Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Android Authority

Android Authority


Motorola pushes out new software update for Photon Q 4G LTE

Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:22 AM PST

Jelly, is that you? Sorry, the latest update heading to Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE on Sprint isn't the bump up to Android 4.1 that you may have expected. But let's not pass up the opportunity to make the slider handset runs better. What's new then?

According to the changelog, software update version 77.8.10.XT897 for the Photon Q 4G LTE will bring the following enhancements:

  • Text Messaging – Improved text messaging usage and upgradability through Sprint Zone
  • WiFi Hotspot – Improved hotspot security, select the number of connected users
  • Email – Improved email sending functionality, manually send or auto-sync emails from outbox
  • International texting – Seamless international text messaging
  • Youtube app – Faster launch and playback
  • Chrome for Android – Better browsing functionality

The update isn't that big and is only about 50 MB in file size.  You should be getting a notification on your Photon Q 4G LTE to download and install the file. If not, you can check manually on the phone's "System updates" menu.

As for Android 4.1, Motorola hasn't provided a timeline on when the QWERTY phone will be upgraded to the latest OS.

Speaking of this non-Jelly Bean update, have you received the update notification yet on your phone?


Deal alert: RadioShack has the 32 GB Nexus 7 available for $229 for limited time only

Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:14 AM PST

The (virtual) ink might have barely dried out on Google's announcement of a 32 GB Nexus 7, but you can already get the refreshed tab for $20 less than its initial price.

If you've therefore still not jumped on the Nexus 7 bandwagon, you no longer have an excuse to keep avoiding one of the world's cheapest Android-based tablets. To take advantage of the deal and get your own 32 GB 7-incher for just $229, you'll have to visit RadioShack's online store.

You'll first still see the tab available for $249, but if you add it to the cart, proceed to checkout and apply the "RMN20" promotional code, you'll get the 20 bucks off. This is a limited time only deal, but we don't know exactly when it'll end, so you'd better hurry and get it while it's hot.

You can also use the discount code for other RadioShack orders of more than $125, but certain conditions and restrictions apply. Brick and mortar stores are for example excluded from the promotion, while a bunch of online available products will also deny you the discount, including refurbished devices, certain computers, tablets, netbooks, mobile phones and gaming hardware.

Unfortunately, the 16 GB Nexus 7 is not up for grabs from RadioShack, so you can't take advantage of the promotional code to get that bad boy's price down to $179.

As for the 32 GB model, that should leave the retailer's warehouse in one or two days if you order it now, so you'll have it on your hands in no time. RadioShack is also throwing in free shipping and handling, so you really have nothing to object to this deal. Especially with the official Android 4.2 upgrade looming and the rest of the tech specs still being as solid as one would expect from such a dirt-cheap gadget.

Any takers? Or would you rather wait for the 32 GB Nexus 7 with 3G connectivity? Don’t forget, that will set you back 300 bucks…

Related Posts

Sony aims to ship 50 million smartphones in 2013, 40% to be built by someone else

Posted: 07 Nov 2012 02:17 AM PST

Sony is on track to ship 35 million smartphones this year; that’s 8.75 million per quarter. Last week the company’s Q3 2012 financial results showed 8.8 million smartphones were sold, so it looks like everything is going to plan. But what about next year? According to sources who have spoken to DigiTimes, Sony wants to bump up their smartphone shipments to 50 million in 2013; that’s 12.5 million per quarter. The report goes on to say that as many as 40% of those phones may be outsourced to companies like Foxconn, Arima, and Compal. Now this isn’t anything new. Many of Sony’s low end Android devices are made by Foxconn, and Arima is expected to ship their first Sony smartphones by the end of the year.

Should companies be in charge of making their own devices? Put yourself in the shoes of a company. You buy many of your components from Taiwan, right? Are you really going to want to ship those components to a foreign country just to assemble them? No, you’re not. That and where exactly is one supposed to find the man power to build that many phones? China already has the infrastructure that enables companies to instantly start producing a product. It’s pointless to recreate that somewhere else just so you can say that you own a factory.

Back to Sony, are they going to come out with any interesting phones next year? Rumor has it that they’re working on a 5 inch 1080p superphone, but then again so is everyone else, most notably HTC. Sony’s got some awesome designs, and they’ve proven that they care about software updates, but nothing they do really stands out. We’re really sad to say that, but that doesn’t diminish our optimism for the company’s future. Now that Sony is under Sony proper instead of being a joint venture with Ericsson, things can only get better.

Related Posts

Will it blend, 7-inch tablet edition: iPad mini vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HD

Posted: 07 Nov 2012 01:53 AM PST

Ever since Apple unveiled the company's first "affordable" tablet, the iPad mini, all everyone could think about is if it will blend or not.

After all, who cared if the 7.9-incher held its own better than the Nexus 7 in our already traditional drop test? Or if its screen was going to be brighter and more capable than those of Google's and Amazon's new 7-inchers?

All that is irrelevant and of far less importance than a gadget's blending abilities. I mean, how many times in your tab's life will you actually need that extra sturdiness or the display's higher contrast? Very rarely, right?

And how vital it'll be to know that if you load up your $500 Blendtec blender with your iPad mini and power it up, the tab will turn into a nice pile of dust in no time? Extremely!

Fortunately, the excruciating wait is finally over, and it's time to let Tom Dickson, our favorite demolition man, take over and provide the oh-so-needed answers. Will the iPad mini, Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD blend? Tune in to the clip below and find out.

Warning: This is not a video for those of feeble spirit or faint-hearted! Not only will the three tabs be pulverized (oops, spoiler alert), but they'll also be slammed and broken in half. Don't worry though, because everything happens for the higher purpose of science.

Just kidding. Everything doesn't happen for a reason, and these three gadgets are pointlessly and senselessly destroyed. Still, can you deny yourselves the guilty pleasure of watching?

Related Posts

Lost Apple orders force Samsung to question building another fab

Posted: 07 Nov 2012 01:29 AM PST

Samsung makes many of the components that are required to build smartphones, tablets, and computers. Apple buys a lot of those components. Take the recently launched iPad mini for example: Can you guess who’s responsible for the screen and the A5 processor? Now the thing is, Apple hates Samsung. For good reason too. Because Apple orders parts from Samsung, Samsung knows what Apple is going to build in the future. And because Samsung has a rough idea of what Apple is working on, they can rapidly release products that compete with Apple’s portfolio.

According to DigiTimes, who has a track record that’s 50/50, meaning they’re hard to take seriously, but they’re also impossible to ignore, they say Samsung is going to delay building a new fab due to Apple. Because Apple hates Samsung guts, they’re shopping around, looking to get components from various other companies. Rumor has it that this year we’re going to see the first iOS devices ship that use processors made by TSMC instead of Samsung. This fab that Samsung is delaying, it was supposed to start volume production in 2014. It was going to pump out 20 nanometer and 14 nanometer processors.

So what’s going to happen now? We’re not really sure. Samsung had some issues meeting demand for the Galaxy S3 when it launched back in May/June. We don’t have any official confirmation about which component was responsible for causing those supply constraints, but we doubt it was the processor.

At the end of the day, Apple deciding to do less business with Samsung means Samsung can use more of their components to increase phone production. That’s the key take away here. Samsung is absolutely dominating the mobile phone market, and we don’t think that losing Apple orders will impact their future. What might hurt Samsung? Google deciding to stab them in the back, but we don’t see that happening.

Related Posts

iPhone users consume more data than Android users, but there are exceptions

Posted: 07 Nov 2012 12:51 AM PST

According to new data published by FierceWireless and the NPD Group, it looks like iPhone owners use more data than their Android counterparts. How was this data collected? NPD’s SmartMeter app was installed on roughly 1,000 smartphones. They’ve been collecting data from Android users since April 2012, but last month they started gathering data from around 100 iPhone owners. Translation: Their sample size for iPhone users is decent, but still one tenth that of Android users.

Here’s what the data shows: On Verizon, America’s largest operator, an average Android user consumed 0.57 GB of data in September. An average owner of an iPhone however, they consumed 1.58 GB. Moving on to AT&T, the operator who has been selling the iPhone the longest, their average Android user used 0.89 GB of data in September, whereas an average iPhone owner used 1.35 GB of data.

So why are there such huge differences? We want to say that it’s because Android smartphones are often purchased by people looking to upgrade their dumbphones, and that such people, the mainstream, typically don’t use all the features of their device, but the data support that conclusion. Apple’s iPhone holds a roughly 50% market share in the United States, making it anything but a niche device.

Maybe it’s because iPhone owners sign up for more expensive data plans knowing full well that they’re going to use up all the data they paid for?

Again, we don’t know really have a concrete explanation for these numbers. What we do know however is that the data gathering could and should be improved. If the iPhone represents 50% of the American smartphone market, it’s disingenuous that just 10% of the sampled audience uses an iPhone.

Oh and as for the one exception to the rule, it’s T-Mobile customers. Since T-Mobile is only now starting to support the iPhone’s 3G radios, it shouldn’t be a surprise that during September an average iPhone owner used only 0.19 GB of data. That’s nothing compared to 1.09 GB on average for an Android user.

Related Posts

T-Mobile Nexus 7 release date and pricing spotted in leaked documents

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:10 PM PST

Last week, Google unveiled new Nexus devices including a mild Nexus 7 refresh. The company retired the 8GB model and introduced two 32GB versions, a Wi-Fi-only tablet and a Nexus 7 3G.

While the Nexus 7 will be available for purchase from the Google Play Store in various countries and from several electronics retailers, some carriers will also be interested in offering the 3G model to their subscribers.

One such mobile operator is T-Mobile, which is also selling the Nexus 4. In fact, we have a new leak to show you today, an internal T-Mobile document that reveals the pricing details and release date for the T-Mobile Nexus 7. And there aren't any surprises there, the HSPA+ tablet will be launched on November 13 and it will cost $299.99. That’s the full retail price for the device, so don’t expect any subsidies for an already affordable device.

To get it, you'll have to submit your order through the Google Play Store, as the device won't be listed apparently in T-Mobile's online store, and from the looks of it, it won't be available in actual T-Mobile stores for purchase either, at least for the time being.

Anyone buying the 3G version of the T-Mobile Nexus 7?

Related Posts

Kmart offering $40 Android tablet on Black Friday 2012

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 03:41 PM PST

Black Friday 2012 is almost upon us, and it appears that Kmart is once again luring consumers with dirt cheap Android products. Among the offerings is a 7-inch ICS tablet for a mere $40, and a 4.3-inch ICS based personal media player for $49. It's important to note that these are budget devices from relatively unknown manufacturers, but it's hard to ignore an Android 4.0 tablet for $40. Did I mention it actually has a 1.2GHz processor?

If you're looking for a Galaxy Tab or Asus Transformer, I'm afraid you'll have to shop elsewhere, as these Black Friday tablets aren’t exactly household names. Check the full list of Android based devices for sale:

  • Samsung Galaxy Discover on Net10 (No Contract Required): $89.99
  • 4Sight 9-inch tablet 1.1GHz (Android 4.0): $89.99
  • X-treme Tab 7-inch tablet 1.2GHz (Android 4.0) : $39.99
  • Mach Speed Trio 4.3-inch PMP (Android 4.0): $49.99
  • Maylong 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet with keyboard case: $99.99

These budget gadgets from Chinese manufactures don't exactly have the best track record. However, if you want an Android device on Black Friday and want to save some serious cash, Kmart has you covered. Make sure you show up early, as each store will have a minimum of 6 in stock.

Related Posts

Half-priced Angry Birds games available from Amazon before Star Wars version launch

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 03:36 PM PST

With Black Friday knocking on the door, heavy discounts are just the right flavor of the season.

Amazon seems to be as excited as all of us are about the new Angry Birds Star Wars game releasing on Thursday, as the company dropped the prices for some of the most popular Angry Birds titles available on its digital content store.

These games are up for grabs on the Amazon Appstore at a whopping 50% discount starting today and lasting through 11:59 p.m. PT on Nov. 7. Angry Birds Space HDAngry Birds Rio HD and the original Angry Birds HD can be purchased for $1.49 each. This seems to be a very good deal when looking at their original price of  $2.99. So what are you waiting for? Act fast and order your Angry Birds title today!

In case you are already bored with these games, then you will have to be patient for few more days to purchase the Angry Birds Star Wars which debuts on November 8.

Related Posts

Another HTC Droid DNA image render surfaces

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 02:36 PM PST

HTC Droid DNA

There certainly is no shortage of information when it comes to leaks and rumors surrounding the HTC Droid DNA. Today alone we have seen the leak of a new Verizon marketing image that shows off the upcoming HTC phablet, and shortly after we learned that Verizon and HTC were holding a press event in New York City on November 13th. Now one of the most detailed renders of the HTC Droid DNA has also been leaked.

Like the earlier somewhat blurry press shot leak for the HTC Droid DNA, this leak is courtesy of the famous Twitter user, evleaks. If the rumors prove true, the official unveiling of the 1080p phablet will occur at this special press event with a release coming sometime in early-to-mid December.

Are you excited to get your hands on the HTC Droid DNA or will you pass?

Related Posts

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Apple goes after Jelly Bean, Galaxy Nexus, Note 10.1, and more in latest patent suit

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:45 PM PST

This image has no alt text

Last week we told you guys about Samsung adding the iPhone 5 to their countersuit claims against Apple and during a hearing with U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal today, it seems Apple is following suit… and then some. Look out, folks. This could get ugly.

As reported by Bloomberg, the judge was presented with Apple’s argument on why 17 devices (including the Galaxy Note 10.1) should be added to the their second patent infringement case against Samsung. Apple’s problem with these devices? They’re all compatible with a stylus (even though they don’t all ship with one).

The Galaxy Nexus, however, is a different story. Apple was clear that the Galaxy Nexus should also be added to the suit simply because it’s running “the Jelly Bean operating system.” Nothing more. Nothing less. If you think that sounds like a slippery slope, leaving Apple to add more Jelly Bean devices to their suit, Samsung felt the same way and argued that point to the judge. Apple however, promised it would only target the Galaxy Nexus and that no further J-Bean devices would be added into the mix. They pinky swore so, you gotta believe them.

Samsung also tried to ague that Apple waited too long to include the Galaxy Nexus in their latest claim, with Apple maintaining they were only waiting for all carrier variants of the Nexus to receive Jelly Bean. Something that took longer than expected thanks to Sprint and Verizon slower update process.

You may remember Apple’s first attempts at going after the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 didn’t end too well for them. The tablet was one of few devices cleared from infringing on Apple’s design patents. It seems like the Galaxy Note 10.1 will share the same fate as it’s largely the same device, only with a handy built in stylus. But, Apple has something else in store for the stylus wielding tablet. Exactly what, we can’t be sure. What we do know is by going after Jelly Bean, it’s finally clear to the whole world that Apple’s real problem is, and always has been, with Google and their mobile OS.

Today’s hearing took place in the same federal court in San Jose where Apple won their first patent case against Samsung back in August. One that left Samsung with $1.4 billion in damages. As the internet well knows, you should never feed a troll and the same goes for patent trolls. It only makes them stronger.

Judge Grewal wasn’t quick to issue a ruling just yet, scheduling the trial for a 2014 date. Apparently, he wanted to deny both sides their requests but knew it would only cause a new round of lawsuits to spring forth. Sounds like he knows Apple’s reputation all too well.


Google Glass makes TIME magazine’s best inventions of 2012 (but not mine)

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 03:21 PM PST

This image has no alt text

For those that missed it, TIME magazine recently unveiled their picks for the best inventions of 2012. The list was filled with the usual assortment of techfoolery, ranging from makerbots, to home HIV tests, to even the Mars Curiosity Rover. Pretty big stuff, I know.

Google Glass

One such invention hitting the higher $600 – $3,000 tier was Google’s very own Google Glass. While I understand that not everything that made the list is actually “consumer” ready technology, I found it interesting that aside from a few Googlers and a fancy concept video — no one outside of Google has really even used Google Glass (well, aside from Gavin Newsom and Diane von Furstenberg). There have been a few pictures posted from the device on Google+, but a head-mounted camera unit is far from “invention of the year” material, and really, only a small portion of what Google Glass is supposed to bring.

All About Augmented Reality

Remember, it’s Google Glass’ ability to shape our world through the use of augmented reality that’s the real draw. Maps, contacts, games, emails — all of that information superimposed in the real world around you via a voice-controlled HUD. This is the stuff that Android dreams are made of. This is what Google Glass truly is. Let’s just hope Google (and the rest of us) don’t lose sight of that.

Glass Falls Short

Before you get the wrong idea, I’m not hating on Glass. I honestly believe it will be another truly wonderful innovation from Google and one that could change the way we interact with the world. And that sorta stuff doesn’t happen all the time. Still, as of right now, from what we’ve seen of Google Glass — it’s nothing more than a chastity camera strapped to your head. Hardly “best invention” material. Not yet anyway. My pick for best Google invention of 2012? The self-driving Google car. By a long shot.

The Promise of More

Google Glass should be ready for primetime in 2014, and we at Phandroid are more than excited to get our hands on it. So excited, that we actually signed up for 3 pairs of the $1,500 Google Glass at Google I/O developers conference earlier this year (the one where Sergery Brinn demoed Glass by jumping out of an airplane). Personally, I have reasonably high hopes for the platform, and it’s something I absolutely can’t wait to get my eyes on. I just want to see the damn interface already.

[TIME]


HTC DROID DNA press render surfaces

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 02:29 PM PST

Just a short time after Verizon and HTC announce a joint event collaboration in New York City a week from today, it seems we are finally getting a look at what should be the final press render for the device. What you’re looking at is said to be a 5 inch 1080p display, and beneath its shell is a 1.5GHz S4 Pro, a possible 13 megapixel camera (it’s supposed to take after the HTC J Butterfly, but it could have been modified by Verizon) and more.

Verizon is said to be launching this either late November or early December, and with that time frame we’d put a two week stamp from Black Friday on our calendars. Nothing’s certain on the pricing and availability front, though, and we’ll have to wait for the November 13th event for more details from Verizon.

The render itself shows more Verizon red accenting, particularly in the area of the earpiece grill you see at the top. You can also vaguely see red on the power button and volume rocker. Speaking of the power button, it looks to be centered on top of the device. That’s a practice not typically seen by HTC — its power buttons tend to be offset to the right.

We imagine none of that is all too important, though, because if the positioning of the power button deters you from buying a phone then you likely weren’t going to buy it in the first place. But there it is in all its glory, and we’ll have an even closer look once we trek out to New York City the morning of November 13th (which also happens to be the same day that the smorgasbord of new Nexus devices will arrive).

[via @evleaks]


HTC, Verizon sending out invites for November 13th event in NYC

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:14 AM PST

An invite just hit our mailbox for a November 13th event co-hosted by HTC and Verizon, which implores us to come check out the duo’s “latest collaboration.” While little is revealed, given a lack of much on the radar from HTC over the next few months we are led to believe we will see the unveiling of the long-rumored Droid DNA (AKA the Droid DLX).

The HTC Droid DNA is expected be Verizon’s equivalent of the recently announced J Butterfly for Japan, a 5-inch device to rival the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2. Specs are rumored to include a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 13MP camera. The handset recently made an appearance at the FCC, suggesting a release is timed for the holiday season.

Whatever it is that HTC and Verizon plan to show off in Manhattan on the 13th, we’ll be there covering it all live. Those looking forward to what should be the best HTC device we have seen on Verizon in some time name should circle the date on their calendars now.

 


Election Day: Obama or Romney?

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:56 AM PST

Everyone seems to have their opinion on election day topics, namely Obama or Romney in 2012, but it isn’t as often we see tech-focused websites weighing in. But over the last few days, that’s exactly what we’ve seen from some of our favorite online publications.

Take PandoDaily for example, whose Farhad Manjoo recently published an article titled “If you care about the tech industry, vote for Obama.” Candidate aside, the title seems a bit inflammatory, suggesting if you don’t agree with the author’s political views you’ll be to blame for the downfall of our beloved gadgetry and the software we adore. In many ways, it mirrors the counter-productive public discourse of elections past, where it became “Un-American” to support one idea or candidate versus another.

Then there’s the more objective approach taken by The Verge, who offer a comprehensive comparison of all 4 candidates (yes, 4) on all issues tech. The piece is by T.C. Stottek and definitely worth reading.

Then there is my opinion: I’m staying out of it. Our readers love Android, but what place do we have in using Phandroid as a soapbox to voice our political opinions? I hope everyone takes the time to visit their local polling facility and vote, but in terms of opinions, we’ll stick to suggesting apps, reviewing phones, providing some cool ideas, and adamantly complaining about the patent wars.

That being said, last month we published an app called Vote 2012. The app is part of VoteBot.com, which in the coming weeks and months will transform into a more full featured and robust voting app/site covering a wide variety of topics. For now (you can still download and vote) you’re offered three options: Obama, Romney, or other. The app offers an (incredibly) unscientific attempt to see how Android fans would steer the election. Again, I’m keeping opinions out of it, but thought it would be fun to report some of the results thus far. Rather than update you again on Phandroid, check VoteBot.com tomorrow (and in the days/weeks to come) for updates.

First of all, as it currently stands, Barack Obama would be our President for the next 4 years if the Vote 2012 popular vote was the deciding factor.

It’s interesting to note that immediately following the app’s launch, Mitt Romney was the leading candidate according to Vote 2012. The following two debates triggered a shift in Obama’s favor and that shift hasn’t since tilted towards Romney. That being said, we’re keeping our polls open until 10pm so anything could happen.

Above it’s visualized by the percentage change over time, but if you’d also like to see the consistency by number of votes cast each day, we’ve got that below:

Of course the actual election isn’t determined by popular vote but by the Electoral College. From much of the discussion I’ve heard, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia look to be 3 key states in ultimately determining the victor. Unfortunately, a very limited number of Vote 2012′s entire votership chose to anonymously offer demographic info, so the following state-by-state comparisons have quite a small sample size. But hey- this is simply a fun and unscientific exercise in the first place.

Florida Polls

Ohio Polls

Virginia Polls

So it seems barring any last day Romney surge, according to the unscientific “Vote 2012″ app, Android fans would decisively elect Obama as their next President. Romney is  however the favorite or tied for the favorite in 16 out of 50 states and many of the states have a narrow gap. Meanwhile, other unscientific poll outcomes are picking Romney, for example the oh-so-accurate Washington Redskins Rule picked Romney to win this election.

It’s kind of funny to speak about politics and sports in the same breath. In both cases, it seems that most spectators are unable to separate the “who do you want to win?” from the “who do you think will win?” In the case of Obama vs. Romney, many scientific polls are calling it too close to call. But just as with the presidential debates, adamant supporters of each side felt their guy won the matchup handily. While the debates and Facebook statuses are relegated to opinion, tonight will see an actual outcome.

So who do you WANT to win? Who do you THINK will win? Are they one and the same?

Download Vote 2012 for the last chance to voice your opinion and see what others are saying at VoteBot.com! And please, for the sake of my outlook on humanity, keep things respectful and civil!


Google Wallet support page tips physical card

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:19 AM PST

Google Wallet has been a very solid service for digital-based transactions using your phones, but the sad reality is that the idea of mobile payments is still too young in its infancy for it to be useful for many people.

We were surprised to learn Google might be bringing a physical card out for those who’d want to use their Google Wallet balance without abandoning the age old plastic, and now even more evidence is mounting that suggests Google is going this route.

References to “Google Wallet card” were apparently made on the company’s own support site. The document, which has since been updated, didn’t reveal much other than that phrase, but it does confirm Google’s looking to bring such an element out.

This also gives us a clearer idea on possible timing — slip-ups on support sites tend to mean we’re getting close to a launch. Google’s probably trying to get this plastic card out before the big late November push that many retailers are gearing up for.

Aside from the fact that it’ll be for use with all Google Wallet-compatible devices with Android 2.3.3 or higher, there’s no other information to be had here. We don’t even get a small, blurry and annoyingly teasing picture of the thing just yet, but you can bet we’ll be looking for one over the coming weeks.

[via Engadget]


Ice Cream Sandwich headed to Sprint’s LG Viper

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:09 AM PST

The Ice Cream Sandwich update for Sprint’s LG Viper 4G LTE has commenced with users now receiving a notification to expect the new software to arrive within the next two weeks. The Android 4.0 build is tagged as version ZVI and includes such enhancements as Ice Cream Sandwich’s updated user interface, new lock screen with Face Unlock, an improved camera, and more.

Viper owners can expect the update to be downloaded automatically when its ready. If you have already received the new software, let us know what you think!


Amazon Prime now available for monthly installments of $8

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 07:36 AM PST

Amazon Prime is a very important service to many people. For some, the shipping benefits alone more than pays for the entirety of the membership. Throw in things like Amazon Instant Video and the book rentals and you’re looking at a lot of savings for cheap. The only problem with Amazon Prime up to this point was its pricing structure — $79 per year, outright.

I did the math a long time ago, and for Netflix’s cheapest streaming video option you’d be paying about $17 more per year, and you don’t get anything but streaming video from a (currently) very lacking library. But the problem is that you don’t have to pay for a year’s worth of Netflix outright, and for many people to see $7.99 instead of $79 on that checkout screen is a huge difference.

Well, Amazon’s figured this out and it has decided to introduce a new payment structure for those who would prefer to pay for the benefits of Amazon Prime monthly. You’ll be paying that same $7.99  that the cheapest Netflix streaming plan costs, which means you’ll be paying more for Prime than those who bought it outright. But considering you get instant video, $4 overnight shipping, free two-day shipping on all Prime-eligible merchandise, book rentals and more I’d say the value works itself out.

This service is no doubt very important for those who have an Amazon Kindle Fire as that device is all about media consumption, and Amazon has a fine ecosystem for that. I implore you to save yourself $17 over the course of the annual cost if you can, but if you need monthly installments or just don’t anticipate needing Amazon Prime for long then this is a great option to consider. Head to Amazon.com to get started.


Android 4.2 GAPPs package now available for download

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 06:56 AM PST

While Android 4.2 didn’t get the grand unveiling many thought it deserved, we were no less excited for its arrival. It’s bringing a lot of great new features like Photo Sphere and some updated system apps — ie Gmail, Calendar and the like.

The first crop of users getting to play around with Android 4.2 itself will be those who opt for the latest Nexus devices, but for those of us on the Galaxy Nexus who might not get it right away you can still experience much of what it has to offer.

AndroidSpin has gotten its hands on a GAPPs package that’ll give Galaxy Nexus users the updated versions of Gmail, Maps, Talk, Calendar, Clock, Photo Sphere, the latest keyboard, and more. It’s presented as a flashable .zip file just as any GAPPs package is, and that can be flashed through your recovery of choice as if you were flashing a ROM. The only thing to note is that Google Wallet comes as a separate APK so be sure to grab that one and sideload it if that’s all you’re interested in.

Links to both downloads will be at the source below, and they’re hosted by Dev-Host so there’s not much trickery to be had. Be sure to let us know if things go OK, and have fun getting a taste of Android 4.2 before Google delivers it starting November 13th.

[Dev-Host 1, 2 via Android Spin]


Gingerbread most at-risk version of Android, Jelly Bean strives to be safest

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 06:49 AM PST

According to research conducted by the security firm Kaspersky, Android 2.3 is the version of Google’s mobile operating system most targeted by malicious software. Versions of the Gingerbread software accounted for over 50 percent of blocked malware attempts in Q3 of 2012, with Android 2.3.6  totaling 28 percent alone. The number correlates directly with the prevalence of Gingerbread on Android handsets, where it still makes up a majority of the operating system’s install base.

Overall, malware attacks were down from about 15,000 recorded attacks in Q2 to 9,100 in Q3, but those looking to exploit Android users haven’t given up. Ice Cream Sandwich users experienced the second most number of malicious attacks, accounting for about 38 percent despite an overall platform share that registered at 23.7 percent during an October report from Google.

Android has taken flack for poor security standards since its early days, but Google is looking to change that with the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean release. As part of the updated version of the OS the Android Team is baking in new security features to help protect users from apps containing malicious code, an extension of new protections added to the Google Play last month. Users of Android 4.2 can now opt to allow the OS to scan all installed apps for signs of dirty code.

It’s a wonder why Google didn’t implement such a feature earlier, especially back when carriers were blocking app sideloading out of concerns for customer safety. In this case, the effort should go a long way to help reduce Android’s status as the mobile OS most vulnerable to malware attacks.

[via BGR]

 


Android officially celebrates its 5th birthday

Posted: 05 Nov 2012 08:04 PM PST

This image has no alt text

When do you celebrates one’s birthday? In some cultures, it’s starts with conception. Others say it’s when you’re actually delivered and come into the world. That being said, depending on how you celebrate birthdays, today is officially Android’s 5th birthday.

Formed in 2007, the Open Handset Alliance was assembled consisting of heavy weights like Google, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and LG, who all banded together, choosing Android as their platform of choice. Here was their creed:

Each member of the Open Handset Alliance is strongly committed to greater openness in the mobile ecosystem. Increased openness will enable everyone in our industry to innovate more rapidly and respond better to consumers' demands. Our first joint project as a new Alliance is Android™. Android was built from the ground up with the explicit goal to be the first open, complete, and free platform created specifically for mobile devices.

Holy cow, how right they were. We’ve all reaped the benefits of an open ecosystem. Competition has move ahead at blazing (sometimes too fast) speeds, and here we are today with HD displays and quad-core devices in our pocket. Feels good, don’t it?

Android Inc. was originally founded by Andy Rubin — the man who brought you the Sidekick –  and Google snatched him, and Android up, back in 2005.  On November 5th, 2007 — Android was officially announced (although the SDK wasn’t made available until the 12th) and my, how far we’ve come. Here’s a quick ancient YouTube video from the early Android creators introducing their all new mobile platform. (I promised myself I wouldn’t cry).