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- Series 3 Android Mini Collectibles international giveaway! [6 sets]
- FTC getting closer to antitrust case against Google
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now available for pre-order from Mobilicity, Launch Date October 30
- Microsoft versus Motorola in Germany hits round 2, this time Google Maps and Google are involved
- LG Nexus 4: wireless charging and ‘final design’ mockup spotted
- Motorola’s new ‘Projections’ television commercial for Verizon’s Droid Razr M released
- iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 – 50 reasons why the Android smartphone is better [video]
- Google TV demo video accidentally released, unveils plans for future updates
- Galaxy S3 Alpha runs Jelly Bean with built-in multi-window support
- Galaxy Note 2 for Telus and Bell gets priced at $149.99, Rogers variant is $100 more expensive
| Series 3 Android Mini Collectibles international giveaway! [6 sets] Posted: 14 Oct 2012 02:14 AM PDT
About a week ago, we managed to get hold of the lovely Android Mini collectibles Series 03 for a hands-on review. Since then, we learned that everyone’s favorite Android figurines have sold out at DeadZebra, so you won’t be seeing much of them unless you hit official resellers. But fret no more. Here’s your opportunity to own one of these Android Mini Series 03 beauties! The generous folks at The Taken Shop have decided to collaborate with us on this fantastic Android Mini Series 3 giveaway. Best of all, we’re giving away, not one, not two but six single blind boxes to six lucky winners! It’s all sealed, so surprise and excitement are guaranteed. As usual, this giveaway is international. Android fans from all over the world are welcome to participate. The Giveaway
Now that we’ve got your attention, here’s what you need to do to win one of the six collectibles in our Android Mini giveaway. The contest closes on October 30 2012. Good luck everybody! You will be given points as follows:
Doing all three will result in you having the highest chances for winning! Do as many or as few as you like. Good luck to everyone! Let us know how we are doing! We do this for you, every night and day! Related Posts |
| FTC getting closer to antitrust case against Google Posted: 13 Oct 2012 01:10 PM PDT
The FTC is moving forward in pursuing a possible antitrust lawsuit against Google on the grounds that they used their position on top of the search market to hurt their competition. While four of the commissioners involved seem certain that this is the case, the fifth is more skeptical. This isn’t the first time we’ve reported on Google’s situation with the FTC, and is far from likely that it will be the last. This particular matter isn’t the only one, either. In addition to being investigated over possible misuse of its search dominance, just earlier this week we mentioned the FTC’s scrutiny of Google regarding its patents. The Matter at HandIt isn’t other search engines that are complaining about Google; rather it’s more specialized companies that focus on things like travel and shopping. Both Yelp and Nextag have openly complained about Google to congress during hearings. They allege that Google lowers competitors search engine rankings to drive customers to their own products, meaning that other companies need to purchase advertising if they want to be displayed in a prominent position on Google. Google denies this, saying that they aren’t doing anything wrong. While Google spokeswoman Niki Fenwick has said that “”We are happy to answer any questions that regulators have about our business,” the FTC has declined to comment on the issue.
Where Could This Go From Here?If the antitrust case does happen and Google is found to have broken any laws the company will have two options, the first of which is to try to negotiate a settlement with the FTC to resolve the issues at hand. The other option would include a lengthy court battle. No matter which happens, it doesn’t appear that pleasant times are ahead for Google given that this is only one of the legal matters it is currently dealing with. Do you think the FTC is going to move forward and file a lawsuit against Google? If this is the case, who do you think will come out on top? Related Posts |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 2 now available for pre-order from Mobilicity, Launch Date October 30 Posted: 13 Oct 2012 10:39 AM PDT
Mobilicity, who is among the many other carriers offering the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, has put a pre-order form for the device on their website. As appears to be the case with other Canadian carriers, Mobilicity will launch the Galaxy Note 2 on October 30. As with the Best Buy pre-order we reported on earlier today, customers will have to pick up their shiny new Galaxy Note 2 in person. Unlike Best Buy however, Mobilicity customers are able to at least submit their pre-order request online. To get the $50 discount, customers will have to jump through some hoops, such as signing up for Mobilicity’s “automatic monthly payments.” Here is what the email customers who pre-order are receiving has to say:
While the price for the Galaxy Note 2 through Mobilicity is currently unknown, customers who pre-order the device will save $50 on their order. As we noted earlier today, Best Buy customers are currently being offered a price of $149 for the Galaxy Note 2 through Telus and Bell, and $249 through Rogers. We’re not sure if either of these prices are accurate, but they give a small clue what the Galaxy Note 2 will cost for Mobilicity customers. With a large amount of carriers offering the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which one are you going to choose? Related Posts |
| Microsoft versus Motorola in Germany hits round 2, this time Google Maps and Google are involved Posted: 13 Oct 2012 10:30 AM PDT
In this latest chapter of Microsoft vs Motorola, Microsoft is going after Google Maps. According to Engadget, the patent in question is, “taking map information from one set and overlaying it with data from another.” This is basically what Google Maps does. For instance, changing from road view to satellite view. What is far more interesting is that Motorola isn’t doing this one alone. The patent refers to Google Maps more than Motorola. That means that Google itself will be dropping gloves in this patent brawl. Microsoft has actually included Google itself in this latest patent suit. So it isn’t Microsoft going after Android hardware anymore. It’s Windows going after Android.
Does Microsoft have a case here?Unfortunately, yes they do. Despite how vaguely worded the patent is, there really isn’t much wiggle room. Almost all map software violates this to some degree. This time, Microsoft is choosing to cash in. What will be interesting to see is whether or not Google and Motorola pay the licensing fees if they lose. The only other option would be remaking Google Maps to work around the patents. That would not be an easy task. The big story here, though, is Microsoft going directly after Android and Google. Very recently, Google passed up Microsoft in market cap value. That puts Google second overall behind only Apple. It is very highly unlikely that Microsoft included Google because of that. However, there is definitely a Clash of the Titans vibe going on that is hard to ignore. So here we go with round two of Microsoft versus Motorola and Google in Germany. It is more like watching Godzilla fight Mothra and King Kong. Except, you know, in Germany. Should Motorola just pay the licensing fees like everyone else? Are they justified in standing up to Microsoft? We want to know what you think. Related Posts |
| LG Nexus 4: wireless charging and ‘final design’ mockup spotted Posted: 13 Oct 2012 10:12 AM PDT
The LG Nexus 4 is going to be unveiled in late October according to recent reports, but we already know pretty much everything there is to know about the device. A leaked prototype has been in the hands of a tech publication for days now, and we have been able to see the device in crystal clear pictures and virtually take it for a 360 degrees spin in the process.
There's even a "preliminary review" of the LG Nexus 4 prototype out in the wild, that you can go through while we wait for Google and LG to unveil the final fourth-generation Nexus.
But today we have one more Nexus 4 detail for you that was missed so far. According to the FCC (see images), the handset will support wireless charging, a feature some of you will certainly appreciate. Don't expect any details about the LG wireless charging pad that will go with the device because we don't have them for you at this time, although we're certainly going to tell you everything there is to know about official LG Nexus 4 accessories once they come out.
The FCC refers to the device as the LG E960, albeit we'll keep calling it Nexus 4 for lack of a better alternative. The same product number can be observed on the back cover of the prototype that's been in the wild for several days now. In fact, based on that model, Android and Me has photoshopped what could be the "final design" of the LG Nexus 4, just take a look at the top image. Getting back to wireless charging, is this a must have smartphone feature for you these days? Related Posts |
| Motorola’s new ‘Projections’ television commercial for Verizon’s Droid Razr M released Posted: 13 Oct 2012 09:47 AM PDT
Motorola released a new television commercial for its Droid Razr M yesterday. Dubbed ‘Projections,’ the video shows everything from movies to apps that literally fit in the palm of your hand. Just yesterday, we named the Morotola Droid Razr M as one of the best medium-sized Android phones available right now. While the commercial doesn’t really show the phone in action, it’s still definitely worth a watch. Check out the video for a unique take on, as Motorola says, a “big screen that's fit for your hand.” If you decide that you want a Droid Razr M for yourself, it’s available on Verizon for a full retail price of $549.99 or as little as $99.99 with a two-year contract. Are you already using a Motorola Droid Razr M? If no, did the video change your mind? Related Posts |
| iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 – 50 reasons why the Android smartphone is better [video] Posted: 13 Oct 2012 09:17 AM PDT
The iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 is the main fight in the smartphone business, representing the broader battle between two mobile ecosystems, but also between two giant corporations. We showed you plenty of iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S3 comparisons lately, with neither device capable to win every single confrontation, and we had quite a few: accidental drops, head-to-head hands-on video, benchmarking results, disputed display performance and quality tests, charging costs, battery dominance and web traffic. Today we'll be looking at PhoneBuff's 10-minute long video entitled "50 reasons why Galaxy S3 is better than the iPhone 5," and we won't spoil it for you. The publication lists 50 reasons that could convince you to buy the Galaxy S3 instead of the iPhone 5, some of them more obvious than others. Android fans will certainly appreciate this featured-packed video that shows us some of the main attractions of the Galaxy S3 when compared to other smartphones out there, especially the iPhone. However, this isn't the final battle between the two devices, as the same guys promised to do a video showing us why the iPhone 5 is better than the Galaxy S3. What smartphone are you buying this Christmas? Related Posts |
| Google TV demo video accidentally released, unveils plans for future updates Posted: 13 Oct 2012 09:00 AM PDT
Recently, a video was released that outlines the next set of features for Google TV. There are some pretty exciting features planned. One such feature is dual screen integration where people can choose something on their tablet or Android phone and it gets played on TV. Another is voice searching that works on TVs, tablets, and phones where you simply say what you want to watch and Google TV starts playing it. Unfortunately, the video was taken down as quickly as it was released. The reigning opinion is that someone clicked the public video button instead of the private video button. So the video is currently unavailable to view. However, that doesn’t mean that Google TV enthusiasts shouldn’t be excited about future features. Below are some screen shots from the video, courtesy of Engadget.
So when are these new Google TV features going to be released?Sadly, the answer is likely later rather than sooner. A Google spokesperson told Engadget that the features are expected in coming months but they aren’t prepared to announce anything soon. That’s a drag. It’s possible that the updates will be ready by early next year. A more reasonable assumption is sometime around Q2 2013. Given that Google has been spending a lot more time on Google TV, it’s safe to say they aren’t giving up on their competition with Apple TV. There are a lot of great things about Google TV but it still hasn’t caught on with consumers yet. Perhaps this next line of updates will help bolster interest. Is anyone excited about the upcoming features? Tell us your thoughts. Related Posts |
| Galaxy S3 Alpha runs Jelly Bean with built-in multi-window support Posted: 13 Oct 2012 08:30 AM PDT
A few days ago we told you that NTT DoCoMo will offer its subscribers in Japan two new Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy Note 2 and the Galaxy S3 Alpha, with the latter being an updated version of the regular Galaxy S3. The updates include a 1.6GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos 4412 processor and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean under the hood right out of the box, although all other Galaxy S3 versions will soon get their software upgrade – in fact Galaxy S3 buyers in some European countries have already received. But the Galaxy S3 Alpha seems to have a hidden feature in its Jelly Bean build. Apparently Japanese buyers will get access to Samsung's multi-window feature, the kind of functionality that we have only seen so far on the company's recent Note-branded products including the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet and the Galaxy Note 2 phablet. In fact, some versions of the Galaxy Note 2 launched without the multi-window support, a "feature" that was corrected by Samsung in a firmware update. As you can see in the following video, the Galaxy S3 Alpha has no problem switching between windows, and we're definitely curious to see regular whether international Galaxy S3 version will also be able to take advantage of the feature once Jelly Bean comes out. Let's hear it from you, regular Galaxy S3 buyers, do you want multi-window on your smartphone, or the feature really isn't that big of a deal for you? Related Posts |
| Galaxy Note 2 for Telus and Bell gets priced at $149.99, Rogers variant is $100 more expensive Posted: 13 Oct 2012 07:48 AM PDT
Best Buy has given Canadian folks who can't wait to get the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 something to cheer about. It was only yesterday that we learned about the availability of the phablet on Telus, which is expected to start selling it from October 30 and now we get some sort of confirmation of its price on several carriers. As listed on the retailer's website, the 16GB Galaxy Note 2 will be offered for $149.99 with a three-year contract on Telus and Bell. It's a great price for a quad-core device with a 5.5-inch display, right? Now, this is where things get rather confusing. The price for Rogers variant is listed as $249.99. Eh? Before we discuss the inconsistency, let's move on to the next set of information. It appears customers won't be able pre-order the Jelly Bean device online just yet. You'll have to make do with the traditional way of visiting the brick-and-mortar stores yourself to make a $50 down payment. While only the grey version of the Galaxy Note 2 is listed on the website, we're sure that the white variant will be offered as well. Some thoughts: we're not sure whether the Telus and Bell price is accurate and whether Rogers would really be levying a $100 premium on its variant of Galaxy Note 2. Guess we'll find out soon enough come October 24 – though we don't mind getting some clarification from Best Buy or any of the wireless carriers much, much sooner. Do you think the prices are accurate? Would the Galaxy Note 2 be really offered for $149.99 on contract? Related Posts |
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