Android Authority

---

• Silent Circle is a “surveillance proof” app that simplifies encrpytion for consumer use
• Microsoft stores are offering reservation cards for Surface launch day buyers
• Google considering mobile patent antitrust settlement
• New Android 4.2 features unveiled: gallery changes, multi-user accounts and parental controls
• Apple files response to Samsung’s complaint of juror misconduct
• Would a 1080p phone screen really matter that much?
• The Datawind Ubislate 7Ci tablet sells for $40 but can it compete?
• Google Now’s Knowledge Graph improved, connections better explained by Google
• Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro to hit AT&T stores tomorrow for $100 on contract
• Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update rolling out in November, Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 10.1 getting it in Q4

Silent Circle is a “surveillance proof” app that simplifies encrpytion for consumer use Posted: 20 Oct 2012 05:07 PM PDT Big Brother may have finally met its match. While governments are making deals with telecommunications companies to eavesdrop on users without fear of lawsuit, there are now technologies that the regular Joe can use to ensure communications are secure. One such technology is made by Silent Circle, a startup made up of a crack team of security experts, led by former Navy SEAL commando Mike Janke, PGP creator Phil Zimmerman and Jon Callas, who created Apple’s disk-encryption system. The encryption service promises to be simple enough to use. Whether you’re 7 years old 77, or 007, Silent Circle should be as simple as making a phone call or sending a text message, for as long as both you and your correspondent are using the service. Silent Circle is a peer-to-peer encyrption service, which means there are no central servers that hold the encyrption keys. Each device creates a key when a call is made, and the key is deleted right after the call is ended. Users can even use a “burn” function that sets a time limit on messages you send to another user. If you’re a big fan of Ethan Hunt or Jim Phelps from Mission Impossible, then this is the app for you. The service costs $20 monthly per user, and Silent Circle says their clients are mainly government organizations, media outfits (for protecting sources), multinational companies, and some celebrities. Silent Circle will offer the service free for non-profit organizations, though, noting that some of these — such as human rights groups — are worried about the security and privacy of their communications. Silent Circle is available on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and an email service is in the works. Related Posts Huawei’s Emotion UI simplifies Android for the consumer [Video preview and interview] Automatically Setting Your Phone to Silent Mode According to Place or Time Android Developers now on Google+, Go Circle them Now!

Microsoft stores are offering reservation cards for Surface launch day buyers Posted: 20 Oct 2012 02:44 PM PDT Image Credit Connect with Mobility Come October 26th, Microsoft will release its new Surface device to the high street. However, particularly devoted customers may be able to snap up the tablet sooner rather than later by visiting their closest Microsoft store. An image from WPCentral reveals the face of a reported reservation card, which simply says that a Surface tablet has been reserved, and that the user must appear to collect their tablet before noon on it’s day of release, October 26th. Image Credit WP Central  Since the 32GB Surface RT tablet is currently sold out online, this may be the only route to purchase one for the time being. There is no definitive information on particular stores that are offering these passes, but we know for sure that the Washington Square store in Beaverton, Oregon, is handing them out. WPCentral also tells us that there is a Microsoft employee manning the kiosk at the store handing out the pass – there were reportedly around 150 – 200 cards in the representatives hand. It’s recommended that eager Surface buyers contact their nearest store before attempting to swing by and pick up one of the reservation cards, as stocks will dwindle with a mere 23 stores spread over 14 states. Related Posts Microsoft Surface release date set for October 26, to launch alongside Windows 8 Microsoft accidentally reveals the pricing of Surface with Windows RT: starts at $499 Microsoft’s Surface pushes Acer to be more aggressive about Chromebooks

Google considering mobile patent antitrust settlement Posted: 20 Oct 2012 02:30 PM PDT Google has been under fire from various government agencies around the world lately who are investigating antitrust and other lawsuits against the company. Now Google is said to be considering whether to settle with U.S. authorities over how it has handled its mobile patents. Along with Google’s acquisition of Motorola in May came a truckload of lawsuits.  Some were Motorola suing companies for allegedly infringing on its patents, others were companies suing Motorola for refusing to license its patents. Ever since, authorities have been debating whether many of Motorola’s patents are essential to certain technologies, which would require these patents to be licensed, whether Motorola wants to license them or not. These types of patents are referred to as FRAND, which stands for “free, reasonable and non-discriminatory.” These patents are generally required to be licensed to ensure interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. FTC lawyers have threatened to bring a case against Google for using Motorola’s patents as a weapon against competitors. This is not the only instance in which Google is being accused of using its technologies against competitors. Businesses like Yelp have often opined that Google unfairly promotes its own services over those of competitors in search listings. Meanwhile, Google contends that its search results should be treated as opinion and protected by free-speech rights as such. Some have suggested that Google label its own products clearly in search results to resolve this matter. FTC lawyers have cited certain instances where Motorola might have abused its position as a holder of FRAND patents. In response, Google has been quick to claim that competitors like Apple have acted the same way, suing competitors rather than properly licensing patents. With the FTC continuing to pursue an antitrust lawsuit against Google, it may be better for them to settle now and pay up, rather than enter a drawn out legal battle. On the flip side of the coin, this could set precedent, causing governments worldwide to begin pursuing litigation against Google as well. Do you think that Google has violated antitrust law? Do you think that Motorola Mobility is wrong to deny access to some of its patents? Or does the FTC just have it out for Google? Related Posts No related posts.

New Android 4.2 features unveiled: gallery changes, multi-user accounts and parental controls Posted: 20 Oct 2012 02:30 PM PDT We already (think we) know that Google will unveil the LG Nexus 4 running Android 4.2 on October 29 and launch the new products in the weeks thereafter, but until Google takes the stage at its upcoming media event we'll keep looking at current rumors and reports detailing these products. In earlier posts we looked at various Android 4.2 features, such as the new notification settings, the Gmail 4.2 app that was later pulled by Google and a variety of security features that could be found in Google's upcoming Android version. Now we have more Android 4.2 features uncovered coming via the same source, Android Police, that continued to dig for more details in the Android 4.2 version it got to play with. In its latest report, the publication details new gallery changes, multi-user accounts and parental controls. Like with the previous set of features, it's not yet clear whether these features will be indeed found in the final version of Android 4.2, but it's still worth taking a look at them. The gallery and camera apps are apparently getting new icons, although the graphics found in this Android 4.2 build are not final. More importantly, the gallery app is getting a makeover, although when it comes to functionality, things appear to be exactly the same as in Jelly Bean: The Gallery is getting a reskin! It’s still a rough work in progress, but we can at least see what direction they’re going in. Albums have a polaroid-style bottom white label (which matches the new icon!) and the background is a light-gray color [see left screenshot in the image above]. Everything else about the Gallery is exactly the same. And when I say exactly the same I mean exactly the same. You can’t delete Picasa/G+ photos, there are no new editing options, you still can’t rotate with a gesture, and Instant Upload Albums are still capped at 500. In its defense, it isn’t anywhere near finished – in fact, they haven’t even incremented the version number. 1.1.40000 is the same as the Jelly Bean version. It’s promising that they’re looking at it. In case taking pictures on your Android device isn't that important, especially if it's a tablet, then you'll be happy to hear that Google is apparently working on multi-user accounts, which is definitely good news for tablet owners. According to Android Police, there's evidence in the Android 4.2 version it tested that Android 4.2 will support multiple users. Various apps have permissions that reveal the multiple users features including the Phone, Setting and SystemUI. Even the Google Play Store will keep track of what apps are installed for each user, showing the relevant ones for each one. One of the perks of a system that has multi-user support is that it can offer parental controls. Apparently Android 4.2 will also offer this feature, which will allow parents to control the activity of their children on Android devices, especially when it comes to getting new content from the store – purchasing can be blocked with a PIN and downloads censored depending on their rating. We'll be back with more Android 4.2 details once we have them. Meanwhile, let us know what you'd like to see Google announce in just over a week from now. Related Posts Android 4.2 potential security features unveiled: SELinux, VPN Lockdown and Premium SMS Confirmation Kindle Fire update brings extra parental controls, lets your children play with fire Multi-user support coming soon to Android

Apple files response to Samsung’s complaint of juror misconduct Posted: 20 Oct 2012 12:44 PM PDT Last month we reported that Samsung was claiming that due to misconduct on the part of the jury foreman in the Apple vs Samsung case, the case should be thrown out. Apple has filed its official response with the court, claiming that if Samsung had an issue with the jury, they should have brought it up before the hearing began. Possible Bias After Apple won a patent dispute against Samsung, leaving Samsung to pay just over $1 billion to Apple, Samsung claimed that jury foreman Velvin Hogan was biased against Samsung for a number of reasons.  First, Hogan didn’t mention a 1993 bankruptcy filing. Second, Hogan failed to disclose the fact that he was sued by Seagate, his former employer. That doesn’t sound like much, except that Samsung is Seagate’s largest single shareholder. It also turns out that Hogan’s bankruptcy came as a direct result of the Seagate suit. Additionally, while Hogan’s prior experience with patents was part of why he was selected for the jury, his opinions on patents could have lead him to a biased viewpoint. Hogan said that the court only requires potential jurors to mention litigation within the past 10 years, so he wasn’t required to disclose any of the matters mentioned. Why Apple Says it Doesn’t Matter The above claims from Samsung may all be legitimate, but that isn’t what Apple is arguing. Apple’s response is mainly that if Samsung had wanted to investigate Hogan for possible bias, the time to do that was before the trial had started. Apple is saying that Samsung’s right to investigate such issues was waived because it is possible or even likely that Samsung was aware of Hogan’s past, but declined to investigate further until after it had lost the case. Ultimately, the decision of whether Samsung’s claims are acted upon or not rests with Judge Lucy Koh. No matter what is decided, it is likely that this is all going to get more complicated before it is resolved. Do you think that Hogan was indeed biased against Samsung? Could this just be a last ditch attempt to get the case thrown out of court? Related Posts No related posts.

Would a 1080p phone screen really matter that much? Posted: 20 Oct 2012 11:10 AM PDT With large phones (or “phablets”) gaining popularity, we’re starting to see phones like the HTC J Butterfly popping up with 1080p displays. Now that we have the ability to create phones with 1080p displays, the question is: do we even need them? Of course manufacturers are going to push the improved resolution, claiming it makes photos and videos clearer and more eye-pleasing. While the increased resolution certainly isn’t going to hurt image quality, it may not be as necessary as we might think. In an interview with Ars Technica, CEO of DisplayMate Dr. Raymond Soneira said “Even the tiniest image detail in a photograph is always spread over more than one pixel.” He added that “The image detail is never perfectly aligned with the pixel structure of the display. Regarding video, Soneira said “For ordinary viewing of videos, 1920×1080 is really not going to make a visual difference.” You can already see this for yourself in a lot of situations, like televisions, for example. Unless you’re sitting relatively close, the difference between 720p and 1080p is negligible. That’s on a 40-inch television screen. Even with a 5-inch display on a phone, the difference will be hard to make out. That isn’t to say that 1080p makes no difference whatsoever. With anything computer generated like fonts and icons, the increased resolution can make use of the extra pixels to improve the sharpness of the display. Still, according to Soneira, many people can’t make out differences in sharpness over 229 pixels per inch. Basically, unless you’ve got great vision, the improved sharpness still may not matter. How much would a 1080p phone screen matter to you? Do you think we’re beginning to reach a point where the resolution of a phone’s display doesn’t matter as much as it used to? Related Posts Sharp 1080p 5-inch display begins mass production HTC J Butterfly: The rumors about a 5 inch 1080p smartphone were true! Oppo Find 5 to feature 5″ 1080p display, S4 Pro processor and Jelly Bean

The Datawind Ubislate 7Ci tablet sells for $40 but can it compete? Posted: 20 Oct 2012 08:46 AM PDT The India-bound Aakash tablet made waves in the technology media for its dream of providing cheap tablets to the educational sector (among others) in this developing market. The tablet also drew flak for its creator’s inability to adequately meet demand. But will the cheap tablet trend catch on with the rest of the world? Never mind the poor specifications of the original 2011 device, which featureda mere 366 MHz CPU and a resistive screen. Whatever criticisms against it, including the lackluster specifications, low camera quality, small onscreen keyboard and build quality, can all be answered with “Yeah, but … it’s only $40,” as NY Times columnist Quentin Hardy writes. Since then, Datawind has released updated tablets, the latest being the Ubislate 7 series, which comes with upgraded specs, while still retaining low prices. Datawind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli says that those who have expressed criticism against the tablet’s low-end specs are not their market, anyway. “The biggest problem we have with this device is that none of the decision makers, the reviewers, or the trend setters are our customer.” He is confident that their latest Ubislate 7Ci tablet can be relevant among its target market, especially given its price. “Personal computers caught on in the U.S. when the price got to about 25 percent of the average person's monthly income. In India, where people make $200 a month, that is about $50.” Datawind produces the 7Ci tablets for $37 apiece, and then sells these to the Indian government for $40. There is hope that other markets can also enjoy inexpensive or even free tablets, but these are likely to be subsidized by advertisements. For instance, the Google Nexus 7 is already considered cheap its for $199 entry level price in the U.S. However, this can still be brought down to $49 in two years’ time, says an analyst from Gartner. But are cheap tablets the way to go for emerging markets? With emerging trends like cloud computing, it seems so. Cheap access to mobile Internet does away with the need to have super-fast processing capabilities and paid software suites. For as long as a tablet can do what’s expected — email, web browsing, social networking, e-book reading, and the occasional game — it seems users can overlook poor specs and build for as long as the user experience is good enough. Still, the basic problem of Datawind is supply. The brand is already being criticized for delayed orders which can run into multiple months. In their defense, though, Datawind has even supplied its buyers with upgraded models at no extra cost. Datawind still does not have mass-production capabilities that can equal the likes of the makers of the iPad and the Nexus 7. Once they do improve their mass-manufacturing capabilities, then products like these have the potential to be really game-changing, especially in giving mobile computing access to folks who could otherwise not afford a more expensive device. Until then, we do have an inexpensive tablet that does work as intended, but not everyone can get their hands on this $40 gem due to supply constraints. Related Posts Datawind unveils two more Aakash / Ubislate tablet models Datawind unveils four new India-bound UbiSlate tablets, to start at $55 with ICS and 1 GHz CPU SOLD OUT — Cheapest Tablet in the World

Google Now’s Knowledge Graph improved, connections better explained by Google Posted: 20 Oct 2012 07:00 AM PDT One of the highlights of Jelly Bean is the Google Now feature, that voice-friendly personal assistant that can offer personalized search results and better help with certain day-to-day activities that rely more or less on performing the same online searches. Google's Knowledge Graph system is a complex algorithm that makes features like the ones available in Google Now possible. Whether used for mobile or desktop searches, the Knowledge Graph is a search feature that lets Google establish complex relationships between the things people search the web for and offer better-tailored results. Thanks to the Knowledge Graph, Google can understand the actual meaning of some of our searches and provide more useful results, or at least that's the purpose of it. Naturally, the better the search results, the more satisfied the customer is with Google, and ultimately the more money Google makes off of users via its ads. If the Knowledge Graph feature sounds too complex, you'll be happy to hear that Google plans to update it to make it even more useful and easier to understand. In fact, Google seems to want to be more transparent about its search results and it's ready to explain how it knows what "people also search for," when displaying search results boxes with the help of the Knowledge Graph: Have you ever flipped through the "People also search for" section of the Knowledge Graph panels and wondered — just how are those two people connected anyway? […] We're starting by showing major co-starring roles between actors, movies, and TV shows as well as highlighting family connections amongst famous people in the Knowledge Graph. These connections won't show up all the time, but when there is an interesting explanation available, you can now see it at a glance. As this search feature gets improved in time, we should expect to see more such connections explanations to appear no matter what devices we use for online searches. At the same time let's not forget that Google is investigated by several entities when it comes to its privacy policy and its search practices, so making search more transparent may help with those legal matters too, on the long run. Related Posts Knowledge Graph rolls out to all English-speaking countries and Google Voice Search arrives on iOS Google improves mobile search UI with card-based interface reminiscent of Google Now Android Market Now Shows App Install History Graph

Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro to hit AT&T stores tomorrow for $100 on contract Posted: 20 Oct 2012 06:15 AM PDT If you've had your eyes on the Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro ever since it was announced for AT&T late last month, we hope there are still some greens left in your wallet, as the ruggedized smartphone will go on sale very shortly. Starting from October 21, you can purchase the Galaxy Rugby Pro on AT&T for $100 with a two-year contract. Aside from being waterproof, dustproof, and shock resistant, the sequel to the original Galaxy Rugby is also "built to military specifications," which allows the maker to add solar radiation, transport and thermal shock resistant as well to its resume. As for some technical specs, the Rugby Pro boasts a 4-inch Super AMOLED display with WVGA resolution (800 x 480 pixels). Other features include a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon processor, 8GB internal storage, 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, LTE connectivity, Enhanced Push-to-Talk, 1,850mAh battery, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Following its commercial release in the U.S. this Sunday, the Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro will be heading to Canada via Bell and Telus next. Anyone planning to get the Galaxy Rugby Pro tomorrow? Do you think $100 is a fair on-contract price for the phone? Related Posts Ruggedized Samsung Galaxy Rugby LTE coming to Bell and Telus Canada soon Samsung Galaxy Beam now available in UK, to project itself into Singapore stores tomorrow HTC EVO 4G LTE finally hits Sprint stores: $199.99 with new 2-year contract

Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update rolling out in November, Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 10.1 getting it in Q4 Posted: 20 Oct 2012 06:10 AM PDT The Galaxy S3 is finally receiving the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update in several markets, although not in all of them, which means we should expect other Samsung smartphones and tablets to receive the same upgrade at some point in the future, right? The Samsung Galaxy S2, the Galxy Note and the Galaxy Note 10.1 are the devices that we expect to run Android 4.1 at some point in the immediate, or not-so-immediate, future. In case you happen to own any of these three devices, you'll be happy to hear that Samsung Sweden has confirmed that all of them will get Jelly Bean in the coming months. The Galaxy S2 will be updated to Jelly Bean at some point in November, while the Galaxy Note and the Galaxy Note 10.1 will be upgraded in Q4 2012. Considering that we're already in the fourth quarter of the year, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Galaxy S2 receive the update at some point next month, with the phablet and tablet to receive it after the handset. According to Samsung Sweden, the Jelly Bean updates will be available over-the-air or via KIES, but we'll cross those bridges once we get there. Needless to say that while Samsung may be ready to start releasing the updates, it's still up to the carriers to issue them. Are you looking forward to getting Jelly Bean on any of these devices or do you plan to buy a device that's already running Jelly Bean out of the box? Related Posts Galaxy S3 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update rolling out "very soon," Galaxy Note 10.1 and original Galaxy Note also to get it Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update coming in Q3/Q4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.1 upgrades to follow Galaxy S2 to get Jelly Bean in November, Galaxy S3 in October-November, says Samsung Sweden

You are subscribed to email updates from Android Authority To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

Android Phone Fans

---

• Android Overload: T-Mobile ends 200 MB plan, Apple vs Samsung, Nexus 10 rumors and more
• Android 4.2 system dump unveils proof of multiple user accounts
• Nexus 7 starts bringing its game on with a 32 GB version
• LG QSlide vs. Samsung Pop-up Play
• Will ISIS bring Google Wallet down? [Poll]

Android Overload: T-Mobile ends 200 MB plan, Apple vs Samsung, Nexus 10 rumors and more Posted: 20 Oct 2012 05:27 PM PDT Not a day goes by without a good amount of Android news… you know, with Android being the largest Android OS in the world. Many of these stories don’t manage to make it to our homepage, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on them! Android Overload is where we bring you all the smaller news you should still be in the loop about, so make sure to check them out before you go on your weekend adventures. T-Mobile says goodbye to 200 MB data plan [TmoNews] Staples document suggests 8 GB Nexus 7 is being discontinued [Android Police] Zuckerberg: we’ll be sharing 1000 times more in 10 years [CNET] Apple wants cash in on lost profit due to Samsung but won’t prove it [Forbes] Hoaxer admits to faking Sony Nexus S [Anatomy of a Hoax] MetroPCS adds Samsung Galaxy S3 to its portfolio [MetroPCS] Someone out there is taking pictures with a Nexus 10? [Picasa] Motorola DROID Bionic finally gets Android 4.0 [Verizon]

Android 4.2 system dump unveils proof of multiple user accounts Posted: 20 Oct 2012 04:00 PM PDT All eyes are on Google for their October 29 event. The Search Giant usually unveils Nexus news during this time of the year and we are excited to see if all those juicy Nexus rumors will pan out. But while we wait, there is a bit of leak goodness we have to share. A leaked system dump has been revealing multiple improvements Google is said to bring forth with the announcement of Android’s new OS version. This is Android 4.2, which is expected to be a small improvement over Jelly Bean, and will keep said moniker. Among other things, the most exciting new features include a secondary quick settings section in the notification bar and the newly discovered multiple user account system. Now, we are not sure if this feature will definitely come with Android 4.2, but there are some clues in the code that seem to suggest so. If multiple user accounts don’t come with Android 4.2, we can at least be sure that it is in the works. There are some extra code strings that suggest there are additional features in the settings. One would be allowed to manage accounts (create, delete-modify, etc.) and each account would be labeled with a user name and photo. The code also displays signs of parental control settings, which would be able to be edited to accomodate each account and its user. There is no proof, but we can speculate that there will be some form of log-in system that can be accessed via the screen lock. It would be especially nifty if Google could incorporate Face Unlock to the log-in interface. Users could then simply log into their own accounts more easily, without the need of passwords or patterns. Android users have been praying and begging for multiple user accounts for a while now. Especially since tablets started becoming more popular as a family unit. It might be a bit complicated, but we can hope this feature is well-implemented when/if it is released. Ideally, it should be able to save different passwords for social networks, e-mail and other apps. Preferably different Google accounts, as well. Much like a computer. Another smaller, but still important improvement was also discovered. It seems the Gallery design is undergoing a major redesign, along with the gallery and camera icons. The design seems to take some cues from Google+, so it is a bit different from what we are used to since ICS. Generally, it looks great. It does seem a bit wonky in some areas, like the album section, but this is probably not final software. We will just have to wait until the 29th and see! Are you guys ready for a new Nexus and Android version? We are, so stay tuned. [Via: Android Police]

Nexus 7 starts bringing its game on with a 32 GB version Posted: 20 Oct 2012 03:00 PM PDT By now it is no secret that Google wants to release a 32 GB Nexus 7. We have seen more than enough proof, but things start getting interesting when we see the device being sold at some Staples stores. Yes, this is before any announcement, making it a mistake by the Staples representatives. Regardless, both The Verge and our friends from Droid-Life have gotten pictures of receipts from customers who have managed to purchase a 32 GB Nexus 7 from Staples. According to the evidence, the 32 GB Nexus tablet will be sold for the same price of the current 16 GB model – $250. The main concern by now is what will happen with the current Nexus 7 versions. We have heard that the 16 GB version will be discontinued, but that would create a huge gap between the remaining 8 GB and 32 GB models. It makes more sense to follow the latest rumors, which state that the 8 GB Nexus 7 will be the discontinued device and the 16 GB model will see a price drop to $200. We can definitely expect to see more information about the new prices and models come October 29 at Google’s New York event. But putting all details and prices aside for a while, one can’t help but get excited about a Nexus 7 with more internal storage. This tablet has been advertised as a great mobile gaming machine; it has all the specs to be one, and games run smooth as silk, but it lacks one thing. A major one, at that – internal storage is just not enough for the device to hold more than a few HD games, especially for owners of the 8 GB version. To make it more complicated, the 7-inch affordable tablet does not feature a microSD slot. Needless to say hard-core Android gamers have been gravitating towards other tablets with more storage capacity and external memory options. With this move, Google breaks down its only wall and provides a much more reasonable option for gamers, all while keeping the price more than accessible. I haven’t purchased a Nexus 7 for this reason alone. I am a huge fan of streaming and cloud services, and use them every day, but that simply doesn’t work for gaming. Us gamers need that space to… store our games. I know I am signing up for the 32 GB version as soon as possible. Hell, I am going to give my local Staples a try later tonight and see if they bite – how about you? Images Via: The Verge, Droid-Life]

LG QSlide vs. Samsung Pop-up Play Posted: 20 Oct 2012 02:14 PM PDT One of Samsung’s most exciting features lately has been Pop-up Play. It allows Galaxy S3 users to watch a video while using other apps, providing a much fuller multi-tasking experience. One can move and resize the pop-up video around the screen. To sum it up, it works great and is very convenient. Now we have LG’s new QSlide feature, though. It is a direct competitor, as it accomplishes the same but in a very different way. Instead of displaying a hovering video, it creates a form of layer above the whole screen. One can change the transparency of the video to be able to see the background more (or less) clearly while multitasking. Both QSlide and Pop-up Play are good in their own ways, but we must all have a favorite, right? LG QSlide QSlide comes with the brand new LG Optimus G, one of the most talked-about devices during the second half of 2012. Part of this is because it is a great device on its own merits, but it is also rumored that a variant of the Optimus G will be the upcoming Nexus. We love Nexus phones, but sometimes manufacturer UIs can bring features that are very helpful. QSlide is a great example of this; it allows you to watch a video while using other apps. This is accomplished by creating a layer over the screen, which displays the video. One can then change the transparency of the video at will. Of course, the feature has its defects. One can only use this feature with videos that are locally stored in the device. The Youtube app videos won’t work with it; nor will Netflix or any other videos, for that matter. The video has to be downloaded and played with the stock video player. LG does have another little feature that might be helpful, though. QuickMemo (which you can see in our hands-on video) allows you to accomplish the same, but with writing instead. You can check it out in my hands-on video below. Samsung Pop-up Play Pop-up Play was one of the main highlights of the Samsung Galaxy S3′s features. It keeps making appearances at Galaxy S3 commercials and has been very fun to use for all those lucky Galaxy S3 users. The feature is simple, press the Pop-up Play button while watching a video and it will start playing it in a little square that hovers over the rest of the user interface. The floating video can then be resized by using pinch-to-zoom and it can be moved by simply dragging it across the screen. Just like its competitor, the Samsung Galaxy S3 feature is very limited to the video apps it can use. Picture-in-picture should be much more flexible by now, and this is something both devices lack. It may not be their fault, though, as Google and other developers would probably have to do something to their apps to be able to work with Pop-up Play or QSlide. Verdict: The Third Contender If I had to choose between the two, I would say LG’s QSlide function is better. This is a very subjective topic, though, so your opinion may differ. I like QSlide because I feel like it is less obtrusive. Samsung’s Pop-up video usually gets in the way of doing other things, and I find myself moving it around and resizing it much more than I would prefer to. After using QSlide for a while, I have grown to love the fact I can just make the video more transparent and go about doing my regular duties. If something cool is happening, I simply make the video less transparent and check it out for a while. With that said, I would choose an LG Optimus G over the Samsung Galaxy S3 if my opinion was solely based on these features. But if I had the option to choose any multitasking feature, I would definitely go with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2′s split screen view. The Galaxy Note 2 can divide the screen in half and allow you to use multiple apps at once. It is also supported by more apps, so you don’t even have to get video involved. You could be browsing the internet and sending a text message; or reading your messages and sending an e-mail. It is simply much more flexible and convenient as a multi-tasking tool. [Video Via: Engadget]

Will ISIS bring Google Wallet down? [Poll] Posted: 20 Oct 2012 12:34 PM PDT Google Wallet has been one of the most promising contributions from Google. It may not be as exciting as a hot new Nexus device or a new Android version, but it promises to change out lives and the way consumers… consume. The idea of replacing physical wallets, money and cards with a smartphone seems to fit perfectly with the way mobile technology is moving. The few of us that have adopted it are loving it, and Google has great plans for the future, but Google has seen a imminent threat rising all along. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have been working together on an NFC mobile payment solution known as ISIS. This would not be an issue if carriers and ISIS had a more open mentality about competition, but carriers have been blocking Google’s service. Sprint and AT&T have been a bit more flexible, but other carriers have forced users to opt for workarounds to be able to use Google Wallet. Especially Verizon, which claims Google Wallet brings security concerns. Hands-on with Google Wallet ISIS Commercial This, along with the fact that NFC is still slowly being adopted by manufacturers and users, has been slowing down Google Wallet adoption. But Google is still going full-speed ahead on the project. Osama Bedier, VP of Wallet and Payments at Google, has recently addressed the issue at a conference. He briefly addresses that NFC payments is still much better for the future, compared to Apple’s brand new Passbook. Bedier goes on to mention that Google plans to become more ubiquitous in the mobile payment market, and such could be accomplished in 3-5 years. The only problem is carriers, who have been giving Google a hard time. In general, we will work with the carriers on multiple fronts. We haven't yet seen eye-to-eye on a mobile wallet solution. We would like to see a more open model. -Osama Bedier As Android enthusiasts, nothing would make us happier than to see Google Wallet succeed. The service has gone a long way since its launch. It now supports all 4 major credit cards, whereas before one could only use Citi Mastercard or Google’s prepaid cards. Security breaches have been addressed quickly and with caution. NFC has started to become a standard for new Android devices. I say we are ready to make some changes, Google. The service has evolved enough to warrant its success, the only thing stopping it is adoption and carriers. ISIS is launching in a couple test markets this month, so what can we do to pull Google Wallet out of its hole before it’s too late? Carriers have a clear advantage. They control the American smartphone market and can add ISIS as “bloatware” and make it the official way to do NFC payments (at least in the general consumer’s mind). But Google also controls Android – the #1 mobile operating system in the world. The Search Giant could become a little more aggressive; maybe take carriers out of the equation and just make Google Wallet available as a system app? Or have it authorize payments via its own system, instead of the carriers’? Past rumors have stated Google may be considering the idea of sharing revenue with carriers, which could entice them to support Wallet. Honestly, though, these carriers could probably make more by having more people using ISIS. And the idea of challenging carriers by dropping the “F bomb” and just making Google Wallet available for everyone may be risky, regardless of how popular and profitable for carriers Android is. Personally, I see Google in big trouble after ISIS goes full speed ahead. I highly doubt carriers will change their minds; they would somehow need to be forced to accept Google Wallet as an option for customers. It is indeed sad to see carriers compete unfairly, but like we have said before… the mobile market is controlled by carriers, in the US. Whatever move Google decides to make first, it has to be made soon. I fear Google Wallet will never become ubiquitous, otherwise, and ISIS will. But what do you guys say, do you think ISIS will mop the floor with Google Wallet or am I just worrying too much? [Via: The Verge]

You are subscribed to email updates from Android Phone Fans To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610