litigation and “licensing” right out of the gate, coming from both Apple and Microsoft, and possibly others, but Amazon seems to have taken some measures to prevent that. They’ve hired Matt Gordon, formerly senior director of acquisitions at Intellectual Ventures, which owns over 35,000 patents, to handle their future patent acquisitions. They hope this move will stop others from attacking them.

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This article, Rumor: Amazon to launch an Android-based smartphone soon , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Archos announces single core Android 4.0 tablet for $250

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:42 AM PDT

We were wondering how fast the Nexus 7 would push the Android manufacturers to make a competing product, and Archos is now showing us that it didn’t take that long. They are announcing a 9.7″ Android 4.0 tablet called the Archos 97 Carbon, with a 4:3 aspect ratio (like the iPad) that costs only $250. For that price you get a 1 Ghz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, microSD expansion, and a 1024×768 resolution display.

So how does  the Archos 97 Carbon tablet compare to the Nexus 7? Well first off, it’s a 10″ tablet, so if you think that the 7″ size is too small, then you might prefer this tablet over the Nexus 7 right away. It has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which means it should be easier to hold in portrait mode for browsing, reading books and even using some apps, although Android apps are not usually made for this aspect ratio, hence they might look a little weird on it, even if they scale up.

This brings up another point, that most Android apps don’t look so good on 10″ tablets, because many developers haven’t taken the time to update their apps for that size yet. Google isn’t doing a very good job at pushing to update their own apps for the tablet size either, while they keep saying that Android apps just scale up to any size. There’s a difference between being able to scale up an app and making it look good, which hopefully Google will recognize sooner rather than later.

Even though the 97 Carbon is a 10″ tablet, it actually has a resolution that’s lower than the Nexus 7′s 1280×800 resolution, and its pixel per inch density is almost half  (132 vs 216), which should have a pretty significant impact on how crisp everything looks on this tablet. But at the end of the day, this is how the first iPad started, and it was very successful with that resolution, and for this price, it might not be that bad.

The RAM and the storage amount are the same as a similar priced Nexus 7 tablet, but perhaps the most disappointing thing about it, hardware wise, is the single core 1 Ghz processor, which when compared to the Nexus 7′s quad core 1.2 Ghz chip, looks very dated. The fact that it doesn’t run Google’s fastest OS yet, JellyBean, isn’t helping.

Archos isn’t talking about upgrade plans to JellyBean for its 97 Carbon tablet, and I wish all manufacturers gave a certain upgrade timeline for their Android 4.0 devices when they announce them. But seeing how it’s stock Android 4.0, and the JellyBean changes are not that big under the hood, then technically it shouldn’t be a problem for them to upgrade it very soon. However, it all depends on whether they want to do it or not.

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This article, Archos announces single core Android 4.0 tablet for $250 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


AT&T HTC One X vs LG Optimus 4X HD [video]

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:21 AM PDT

htc one x vs lg optimux 4x hd

As consumers, the choice about which device is going to be your next smartphone is becoming harder and harder. Here at Android Authority, we try our best to make this decision easier for you! You can check out our ongoing video series of device comparisons including the Samsung Galaxy S3 vs HTC EVO 4G LTE and the Samsung Galaxy S3 vs LG Optimus 4X HD.

Today, we are again pitting two amazing devices against against each other, the AT&T HTC One X, and the LG Optimus 4X HD. Let the comparisons begin!

Form Factor

Without a doubt, the build quality of both devices are awesome. There’s a reason these devices are high-end models, and both companies have pulled out all the stops to release beautifully designed phones. Both devices are easy to hold and seem to weigh about the same. As far as form factor is concerned, there are no winners as it basically boils down to personal preference at the end of the day. Many love the uni-body and curved design of the One X, while other consumers prefer the chrome-accented rectangular design of the Optimus 4X HD. Neither device is going to win the “slimmest phone” competition, but with both measuring 8.9mm thick, they are certainly not bulky.

Specs Comparison

AT&T HTC One X

  • 1.5 Ghz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor
  • 4.7″ IPS Super LCD 2 display
  • 720×1280 resolution and 312 ppi (pixels per inch)
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8MP rear camera with HTC ImageChip, 1.3 MP front camera
  • 1,800 mAH battery(non-removable)
  • Beats Audio
  • No microSD expansion

LG Optimus 4X HD

  • 1.5 Ghz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor
  • 4.7″ True HD IPS display
  • 720×1280 resolution and 312 ppi
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8MP rear camera, 1.3 MP front camera
  • 2,150 mAH battery (removable)
  • expandable memory storage via microSD

As you can see, the specifications of both devices are almost identical, with the difference in SoC being there only because of the notorious incompatibility issues between LTE radios and quad-core processors (The international version of the One X features the same quad-core Tegra 3 processor as the Optimus 4X).

The Optimus 4X HD also jumps ahead when it comes to two key features. First, it features a larger battery, which is also removable, and secondly, the LG device also boasts microSD support. Both features are missing on the One X which has been a major gripe for consumers.

Software

Both devices are available with Android 4.0 out of the box with the One X featuring the Sense 4.0 overlay and the Optimus 4X HD has the Optimus 3.0 on top of ICS. Let’s take a look at some of the UI differences of both phones:

  • The One x comes with the option of opening any preset apps directly from the lockscreen.
  • The dockbar on both devices allow for apps to be added. In the One X, it creates folders if more than 4 apps are added, but with the LG, the dock bar is expandable.
  • All icons on the 4X HD are customizable and re-sizable.
  • Notification bar includes toggles such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. on the Optimus 4X HD.
  • 4X HD native features includes Quick Memo, which allows you to draw on any app you are using.

Again, both overlays have their own advantages, but for me, it feels like the One X with Sense 4.0 features the sleeker user interface.

Display

The LG Optimus 4X HD features a 4.7 inch True HD IPS display with 1280×720 pixel resolution and 312 ppi. Similarly, the HTC One X boasts the same resolution and ppi with its own Super IPS LCD2 capacitive touchscreen. Its display is also the same size as LG's phone, at 4.7 inches. With the almost same displays on both devices, there’s no real comparison here.

Camera

Both devices have similar cameras with 8MP rear cameras with 1080p video recording capability, and 1.3MP front cameras with 720p video capabilities. Both device cameras have multiple settings and effects which make taking pictures very easy. In addition, the HTC One X features a burst-shot mode, which the Optimus 4X HD lacks.

You can take a look at some sample camera shots below.

Video

You can catch the full video review here:

Price and Availability

The AT&T HTC One X is available for sale now for the subsidized rate of $199.99 with a 2-year contract. On the other hand, no release date for the LG Optimus 4X HD in the US is currently available. The unlocked version is available for sale in European and Asian markets for a hefty $733 (at current exchange rate). If an LTE version of the Optimus 4X HD does release in the US, it is safe to assume that it will feature another SoC, as is the case with the One X.

Conclusion

With both phones feature packed and powerful, it’s a difficult choice to make between the two. The HTC One X does feature a very polished UI, but the Optimus 4X HD isn’t that far behind. Well, if you’re in the US, you don’t really have a choice as the LG phone isn’t available yet, and the international versions of both are almost identical.

What are your thoughts? Which device is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.


This article, AT&T HTC One X vs LG Optimus 4X HD [video] , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 – Ceramic White vs Pebble Blue [video]

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:12 PM PDT

Samsung’s latest Android offering, the Galaxy S3, has found some way to slip into the news for the past 4-5 months. Starting with the crazy pre-launch rumors, and ending with the recent “unprecedented demand” controversy regarding the device’s US release, the Galaxy S3 has been in the forefront. Regardless of whether it was a genuine mistake or an incredible marketing strategy, it seems to have paid off, with Samsung looking at blowing past previous profit record. Everything has finally settled down, and consumers can now get their hands on all available variations (network carrier and color) of the Galaxy S3.

It’s now time to move into comparison territory! Today, we bring to you the biggest competition the Galaxy S3 faces, and that is the Galaxy S3 itself. Confused? We’re talking about the White Galaxy S3 vs the Pebble Blue Galaxy S3. Let’s take a look at Clayton’s video review.

I’m actually more inclined towards the Pebble Blue Galaxy S3, which looks absolutely amazing. The bezel is obviously, more noticeable on the white device, along with the camera and the sensors. That being said, the chrome accents on the white device definitely stand out, and as mentioned, the white finish looks a little more sophisticated.

But it’s not my opinion that matters. It’s yours! Let us know which version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 you would choose, the white, or the pebble blue. There’s a poll  awaiting your votes, and you can always leave us your comments in the section below.

On a side note, for anyone who noticed that the Sprint Galaxy S3 is running Android 4.1 Jellybean. I’m sorry to disappoint but Sprint is NOT shipping the device with Android 4.1 pre-installed and that is, in fact, a Jellybean custom ROM that has already been released.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

 

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This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 – Ceramic White vs Pebble Blue [video] , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


CruzerLite announces Android themed t-shirts and plushies

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 09:02 PM PDT

CruzerLite announced today that they’re getting into the Android swag game. Who doesn’t love Android swag? I know I do. CruzerLite, known for their top of the line Android smartphone cases added 39 t-shirt designs and 17 plush toy designs featuring the Android mascot, BugDroid.

The plush toys come in 17 unique designs made from high quality polyester materials. If you’re looking for a collectors’ items, each plush toy comes in their very own bag. There’s something for everyone here such as the Android BBQ themed plushy, an Ice Cream Sandwich guy,  even a Jelly Bean themed plushy, a RootzWiki themed one and various super heroes, even a ninja!

If toys for adults aren’t your thing and you’re more into showing off your fanboyism (or fangirlism) with gear, they have 39 different t-shirts to choose from. All t-shirts are originally designed featuring BugDroid in various colors and iterations. Each t-shirt is printed using the highest quality garment printing techniques along with being 100% preshrunk cotton. There’s too many designs to list here, you’ll have to check them out for yourself. AOKP ROM fans, there’s something special for you on page 4.

For a limited time, these new products qualify for free shipping on any order of $25 offer. You can also take advantage of a “buy 2 get 1 free” offer when using coupon code “B2G1″ at checkout.


This article, CruzerLite announces Android themed t-shirts and plushies , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Best Android apps for finding cheap hotels

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 09:00 PM PDT

Vacations are one of the mot effective ways to relax, unwind, and set aside problems. Most of us love going on trips, especially when we are really stressed out and would love to have time off from work or school. But, before enjoying the scenic views and the tourist spots, planning the trip can stress us out if we are very particular with expenses.

Although going on a trip would not necessarily require setting aside a hefty amount of money for spending, we can never deny the fact that hotel accommodations are one of the most pressing concerns we need to address. Having a place to stay in doesn’t need to be costly, that’s why there are hotel deals and discounts all over the place.

Finding these money-savers will definitely be easier with the use of the apps in this article. Read on and you might pick one or two apps that can lead you to saving money from your trip.

TripAdvisor Hotels Flights

Going on a trip would normally mean shelling out money for places to eat, to sleep, and have fun. Most people would make sure to spend more on the hotels they’ll be staying in and make do with any amount left for dining out and sightseeing. Wouldn’t it be great if you actually find great hotels at cheap prices so that you’ll have more bucks to spend on food and souvenirs?

TripAdvisor Hotels Flights will definitely be of great help whenever you want to be more frugal during your trips. This app shows hotels through its integrated map and comes complete with the hotel’s address, contact numbers, and website. Average prices of hotel rooms are also shown so you can assess which hotel fits your budget. A gallery of the hotel’s rooms and amenities is a very useful feature to aid you in deciding which hotel to choose.

Reviews and ratings of hotels are also included to give you an overview of the best hotels in your area with the best rates that will make you and your wallet happy. With TripAdvisor Hotels Flights, you’ll surely love your stay at the hotel of your choice.

KAYAK Flight Hotel Car Search


KAYAK Flight Hotel Car Search is a free app that helps you search and compare hotels to fit your preference and your allotted budget. This app is the mobile version of the website, kayak.com, giving much convenience and accessibility to people on the go.

With this app, you can search for hotels within your vicinity, complete with the hotel’s address, how far it is from where you are, star ratings, and average price rates. You can book your rooms using the app itself; no need to call the hotel to have your rooms reserved. Filters are also useful tools to help you narrow down your choices. You can choose to filter the hotels according to star ratings, brands, and prices.

You can filter the hotels according to rates per night to help you pick out the cheapest out of the bunch. When you customize the price filter, you can set the slider to the price range you want and after applying the filter, hotels with the price ranges that match what you set will appear. You’ll have the liberty to pick the hotel you want to stay in.

Booking.com hotel app

 

From the the name itself, Booking.com hotel app pretty much does what it’s supposed to do and more. Aside from letting you book rooms from the app itself, you’ll get to see great deals on hotel accommodations. An awesome feature for frugal people who want to get more for less.

This app also shows you the available hotels in your area, short descriptions of the hotels, star ratings, and prices. Discounts and deals on rooms are hard to miss in this app since hotel deals are this app’s special feature. Hotels with discounts or deals are highlighted and marked with a rocket to signal you to grab it. What’s more — no booking fees are required in this app. You only pay what you need to when you get to the hotel, but booking for a room using this app is absolutely free.

Photos of hotel rooms and other important amenities of a certain hotel are also shown in this app. With the Booking.com hotel app, worrying about your budget for hotel accommodations will be a thing of the past.

Hipmunk Hotel & Flight Search


When choosing a place to stay in, what do you take into consideration? Do you think of how well-known that certain establishment is, how great the amenities are, or how much you will be spending per night? Surely, one or all of these concerns are the main reasons why choosing hotels could sometimes take forever to accomplish.

Hipmunk Hotel & Flight Search is made for the same reasons and it helps you save money with deals or discounts. This app has a very easy and intuitive UI that gives you more ease when you scour for affordable hotels. Addresses, star ratings, and room rates are present in this app and affordable hotel rates are conveniently highlighted in green to help you filter the cheaper hotels from the not-too-affordable ones.

Booking with this app is very much possible. By the time you’ve decided which hotel to stay in, you can choose to book the hotel straight from the app, e-mail it to someone else, or complete the booking using your desktop computer. Hipmunk Hotel & Flight Search is one app you must turn to whenever you want to hook yourself with hotel deals and discounts.

Hotel Tonight

Saving a fortune on hotel accommodations is not impossible if you know where to look for the best hotel deals in town. If you are clueless as to where these deals are, Hotel Tonight may come in handy.

Although this app is currently adding more supported cities every month, this will more or less lead you to the best hotel deals in the city. If, for example, you are somewhere in New York, Hotel Tonight is just the right app for you to locate hotels with discounted room rates. Staying in a rather upscale hotel shouldn’t require making you feel like you were robbed. With this app, you can save up to 70% when you book a room in a selected hotel.

Hotel Tonight lets you book until 2 A.M., perfect for those weekend escapades when you are out until the wee hours of the night. You can even notify your friends of awesome hotel deals through sharing via Facebook, Twitter, and other social means. This way, you and your friends can enjoy awesome hotel discounts and deals together.

When you download this app from the Google Play Store, you get to enjoy an exclusive promo that will shed US$25 off your first booking. Extra savings for you, your friends, and your happy wallet.

Hotels.com – 140,000+ hotels

Deals and discounts are two of the most sought after things by people who go on vacation or business trips. Who wouldn’t want to grab deals and make the most out of the blessings that are waiting to be taken advantage of? Would you really let a sweet deal pass by?

Hotels.com – 140,000+ hotels, an app that every deal-hogger should have, specializes in last-minute deals. This app doesn’t just give you two or three hotel deals but over 20,000 last-minute deals from 140,000 hotels worldwide. And, what’s more — this app also has special daily deals called Tonight’s Local Deals, giving you more deals each and every day. Although this feature is only available for Hotels.com mobile users, you can always sign up at the website and make use of the feature.

If you have booked and used 10 nights in eligible hotels using this app, you get to have one night free as part of Hotels.com’s Welcome Rewards feature. With this app, you get great hotel deals plus rewards which will certainly make your trip less costly.

Expedia Hotels – Book a Room

Expedia Hotels – Book a Room, from Expedia, does everything a hotel app does — search hotels, filter hotels by rates, book rooms, and provide substantial information about the hotels’ descriptions and amenities. This app is another essential tool in choosing affordable hotels that would fit your tight budget.

This app boasts high-res photos from over 130,000 hotels the world over to help you choose which hotel to pick. Of course, if you are looking for budget-friendly hotels, do expect that the rooms and amenities are also budget-friendly. But, then again, you can always browse the hotels and maybe plan out an entirely different trip the next time you have a bigger amount of money allotted for the hotel accommodations.

Filters are also available in this app. You can filter the hotels by price, hotel name, distance, and user ratings. Reviews from travelers are also shown to further help you with your planning and choosing for a hotel to spend the night in. Expedia Hotels – Book a Room supports 19 languages, making it easy for non-English users of the app to search for affordable hotels.

HotelsByMe Hotel Reservations

Most websites that cater to hotel bookings and reservations have already found a way to reach out to their customers through mobile apps. There are people who find these apps very convenient rather than using the PC or actually hooking up with a travel agency.

With apps like HotelsByMe Hotel Reservations, you’ll have free rein on choosing places to stay in. When you have a tight budget or have things that need to be considered in choosing hotels, it’s way better to do the searching, booking, and reserving yourself. This app will surely be one great companion in the search for good and cheap hotels with its features that will answer to your every need.

Standard features like the search, map, and filter functions are present in this app. Sales are also shown, together with how long the sale is going to last. This app has a comprehensive and detailed presentation of a hotel’s features and a list of amenities for your convenience. Guest reviews and ratings can also be accessed in this app, giving you a presumably reliable basis for judging how good the hotel is straight from a traveler’s experience.

agoda.com

agoda.com is another app that was originally a hotel booking service website. The service has made its way to Android users, making the search for cheap hotels easier and faster. This app has over 160,000 hotel choices worldwide and daily hotel deals. Over a million hotel reviews are also compiled by agoda.com, giving both the good and the bad during a traveler’s stay at a particular hotel.

Of course, discounted hotel rates are also available. If you get lucky, you’ll be able to see special last-minute rates on some hotels within your vicinity. And, if you get luckier, you might be able to see more than 50% discounts on hotel rates. Do keep in mind that you are not the only user of this same app, so if you won’t be quick on booking a discounted hotel room, chances are some other person will be enjoying the bargain.

Inbuilt interactive maps are also helpful, not only when you search for hotels but also finding your way back to the hotel you’ve chosen. With agoda.com, you get to book smarter, faster, and cheaper.

Choice Hotels – Book Now!

Here comes an app that is made specifically for people who put hotel expenses first and all the rest second. Choice Hotels – Book Now! is not entirely similar to the other apps mentioned on this list. What makes this app a bit more special is its dedication to finding hotels you can afford.

On the search screen, the very first thing you need to set is the rate. Rate plans that range from senior to government/military are listed to filter the hotels. You can also opt to choose the best available rate from the drop-down menu, guaranteed to show you hotels that offer the best and cheapest rates. Hotel details and lists of amenities are certainly available in this app, as well as an integrated map that features cutting-edge GPS technology that will help you tremendously in searching hotels near you.

Choice Hotels – Book Now! is not just another app that you should have on your Android device. It would be of great use whenever you are looking for a place to stay in, especially when you are on a very limited budget.

With the apps we’ve just listed for you, trips no longer need to equate to spending too much. Once you know where all the great deals are, finding cheap hotels will be more of a past-time rather than a task. Enjoying your stay in the hotel of your choice will be ten times worth it.

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This article, Best Android apps for finding cheap hotels , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


CyanogenMod talks Jelly Bean and CM10

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 05:51 PM PDT

Last Tuesday, the CyanogenMod team announced that CM9 had officially reached Release Candidate status. The Android community rejoiced, knowing that they were one step closer to getting a stable CM9 build for their device. Then, the following day, Android Jelly Bean was officially announced at Google I/0 2012. This left a lot of users around the custom ROM community wondering. What’s going to happen with CyanogenMod 9? Will Jelly Bean be CM9.1 or CM10? And more importantly, when will CyanogenMod bring Jelly Bean goodness to my device?

Today, the CyanogenMod team shed some light on this very subject. It seems the complete rework of CM9, essentially rewriting all of the CM enhancements, was well worth the wait. The CM team will not have to restart from scratch again as their code base is just perfect for merging in the Jelly Bean changes. All of this information is subject to change however as the Jelly Bean source code is not available at this time.

So what will we call CM’s version of Jelly Bean? CM10 of course. CyanogenMod follows the Android code name scheme. For example, CM7 was for the Gingerbread version of Android. G is the 7th letter of the alphabet. The Ice Cream Sandwich version, I, is the 9th letter of the alphabet. So, continuing down the same naming scheme, CM’s version of Jelly Bean will not be called CM9.1 as some speculated.

When will your device get CM10? Classic CyanogenMod tells us no ETAs, right? They did spill the beans that if your current device runs ICS (CM9) there’s a high chance it will get CM10. This is all subject to change however when the source code does drop. The CM team does anticipate some code breakage, but nothing that some good ole Android hackery can’t fix.

The CM team plans to continue support on CM7 at this time. However, CM9′s life will be short lived. The’ll release a stable version and subsequent needed bug fixes, if any. After that, CM10 and CM7 will be the only maintained code bases. As mentioned above, the CM team feels if your device can run ICS, it can run JB and maintaining both would be counter productive.

So keep your fingers crossed CM fans. Hopefully we see the Jelly Bean source dropped soon!


This article, CyanogenMod talks Jelly Bean and CM10 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Sony makes the best-designed Android phones, four red dot awards say so

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 04:29 PM PDT

Sony Xperia active

We keep talking about the main Android attraction of the summer, the recently announced Google Nexus 7, a sleek 7-inch device that's going to soon become the main Kindle Fire rival, but the tablet may not necessarily be the best-designed Android device out there.

For that matter, neither is the Galaxy S3, Samsung's 2012 flagship smartphone that has been just launched in multiple markets and is selling like hot cakes. Moreover, the same thing can be said about other popular Android devices such as the HTC One X, the Galaxy Nexus or the Motorola RAZR versions.

So what are the best-designed Android devices out there? It appears we're looking at a few Sony creations that have been honored by red dot awards. Apparently Sony scored not one, but four red dot awards for product design, with three of them going to two Xperia devices:

  • Xperia active and Xperia ion earn plaudits for high quality and stylish minimalism
  • Smart Wireless Headset pro and SmartDock for Xperia ion recognised for discreet design and impressive functionality
  • Xperia ray receives an honourable mention for appearance and usability

The awards were presented at a special ceremony in Germany that took place a few days ago on July 2. Apparently the international jury "evaluated entries against key criteria including the degree of innovation, ergonomics, durability and ecological soundness."

It's worth mentioning that each year, the red dot award competition receives over 14,000 entries from over 70 countries. It would certainly be interesting to see what other mobile devices the winning Xperia models managed to beat, including Android-based ones.

Sony Xperia ion

While this sort of decision is certainly subjective and shouldn’t affect your preferences and buying decisions – after all, each one of us favors one certain phone design over another – here's why Sony won the five awards and the honourable nomination:

  • Xperia active offers a beautiful scratch resistant screen that can be used even with wet fingers and in bright sunshine. A sturdy aluminum frame surrounds and protects the display. In the jury's words "all details point to its ruggedness and super-friendliness while also conveying high quality."
  • Xperia ion boasts a large display covering the front of the device, a simple, yet effective design that creates the illusion of the phone floating in the hand. The jury praised its "contrast between the black display and aluminum backside creating a high-quality appearance enhanced by precision workmanship."
  • The SmartDock for Xperia ion features an angled profile which enables ergonomic viewing. Its subtle, yet high quality design, allows its many functions, including connectivity with mouse, keyboard, HD TV and other devices, to shine. It won the jury over with its "seamless blend with the docked smartphone."
  • The discreet, unobtrusive design of the Smart Wireless Headset pro stereo headset is minimalistic in nature and attractive for a wide range of consumers in different working environments.
  • The slim, dynamic shape of Xperia ray fits perfectly into the palm of your hand. The aluminum sides of the Android smartphone create a positive tactile experience, while also conveying durability and premium quality.

Sony Xperia ray (left) and Sony Xperia active (right)

Care to agree or disagree with these red dot design choices? Hit us up in the comments section and tell us what your favorite mobile device is!

Show full PR text

Sony Mobile receives four red dot awards for product design

• XperiaTM active and Xperia ion earn plaudits for high quality and stylish minimalism
• Smart Wireless Headset pro and SmartDock for Xperia ion recognised for discreet design and impressive functionality
• Xperia ray receives an honourable mention for appearance and usability

3 July, London, United Kingdom – Sony Mobile Communications ("Sony Mobile") today announced it has received four 2012 red dot awards in the Product Design category, as well as one honourable mention. The jury of international experts evaluated entries against key criteria including the degree of innovation, ergonomics, durability and ecological soundness. The awards presentation ceremony took place in Essen, Germany on July 2.

"Design is at the heart of Sony Mobile's product development philosophy and these awards are testament to the design quality of our Xperia smartphones and Smart Accessories, demonstrating our commitment to offering consumers a rich smartphone experience without sacrificing on functionality or design," said Jeanna Kimbré, Director of Creative Product Design for Sony Mobile Communications.

The award winners
Xperia active, Xperia ion, Smart Wireless Headset pro and SmartDock for Xperia ion received red dot awards in the Product Design category, while Xperia ray picked up an honourable mention. The breadth of awards demonstrates Sony Mobile's commitment to stylish, high-end design across its product portfolio.
• Xperia active offers a beautiful scratch resistant screen that can be used even with wet fingers and in bright sunshine. A sturdy aluminum frame surrounds and protects the display. In the jury's words "all details point to its ruggedness and super-friendliness while also conveying high quality."
• Xperia ion boasts a large display covering the front of the device, a simple, yet effective design that creates the illusion of the phone floating in the hand. The jury praised its "contrast between the black display and aluminum backside creating a high-quality appearance enhanced by precision workmanship."
• The SmartDock for Xperia ion features an angled profile which enables ergonomic viewing. Its subtle, yet high quality design, allows its many functions, including connectivity with mouse, keyboard, HD TV and other devices, to shine. It won the jury over with its "seamless blend with the docked smartphone."
• The discreet, unobtrusive design of the Smart Wireless Headset pro stereo headset is minimalistic in nature and attractive for a wide range of consumers in different working environments.
• The slim, dynamic shape of Xperia ray fits perfectly into the palm of your hand. The aluminum sides of the Android smartphone create a positive tactile experience, while also conveying durability and premium quality.

The red dot design award is one of the world's largest and most distinguished design competitions, receiving more than 14,000 entries from 70 countries annually.


This article, Sony makes the best-designed Android phones, four red dot awards say so , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Galaxy Nexus sales ban confirmed, sales to resume next week with Jelly Bean update on board

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 04:04 PM PDT

In just a little longer than a week, Samsung has been dealt a variety of unfriendly court rulings in the U.S. lawsuit in which the company is defending against Apple's patent-based attack: Galaxy Tab 10.1 injunction, Galaxy Nexus injunction, Galaxy Tab 10.1 appeal dismissal and Galaxy Nexus appeal dismissal.

These aren’t final rulings, as the U.S. lawsuit between the two giants is set to start on July 30. But they’re certainly important for the mobile ecosystem. In fact, it's worth remembering that Google has officially joined the fight and it's actively helping Samsung against Apple.

The main reason Google became directly involved in this legal conflict is the fact that Apple obtained a Galaxy Nexus sales ban in America, one of the most important markets for all companies involved in these Apple vs Android trials.

Since Samsung's Galaxy Nexus injunction appeal was thrown out by the same Judge that awarded it, all Apple had to do to enforce the initial ruling was to post a bond of roughly $96 million. The iPhone maker did exactly so and Google was forced to stop Galaxy Nexus sales from its Google Play store. Initially, Google did not confirm that the sales stop was caused by the injunction, although we suspected these may have been the case.

At the same time, the company was rumored to work on a fix that would replace the "unified search" feature, an Apple patented technology that the judge overseeing the case says the handset is infringing, with a more simpler search that only shows web-based results to users.

Now, it appears that Google has confirmed to ABC News that the Galaxy Nexus injunction is indeed in effect, but it also said that the phone will be again available for sale in the Google Play store at some point next week. The phone will be running Jelly Bean and will feature the simpler search we mentioned before.

Are you buying a Galaxy Nexus once it becomes available again?


This article, Galaxy Nexus sales ban confirmed, sales to resume next week with Jelly Bean update on board , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Super Missed Call: Using gestures to take care of missed calls in a super way

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 03:00 PM PDT

“When you’re on Android, you can do almost anything with the use of apps.” I remember my friend telling me this and it got me thinking how spot-on his statement was. The Google Play Store has a vast collection of apps for various uses and purposes. It’s just like, days ago, you wished there was an app that could help you with a certain need and the next thing you know, that app graced the Google Play Store just yesterday. Almost every little need we can possibly have can be answered by an app, which is one of the main reasons why more and more people switch to Android.

Speaking of little needs, has managing your missed calls been something you have to think about? Maybe when you get to know an app that is designed to do so, you’ll probably deem this little need as your own need as well. One app that can exactly do that is Super Missed Call.

Super Missed Call lets you manage your unattended calls in a different way. Imagine this: you were expecting a rather important call but one way or another, you were not able to answer it. You are so busy with a lot of things, you’ll probably even forget to call back. What’s more, you are carrying way too much stuff that you can’t free your fingers to do the necessary tapping to patch a call through. With Super Missed Call, you won’t need to tap more than once to call back. All you need to do is tap on the contact’s name, raise the device near your ear, and wait for the person on the other line to pick up.

The app makes use of motion-based gestures to perform actions. Raising the device near your ear will automatically make a call back to the contact you were not able to answer. Placing the device face down on a surface will prompt the app to ignore the missed call/s.

These gestures are very convenient especially if you find accessing your call logs just to call a contact back a bit inconvenient.

The app’s main interface lets you choose if you want to call back now, call later, or ignore the missed call. You can opt to ignore missed calls through the gesture or you can press the ignore all option.

Super Missed Call logs all your missed calls in chronological order. In case you get multiple missed calls from different people, you can choose to call back one contact by tapping on the contact’s name from the list and raising the device to your ear. You can also schedule to call a contact back, a very good way to be reminded of the calls you need to attend to.

Super Missed Call also allows you to modify some settings through its main interface. You can activate status bar notifications for missed calls, enable the motion-based gestures, and enable reminder sounds. Reminder sounds will come in handy because it will remind you of a missed call every five minutes. This way, you can never forget to get back to a contact.

One thing that makes Super Missed Call awesome is that it is enabled right after you download it from the Google Play Store. You won’t need to install the app and wait for a few more seconds to have it running.

But, do take note, this app runs as a background service, meaning that it will more or less suck out some of your battery’s juice and eat up some memory and processor power. Although this is the case, do try this app yourself and maybe you’ll see otherwise.

You can download a free version of Super Missed Call (ad-supported) or a paid variant, + Super Missed Call, from the Google Play Store. Try this app today and answer one little need you might have overlooked.


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This article, Super Missed Call: Using gestures to take care of missed calls in a super way , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.