Monday, October 15, 2012

Android Authority

Android Authority


Tech giants war for Christmas: Samsung, Microsoft, Google and Apple spend billions

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 02:43 AM PDT

The advertising assault to capture your Christmas cash and secure a place as the must-have item this holiday season has begun. According to analysts, this Christmas is set to be the biggest yet because there are so many new products launching. We're talking about a marketing spend of several billion dollars in the last three months of 2012.

We've got new entries in Google's Nexus range. We've got Microsoft and the Windows 8 launch accompanied by the mobile platform reboot, Windows Phone 8. We've got the new iPhone, soon to be joined by an iPad mini if the persistent rumors are true. We've got a huge range of new Samsung products from the Galaxy Camera to the Galaxy S3 “mini” to the ATIV S to its TV line. We've also got a whole new range of Kindle e-readers and tablets from Amazon, not to mention big pushes from Nokia, Sony and many others.

Rob Enderle told the Guardian that this Christmas ad spending “is on a scale you don’t see outside presidential elections”.

Shaun Collins of mobile researcher CCS Insight added:

“We’ve got an unprecedented number of significant launches from vast global players in a short period of time and the combination of those three things is creating this tsunami of advertising. It’s as big a quarter as we’ve ever seen. The level of commitment each of these players is willing to put behind a mobile launch shows how valuable it could be if they get it right.”

The figures are staggering for 2012. Microsoft is set to spend $1.6 billion for the year, Samsung will spend $2.7 billion, Google will spend $1.5 billion, Amazon will spend $1.4 billion, and Apple will spend $933 million.

Microsoft is going all-out for Windows 8 and WP8, and manufacturers like HTC and Nokia will be hoping to benefit. Can it finally make a dent in the mobile dominance of Android and iOS?

What's going to be on your Christmas list? Will you be persuaded by a tempting ad? Post a comment and let us know.

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The iPad mini and Windows 8: Android’s worst nightmare is about to happen

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 02:33 AM PDT

Two things are going to happen during the next two weeks that have the potential to completely obliterate any chance of Android tablets ever taking off. One, Apple is going to announce a smaller iPad on October 23rd. According to the rumors, the base model is going to retail for 250 Euros. Add an extra 100 Euros to that and you can get cellular connectivity. Two, Microsoft is going to launch Windows 8 and their Surface tablet that runs Windows RT on October 26th. Rumor has it that Microsoft is going to spend as much as $1.8 billion promoting their new operating system.

If you’re an Android fan, both of these events spell bad news. Starting with the cheaper iPad, let’s all just confess something that we know to be true, but are afraid to say: People buy Android tablets because they’re cheaper than anything Apple makes. The Nexus 7, as much as we love it, is proving to be popular because it’s less than half the cost of a new iPad and exactly half the cost of the “old” iPad 2. We know Android is a superior operating system that enables people to be more productive, but at the end of the day it’s the price tag that drives the masses to Android.

With a 250 Euro iPad mini, which we assume will be $299 in the USA, people will not only be given a chance to enter Apple’s ecosystem for what’s arguably an “affordable” price, they’ll also have a chance to buy something that they know will give them access to a ton of high quality applications that are optimized for the tablet form factor. Again, we love the Nexus 7, but most of the apps in the Google Play Store are just scaled up phone applications.

Then there’s Windows 8. Now yes, we know that the PC market has effectively peaked and that it’s even starting to shrink, but Microsoft’s brand is still incredibly powerful. Think about this: Windows 7 came out three years ago. That means a ton of people bought new computers in 2009 to have a go at playing with the new OS. Those machines are due for an upgrade. People walking into stores are considering buying a tablet, because that’s all people seem to talk about these days. When those people step into a retail store and see the computer section filled to capacity with Windows 8 machines that are touch enabled, do you really think they’re going to go for something with Android on-board?

And speaking about retail stores, that’s a huge problem for Google. Walk into just about any shop and you’ll see Windows machines from a variety of companies, you’ll see Apple’s products, of course, but what about tablets running Android? What incentive does a store have to sell you a $200 Android tablet when they’d much rather you buy a $600+ laptop?

The Surface is a wildcard. Microsoft entering the hardware space is a dangerous move, but if it works then the payoff will be huge. Will people want to buy a Microsoft computer instead of one made by HP or Lenovo? It’s too early to tell.

So can Google do anything to lure people to their ecosystem? Yes and no. Google can pull an Amazon and sell their hardware at cost, meaning that they’re not going to make or lose any money, but then again that would piss off their partners who are already furious enough as is that Microsoft is entering the hardware game. Maybe the big PC makers are so angry at Microsoft that they’re all going to start experimenting with Chromebooks?

The air is thick with uncertainty, which makes the next few months that much more exciting.

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LG Optimus G Jelly Bean update coming in December, LG Optimus 4X HD left out of Android 4.1 upgrade?

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 01:42 AM PDT

LG's first Jelly Bean-running Android device will be the upcoming Nexus 4 – which will run Android 4.2 out of the box, a software version that will still be part of Jelly Bean according to rumors – but what about other LG Android handsets, especially high-end ones?

The South Korean company has apparently shared more details about its Jelly Bean plans and there are a few of interesting surprises there.

First of all, the company's latest flagship device, the Optimus G, will receive its Jelly Bean love in December, while the Optimus LTE 2 will get its Android 4.1 share a month earlier. The Optimus Vu and Optimus Vu 2 will be upgraded in the first quarter of 2013, but for some reason, the Optimus 4X HD is not mentioned in LG's official press release. The updates will be rolled out sequentially, starting with South Korea, but there aren’t any actual release dates for the software revealed at this time.

If you own any other LG Android device, you won't be happy to hear that LG has not mentioned yours in its immediate Jelly Bean upgrade plans. Sure, there are always other ways to enjoy Google's latest Android version on devices that have not been updated yet to run it, or on devices that will never get it. But that doesn't mean that all Android users out there is ready to perform the necessary steps to get these unofficial ROMs on their device.

Any thoughts about LG's Jelly Bean upgrade plans?

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Breaking: Japan’s Softbank confirms Sprint acquisition for $20.1 billion

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 01:36 AM PDT

The Softbank-Sprint acquisition is official. The earlier rumored Sprint acquisition by Softbank has been announced by the Japanese telecoms company itself. In a press event in Tokyo, Softbank has announced that it will merge with Sprint to form a new company.

It is interesting to note that both companies are ranked third in both their respective markets (U.S. and Japan). As for the acquisition terms, Softbank will acquire US$ 8 billion in newly-issued Sprint shares, as well as $12.1 billion in existing shares from the market. This will result in a 70% stake in the American carrier.

Based on the Strategic Acquisition document from Softbank, the acquisition has the following merits:

  • This will enable the company to establish an operating base as one of the largest mobile Internet companies worldwide;
  • The deal will enable Softbank to leverage its expertise in smartphones and next-gen mobile networks to enhance Sprint’s competitiveness in the U.S.
  • The deal will provide $8 billion in fresh capital for Sprint.

You can check out the source link (PDF) for a more technical explanation of the deal. Do you think this capital infusion will help both carriers grow in their respective markets, in terms of mobile and Internet offerings and customer base?

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LG Nexus 4 name confirmed by photos shared by Google and LG employees

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 01:26 AM PDT

We keep talking about the upcoming flagship Nexus smartphone, a device that we keep calling LG Nexus 4, without it being officially confirmed. Not even the name of the product is official yet, which is why we're still naming it the LG Nexus 4, although there are many – maybe too many – leaks detailing the handset.

But what if “Nexus 4″ is exactly what Google and LG decided to call this Optimus G family member? According to new data obtained from EXIF photo details, the name "Nexus 4" has been spotted on at least a couple of pictures taken with the new device and uploaded to Picasa and Google+ by Google and LG employees, respectively.

The image above was taken by a Googler and posted on Picasa, while the following photo belongs to an LG employee and was shared via Google+.

But while the Nexus 4 monkier makes plenty of sense considering that this LG-made Nexus smartphone will be the fourth model in Google's lineup, it will be strange to see it actually be baptized Nexus 4.

Apart from the HTC Nexus One, none of the models that followed it respected a logical naming criteria. The second Nexus was called Nexus S, while the third one was launched as the Galaxy Nexus – so we didn’t have a Nexus Two or Nexus Three. Rumor has it that Samsung didn't want to have a device with named "Nexus Two" because the company wasn't second to anybody. So will LG's Nexus have a boring “Nexus 4″ name for its first-gen Nexus smartphone?

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iPad mini pricing leaks, October 23 announcement seems confirmed

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 01:04 AM PDT

A few days ago we told you that Apple is reportedly going to unveil the 7.85-inch iPad mini during a special media event set for October 23. Now, that date seems to be even more likely considering that Reuters is also reporting that the smaller iPad will be officially announced next week, on October 23.

Obviously, the long-rumored iPad mini will be Apple's response to the increasing demand of 7-inch affordable tablets, with Amazon's Kindle Fire line and Google's Nexus 7 tablet being the best sold devices in this category, at least for now.

But unlike Amazon and Google which aren't making any money from actual tablet sales but rather from digital content distribution, Apple is likely to turn a profit on its Apple mini:

Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu said that, if Apple prices the smaller tablet between $299 to $349, it could maintain the current margins.

“The biggest cost in a tablet is the display,” he said. “On a mini, the display will be a bit cheaper.

If the tablet is priced below $299, Apple could still maintain a decent margin if it offers 8 GB of storage instead of the minimum 16 GB storage it has in the current iPad, Wu added.

And it seems that such analyst talk is now backed up by a leaked inventory screenshot from German retailer Media Markt that reveals the iPad mini pricing structure. Apple will apparently launch two 7.85-inch tablet versions, Wi-Fi-only and Cellular + Wi-Fi and offer four capacities for each one, from 8GB all the way up to 64GB. Add to that the fact that each version will be available either in black or in white and you end up with 16 flavors to choose from. Comparatively, the newest 9.7-inch iPad is also available in Wi-Fi and Cellular + Wi-Fi options; in the same two color options, but offers only three capacities, from 16 to 32GB – therefore 12 iPad 3 versions are available in stores, not including the iPad 2 that’s still selling alongside the current flagship product.

Here's what you can expect the iPad mini to cost, depending on what model you will choose from:

  • 8GB iPad Mini Wi-Fi – €249
  • 16GB iPad Mini Wi-Fi – €349
  • 32GB iPad Mini Wi-Fi – €449
  • 64GB iPad Mini Wi-Fi – €549
  • 8GB iPad Mini Cellular + Wi-Fi – €349
  • 16GB iPad Mini Cellular + Wi-Fi – €449
  • 32GB iPad Mini Cellular + Wi-Fi – €549
  • 64GB iPad Mini Cellular + Wi-Fi – €649

In case the numbers above are real, then we should expect U.S. iPad mini pricing to also start at $249 and go up all the way to $650. We'll be back with more details about the iPad mini and comparisons to top 7-inch Android tablets in the near future.

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Pre-order for Windows 8 RT-powered Asus Vivo Tab starts at $599

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 01:02 AM PDT

The tablet landscape is about to get more interesting with the expected announcement of the iPad mini and the arrival of Microsoft's Surface tablet in the coming weeks. We haven’t heard of the Surface’s price ever since it was unveiled back in July, though good old Steve Ballmer was quick to quash any hope of seeing it being priced to move.

Thanks to several retailers listing of the new Asus-made Windows RT tablet, we now get a better idea of just how much the "budget" line of tablets will be offered for. We say “budget” relative to the premium Intel-powered Windows 8 tablets.

The Asus Vivo RT tablet is now up on Staples, Futureshop, and other online retailers, and the first of the company's Microsoft-flavored tablets can be pre-ordered for $599. The tablet boasts a 10.1 Super IPS HD display at 1,366 x 768 resolution, NVIDIA's Tegra 3 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 32GB storage, microSD support, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front cam, WiFi b/g/n, HDMI output, and Bluetooth 4.0.

The price, naturally, doesn't include the keyboard dock, which costs an extra $170 – at least from Staples.

With such pricing point, it's apparent that Microsoft is not interested in pitting the Windows RT tablet against the likes of Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD. The Asus Vivo Tab is also pricier than the latest iPad, which starts at $499. Shipments for the Asus Vivo Tab RT begins at the end of the month.

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Microsoft releases first ad for Windows 8 [video]

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 12:51 AM PDT

Android is about to welcome a new competitor. With Windows 8 — and a slew of accompanying tablets and computers — set to officially launch at the end of the month, Microsoft has officially started what's bound to be an all-out marketing blitz by releasing the first ad for the new touchscreen-centric operating system.

The ad starts with a countdown, but one that doesn't run all the way to end and instead stops at 8. You'll be hearing and seeing lots of "eights" throughout the 30-second spot, which isn't a total surprise given that that's the magic number.

It then shows rapid snapshots of the flagship operating system running on tablets, laptops, and desktop computers from manufacturers like Acer, Samsung, Sony and possibly more. The tagline, as shown just before the final scene, is "Windows Reimagined."

The official launch date for Windows 8 and devices powered by the OS is October 26, which will be preceded by a special press event a day before.  Any thoughts about the first Windows 8 ad to hit the airwaves?

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Rumor: Amazon to buy Texas Instruments’ OMAP unit

Posted: 15 Oct 2012 12:21 AM PDT

Every Amazon Kindle Fire tablet that has been sold thus far has had a Texas Instruments processor under the hood. Last month, we reported that TI was looking to shift their focus away from the mobile chip business and instead concentrate on embedded systems. Today, courtesy of The Next Web, we now have a rumor that says Amazon is considering buying the division within Texas Instruments that designs chips for smartphones and tablets. You and I know this unit better as “OMAP”. The source of the rumor is the Israeli newspaper Calcalist, which has a track record of getting these kind of stories right. They were the first to cover Apple’s purchase of Anobit, for example.

It should be noted that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus has an OMAP chip, which is incredibly odd, because Samsung tends to use their own Exynos processors inside their high end mobile phones. Their budget devices, such as the Galaxy Chat, use Broadcom chips.

Back to Amazon, assuming they indeed buy the OMAP unit, what does that mean for you? Not much to be perfectly honest. According to research that was published last week, Texas Instruments is the 5th largest mobile chip maker in terms of revenues. We don’t know how small their share of the pie is exactly, but with Qualcomm taking 48% of all the money spent on mobile processors … you’ve got to think that TI isn’t really an important player.

Will Amazon ever make a smartphone? That’s something that’s been rumored for ages now, and we can see why. Amazon has deals in place with content providers, they have deals in place with operators to make sure their 3G enabled electronic readers work anywhere in the world, and they’re in a good position to become the biggest online retailer should they start setting up fulfillment centers in other major countries.

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IM+ 6.4 update brings new emoticons, improved interface

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 03:48 PM PDT

Popular instant messaging app IM+ was updated to version 6.4 last week, bringing the interface up to date with newer versions of Android and adding new features like Rage Face emoticons.

IM+ is popular with users due to its features and the wide ranges of services it can connect to. Google Talk, Facebook, AIM, ICQ and Jabber are just a few of the features the app supports. The new update brings two new services to the ever growing list: Gadu-Gadu and MeinVZ.

Version 6.4 of IM+ brings some very useful new features in addition to the fun but not so useful Rage Face emoticons. Sleep Mode, for example, is a new feature that allows you to select a time range when you won’t be bothered with notifications.

Users can now bulk export chat history to an SD card, which is very useful if a chat contained important information that you want to make sure isn’t lost. Other new features include the option to further customize notifications and the option to automatically start “off-the-record” messaging.

IM+ has also improved its interface, claiming that it “feels like Ice Cream Sandwich.” While the UI is definitely better for users of Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean, the app isn’t fully Holo-themed.

The day after IM+ was updated to 6.4, another update followed, bringing the version number to 6.4.1. This is a maintenance release comprised of crash and bug fixes.

IM+ is a free download in the Google Play Store and works on devices running Android 2.1 and up.  Certain features are only available in IM+ Pro which will cost $4.99, but this version also removes ads and includes extra services like Skype, which is an in-app purchase in the free version of IM+.

Are you an IM+ user? How do you like the  features in the new update?

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Android Central

Android Central


Classic Sega title Crazy Taxi will be coming to Android

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 03:17 PM PDT

Android Central

Anyone remember Crazy Taxi? The classic Dreamcast and arcade title was loved by many, and will continue to live on in mobile form. Our iOS loving friends have recently seen the title launch in the Apple App Store, but fear not, we haven't been forgotten. 

Over on their official blog, Sega has confirmed that Crazy Taxi will also be launching soon on Android. As ever, soon could be any number of days, weeks, or even months, but the important fact remains the same. Mad driving and collecting fares will soon be possible on our Android devices. And, that makes us happy. To whet your appetite a little more, be sure to check out the launch trailer -- albeit for the iOS version -- after the break. 

Source: Sega via Pocket Gamer

read more



Softbank said to be buying 70 percent stake in Sprint

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 02:48 PM PDT

Android Central

Well, that didn't take long. After both sides of the proposed deal confirmed talks, sources from the deal reportedly have confirmed to Business Insider that Japanese carrier Softbank will purchase a 70 percent stake of Sprint. CNBC reports the deal will be officially announced on Monday.

The deal in total will cost Softbank a whopping $20 billion -- $8 billion in shares directly from Sprint, and a $12 billion offer to buy shares from the public. The deal is expected to close officially with a statement from Softbank on Monday, and will not require a shareholder vote because of the deal's structure.

So what does this mean for the mobile industry? Only time will tell. All reports are that any Softbank investment in Sprint is a bit of a gamble, so it really is yet to be seen what the plan is after the deal closes.

Source: Business Insider; CNBC



Merging with MetroPCS is T-Mobile's best chance [opinion]

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 01:05 PM PDT

Android Central

The U.S. wireless industry

Let’s be honest, the U.S. wireless industry is a tough market to break into, even for so-called “established” brands. Dozens of carriers have come and gone over the last decade, all falling to the giant duopoly that is Verizon and AT&T. With over 210 million subscribers between the two, it’s an almost insurmountable number for any single entity to overcome.

Although you could consider T-Mobile part of “the big four” carriers in the U.S., it’s hard to argue that they’re on the same scale as the top two. With just 34 million subscribers, T-Mobile is seen more of a target for buyouts and acquisitions than a viable challenger. In the eyes of most people, T-Mobile isn’t even a viable carrier option.

Whether you want to personally use T-Mobile or not, you should really want T-Mobile to stick around. With Sprint’s buyout by Softbank all but confirmed, T-Mobile is the so-called “last line of defense” before we see competition all but completely disappear from the U.S. wireless industry. Read on to see why MetroPCS is T-Mobile's best chance.

read more



All 700 Orange and T-Mobile shops to be re-branded as EE by the end of the month

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 12:56 PM PDT

Android Central

It's interesting times at the moment in the UK for EE (formerly Everything Everywhere), who own both Orange and T-Mobile UK. We have mentioned in various posts about the company rolling out their new 4G LTE service in the UK at the end of October, the first network to do so in Great Britain.

Today EE have announced that all 700 of the Orange and T-Mobile stores will be re-branded as EE by the end of the month to coincide with the 4G roll out. The news arrives along with some special EE staff training that is happening at the NEC in Birmingham where 12,000 internal staff and 3000 partners will learn about the new brand.

I popped into my local EE store earlier today and although they have the new EE sign above the shop the internals are still very much Everything Everywhere. But, that will change over the next few weeks so I suppose I had better plan another visit soon.

As well as EE having the new 4G service as a huge selling tool I am pretty sure that they are the only retail chain in the UK where every phone on display actually works. Using dummy ones is a total waste of time in my opinion so kudos to them for that.

Keep your eyes peeled for more EE news soon including price plans and data tariffs, but if you spot anything we don't, please send us a tweet or sound of in the comments.

 

Source: mobilenewscwp



From the Editor's Desk: Some quick hits

Posted: 14 Oct 2012 06:23 AM PDT

Phil Nickinson

We've got another fall CTIA event in the books. By most accounts, this one was pretty much a snoozer, even more so than the other "apps and enterprise"-focused events of the past. Hopefully the non-media folks got more out of it than we did. Up next is the Oct. 24 U.S. launch event for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. And then ... Nexus event? Let's hope so.

And now, with apologies to SI writer Peter King, some things I think I think:

  • We finally can post directly to the Android Central Google+ page from the Android app. It's not perfect -- having to log out first, then log back in, and then choose which page to post to is a bit of a chore, but it's better than nothing.
  • Along that front, we're going to start posting more event photos there -- of things other than phones and tablets. We've started with some of the fun things from San Diego last week. See if you spot any old friends.
  • By the way, we banged out a quick podcast on Friday, rounding up what we know about the LG Nexus stuff. It was kind of nice to not do it live, and to not worry about video. But we'll be back to our normal selves this week.
  • I'm officially excited for a new Nexus. Yes. Even if it's LG. And maybe especially because it's LG. Like Jerry wrote last week, folks need to let stuff go sometimes. But, hey. It's your ulcer. Not mine.
  • We're finally spitting our headlines onto App Dot Net. (That's Twitter for those who hate Twitter.) I'm on there as well. Just cross-posting from Twitter, though.
  • I finally got some face time with the HTC One VX. If you're on AT&T and are in the market for something a little cheaper and more traditionally shaped than the One X, give it a look-see. The qHD resolution looks surprisingly good on that thing.
  • Finally got to play with the RAZR M as well. Not a bad little phone. Also not true "edge to edge."
  • Will we see a tweaked Nexus 7 before or after Apple's Oct. 23 iPad Mini event?

Enjoy your Sunday, everybody. It's back to work on Monday.