Sunday, August 12, 2012

Google Alert - android

News9 new results for android
 
The Number That Shows Why Apple Is Suing Every Android Manufacturer In Sight
Huffington Post
Apple has faced criticism for its endless lawsuits designed to stunt competition from Google's Android, but a quick look at Android device shipments in the second quarter of 2012 reveals a key number that suggest Apple is right to worry. Read the whole ...
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Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich lands on the international HTC One X
Mobile bloom News
In the Android ecosystem, bump ups in software versions are usually rolled out to the unlocked version of any Android-powered smartphone so if you happen to rock a carrier-branded handset, chances are you usually wait a little longer for the update to ...
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Android Phones Outsell iPhones in Q2 2012
The Droid Guy
For every iPhone sold in Q2 2012, there are four Android phones sold in the market. This figure comes from a study by IDC which shows an increase from last year's ratio of 2.5 is to 1. Samsung accounts for much of the sales, reporting 105 million ...
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The Droid Guy
RedKings Releases Android Poker App
Online Casino Reports
By John W | Aug 12, 2012. Tags RedKings Poker, Mobile · RedKings has released its Portable Poker on Android app, meaning users of compatible smartphones and tablets can begin playing for real money or practice with play money from today.
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Online Casino Reports
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update For Motorola Droid RAZR and RAZR ...
TNerd.com
Motorola Droid RAZR Android ICS update brings all the goodness of Android 4.0 including refined UI, resizable widgets, better social networking integration, richer camera functionality, improved email, Wi-Fi direct and much more. We are yet to confirm ...
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[Weekend Poll] On Average, How Many Apps Do You Purchase Per Month?
Android Police
We've heard developers gripe that paid apps are very rarely successful numerous times in the past, be it because of piracy or because Android owners simply aren't willing to pay. About a year ago, we asked how many apps readers had purchased in the ...
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Are headphones with remotes for iOS devices Android compatible?
CNET (blog)
The headphones will work for music playback, but the inline remote will have limited functionality. Headphones for iOS devices tend to sport three buttons, while Android-compatible headsets typically have just a single button. This means that the other ...
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CNET (blog)
Uniquely Android: Swiftkey 3
Phandroid.com
Uniquely Android is a series we started last month to shine the spotlight on those apps that take advantage of the unique capabilities of the platform and provide an experience that you wouldn't find in most other phones. So far, we have featured Llama ...
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Android Apps Of The Week: Current Caller ID, Scope, and More
Gizmodo UK
Here's your new edition of the best Android apps of the week. This time we're giving you a wintertime game, a tool for managing your social networks, and so much more. It's about time to fire up Google Play. Current Caller ID: You know who's calling ...
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Gizmodo UK

Blogs5 new results for android
 
Linux Today - Ouya Android-powered game console now up for pre ...
GMA News: With an introductory price of $99, the Ouya is prepared to enter a world where Sony's Playstation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360 are the reigning rulers of the console market.
Linuxtoday.com
Ask Engadget: best 'Find my Phone' app for Android? -- Engadget
By Daniel Cooper
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is.
Engadget
Apple's 2010 License Offer to Samsung: Pay $30 Per Phone and ...
By Justin Crouch
A recent document has shown that back in 2010 Apple offered licensing agreements to Samsung. The agreements would require Samsung to pay $30 per smartphone and $40 per tablet. Usually this type of information stays under wraps as ...
Android News, Rumours, and Updates
Flipboard for Android update improves navigation and more
By Phone Arena
Popular news and social feeds reader Flipboard has a new update for Android users that takes the build to the 1.9.6 version that iOS users received last week; the update brings improved navigation in the form of drop-down menus and more...
PhoneArena - News
Android Mini Collectible Figures | GeekAlerts
By Patra Beaulieu
So you're a mega fan of Android, are ya? Then you'll want to collect all of the sixteen droids in the Android Mini Collectible Figures. Any Android you.
Geek Alarm


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Android Authority

Android Authority


Flipboard for Android gets performance, UI updates

Posted: 12 Aug 2012 12:38 AM PDT

Flipboard launched its much-awaited Android release in June, first as a Samsung Galaxy S3 exclusive, and then as a free download on Google Play. The popular social reader app has just been updated with new features, including UI improvements and performance tweaks.

Version 1.9.6 offers improved performance and bug fixes, although the new version likewise provides added features. These include improved navigation within sections: a dropdown menu appears when you click on a section heading. The latest update also improves the handling of Google Reader RSS feeds, and will offer in-app hints that guide new users along the way. The update likewise new shopping cart features through Gilt Taste.

Flipboard is a great social newsreader with roots in the iPad, and was among the first to popularize the magazine-style interface now found the likes of Zite and even Pulse. Flipboard is a free app compatible with Android 2.2 and above. Head on to Google Play to download.


This article, Flipboard for Android gets performance, UI updates , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Apple offered to license patents to Samsung in 2010: $30 per smartphone, $40 per tablet

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 07:19 PM PDT

A screen grab from Apple presentation to Samsung claiming the Galaxy S copied the iPhone, and offering to license its design patents for $30 per smartphone and $40 per tablet.

Apple and Samsung are currently in heated debates over design patents, and is currently undergoing litigation in a California court to determine liability. But even before Apple accused Samsung of “slavishly” copying its product designs, the Cupertino, CA company said it had offered cross-licensing agreements with Samsung to the tune of $30 per smartphone and $40 per tablet in 2010.

In a testimony by Apple patent licensing director Boris Teksler last Friday, he said that then-CEO Steve Jobs and then-COO Tim Cook approached Samsung about their smartphones and tablets, and were actually surprised “how a trusted partner would build a copycat product like that.”

In an October 5, 2010 presentation to Samsung, Apple offered to charge $30 per touchscreen smartphone and $40 per tablet for the use of its design patents. Apple likewise offered a 20% discount if Samsung were to cross-license its own design and technology portfolios back to Apple.

Given sales figures during that year involving Samsung’s Android, Windows Mobile and other OS phones, Apple said Samsung would have owed it about $250 million, which is a far cry from the $2.5 billion in damages that Apple is currently seeking. You can check out a copy of the Apple presentation via the Scribd link on the source citation.

Meanwhile, testimony be Apple’s experts also brought up additional Samsung internal studies that show how the Korean company often does a feature-by-feature comparison of Apple’s products with its own, and subsequently recommending to improve its smartphones by making them more like Apple’s. In response, Samsung has repudiated these claims by criticizing Apple’s experts’ authority on the matter.

Should Samsung have just gone ahead and licensed Apple’s patents in 2010? Would this have saved everyone a lot of headache — and a lot of money — from litigation-related efforts?


This article, Apple offered to license patents to Samsung in 2010: $30 per smartphone, $40 per tablet , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Control your device remotely with the Tasker AutoRemote app

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 05:34 PM PDT

Fresh from introducing the Tasker App Factory, Tasker gets a new companion app that makes it an even powerful and smarter tool. The AutoRemote app lets you gain full control over your phone – even when it's sitting miles away.

We're pretty sure you know what an awesome app Tasker is in providing that extra boost of intelligence. From something simple as setting your phone to automatically switch from 4G to 2G or WiFi when the screen is off, to something more elaborate, it's all within reach. The app comes with over 200 built-in actions and triggers to automate most tasks.

With AutoRemote, you can now send message to your phone to trigger any preset actions. Once the app is installed, you'll be given a personal URL that you can access from your computer and tablet, one where you'll be sending the commands from.

The developer has provided several scenarios of how the AutoRemote app can work intelligently in tandem with Tasker. As listed on the app's Google Play page, here are some of them:

  • Can’t remember where you put your phone? Create a lost-my-phone” command:
    You could send a “Where are you?” message to your phone, and have Tasker respond with a repetitive “I’m here! I’m here!”.
  • Track your phone:
    Lent your phone to someone and wonder where it is? Send a “location” command to have Tasker save its current location to an internal log, or send it via SMS.
    And many many more! Your imagination is the limit!
  • Let your wife send you a spoken shopping list when you get off work:
    You can use AutoRemote with other Tasker conditions, such as the Date and Time conditions. Create a “shop=:=” command and combine it with a 5PM condition. Then, share your personal AutoRemote URL with your wife and have her send stuff she needs you to buy like “shop=:=carrots and ice cream”. Then, at 5PM your phone could say that list out loud: “You need to go shopping! You need to buy carrots and ice cream”

The AutoRemote app is a separate download from Tasker and it will cost you $1.11. Note that AutoRemote won’t work on its own, so you need to have Tasker installed as well.


This article, Control your device remotely with the Tasker AutoRemote app , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


MIPS releases Jelly Bean source code for MIPS-based devices

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 05:20 PM PDT

Last month MIPS announced the $125 Karbonn Smart Tab 1 tablet with Jelly Bean, which runs on the MIPS-Based™ JZ4770 1.2 Ghz chip from Ingenic. Targeting the low-price market, the Karbonn tablet is the cheapest in India right now, and the only available tablet with Jelly Bean.

Lower-priced tablets are more marketable in emerging economies like India, given users’ preference for cheaper devices. However, given the low price, the processors that run cheap devices will usually be underpowered, too. This often results in poor user experience.

So if Indian customers want at least a decent tablet experience with a very cheap tablet like the Karbonn Smart Tab 1, they need to make sure it has at least Jelly Bean on it. Otherwise, they might become disappointed with the tablet’s performance.

Of course there are still things like cheap displays with poor viewing angles that can reduce the enjoyment of using such a tablet, but the most frustrating would usually be processing performance.

MIPS’ release of the Jelly Bean source code would benefit other tablet-makers that use the MIPS platform. Developers and manufacturers can already start using custom Jelly Bean ROMs for these devices. Now more of India’s tablets can benefit from the speed and smoothness that Jelly Bean offers.

If you’re a developer, you can check out the Jelly Bean release notes, or MIPS’ Github account.


This article, MIPS releases Jelly Bean source code for MIPS-based devices , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Black Samsung Galaxy S3 appears on leaked Carphone Warehouse inventory listing

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 08:34 AM PDT

When we reported about the possible sighting of a black Samsung Galaxy S3 on some promotional pictures for the Olympics, the general consensus seems to be that they're just badly taken or edited photos of the Pebble Blue model. However, some mentioned that they don't mind purchasing the black version of the phone. It looks like they may just get what they wish for.

Android Police has received some newly-leaked information from UK retailer Carphone Warehouse, which suggests that the black variant of the Galaxy S3 will be available for purchase in the near future. The leaked screenshot shows the black Samsung Galaxy S3 on the retailer's internal product listing, alongside the white and blue version of the flagship phone.

If you're wondering about its accuracy, Carphone Warehouse does have a pretty good track record. Back when all sorts of rumors were circulating about the then-unannounced Samsung Galaxy S3, a similar listing helped confirm the two original color schemes of the phone: Ceramic White and Pebble Blue. But of course, until we hear it straight from Samsung, we'll file this one under the rumor folder.

Feel free to scrutinize the blue/black Galaxy S3 picture once more, and please leave your thoughts and comments below.


This article, Black Samsung Galaxy S3 appears on leaked Carphone Warehouse inventory listing , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Galaxy S3 vs iPhone 4S: Which will win the ultimate drag race scratch test? [video]

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 07:05 AM PDT

If you think hammer and drop test videos are so passé, you definitely want to check out the following video. Because really, who hasn’t thought about tying two expensive brand new smartphones — the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Apple iPhone 4S — to the back of a moving vehicle? These guys did what some only dare to imagine.

So grab your popcorn now and hit play to see which phone survives being dragged face-down by a drag race car and which will crack to pieces. It's going to be a short, scratchy and bumpy ride.

(Spoiler alert: Was there any doubt? The Samsung Galaxy S3 wins the drag race scratch test.)


This article, Galaxy S3 vs iPhone 4S: Which will win the ultimate drag race scratch test? [video] , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Smartphones, tablets driving growth in the DRAM industry

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 06:17 AM PDT

Smartphones and tablets are the fastest growing markets in the electronics industry right now. As such, they also drive the growth of the DRAM market, which is estimated to hit $6.56 billion in revenues this year, up 10% from a year ago.

It may not sound like much, but this is great news for the DRAM makers as this market has been stagnating in the past few years, due to the declining demand for memory chips for PC’s and laptops. In the meantime, mobile DRAM density has grown from 2.28Gbit to 5.85Gbit in the last two years. The expansion is higher in tablets, where it has grown to 8.33Gbit in the same period.

Ryan Chien, analyst for memory & storage at IHS, highlighted how the popularity of smartphones and tablets area  boon for the semiconductor industry, particularly memory chip-makers.

The mobile DRAM segment is achieving impressive growth as mobile operating systems, streaming apps and games require more memory to handle sophisticated tasks.

Crucial features like multitasking, media decoding and decompression, data synchronization and background operations are all driving DRAM needs—and new phones and tablets are meeting those needs with their rise in mobile DRAM densities.

The standard DRAM market saw only a 3% growth over the same period, because of lagging sales of PC’s and laptops. Sales for standard DRAM are expected to be even weaker this year. While the standard RAM prices have been falling fast, mobile DRAM prices have remained relatively fixed, thanks to a number of factors such as high-demand for smartphones and tablets, fewer suppliers, and healthy density growth.

Samsung is currently the dominating company in the mobile DRAM market, and it stands to gain the most from this growth. They supply mobile DRAM to Apple, and a bunch of other customers, while also serving the best NAND flash memory modules in the market. Of course, Samsung also uses its own memory chips in its Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets.

ARM chips are expanding in performance, and will soon catch-up with higher-end Intel/AMD machines, and the demand for higher performance mobile RAM should likewise keep growing.


This article, Smartphones, tablets driving growth in the DRAM industry , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Sony LT25 ‘Tsubasa’ with Qualcomm S4 and ICS will be a global phone

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 12:07 AM PDT

sony logo

A few weeks ago some news popped out about a Sony LT25c phone, which indicated it will be a China Telecom smartphone for exclusive sale in China. But new benchmark leaks for a Sony LT25i prove that this will likely be a global phone, powered by a Qualcomm S4 chip, which is almost ubiquitous in high-end smartphones by now.

The Sony Lt25i smartphone, codenamed “Tsubasa,” seems to have a dual core 1.5 Ghz version of the Qualcomm S4 chip with the Adreno 225 GPU, which is the same Qualcomm S4 processor we’ve seen in the HTC One X and Galaxy S3 in US.

The resolution appears to be 1280×720, although the benchmark is reporting it as 1196, with the rest of the pixels being used for software buttons utilized by Android 4.0.4 OS, which will power the phone.

The Sony LT25 phone will also be available in Japan at NTT DoCoMo (SO-01E) and KDDI (SOL21). The international LTE version will be called Sony LT25i, while the international HSPA+ version will be named Sony LT25h. It seems the Qualcomm S4 chip with the integrated HSPA+ and LTE modems is making it very easy for Sony to make this a global phone.

Sony has been negatively influenced by the fact that they are releasing their phones a lot later in the western parts of the world, and that they are already obsolete upon arrival.

Perhaps the used of Qualcomm’s S4 will help Sony launch the phones in sync in different markets, although they will really need to fix their logistics in the future, so that they don’t depend on Qualcomm’s integrated chips as much. The LT25 is a good start, but Sony will have to ensure the same efficiency in their entire product line to ensure that their models gain traction in significant markets.


This article, Sony LT25 'Tsubasa' with Qualcomm S4 and ICS will be a global phone , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Android and Me

Android and Me


Poll: Top 5 most wanted Android smartphones for Q4 2012

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 04:08 PM PDT

Hundreds of Android phones are released every year, but only a handful of products get all the attention. The big releases are normally saved for the fall shopping season and we are expecting new...

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