Android Community |
- Google is building their own wireless network – only for Mountain View
- Samsung preparing for Galaxy S IV sales to reach 10 million per month
- Archos launches iPad keyboard, forgetting its own Android lineup
- MeCam $49 helicopter follows you and streams live video to your Android
- Nexus 4 once again out-of-stock with T-Mobile [Update]
- Nokia CEO Stephen Elop talks Android fragmentation
- Carbon backup reaches beta 3 with Google Play release coming soon
- Pebble app now available for Android [Hands-On]
- Galaxy Note 8.0 real world images leak
- Temple Run 2 Review
- Temple Run 2 available now for Android [Hands-on]
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 takes aim at iPad mini
- Samsung Galaxy S II international getting 4.1 Jelly Bean update today
- Apple posts Q1 2013 financial results: Record $54.5 billion in revenue
- GroupMe v4.0 hits Android with new UI and tablet support [Hands-on]
- Apple cuts 500px from App Store – Android may be next
- Bem Speaker Trio brings music to the entire house for $299
- GameStick adds new rev share deal for indie game developers
- Android vs iOS by the numbers as 2013 kicks off
| Google is building their own wireless network – only for Mountain View Posted: 24 Jan 2013 11:26 AM PST Some interesting news has been floating around lately that the folks from Google are getting ready to prepare, build, and launch their own 4G LTE wireless network. Can we say Google Wireless and Nexus phones? Slow down. While something like that could be in the future, a new FCC filing (or two) shows Google’s just planning their own campus-wide network. For now at least.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is developing their own wireless network that will initially be designed to cover their entire Mountain View headquarters. The FCC filings from last week confirm the details, and it looks like they’re planning some sort of wireless network rollout. While we shouldn’t get too excited yet, this could be just the beginning of something bigger. We’ve already seen rumors of Google and DISH working together. After a few people familiar with the matter dug around it appears the FCC filings are for an "experimental radio service." For now that doesn’t tell us much, but the report states it will cover a 2-mile radius of their Campus and utilize the 2524 to 2625MHz frequencies. Currently no Android devices use those, which are operated by Clearwire, but obviously this could just be the start. Many have reached out to Google with no answer in sight, but they’re always experimenting so we could just be getting our hopes up. WSJ reports this will initially be for the Google Fiber offices, but hopefully they’ll expand their “experimental radio service” to other parts of Mountain View once it gets stable and fast. Now obviously this could be nothing or simply Google looking to give free fast connections to their staff, but we have a feeling it’s something bigger. Hopefully Google’s testing a small-scale network before dipping their feet into the full-scale network waters. I’d love 2014 to bring on Google Wireless, and I’m still hopeful that they’ll just buy T-Mobile USA. Thoughts? [via SlashGear] |
| Samsung preparing for Galaxy S IV sales to reach 10 million per month Posted: 24 Jan 2013 11:20 AM PST The Galaxy S IV rumors continue. So far we have seen a fair amount in terms of specs, images and possible release dates. And as of today, it looks like we have some details in terms of how many Samsung is expecting to sell. Or maybe a bit more accurately, details in terms of how many Samsung is preparing to sell. Time will tell how close their estimates will be. In the meantime, lets talk numbers.
The details are coming by way of a recent report on the Korean language Money Today website. According to the report, Samsung has ordered each of their subcontractors to be able to provide 10 million components per month. Hence the being able to sell 10 million Galaxy S IV smartphones on a monthly basis. Looking at the bigger picture though, Samsung has previously announced a goal to sell 500 million phones (350 million smartphones/150 million non-smartphones) during 2013.
With the latest in Galaxy S IV rumors taken care of, lets take a look back and round-up some of the earlier pieces. Just yesterday we saw an image courtesy of TuttoAndroid. The image is reportedly a render of the Galaxy S IV, however there is some reason to doubt the accuracy. The specs on the other hand seem to have been consistent. At the moment it looks like the Galaxy S IV will launch with a 4.99-inch 1080p display, Exynos 5 Octa (8-Core) CPU, Mali-T658 (8-Core) GPU, 2GB of RAM, 2600 mAh battery, 2 megapixel front-facing camera, 13 megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. Last and perhaps key — the announcement date. So far it seems clear that Samsung will not be making an announcement at MWC. Instead the latest announcement date rumors are calling for a Mobile Unpacked event on March 22. [via SlashGear] |
| Archos launches iPad keyboard, forgetting its own Android lineup Posted: 24 Jan 2013 10:16 AM PST Archos Design has announced the launch of their first product. The product is a keyboard for tablets and given the company also makes quite a few Android tablets — one may have assumed this keyboard would have been for one of their own products. Or at the very least, for Android in general. But no, Archos Design launched a keyboard for the iPad.
The product is the Ultra-think Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad. For those who happen to be curious, the keyboard will be selling for $79 and is expected to be available in March. That bit aside, and to be fair to Archos, we should make the distinction that this is the first product from Archos Design. For those unfamiliar with the split between the two, Archos Design is described as being “a new division of ARCHOS dedicated to sharing ARCHOS designs and innovations across a number of different platforms.” Basically, it seems Archos felt the need to have another division solely for products that are not Android related. Given that description it does make sense that the keyboard would launch for the iPad. On some this could make Android users feel better as iPad users are getting a keyboard that was based off of a design of an Android tablet accessory. Those who are looking at the keyboard and thinking it looks familiar — you are most likely thinking of the Archos 101XS tablet which shipped with a keyboard. |
| MeCam $49 helicopter follows you and streams live video to your Android Posted: 24 Jan 2013 10:13 AM PST A company you’ve probably heard of before called Always Innovating is working on a pretty awesome little project for smartphones. It’s called the MeCam and is essentially a mini helicopter they’re calling a Nano-Copter complete with video recording and streaming capabilities. The MeCam is designed to follow you around and record every moment. You can stream that video right to your Android phone and even share it to your social site of preference or YouTube.
This is instantly one of those “shut up and take my money” devices because it looks awesome. One of the biggest features that sold us instantly was the two ways in which the MeCam operates. No controls are needed and you simply use voice-commands for operations and maneuvers. The second being their “follow me” feature where the Nano-copter will literally follow your every move once synced to your smartphone. The best part about this quadcopter is Always Innovating hopes to eventually sell this unique device for just $49. So how does it fly? It launches from your hand and will hover instantly using the patented 3 stabilization algorithms. Two which are auto-pilots, and the third being an impressive video stabilization feature. This is how it manages to always stay upright, level, and hover with ease. Check it out: The MeCam will be your own personal paparazzi, or your cheaper alternative for Google Glass – since that will be costing an arm and a leg. If you want to record your every moment on vacation with ease, the MeCam could do just that. Sadly we have no details on battery life or camera quality, but the device runs with a 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, 1GB of RAM, micro-SD for storage, and WiFi/Bluetooth is also on board. The company hopes their initial design and multiple models with varying camera capabilities and battery life will hit the streets in 2014. Pretty neat right?    [via Liliputting] |
| Nexus 4 once again out-of-stock with T-Mobile [Update] Posted: 24 Jan 2013 09:21 AM PST LG has made comments about improving the Nexus 4 inventory situation and after hearing from T-Mobile earlier in the month, it had appeared as if their issues were going to be resolved. If you remember back, T-Mobile had said they would have the Nexus 4 available with all retail stores in the coming weeks and that the handset would be available online as of January 23.
Well, January 23 arrived and the out-of-stock notice was removed from the Nexus 4 listing on the T-Mobile website. The problem here, it is now just about 24 hours later and that out-of-stock notice is back. Simply put, if you wanted a Nexus 4 with T-Mobile — you missed your opportunity to do so online and will now have to venture out in hopes of finding one at a local retail store. This does bring some questions. Mainly, why does it seem Google and LG cannot keep these available? One would think they would be able to meet demands. Of course, without having access to sales and manufacturing numbers, there is no clear answer. After all, the 375k estimates that were based off of serial numbers were later said to be much lower than reality. No word from T-Mobile as to when, or if they will have more Nexus 4 handsets available for online sales. All that being said, it seems that one point is clear — those hoping to secure a Nexus 4 will need to have some cash at the ready and be prepared to jump when they see some handsets available. [Update] It looks like some inventory has returned. Device Info
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| Nokia CEO Stephen Elop talks Android fragmentation Posted: 24 Jan 2013 08:46 AM PST It seems to go without saying that Nokia CEO Stephen Elop is not going to be a fan of competing mobile operating systems. In this case, Android. After all, Nokia has several Windows Phone handsets available. That said, speaking at a recent press conference that was held to discuss Nokia’s Q4 earnings, Elop had some interesting comments about Android.
Mainly, Elop talked fragmentation and about a closed system. He spoke about how Android is facing a situation “where the amount of fragmentation that you’re seeing is increasing as people take it in different directions.” Going on to say that the fragmentation is only being “offset by Google’s efforts to turn an open ecosystem into something that’s quite a bit more closed as you’ve seen quite recently.” Taking that statement, specifically the quite recently part at the end and it becomes a bit harder to determine what he is referring to as he didn’t go into any specifics. Speculation suggests that he may have been referring to Google’s recent decision to quit offering support for Exchange ActiveSync. Of course, this is far from the first and likely not the last time we are going to hear about fragmentation within Android. Not to mention, there is always room to criticize on both ends. This also seems like a clear case of Elop making a push for hardware and software that he supports — namely, Nokia branded Windows Phone devices. If nothing else though, this seems to make it clear that Elop believes Nokia can move forward without Android. [via The Verge] |
| Carbon backup reaches beta 3 with Google Play release coming soon Posted: 24 Jan 2013 08:02 AM PST The Carbon backup app launched a short while back. The app launched in beta and as of today has graduated to beta 3. Of course, perhaps more exciting for some, the release of Carbon beta 3 arrived with word of a non-beta release. A specific date has yet to be revealed, however Carbon should be available in the Google Play Store before the end of the month.
Similar to the release of Carbon beta 1, beta 3 has arrived with an expiration date. The app will stop working on January 30. The good news here, the developer noted that he plans to to have the Google Play release available before then. As we had heard before, Carbon will be available for free and in a premium version. Users will not need to have a rooted phone to use Carbon, which is actually one of the nicer perks. Some of the new features for non-root users include performance enhancements, bug fixes, the ability to cancel a backup and/or restore process and having the backup and/or restore process show up in the notification area. Other goodies include include the ability to backup or restore to a Box.net account. Of course, as per the original beta release, you can also use a Google Drive or Dropbox account as well as an SD card. The catch and main difference between running Carbon as a rooted user or a non-rooted user — those without root will need to use Carbon in conjunction with a desktop app. Carbon has a Windows app already available and there was also promise of support for Mac and Linux. Specifically, a Mac app will be released and Linux users can expect a script. Bottom line here, assuming we don’t see any large bugs in beta 3, it looks like a non-beta release should be available before the end of January. [via Google+] |
| Pebble app now available for Android [Hands-On] Posted: 24 Jan 2013 07:06 AM PST The Pebble app has officially launched for Android. The app is available from the Google Play Store and comes with little in terms of surprise. Simply put, the app is free and notes the device support as being Android 2.3.3 or later. That said, if you have a Pebble e-paper watch coming — this is the app that you will not only want, but need.
The app came available so we installed it and began checking things out. The unfortunate part here, our Pebble has yet to arrive which means this hands-on app experience was more of a tease than anything else. When you fire up the Pebble app for the first time it will prompt you to turn on Bluetooth. Assuming you had Bluetooth turned off to start.
Otherwise, aside from the Bluetooth prompt, the app defaults to the “My Pebble” page telling you that you are not connected and offers the option to connect. Of course, without a watch you will only get the “could not find Pebble” warning message. Aside from the My Pebble page, the app also offers some Sample Notifications and Watch Apps. Again, without having a Pebble you will be limited in use here, however you will be able to scroll through and at least begin to pick some of your favorite watch faces. At present we are showing a total of five including Brains, Segment Six, Just a Bit, Big Time and TickTockToe.
Another feature of the app will include notifications of when a software update comes available for your Pebble. Those with a Pebble on the way can head on over to the Google Play Store and download the app. Before you run and do that we will offer this one warning — seeing the Pebble app on your phone may end up tormenting you a little bit. Finally, for those who cannot get enough Pebble, we offer the reminder of our hands-on video and interview with Eric Migicovsky which took place during CES. You can check out those videos right here.
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| Galaxy Note 8.0 real world images leak Posted: 24 Jan 2013 06:25 AM PST Continuing on the path of Galaxy Note 8.0 related leaks, we have another that has arrived today. This latest deals with images, and thankfully, it looks like we have moved passed the renders and into the real world style. The interesting part here, these real world Galaxy Note 8.0 images seem to match up with the render we saw yesterday.
Aside from these images lining up with the earlier, we also cannot help but notice the look of the tablet — it looks like an oversized smartphone. And sure, some have already placed the Galaxy Note II in that category, however the Galaxy Note 8.0 seems to take that a step further. We suspect that will be good news for some and not so good news for others. Personally, assuming these rumors play out and end up being correct, I may be looking to replace my Nexus 7. These images are coming by way of the Italian language DDay.it website and include a few shots of that tablet. The one in particular is the one with the smartphone held just behind as it gives a decent look at the size of the tablet. Aside from the physical home button and the capacitive menu and back buttons, you can also see the S Pen which is on the bottom right hand corner of the tablet. We are still expecting Samsung to come forward with an official announcement during Mobile World Congress. At this time, the rumored specs seem to be staying the same. That is to say, it looks like we can expect an 8.0-inch (1280 x 800) Super Clear LCD, quad-core 1.6GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, microSD card slot, Bluetooth 4.0, 4600 mAh battery, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. Additionally, the Galaxy Note 8.0 should arrive with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and in a Wi-Fi only and 3G cellular connected model.    [via SamMobile] |
| Posted: 23 Jan 2013 11:16 PM PST The original Temple Run is one of most popular mobile games ever, so it isn’t any surprise that Imangi Studios is back to offer players another helping. Temple Run 2 is here, and it takes the framework laid down by its predecessor and builds on it ever so slightly, keeping the gameplay of the original intact and as addicting as ever. If you were a fan of the first Temple Run, expect to spend quite a bit of time with the latest mobile gem from Imangi.
For the uninitiated, the idea behind Temple Run 2 is simple: you’re running for your life through an obstacle course that never ends. That means you’ll fail every single time you pick up the game, but it isn’t quite so grim as it sounds. The challenge is getting further than you ever have before, collecting as many coins and gems along the way as you possibly can. You find power ups that allow you to put off the inevitable just a little bit longer, but eventually, your game will come to an end, whether that’s at the hands of the gorilla that’s relentlessly chasing you or due to a nasty fall off the edge of the course. If you’ve never played Temple Run, there’s a good chance you’ve played a game like it on your phone or tablet. The running game has turned out to be incredibly popular, but Temple Run 2 does it better than pretty much every other game in the genre. It does it better than the original Temple Run as a matter of fact, so that should give you an idea of how much fun Temple Run 2 is.
At the start, you’ll control Guy Dangerous, but additional characters can be unlocked with coins you’ve collected and saved. Coin collecting is obviously at the heart of the experience, as you’ll use those coins to unlock new abilities for your character. These abilities can range from increasing the duration of your shield – which will get you out of rough spots often – to increasing the amount of coins you can collect after you run a certain distance. I would suggest not hoarding your coins unless you’re saving up for something really expensive, as each ability makes some aspect of the game easier. To control your character, you’ll be swiping the screen and tilting your device. Swiping upward will make the character jump, swiping to the left or the right will make them turn in that direction, and swiping backward will make them fall into a slide. You’ll need to tilt your device at certain points throughout the stage to stay on the winding path, which can be a little bit difficult to get the hang of at first. Once it clicks, however, you’ll be weaving left and right like you’ve been doing this for years.
That’s part of what makes Temple Run so great: simple controls. When you’re playing, you’re not trying to remember which direction you need to swipe since the controls are so easy to learn. Instead, the focus is taken off the screen swipes and put onto the frantic action. Temple Run 2 requires you to think quick, because dodging one obstacle might line you up to collide with the next one. Expect more than few frustrating times when you jump over a roadblock only to fling yourself over a turn in the road and off the course. You’ll meet many infuriating ends while you’re playing Temple Run 2, but those make the moments when you’re dodging everything in your path and hitting every twist and turn perfectly feel so good. So, since the core gameplay hasn’t changed much, what has? The visuals, for starters. The graphics have been given a significant boost from the original Temple Run, and the first game in the series didn’t look half-bad for a mobile game. You’ll have visuals that are much sharper to look forward to, and though I’ve only tested the game on an Atrix HD, I imagine that it will look just as good on larger screens.
You’ll also have a handful of new obstacles to get through, including traps that spew fire directly into your path and perpetually rolling spiked logs that require you to jump with perfect timing to clear them. These along with the new winding paths should keep even seasoned Temple Run players on their toes, at least at first. The new minecart sequences are a nice change of pace, but they aren’t much different from the core gameplay experience. They do serve as a nice break from constantly running though, and give you a new environment to work your way through. Of course, if collecting coins and gems (which give you a chance to continue your run and extend the times of some powers) proves to be too difficult, Imangi is all to willing to take your money and shower you with riches in return. It will definitely take longer to unlock everything if you choose not to make any purchases, but earning everything for yourself doesn’t seem to be an impossible task. If you’re quick, you can rack up a ton of coins with each run, so you can enjoy everything the game has to offer without ever paying a penny.
The fact that the game throws coins at you makes each run feel worthwhile – unless you’re beyond terrible at the game, you’ll probably earn something every time you play. It’s going to take some endurance to earn the coins you’ll need to unlock everything, but it never seems impossible. As a result, you have a reason to start another run immediately after finishing one. Temple Run 2 is tough but rarely cruel, and that only adds to the addiction factor. In the end, Temple Run 2 succeeds because it doesn’t do anything to radically change the formula laid down in the first. The changes are subtle, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s just the way it needed to be. That Temple Run 2 hasn’t changed much will probably dissuade some gamers from picking it up, but if you’re one of the many Temple Run players who only wanted more of the same (with a few improvements to serve as the icing on the cake), then definitely do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Temple Run 2 is available now on the Google Play Store for free [download link].             |
| Temple Run 2 available now for Android [Hands-on] Posted: 23 Jan 2013 10:26 PM PST It’s finally here! Just a week after our iOS cousins received the sequel to the hit game Temple Run, the game has officially landed in the Google Play Store and is available for nearly all newer devices. When the original launched in March it was a smashing success on Android, but had been available for iOS for months already. Today we get the awesome and much improved sequel so lets check it out.
Yup, after waiting a few days and dealing with a few fakes hitting the Play Store. Imangi Studios hit game Temple Run 2 is finally and officially available for Android. To get the game you’ll want to [click here] and head to the Google Play Store. The original has been downloaded over 170 million times total, and broke the 100 million mark just months after being available for free on Android. It’s safe to say this is one of the most popular mobile games to date. So lets talk about the brand new and improved game shall we? Temple Run 2 brings everything the millions and millions of fans love about the original, only in a whole new yet familiar light. You’ll still be running from monsters and monkeys in a Temple, only this time we’re high up in the air while enjoying the sunset. The developers have improved the graphics on all levels — so it might not work on some older devices. Here’s what’s new with Temple Run 2:
This time around you won’t just be running through the jungles, instead they’ve added tons of effects and different looks to keep things interesting. At the same time the gameplay and enjoyment remains the same for the millions of fans. In Temple Run 2 you’ll navigate perilous cliffs, glide down zip lines, mines and forests, and even ride a cart just like Indiana Jones. Who’s ready? Check out our hands-on video coming up shortly: As you can see with Temple Run 2 the gameplay is fundamentally the same. They’ve seriously increased the graphics and made the entire game just look beautiful and polished. Then the developers tweaked the general idea behind the game to keep things fun and fresh, while still holding true to the original. It plays just like the original with swipes up, down, left, right, and moving the device controls your buddy running for his life. In the end the graphics are better, the gameplay is smoother and a bit more fun, and the scenery will change from time to time and keep things interesting. We’ve played it on a few of those iDevices, so knew what to expect. One thing I do know. I need to save enough coins to get the Scarlett Fox character. We’ll be enjoying the all new Temple Run 2 for Android probably for far too long tonight, and we suggest you do the same if you like what you see. Have fun and enjoy this awesome game!            |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 takes aim at iPad mini Posted: 23 Jan 2013 04:28 PM PST The past week or so we’ve been hearing quite a lot regarding Samsung‘s upcoming tablet plan to kick off 2013. The Galaxy Note 8.0 is what we are talking about of course. Multiple tips, leaks, and rumors have surfaced showing a device in the works that is clearly aimed at taking on Apple’s popular iPad mini. While many think the iPad mini was an answer to the Nexus 7, Samsung still plans to fight tooth and nail for the space.
The iPad mini's display is 1024 x 768 across 7.9-inches, while the Galaxy Note 8.0 has been rumored as 1280 x 800 in an 8-inch form factor. That’s pretty close if you ask us and just slightly bigger than last year’s Galaxy Tab 7.7. Although that tablet failed and was overpriced. Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything, nor have we seen any leaks that look concrete, but the image below is the latest in a long line of Galaxy Note 8.0 information. Update: Actual device images have now leaked.
Clearly the image could be fake. There’s no flash for the camera and we see a phone app icon on the bottom. We’re pretty sure Samsung won’t be integrating phone features into this device — but you never know these days. If all the reports and rumors are correct along with this leaked image, the Galaxy Note 8.0 will undoubtedly be battling the iPad mini. Reportedly the Note 8.0 will come with a 1.6 GHz quad-core processor joined by 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel rear camera, 1.3 front for video chatting, and we can expect a micro-SD slot as usual with Sammy. The leak also shows HSPA+ 21Mbps connectivity but there’s no doubt in our minds this won’t arrive on at least Verizon or AT&T with full 4G LTE speeds. Samsung could drop LTE in favor of a lower price point to compete with the iPad mini, but that’s highly unlikely. This tablet is shaping up to take on the Nexus 7, iPad mini, and anything else around this form factor right out of the gate. Don’t forget it also has that S-Pen stylus for plenty of content creation too, not just consumption like those Fire tablets. Most likely we’ll be seeing Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8.0 next month in Barcelona, Spain for Mobile World Congress. We have a feeling Samsung will be comparing it to the iPad mini right on stage during their Samsung Unpacked event. Stay tuned because there’s also reports of a Note III with a 6.3-inch display, not to mention the Galaxy S IV is coming up quick. Can the Note 8.0 compete with the iPad mini, or does it even need to? |
| Samsung Galaxy S II international getting 4.1 Jelly Bean update today Posted: 23 Jan 2013 03:42 PM PST Earlier this month we received some bad news that Samsung’s update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for their extremely popular Galaxy S II had been delayed until February. Don’t worry though, because today we have some excellent news that the update has actually started rolling out as we speak.
The international Galaxy S II (with the home button) is getting updated to the latest and greatest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean as we speak, only it’s just in Spain for now. Owners of the unlocked international version should be getting the update now over-the-air, or as usual you can manually update using Samsung Kies and a nearby PC. Once updated, users will be greeted with a completely improved and overhauled user interface. Obviously you’ll be on Android 4.1 but Samsung’s brought the aging handset up to speed to match the newer bigger brother in the Galaxy S III. You’ll enjoy the same Nature UI theme over Samsung’s TouchWiz, and they’ve added all those motion features, improved widgets, and even the pop-up and floating video player for multiple windows at a time. Then as expected Android 4.1 brings an entirely new level of awesome to Android. Project butter should keep the handset extremely smooth and fluid with daily usage, and one of the best features (if you ask us) is Google Now voice options. Samsung’s plans aren’t really too clear but we can expect other regions to start seeing the update in February as originally planned. Sadly all those Verizon and AT&T models here in the US will be among the last to receive the Jelly Bean treat. So sit tight or wait for ROM developers to dive in and port this to your respective handset. Device Info
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| Apple posts Q1 2013 financial results: Record $54.5 billion in revenue Posted: 23 Jan 2013 03:23 PM PST The past few days we’ve been seeing financial and earnings reports from multiple big companies and today was Apple‘s turn. We saw Google’s Q4 results yesterday breaking $14.4 billion in revenue, but today’s results from Apple are huge. It’s technically their Q4 2012 calender year but is listed as Q1 financials. The fruit company racked in over $13 billion in pure profit too.
These financial results are always mind-boggling to listen to, and the CEOs usually share all sorts of interesting factoids and bits of information. To see everything related to Apple’s year check out our sister site SlashGear. If you’re asking why we’re following and reporting Apple’s results, it’s because we like to keep an eye on the competition. Keep your enemies close right? Apple stated some pretty massive numbers and we’ll just quickly mention a few to keep you all posted on how wealthy the fruit company really is, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Apple posted a record breaking $54.5 billion in revenue for the past 3 months, and net in over $13.1 billion in net profit. That’s just crazy and more than 3 times that of Google’s last quarter. Apple went as far as to state last year in Q4 they pulled in $3.3 billion a week, but this year their revenue was around $4.2 billion each and every week. Add all that up and take out all the important bits they sent $13 billion of that straight to the bank. As for the raw numbers, Apple sold 47.8 million iPhones in the thirteen weeks, up 37m year-over-year. While that’s a lot, check out how many Android sold. It wasn’t all good news for Apple however, they stated Mac sales dropped as did the iPod, but those iPhone 5′s have been flying off the shelves and surpassed most predictions. So what does this mean for Android? Nothing! What we do know is the next few months will be really exciting as Android pushes their massive quad-core 1080p HD assult around the same time as iPhone 5S rumors start to leak. Folks like Samsung will probably beat them to market, and the summer will be an interesting one to say the least. [via SlashGear] |
| GroupMe v4.0 hits Android with new UI and tablet support [Hands-on] Posted: 23 Jan 2013 02:49 PM PST The popular group messaging service available on multiple platforms has just received a massive and much welcomed update for Android. Today the folks from GroupMe updated their Android app to version 4.0 and with it comes new features, an awesome and improved user interface, and finally tablet support. Read on for more details, screenshots, and a quick hands-on with their tablet optimized app.
GroupMe 4.0 has been in a limited beta stage since mid-November but starting today the all new redesigned and improved app is available to the world. If you want to chat and have group conversations with any and all devices with ease this is the way to do it. The biggest new feature however, is Android tablet support.
Version 4.0 of GroupMe brings a newly redesigned and improved user interface. Better and bigger font, new colors, easier and quicker direct messaging, as well as new HD images and avatars. They’ve integrated the popular slide-out drawer interface on both the left and right side on smartphones and tablets in portrait mode. Then in landscape features a floating conversation window with groups to the left, and (as shown above) users in a select group and all of that groups options to the right. There’s now huge avatars for each group in the right drawer, tap any of them to quickly send direct messages, and tap the share feature to add images or quickly display a map with your location. GroupMe for casual chat, real-time chat, and even business use is extremely fast, efficient, and easy. The tablet UI is awesome as you saw above in our quick hands-on video, and the developers promise a faster and better experience on all Android devices with 4.0 now available. You can even share a group with a simple URL with one tap now in the share options. If you’ve been looking for a quick and easy way to communicate cross-platform check out GroupMe today. Get the new version from the Google Play Store.     [via GroupMe Blog] |
| Apple cuts 500px from App Store – Android may be next Posted: 23 Jan 2013 01:53 PM PST Apple recently pulled the 500px app from the iOS App Store and while it may be easy for Android users to casually sit back and watch, it appears as if the app may also be breaking the rules in the Google Play Store. We would hate to see the app pulled and we are certainly not the ones that will be making the decision, however according to Google, they “don’t allow content that contains nudity” in the store. Well, let us just say that you can find nude images rather quickly and easily using the 500px app.
In a quick test, we launched the app, tapped the People category and found the first. Nothing over the top, certainly not pornography, but a nude image nonetheless. Keep in mind, this didn’t even involve any searching. The picture was in plain site. We should also point out that this was from a fresh install of the app and at a stage where we were not logged in. The 500px app was downloaded, installed and launched — just as any average user would do.
Based on this it seems fairly certain that some creative searching or hunting around would only lead to other nude images. Touching back on the removal from the iOS App Store, Google seems to have similar rules against nudity. Not to mention, against child pornography. According to the Google Play Business and Program Policies;
The key here, and the reason as to why 500px could also be removed from Google Play — child pornography. But let us clarify — we are not suggesting the app supports child pornography. In fact, we believe the opposite. But the complaint that had the 500px app removed from the iOS App Store included “customer complaints about possible child pornography.” Seems the person, or people responsible for making those complaints must not be an Android user. |
| Bem Speaker Trio brings music to the entire house for $299 Posted: 23 Jan 2013 01:17 PM PST Today we learned of an awesome new Bluetooth speaker option announced at CES is available starting today, and if you love portable speakers it’s worth a quick look. Meet the Bem Speaker Trio. This unique Bluetooth speaker option allows you to blast your tunes in the living room, then bring the music with you to multiple rooms and even the garage all simultaneously. All this works completely without wires too, so bring on the Google Music.
Essentially all three speakers can be placed throughout the house in your spot or room of choice, and offer a 120 ft range of quality streaming music. For extra boom leave them all nicely placed on the conductive charging base and enjoy your music with even fuller sound. If you’re having a party just place them throughout the house, leave one by the pool, or even in the bathroom. The options are endless. The base does all the handy work and emits the Bluetooth audio coming from your Android phone, iPod, iPhone, etc. Audio plays with Bluetooth or 3.5mm audio in. Then the base also features wireless conductive charging. Once you’ve enjoyed music for around the products 6 hour play time, simply return the speakers to the base for a quick charge. Each speaker measures in at 6×6 for a portable and compact cube design, and has an elegant finish in black or white. We know you white Galaxy S III owners want to match. The bottom of each speaker base also has a nice LED that will glow while in use, report battery stats, and confirm when charging is complete. They feature a soft touch finish and touch sensitive buttons for ease of use. We can’t comment on sound quality but the design and elegance of the product sure looks good so far. Give them a go today for $299, they’re available right this moment.    [via SlashGear] |
| GameStick adds new rev share deal for indie game developers Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:16 PM PST The GameStick Kickstarter launched with quite a bit of success. The project climbed well over the $100,000 goal very quickly and is currently at $466,855 with eight days remaining to pledge. One interesting part here, the project has been tweaked a little bit here and there. The basics have remained the same, however we are seeing extra little perks being added.
Earlier in the month we saw the announcement of extra features for meeting specific funding goals. And as of today, it looks like another tier has been added. This latest tier will set you back $249 and is aimed at developers. The tier is called Indie Love and offers a GameStick Bundle which includes a console and controller as well as access to the SDK and a revenue sharing offer. The revenue share is the key here, the GameStick Kickstarter page describes this as a “one-time offer to gain 100%rev share, (minus transaction costs), for 6 months on a single title launched by July 2013.” Simply put, it looks as if they are attempting to take away some of the risk of developing a title for the GameStick. The one disappointment here, developers that take this offer will not get the console and controller until launch. Otherwise, touching back on those previous perks — those were for regular users. They included goal amounts of $320k, $450k and $560k. Of course, given the project is sitting at just over $466k now, the first two levels have already been achieved. This means the availability of the GameStick in black as well as another color that will be based on popular vote. The $560k level, assuming that is reached, would mean the GameStick will ship with a microSD memory card slot. [via SlashGear] |
| Android vs iOS by the numbers as 2013 kicks off Posted: 23 Jan 2013 12:04 PM PST The mobile landscape was quite exciting throughout 2012 on both sides of the isle, but especially for Android. With millions and millions of devices shipped and sold from the Galaxy S III, Nexus 4, to the iPhone 5. While we’ve all seen the numbers – which we’ll mention again below – now that 2013 is in full stride lets look forward on how 2013 will come into its own.
Android had a strong year in 2012, but there’s no denying that Apple did too with their iPhone 5 and new iPad. While we don’t know what the future holds for the iPhone 6 (or 5s) or the next Nexus, surely the battle will continue on and grow tighter and tighter. At the same time is it fair to compare one phone to an entire Android platform with hundreds of devices? Research firms with their stats, details, numbers, and analysis all take different approaches but IDC always stands out for some raw data. So we figured we’d start there. To end 2012 research firm IDC concluded that Android had 75% of the market share, compared to just 14.9% for Apple and even less for the rest. Not only did Android have 75% in Q3 of 2012, but in 2011 it only had 57.5%, which was still ahead of Apple. To put that in actual numbers, about 181 million smartphones were sold, and of those, 136 million were Android. Do these numbers even matter though? Those were just phones too, not tablets. And how many parents do you know who own an Android phone but don’t use it for anything other than a dumbphone? Just something to think about. Another thing to consider is later today Apple will be releasing some of their financial results, but the numbers won’t be changing too much here.
Now there’s a lot that goes into these research numbers, not to mention product release schedules, 2 year contracts and more that can all effect the outcome. In the end though, it’s pretty clear who is winning the battle, and even clearer who will win the war. That is Android! With Google’s baby taking a strong hold on 2011, rocking through 2012 to top the charts – 2013 will be even bigger. Another report from Gartner confirmed Android’s dominance as their sales completely doubled from 2011 to 2012. Can we expect the same in 2013? Samsung is clearly leading the charge for Android, and we’re expecting big things from them, and others. In early to mid 2013 things will really start cruising again for the Android world.
If everything we saw at CES 2013 and what we’ll be seeing at MWC is any indication, this will be an impressive year for Android that really puts a cap on Google’s success. With powerful quad-core smartphones with 2GB of RAM or more pushing the limits. 5-inch 1080p screens, 6-inch handsets and bigger, 4G LTE as a standard across all carriers, and of course the Nexus lineup things are looking good right about now. The next few months should really set the tone for Android. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S IV will with no doubt be impressive. Motorola’s looking to imitate their success and release a flagship device on all carriers like the X-Phone, and HTC’s upcoming M7 could have a similar approach. If we start seeing top end superphone devices of all shapes and sizes from multiple manufacturers all readily available in one form on multiple carriers (as is the iPhone and GSIII) Google’s Android will continue to dominate and only increase its lead as the year moves forward. We’re looking forward to all those devices mentioned above, and surely will be surprised by a few awesome phones this year. The Optimus G was one of those last year that caught us by surprise. Surely we will be keeping an eye on Google with their Nexus line and Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. The year will start taking shape in March and April as we head into Google I/O and things hit full force. Get ready to enjoy the top spot and doubling sales numbers again folks! Who’s excited? |
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