Sunday, November 18, 2012

Android Authority

Android Authority


Nexus 4 Dot Live Wallpaper Now Free in the Google Play Store

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 11:00 PM PST

Nexus 4
The release of the Nexus 4 can be considered a wild success. So many people ordered it, that it almost immediately went on back order. Not everyone can get the Nexus 4 yet. However, they can still have some of the Nexus 4 goodness.

Google Play Store developer Wasabi has released the hallmark dot live wallpaper from the LG Nexus 4 for everyone. So at least your device can look like a Nexus 4. It’s available for free right now in the Google Play Store.

What devices are compatible with the Nexus 4 live wallpaper?

Any device that can run a live wallpaper should be able to run this one too. The only possible bad part is that there are ads in the settings menu within the app. However, that’s well worth the trouble to check out this awesome live wallpaper.

Is anyone going to be giving it a shot? To download, check out the link above or the source link below.

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Google and Dish Network strike a deal to make their own wireless service

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 10:30 PM PST

Dish Network

Wireless services haven’t always been good to Google. Most devices have Google Wallet blocked. Out of the four major carriers, Sprint is the only one with Google Voice support. Verizon and Sprint Nexus devices had to delay updates from Google for quality assurance. It hasn’t been pretty.

Well all that may be coming to an end. Google and Dish Network have struck a deal to create their own wireless service. According to 9 to 5 Google, Dish Network has been looking to do something with the wireless spectrum they purchased a couple of years ago.

The details are sparse. However, it has at least been confirmed that it’s actually happening. However, 9 to 5 Google reports that development plans have been underway for some time. A potential release for the wireless service could be as early as 2013. Paired with Google’s Google Fiber project, this will give Google a lot more control over ISP service, TV service, and wireless service.

How will Google and Dish Network services be different?

For fans of Google, there will be a number of good changes. As mentioned, Google Wallet won’t be blocked anymore. 9 to 5 Google reports that most of the services will be handled by Google Voice. That means the entire service would be data only, with voice and text services being handled by VoIP services.

How the services and pricing will work is still among the details that are under wraps. However, considering that it’ll be a data only service, the pricing will likely be much more simple than conventional carrier pricing. It could very well be cheaper as well.

So what is everyone’s thoughts on this? Would a nationwide Google and Dish Network service be good competition for the big four in the US? Or will they likely end up like the smaller companies? Let us know what you think.

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Best Black Friday 2012 Android smartphone and tablet deals

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 07:08 PM PST

We're just a few days away from Black Friday 2012 (November 23) and while we have covered the most important Android offers as mentioned in the leaked Black Friday ads originating from the most important retailers out there, we're going to do a major recap just so you know what stores to visit next week in search for sweeter smartphone and tablet deals.

We'll note from the start that not all the hottest Android devices out there are included in this year's Black Friday offer, so you won't be able to buy a discounted Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Galaxy Note 2 or Droid DNA (to name just a few of the most recently launched Android devices,) but there are plenty of deals to take advantage of, including some very cheap Android devices, even if coming from not so well-known brands.

We're going to try to order the devices not by store, but by other criteria in what follows, including device model, maker or product category. You can compare prices instantly, from the cheapest offer to the most expensive deal, and we’re going to highlight the ones that stand out from the crowd.

In case you want to jump to a specific section of this complete Black Friday 2012 Android guide, here are some useful links:

Android Smartphones:

Android Tablets:

Other Android Deals

Android Smartphones

One of the most important smartphone of the year, the Galaxy S3, is part of various Black Friday offers, some more interesting than others. While the Galaxy Note 2 is not included in those leaked ads, there are plenty of other Samsung smartphones that can be purchased for discounted prices, although you should be ready to ink a new two-year contract to take advantage of the special November 23 price for these devices.

Naturally, there are plenty of other smartphone deals, both on-contract and off-contract, which we're going to take a look at in addition to Samsung offers.

But since Samsung has grown to be one of the most important Android handset makers, here's what Samsung smartphone deals you can expect this Black Friday:

Samsung Galaxy S3

  • Sam's Club: 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3 – $0.96 with new two-year contract
  • Walmart: 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3 – $129 with new two-year contract (Walmart also offers a $100 Walmart Gift Card for every Android smartphone purchase with a contract)
  • Best Buy: 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3 – $48.16 with new two-year Sprint contract
  • Best Buy: 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3 – $49.99 with new two-year AT&T contract
  • Sprint: 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3 – $49.99 with new two-year contract
  • Radio Shack: 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3 – $49.99 with new two-year Sprint contract
  • Radio Shack: 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3 – $99.99 with new two-year AT&T contract

Other Samsung Smartphones

  • Sprint: Samsung Galaxy Nexus – $0 with new two-year contract
  • Sprint: Samsung Galaxy Victory – $0 with new two-year contract
  • Radio Shack: Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket – $0 with new two-year AT&T contract
  • Radio Shack: Samsung Galaxy S2 – $0 with new two-year Sprint contract
  • Walmart: Samsung Captivate Glide – $0.97 with AT&T new two-year contract
  • Best Buy: Samsung Galaxy S2 – $1 with new two-year Sprint contract
  • Walmart: Samsung Stratosphere 2 – $49.88 with new Verizon two-year contract
  • Radio Shack: Samsung Galaxy Rush – $69.99 prepaid Boost Mobile offer ($80 in savings)
  • Walmart: Samsung Galaxy S2 – $79.88 with new T-Mobile two-year contract
  • Kmart: Samsung Galaxy Discover – $89.99 prepaid Net10 offer
  • Best Buy: Samsung Galaxy S2 – $299.99 prepaid Boost Mobile offer ($70 in savings)

On-Contract Smartphones

As you can see, there are plenty of Samsung smartphones included in Black Friday 2012 ads, but those aren't the only Android smartphones that you'll be able to buy for less next week. In fact, here's a list of HTC, Motorola and Sony devices you should check out before you make your buying decision:

  • Radio Shack: HTC One X – $0 with new two-year AT&T contract
  • Best Buy: HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE – $0 with new two-year Verizon contract
  • Walmart: HTC One X – $49.88 with AT&T new two-year contract
  • Best Buy: Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx – $0 with new two-year Verizon contract ($149.99 in savings)
  • Walmart: Motorola Photon Q – $89.99 with new T-Mobile two-year contract
  • Walmart: Motorola Droid RAZR M – price to be decided, with new Verizon two-year contract
  • Best Buy: Sony Xperia TL – price to be decided, with new two-year AT&T contract

Off-Contract Smartphones

On-contract smartphones are not everyone's favorite piece of cakes, but luckily there are plenty of off-contract Black Friday deals to check out. Not including the Samsung prepaid handsets mentioned above, we have a variety of other devices to show you, albeit you may not find the high-end model you'd have hoped for in here:

  • Office Max: Virgin Mobile Venture – $19.99 prepaid Virgin Mobile offer ($30 in savings)
  • Walmart: LG Optimus Logic – $39.88 prepaid smartphone ($50 in savings)
  • Walmart: Kyocera Hydro – $39.88 prepaid smartphone ($60 in savings)
  • Best Buy: LG Optimus Elite – $49.99 prepaid Virgin Mobile offer ($80 in savings)
  • Sears: LG smartphone – $49 prepaid Net10 offer
  • Best Buy: ZTE Warp – $64.99 prepaid Boost Mobile offer ($65 in savings)
  • Office Depot: T-Mobile LTE VMB Comcast – $89.99 Prepaid T-Mobile($10 in savings)

Tablets

Pressured by Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet launched late last year, Google stepped into the tablet business this summer with its first tablet ever, the Nexus 7, which quickly become a best seller device. In what follows we’ll take a look at the Android tablets that will get discounted on Black Friday, although don’t be surprised if you won’t find deals on all the devices you expect to see carrying special prices on November 23.

Nexus 7

The Nexus 7 is certainly one of the most popular tablets to date, and there are plenty of retailers ready to offer it on Black Friday. However, not everyone is willing to really drop the price on it. Here's what you can expect for the 16GB and 32GB models – the 32GB Nexus 7 3G is not available in any of the leaked offers:

  • Staples: 16GB Google Nexus 7 – $199.99
  • Office Depot: 32GB Google Nexus 7 Wi-Fi – $229.99 ($20 in savings)
  • Staples: 32GB Google nexus 7 – $249.99
  • Office Max: 32GB Google Nexus 7 – $249.99

Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD

The Nexus 7 main Android rivals are Amazon's 2012 Kindle Fire models, the new Kindle Fire and the Kindle Fire HD, which are available from a variety of retailers. While most of them don't offer discounts, they do include gift cards that can be used towards the purchase of other products.

  • Best Buy: Amazon Kindle Fire – $159.99 bundled with free $30 Best Buy Gift Card
  • Office Depot: Amazon Kindle Fire – $159.99 bundled with $25 Visa Card
  • Staples: Amazon Kindle Fire – $159, bundled with $20 Staples Gift Card
  • Office Max: Amazon Kindle Fire – $159
  • Best Buy: 16GB Amazon Kindle Fire HD – $199.99 free $30 Best Buy Gift Card included
  • Office Max: 16GB Amazon Kindle Fire HD – $199, bundled with $25 Office Max Gift Card
  • Staples: 16GB Amazon Kindle Fire HD – $199, bundled with $20 Staples Gift Card
  • Staples: 32GB Amazon Kindle Fire HD – $249, bundled with $20 Staples Gift Card

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 

The following Samsung Galaxy Tab offers will generally net you around $70 and $100 in savings on the 8GB Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and 16GB Galaxy Tab 10.1, respectively, no matter where you buy your selected models – all are Wi-Fi versions. However, we would point out a special Office Depot deal that lets you bundle a Laptop and a 7-inch Galaxy Tab 2 for $469.98 in the following list.

  • Best Buy: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 – $179.99, bundled with $20 Best Buy Gift Card
  • Sears: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 – $177.99
  • Sam's Club: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 – $179
  • Office Depot: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 – $179.99
  • Office Depot: Samsung Laptop & Tablet Bundle (Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and Samsung Series 3 Laptop) – $469.98 ($230 in savings)
  • Sears: 16GB Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 – $297.99
  • Sam's Club: 16GB Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 – $299
  • Office Max: 16GB Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 – $299.99

Other Well-Known Tablets

It's not just Google, Amazon and Samsung that have some of their products included in this year's Black Friday offers. There are plenty of well-known Android tablet makers such as Asus, Acer, Lenovo and Barnes & Noble that you'll find in various electronics stores next Friday. Here's what you can expect:

  • Walmart: 8GB Barnes & Noble Nook Color Tablet – $99 ($60 in savings)
  • Staples: 8GB Lenovo A2017 – $149.99
  • Office Max: Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet – $179
  • Office Depot: Lenovo IdeaTab A2 – $199.99 ($100 in savings)
  • Best Buy: 16GB Acer Iconia Tab A200 – $249.99 ($100 in savings)
  • Best Buy: 16GB Asus EeePad Transformer TF300T – $279.99 ($100 in savings)
  • Office Depot: 32GB Asus Transformer Pad – $299.99 ($100 in savings)

Very Cheap Tablets

In addition to all the tables mentioned above, some of them which we have thoroughly covered here at Android Authority, there are plenty of unknown Android tablets that are usually available for even less than what the most affordable Google and Amazon tablets cost. And these devices will be even more affordable on Black Friday, with various retailers stocking such models. Here's what you'll find in stores on November 23:

  • Kmart: X-treme Tab 7-inch ICS tablet – $39.99
  • Sears: X-treme Tab 7 ICS tablet – $39.99 ($30 in savings)
  • Walmart: Ematic $49 7-inch tablet – $49
  • Office Max: 4GB AZPEN ICS tablet – $69.99 ($60 in savings)
  • Office Depot: Jazz Ultratab 7 – $69.99 ($60 in savings)
  • Shopko: Coby 7-inch tablet 9 – $79.99 ($50 in savings)
  • Kmart: 4Sight 9-inch ICS tablet 1.1GHz – $89.99
  • Kmart: Maylong 7-inch ICS tablet with keyboard case – $99.99
  • Sears: Maylong 7-inch ICS tablet with keyboard case bundle – $99.99 ($40 in savings)
  • Office Depot: Jazz Ultratab 9 – $99.99 ($80 in savings)
  • Walmart: 8GB Nabi 2- $129 ($70 in savings)
  • Shopko: Coby 9.7-inch tablet 9 – $129.99 ($70 in savings)
  • Radio Shack: Digix 10-inch ICS tablet – $149
  • Best Buy: 8GB nabi 2 Tablet – $169.99
  • Best Buy: Visual Land 7-inch ICS tablet – price yet to be determined

Other Android Deals

We could have included plenty of accessories that would go well with your Android smarpthone or tablet purchase, but we decided only to list the most important "other" Android-related deals you should consider in this one:

  • Shopko: Nikon Coolpix S800c Android camera – $297.99 ($102 in savings)
  • Office Depot: Asus Keyboard Charging Dock – $149.99 with tablet purchase
  • Best Buy: $100 in savings on any tablet purchase bundled with a new two-year activation of a Sprint or Verizon Mobile Broadband Device
  • Best Buy: 8GB Samsung Galaxy Player 3.6 – $99.99 ($50 in savings)
  • Best Buy: $50 off on all Samsung Galaxy Android players
  • Mach Speed Trio 4.3-inch ICS PMP – $49.99
  • Walmart: Verizon prepaid refill card: 2GB traffic, unlimited talk and text – $80
  • Walmart: unlimited Boost Mobile plan – $55
  • Walmart: unlimited Straight Talk plan – $45
  • Walmart: Virgin Mobile prepaid refill card: 1GB of traffic – $19.98

In case you’re looking for accessories to go with your Android device then make sure you check out our full Black Friday 2012 coverage, as we looked at the main leaked Black Friday ads already including flyers from Radio Shack, Staples, Kmart, Sam’s Club, Best Buy, Office Max, Sears, Walmart, Office Depot, Shopko and Sprint.

And make sure you bookmark this guide, as we’ll update it in the following days to include future, last minute deals!

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Fake Apple apps hit the Google Play Store: iMovie, iPhoto, GarageBand and iWork suite

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 03:27 PM PST

In case you were browsing the Google Play Store and found supposedly Apple-made mobile apps inside, apps that would be usually found in its own App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch use, then you should probably stay away from them.

They're almost certainly not Apple-made and we wouldn't be surprised to hear they contain malware, or that they have been "released" so the maker could collect some quick cash from trusting app buyers. So again, stay away from them!

The list of apps supposedly uploaded by Apple Inc. includes Garage Band, iPhoto, iMovie and the iWork productivity suite (Keynote, Numbers and Pages), as seen in the image above. And if you try to see who Apple Inc. is, you'd be sent to Apple's official website. But that android@apple.com address is not a valid one. In other words, stay away from them!

One user that has apparently purchased the iPhoto app, gave it a 1-star review and posted the following message:

Wont open says not connected to internet when i am [sic]

In case we were not clear before, it's in your best interest for you not to buy any of these apps. Also, make sure you tell all your friends that have Android devices that they're not the real deal.

Finally, we can't help but notice that the fact these apps got listed in the Play Store so easily is Google's fault. No matter how hard the company is trying to fight malicious apps, such as these ones could be, it probably wouldn't hurt the company to set up some filters to make sure nobody can pose as a well known company and have their fake apps listed.

Has anyone purchased any of these apps? Why?

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Nexus 4 eligible for free 50GB Box.com offer

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 11:41 AM PST

LG Nexus 4

About a year ago, Box.com announced that it's offering free 50GB Box Personal accounts to all LG Android devices in the U.S., both tablets and smartphones, running Android 2.1 or higher.

According to the official blog post of the company, the 50GB of extra storage will be on offer until December 31, 2012:

Want to claim your Box 50GB? Just log into Box for Android on your device before December 31, 2012. If you don't have a Box account yet, be sure to download the app on your LG Android phone or tablet. You'll have 50GB of free, secure file storage and sharing for the life of your account.

So the obvious question is, will the offer work with the brand new Nexus 4, which happens to be made by LG? The answer is yes: xda-developers senior member ap27 reports that he was able to enable the offer on his Nexus 4 unit and upgrade from 25GB to 50GB of storage after downloading the Box app and logging in.

Taking advantage of deals that offer users more free storage in the cloud is the only way to go with Nexus devices that lack microSD support in order to “upgrade” the memory.

8GB Nexus 4 users will probably be very happy to hear they'll have even more memory in the cloud to store some of those files that don't necessarily need to be stored on the phone's memory, but do need to be within reach at all times.

Are you taking advantage of this Box.com offer?

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Google Play 3.10.9 update brings a new installation UI, wishlist items delete button, and more

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 05:57 AM PST

 

It was only a month ago that Google updated its Play Store app to version 3.9.16, which brought along new features like improved notifications and a wish list function. Now, a new version of the app is reportedly being pushed out to select users.

The Google Play 3.10.9 update was first reported by @WinDroidGuy, who was kind enough to post the APK online. What's new on the latest version of Google Play?

@WinDroidGuy

The most noticeable change is the new installation screen, where after clicking to install and download a new app you won't be taken back to the app’s page and see the progress, but instead to a screen that lists similar apps others have downloaded. When you click the “Keep Shopping” button, only then you’ll be taken back to the app’s page.

If you've been abusing the wish list feature from the last update, you may have accumulated too much items on the list – which unfortunately you couldn't delete. We're happy to report that the 3.10.9 update now lets you delete items from your wish list.

Other new features include a Translate button, which lets user translates the app descriptions to their local language.

You can find more links to sideload the APK by hitting the source below.

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Mysterious ZTE Grand X Pro spotted in (ev)leaked image

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 04:18 AM PST

Although the sneaky resourceful guys behind the @evleaks Twitter account have spoiled us with a lot of intel on unreleased devices for a while, we don't remember a crazier week than this past one.

First, HTC's Droid DNA had its last render image leaked before its release. Then, a Galaxy S3 Mini version for US Cellular, called the Samsung Galaxy Axiom, popped up. The DNA was afterwards spotted again, though this time it was “dressed” for its international launch party.

Now, to wrap it all up with a nice bow, the ZTE Grand X Pro has been leaked courtesy of the same Twitter account. This is however a much more mysterious device than all of the others, having nothing but a name and a pic for now.

The image, while fairly high-quality, only hints at the using of a very lightly-skinned version of Android. Other than that, it's all in a blur, but we can expect some performance bumps compared with the original Grand X (hence the “Pro”).

Then again, we don't really know how will the Grand X IN and X LTE fit in this picture, both phones being revealed a while ago, but not released. Will the "Pro" be a local version of any one of those two? Will those two vanish altogether and make way to this? No frigging clue!

As a quick reminder, the original Grand X featured a 4.3-inch 960 x 540 pix res screen, Android 4.0 ICS, a dual-core 1.2 GHz Tegra 2 CPU and 512 MB of RAM. The X LTE in turn is (or was) supposed to come with a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, while the IN has a single-core 1.6 GHz Intel Atom chip ticking under the hood. Any bets on Grand X Pro’s specs?

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Get a $50 Google Play gift card for every Galaxy S3 purchase from RadioShack

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 03:53 AM PST

If the leaked RadioShack's Black Friday sales promotion from a few weeks back has failed to excite you, here's a new one for those who are looking to get the Samsung Galaxy S3. Starting from November 18, or this Sunday, customers who purchase the Galaxy S3 on RadioShack will be given a $50 Google Play credit.

For Sprint and Verizon Wireless customers, you can make the purchase online or by going to the nearest RadioShack stores. AT&T customers will have no choice but to brave the cold weather and head to its brick-and-mortar stores, as the promotion won't be offered online.

Only the 16GB model of the Galaxy S3 is offered for AT&T's and Sprint's variant, while those on Verizon can choose between the 16GB and 32GB model. Once the phone is in your hands, be sure to redeem the free Google Play gift card within two weeks.

For an even sweeter Galaxy S3 deal, you can also head to Amazon Wireless. The last we checked the online retailer is still selling the Sprint variant of the phone for $49.99.

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Qualcomm predicts 5 billion smartphones to be sold by 2016, is that even possible?

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 03:33 AM PST

Despite TI's (predictable) retreat from the mobile processor market, the industry's future still looks rosy, with Qualcomm, Samsung, NVIDIA and Intel all ready to battle it out for a place in our hearts.

But how much further can the mobile market be pushed in a world with seven billion people and six billion subscriptions? A whole lot, according to Qualcomm, who's predicting a whopping 5 billion smartphones to be sold between 2012 and 2016.

Not impressed? How about if I were to tell you that only 1 billion smartphones were in use in Q3 2012? Now think about a world where that number would be multiplied five times in only four years. Of course, Qualcomm mentioned nothing about the number of smartphones in use in 2016, but we should still expect the 1 billion from now to double or treble.

Qualcomm also thinks that 650 million tablets and laptops will be sold in 2016 alone, and, while we have no idea where they got their numbers, this is a respected company that we don't think would ever pull outlandish figures out of its officials' behinds. What do you guys think? Is it even physically possible for that many smartphones to be sold in such a short time frame?

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Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Android Overload: Nexus 4 has LTE, Play Store updates, free NFC tags, 1080p phones and more

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 06:06 PM PST

There is never a shortage of Android news, but many stories don’t make it to our home page. If you are getting ready to head out the door and enjoy your weekend, make sure you get your fix of Android news before you go! Here are some great stories that are still worth a read.

  • Nexus 4 teardown brings dormant LTE chip to light [iFixIt]
  • New Google Play Store update [Android Police]
  • Get a free NFC tag from Movaluate! [Movaluate]
  • Google forgets to add December to the Contacts app in Android 4.2 [Android Police]
  • Samsung trying to stop sales ban by using information from HTC/Apple agreement [The Verge]
  • 1080p LG device gets benchmarked [GLBenchmark]
  • Toshiba AT300SE 10.1-inch tablet announced [Slashgear]
  • Nextel announces Motorola IRONROCK [Motorola]


Wii U launching at midnight, Google TV and Wikipad cry tears of envy

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 03:09 PM PST

At midnight tonight, Nintendo will launch the Wii U (visit WiiUDaily.com, WiiUForums.com for full coverage).

Look familiar? How about you take a Google TV set top box:

And add a Wikipad:

Thought so.

Nintendo’s newest version of the Wii leverages a tablet-style controller that introduces an entirely new style of gameplay. Imagine “unlocking” different views using your tablet. Maybe after chucking a deep pass in Madden NFL, you have to reach in the air and lock your tablet’s focus onto the ball to pull down the catch. Or how about lifting your tablet in the air in a first persion shooter to view your weapon through the scope or use night vision Goggles?

I love the concept, and I’ve already pre-ordered a Wii U myself, but I can’t help but feel envy and jealousy on behalf of Google TV fans everywhere. The product has been out for a couple years now but Google has not made the platform a priority, and so unsurprisingly both manufacturers and developers have failed to support it through production of products, apps, and games.

When Google announced GTV two years ago at Google IO, they offered a solid product proposition: in a world where so much concern is placed on the size and quality of our device screens, it’s absurd that the largest screen we own (our televisions) have experienced very little technological growth compared to mobile devices. By leveraging Android on GTV, Google could effectively jumpstart a television revolution, bringing apps and games into a unique experience enjoyed on big screen TVs.

Then, at IO 2011, Google announced Android Open Accessory and Android @ Home designed so 3rd party manufacturers could more easily build and create meaningful products within the Android ecosystem.

Then an Android device emerged called the WikiPad (currently delayed) that when combined with a Google TV, pretty much replicates a Wii U, only the GTV/Wikipad combination isn’t limited to the constructs of gaming.

The Wii U will likely be a huge consumer success during the 2012 holiday season while Google TV sits on the sidelines, jealous. It’s long-term value will likely be determined within the first several months as the early adopter wave comes to a consensus on its entertainment value. I’m hoping it takes off, Google takes note, and it helps jumpstart the GTV product line in the same way Apple jumpstarted the consumer demand for tablets.

Did you pre-order a Wii U? Do you plan on buying one? Will Google TV become the next Wii U or is it headed for doom?


Apple releases apps in Google Play Store… or not

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 01:36 PM PST


Before you go off and purchase those newly added Apple apps in the Play Store, we would like to stop you for a second and warn you that they are more than likely fake. In fact, I am willing to put my money on it.

A said “Apple Inc” developer has uploaded a series of popular iLife and iWork applications in our beloved Google Play Store. These include Garage Band, iPhoto, iMovie, Keynote, Numbers and Pages. The “apps” were just released in the Play Store with no announcement from Apple, making it seem like a very well-elaborated scam.

Not only does the developer’s name take Apple’s identity, but the developer’s website directs you to Apple’s homepage, the email is android@apple.com and the descriptions seem rather convincing. To the unexperienced Android user, this may very well seem legit. But do you really think Apple would release such apps in their largest competitor’s app store? No way.

And even if they did, in some alternate universe, Apple would have done a much better job. The icons would be much better designed, for one. These simply look like cropped images taken from somewhere else. And these apps would surely serve a better purpose and not upset the few users who have downloaded them. Most of the ratings are bad, with comments mentioning the apps don’t work at all.

These happen to be expensive too (though probably not as expensive as they would be if they were real). They range from $4.98-$9.97, so save yourself from the hassle of wasting your cash and possibly missing that 15-minute refund window. DON’T BUY THEM!

We have reached out to Apple for confirmation, so we will go ahead and let you know as soon as we hear from them. Regardless, would you like some of these apps in the Play Store at some point in the future? It is more than unlikely, but we would like to know what you think of such possibilities. Our readers are mostly Android fans, but we know many of them also use Mac computers. There might be a demand Apple could potentially benefit from.

[via Reddit]


Samsung Galaxy Camera preview, photos, and video

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 12:32 PM PST

On a scale from 1 to Awesome, I rate the Samsung Galaxy Camera a 12. My scale is a bit bias since I’ve been craving a quality Android device with optical zoom since the G1 days, and my full review will be more objective, but allow me to bask in the glory for at least a few moments before being bound by reality.

The specs on the Samsung Galaxy Camera are solid: Android 4.1, 1.4GHz Quad-Core Processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB on board memory, expandable MicroSD, 4.8-inch screen, 1280×720 pixel resolution, 3.5mm headset jack, Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-FI, and a whole bunch more.

But what REALLY matters is picture quality of the 16MP camera and performance of the 21X optical zoom. And not just picture quality alone, but picture quality compared to your typical Android device and picture quality compared to a DSLR. That’s exactly what I’ve shown in the set of pictures below.

With each camera I took four pictures from my rooftop deck:

  • Baltimore Skyline at 1X Zoom
  • Baltimore Skyline at 21X Zoom
  • Natty Boh sign in Baltimore 1X Zoom
  • Natty Boh sign in Baltimore 21X Zoom

Note: Click on picture to see the full-sized image.
First let’s take a normal 1X picture with my new pride and joy: The Samsung Galaxy Camera.

That doesn’t look very interesting. Not at 1X zoom. But let’s go bananas with the 21X optical zoom.

BOH KNOWS GALAXY CAMERA!

That’s pretty darn impressive. With the 21X optical zoom you go from a picture of nothingness to a picture of awesomeness. Without the zoom, why even take the picture? With the zoom, the world becomes much more photogenic. I’ll admit, clicking through you’ll notice the picture quality isn’t fantastic, but take note that at 21X zoom, the slightest unsteadiness of your hands can blur a picture and you’ll often be using zooms of varying degrees.

Onto the Baltimore skyline at 1X zoom:

Not a bad shot, but what is that lady doing on the balcony in the distance?

SAMSUNG GALAXY SPY CAMERA TO THE RESCUE!

No, but seriously, a building that at first you could hardly discern existed in the skyline you can actually see specific balconies of with 21X zoom. Without zoom we could hardly identify the yellow crane and now, with 21X optical zoom, we can see it’s a BAUER BC 15 H.

Now think of how you could weave the Galaxy Camera into your everyday life. Pictures of rock stars at concerts. Pictures of sons, daughters, siblings, and friends playing in baseball or soccer games. Pictures of dolphins in the ocean at the beach. Pictures of wildlife from a distance.

And now, I’ve suddenly got Bette Middler in my head. Hate when that happens.

See… this Galaxy Camera has got me all riled up. Let me get to the point and post pictures from the other two devices.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Canon Rebel T2i

Unfortunately the Samsung Galaxy Camera doesn’t double as a mobile phone, and even if it did, most would find it too bulky and heavy for an every day device. The Galaxy Cam is listed at 10.7 ounces (well over half a pound) and its .5-inch thick measurement seems measured at the device’s thinnest point. It’s closer to 1.5 inches thick based on my own measurement.

I’m tempted to go on and on about this device, but let me save the goods for my full review. For now, feel free to head on over to our Galaxy Camera Forum and leave your opinion about the above pictures in the comments.


Amazon halts $7.99 monthly Prime plan after under 2 weeks of testing

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 11:45 AM PST


Amazon Prime is a great way to save money if you are well-invested in Amazon’s services. You get free 2-day shipping, Amazon Instant Video streaming and free book rentals – not a bad deal for $79 a year, right? Except seeing that $79 charge to our bank account is much harder than the pricing plan Amazon recently decided to test. Sadly, after less than 2 weeks of testing, Amazon has changed its mind and halted this new plan, which would give you all the benefits of Amazon Prime for only $7.99 a month.

"We regularly test new options for our customers. At this time, we've completed our test and are no longer signing up new customers for Amazon Prime monthly memberships." -Amazon

You may have managed to sign up, but you are out of luck if you decided to wait a bit. This came as a great deal for those that don’t like to see that $79 fee for buying the service outright, but it is actually $17 more per year to go for the monthly plan. This is why we recommended that you get the annual plan, if you know you will be using Amazon’s services.

This move was probably mostly aimed towards customers of other video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu+, which also charge $7.99 per month. Those services don’t offer shipping and book lending, though, which is where Amazon could have the advantage, but it is also why this pricing scheme could fall short.

Users would be able to simply go on a shopping spree and get everything with free shipping, only to cancel the service the next month. An idea that seems great for the consumer, but not so much for Amazon. Still, testing this pricing structure for only 2 weeks seems a bit unreasonable. Amazon should have at least waited a month and see if this service could be profitable.

Who knows, maybe it will come back after the holidays, when all the Christmas shopping is done. Were you able to sign up for Amazon Prime at $7.99 per month? Do you prefer it over paying $79 for a whole year?

[via AllThingsD]