Android Community |
- Google Play update allows developers to directly reply to user reviews
- Google triples free cloud storage for Drive and Gmail to 15GB
- Google Nexus Q to be a no show at Google I/O
- Google’s Eric Schmidt on reading your email, AOL and not being evil
- HTC First reportedly getting the axe from AT&T
- T-Mobile Galaxy S III Android 4.1.2 update arriving with multi-window
- Zact opens for business offering customizable no-contract mobile plans
- Amazon Coins roll-out as virtual currency for Kindle Fire users
- Sundar Pichai: Google I/O 2013 will return focus to the developers
- Sony shows off the waterproof Xperia ZR smartphone
- Phoenix hits Kickstarter goal to bring Android apps to HP TouchPad
- Samsung brags about next-generation 5G network testing
- Google Play ‘Games’ fully revealed ahead of Google I/O
| Google Play update allows developers to directly reply to user reviews Posted: 13 May 2013 10:54 AM PDT Google has announced the latest update for the Play Store. This time around the update is dealing with app reviews and it is one that should help to improve communication between the developer and the end-user. The level of communication will likely vary from app to app and developer to developer, however moving forward, developers will be able to directly reply to Play Store user reviews.
Google has said a priority has been to further “strengthen that conversation” between developers and users. With that in mind, it seems a basic aspect of the communication is for both sides to be able to talk and reply back. In that respect, this makes perfect sense and we sort of have to wonder why it hadn’t been rolled out earlier. Nonetheless, moving forward all Google Play developers will be able to respond to user reviews. The developer will be able to reply using the Developer Console, however the reply will show in the Play Store alongside the user review. To clarify that, the developer replies will be posted publicly. On the other side, the user will receive an email notification when a developer replies. From here the user will be able to take the conversation to email (between them and the developer) or update their review. In addition to the user being able to update their review, the developer will also be able to update their replies.
The ability for developers to reply to user reviews goes hand-in-hand with another change that Google made to the Play Store. This other change came back in November of 2012 and was the tie-in with Google+ accounts. Google connected your Play Store and Google+ accounts which in turn, removed some of the anonymous aspect. As a result of the lack of anonymity Google has said the quality of reviews has increased “tremendously.” Bottom line here, while this latest Play Store change is clearly aimed at developers, it seems like one that will also benefit the users. Building off the connecting of the accounts and tying an identity to Play Store app reviews, it seems that knowing a developer could respond back to your comments should only go to further enhance the quality of reviews. SOURCE: Android Developers Blog |
| Google triples free cloud storage for Drive and Gmail to 15GB Posted: 13 May 2013 10:36 AM PDT Free cloud-storage is something more and more people are looking for these days. With Dropbox, Box.net, Google Drive and more fighting for the top spot. Today Google’s pulled a big move to beat the competition and have just tripled what they’ll be giving away for free. Previously, just like Dropbox and others, Google Drive users received 5GB of free cloud storage. Starting today that will triple to 15GB.
The excellent news arrived this afternoon from the official Google Drive blog, and they detail just exactly why they’ve decided to go this route – without really giving us any tips as to if there’s a reason. Instead of enjoying 5GB free, you’ll get 15GB, but that will also be shared across Gmail, Drive, and Google+ Photos. So while this is technically more Google Drive storage, they aren’t actually giving any additional storage out, but we’ll be able to use it where it counts. As it is right now Gmail users get 10GB, and 5GB is shared between Drive and Google+ Photos. Now, you’ll be able to have a unified 15GB of cloud-storage. So for users like me, who’s Gmail is only using about 1-2GB, you can use that other 9GB over on Google Drive. So essentially Google isn’t giving us more, they’ve just unified it into one pool and we can use our storage as we need or see fit. Oh and if you’d like to beef that up to something more manageable for your needs they have that too. 100GB will run you $4.99 and more details on that can be found here. So now we’re wondering if there’s a reason for this. Why announce it just two days before Google I/O that starts on Wednesday? Could they be related? Obviously we’ll hear plenty about Google+ at IO, so stay tuned and we’ll report back as we’ll be there live! SOURCE: Google Blog |
| Google Nexus Q to be a no show at Google I/O Posted: 13 May 2013 10:07 AM PDT Completely overpriced and randomly announced last year was the short-lived debut of the Google Nexus Q media device. After being announced nearly a year ago at I/O 2012, then later canceled, we were hoping for some sort of rebound device or revamped Nexus Q this year. Sadly it sounds like that won’t be happening. At least according to a few anonymous sources.
According to AllThingsD and their ‘sources close to the matter’ this year will not deliver another Nexus Q, or anything like it. When asked the answer was simply, no, it won’t be making an appearance. Now that it has been missing in action for about a year, are any of you actually surprised by this news? The idea of a Nexus Q media streaming device to take on Apple TV and more, running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean was excellent, but it was overpriced and under featured at that time. Sadly, not only will they not reveal a replacement, the tipster goes on to mention Google won’t even talk about the device at all. Basically it is out of sight, and out of mind. The last we heard about the ill-fated Nexus Q was that the team was “hard at work” improving it. the build quality and unique design were both awesome. It was the $300 price and lack of features that turned many off. Including the fact we needed an Android device to double as the remote control. Bring us full voice and gesture controls on a new Nexus Q later this year – then we can talk. Don’t worry though Android fans. Google will have plenty of exciting news and hardware at Google I/O this year. If you missed it, check out our IO: What to expect in 2013 from the weekend. SOURCE: AllThingsD |
| Google’s Eric Schmidt on reading your email, AOL and not being evil Posted: 13 May 2013 10:03 AM PDT Google’s Eric Schmidt recently made an appearance on NPR's Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!, which is weekly comedy trivia show. Schmidt was using this appearance to promote his new book, however as one would expect — other topics were discussed. For example, Schmidt revealed that he doesn’t feel sorry for those using AOL email, that he could read all of our email and that he felt the “don’t be evil” slogan was “the stupidest rule ever.”
The interesting part of don’t be evil being stupid was why. Schmidt went on to talk about how he didn’t like it because “there’s no book about evil.” Further noting that “the idea was that we don’t quite know what evil is.” On the flip side, despite not necessarily liking the rule, he did go on to mention that it worked. The provided example happened during a meeting about an advertising product. During said meeting, an engineer said “that’s evil,” the conversation stopped and the project was eventually stopped. As far as that comment about AOL email, this has to do with partnerships. Schmidt was asked whether he felt sorry for people still using AOL email. Technically he didn’t comment about the specific person using AOL, but AOL themselves. He replied by saying that AOL is one of their largest partners and said they are “very happy if you’re using AOL.” The potential to read our email probably should’t come as much of a surprise, however it was interesting to see the topic discussed as it was. In this case Schmidt basically said he could read a users email but that he would be “fired” and “sued to death.” And just to drive the point home, Schmidt noted that “someone would find out” if he were to do that.
Otherwise, as one may have guessed, the topic of Google Glass also came up. In this case, Schmidt said they are looking towards the developers to see what they create. On the topic of privacy, it was said that Google needs to find the “appropriateness of how people are going to use these things” and that there is “a right time to have Google Glass on, and there’s a right time to have it off.” VIA: SlashGear SOURCE: NPR |
| HTC First reportedly getting the axe from AT&T Posted: 13 May 2013 08:56 AM PDT AT&T lowered the price of the HTC First late last week and naturally, that had some questioning the success of the phone. To give a little background here, the HTC First was the first phone to launch with Facebook Home and it came available with AT&T on April 12. Basically, that is to say the handset had only been available for about a months time before that price cut arrived. The timing seems quick, however AT&T also lowered the price quite significantly. The HTC First went from $99.99 down to $0.99 on a two-year agreement.
Putting the price cut aside for a moment, earlier this morning we began seeing reports that touched on the amount of devices that AT&T had sold. Some estimates had the sales at about 10,000 units. That number came courtesy of Trip Chowdhry who is an analyst with Global Equities Research. Another report estimates that HTC First sales were less than 15,000. While neither sound all that great, new reports suggest AT&T is close to discontinuing the Facebook Home phone. The details of the discontinuation come courtesy of BGR who are reporting based on word from a person they describe as a “trusted” source. Basically, it was said that the end is near for the HTC First. AT&T has yet to comment and at the moment, the handset remains available and priced at $0.99 on a two-year agreement. The HTC First may have Facebook Home pre-installed, however the app/launcher can also be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store. The downloads for the app/launcher have recently reached 1 million, however the Google Play Store rating is sitting at a rather low 2.2. That rating is based on comments from 16,803 users, of which 8,855 gave a 1-star rating. If you check the comments there are some interesting opinions and thoughts of the launcher. For example, one user mentions that Facebook Home could be a nice lock screen, but not a nice launcher. Shifting back to the HTC First and there is another take here. While it is being touted as the Facebook phone with the emphasis on Facebook Home — it is actually not all that bad as a mid-range Android handset. Keep in mind, Facebook Home can be turned off and you would be left with a stock Jelly Bean installation. Not bad for less than a buck. Now we wouldn’t necessarily suggest everyone run out and purchase an HTC First before AT&T gives it the boot, but it may be a handset to consider. Finally, similar to AT&T, HTC has said they won’t comment on rumor or speculation. SOURCE: BGR Device Info
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| T-Mobile Galaxy S III Android 4.1.2 update arriving with multi-window Posted: 13 May 2013 08:18 AM PDT T-Mobile has announced the latest software update for the Samsung Galaxy S III. The update process is set to begin today and will be arriving as Android 4.1.2 and with features to include multi-window. Those carrying a T-Mobile branded Galaxy S III will be able to get the update over-the-air or using Kies. On that note, the update is on the larger side so if you are taking the over-the-air approach — you may want to make sure you are on WiFi before beginning.
The update measures in at 168MB and it will bring your Galaxy S III up to Android 4.1.2 and with baseband version T999UVDMD5. Your handset (assuming you had been up to date), should have been running Android 4.1.1 with baseband version T999UVDLJC. That previous update arrived back towards the end of January. Despite some reports coming from T-Mobile users, the details for the update show it as having been approved on May 13 and as being available OTA and from Kies as of June 16. Basically, you can check for the update now, but keep in mind that it may not be available for your handset just yet. Unlike the previous update which had you going from Ice Cream Sandwich to Jelly Bean, this update will be adding additional features and sticking with Jelly Bean. The new features include multi-window, auto-pairing via NFC, Sound Balance, Paper Artist, Samsung Gallery, Blocking Mode, Easy Mode and some enhanced Camera options. While many of these features have some benefit, the key may be the multi-window. This was originally a feature of the Galaxy Note and it does just what the name implies — lets you run two apps side by side. All said and done, while a build based on Android 4.2 would be nice to see, this update just makes the point that while the Galaxy S III may not be the newest handset on the market — it is still relevant. Those considering a new handset at the moment would be able to pick one of these up with a downpayment of $69.99. The monthly payments would also be included, which in this case would be 24 payments of $20. SOURCE: T-Mobile Device Info
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| Zact opens for business offering customizable no-contract mobile plans Posted: 13 May 2013 07:43 AM PDT ItsOn had been tipped to launch a new mobile offering and in that respect, they have done just that. The one catch, while ItsOn has launched today, it did not arrive exactly as was expected. Basically, instead of ItsOn taking advantage of the Verizon Wireless network, they have chosen to use the network of another US based CDMA carrier. Perhaps more important though, ItsOn has launched the service as Zact and it is indeed a no-contract carrier.
For those curious, Zact is using the Sprint network. The basics here, users will be able to pick their device and then create a plan with what they need. Some of the highlights here include no-contract, no overages, no-cost sharing and more. Zact has a few options to get you started or you can dive right in and create a plan based on what you need to have. The preset plans begin at $3.49 per month and go up to $66.21 for the Super Size option. Just to clarify, you did read that correctly — they start at $3.49. Granted, that plan includes only 30 minutes of talk time, 25 text messages and 50MB of data, but it is $3.49. Basically, this could be a good option for those who truly want a phone for an emergency and little else. Zact also has a mid-level plan for $27.09 which includes 500 minutes, 500 text messages and 500MB of data. Getting started is pretty simple though, you choose your plan and choose your phone. Those who want more or less of something can also create a plan from scratch. These plans are based off the $3.49 Just A Taste plans and allow you to add in anything from 0-4,000 voice minutes, 0-10,000 text messages and up to 2GB of data. While the plans are wide open and flexible, there are only a few options to pick from in terms of a device. Zact has the LG Viper 4G LTE and the LG Optimus Elite. The former is priced at $399 and the latter is priced at $199. We should also mention the Optimus Elite is available in black and white. Otherwise, while the service is open for sign-ups as of today, Zact is actually still in the pre-order stage. At the moment the shipping times for the handsets show as being the week of June 3. All said and done, it looks like those in the US now have another prepaid carrier to choose from. SOURCE: ItsOn |
| Amazon Coins roll-out as virtual currency for Kindle Fire users Posted: 13 May 2013 07:02 AM PDT Amazon has launched some virtual currency this morning. The currency is called Amazon Coins and they were originally announced back in early-February. The Amazon Coins will be used by Kindle Fire users and to get things started, Amazon will be giving users 500 free Coins. Of course, there are options to buy additional Coins. Plus we should also mention that Kindle Fire users will not be required to use these Coins.
Amazon has said the Coins will be an easy way to buy apps and in-app items on your Kindle Fire. They are also touting these are being good for developers. In this case, Amazon has said the Coins will provide “another opportunity to drive traffic, downloads and increased monetization.” Which brings the main point here — the price of the Coins. As you will see in the below image, Amazon has options to purchase Coins in increments of 500, 1000, 2500, 5000 and 10000. The price (at present) is $4.80, $9.50, $23.00, $45.00 and $90.00. Basically, you will get a little bit of a discount for purchasing in bulk. The nice part here, the Coins are easily available by way of the regular Amazon website. Aside from being an easy way for Kindle Fire users to make purchases, we see these as a nice option for parents as they can use the Coins as a way to limit and control purchases on the Kindle Fire.
The Coins will not expire, they do not come with any additional fees and they will be deposited in your account right after purchase. For curious developers, you will get the same 70/30 split whether your users pay with Coins or a traditional credit/debit card. Otherwise, the Coins can be used on the device or the computer if you are using a 7-inch or 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD as well as a 2nd generation Kindle Fire. Alternatively, those with a 1st generation Kindle Fire will need to make their purchases from the Amazon website and then download the app or game to their device. Bottom line here, Amazon Coins are now available. And even if you don’t plan on using them in the future, if you are a Kindle Fire user you should make sure to take advantage of that free 500 coin offer. SOURCE: Amazon |
| Sundar Pichai: Google I/O 2013 will return focus to the developers Posted: 13 May 2013 06:30 AM PDT With Google I/O just about ready to begin, naturally a big part of what we are going to be seeing over the next few days will be related to the conference. Before it begins though, Sundar Pichai has recently spoken to Wired and the discussion touched on everything from challenges to the dominance of Samsung, the merging of Chrome and Android and of course, Google I/O. Just to clarify though, it still doesn’t look like the two Google operating systems are going to be merging anytime soon.
In fact, Pichai has said that in the short term they have Android and Chrome and that they “are not changing course.” Touching on the short term aspect here, he did also mention that “the picture may look different a year or two from now.” Basically, it sounds like there are no immediate plans but that they are not ruling a merge out completely. While having two operating systems seems to bring a fair amount of attention when it comes to Google, other companies don’t seem to have the same issues. Pichai touched on Apple and how he believes “very few people” ask why Apple has iOS and OS X. In that respect it seems to make perfect sense. Shifting over to the challenges. This touches on the bit about him only having recently taken over. His challenges, aside from getting started in the position, seem to focus on the long term of Android. In this regard, Pichai spoke about how they can keep the open nature of Android and still “help improve the whole world's end-user experience.” While we have heard (and seen in countless reports) about the dominance of Samsung. This one is simple, Pichai has said that Samsung is a “great partner to work with” and went as far as showing his personal GALAXY S 4. While those topics are all interesting enough, lets shift over to what is likely on the minds of many Android fans at the moment — Google I/O. Basically, it is is looking like 2013 may bring some differences as compared to previous years. In fact, Pichai said rather simply that “it’s going to be different this year.” Further comments touched on how we are going to see more of a focus on developers and less of a focus on new products and new operating systems. And for better or worse, this year will keep the focus on both Android and Chrome. SOURCE: Wired |
| Sony shows off the waterproof Xperia ZR smartphone Posted: 13 May 2013 05:20 AM PDT Not too long ago Sony unveiled an interesting waterproof smartphone in the United States called the Xperia Z. That smartphone promised to be able to survive complete submersion in water and offered nice features as well. One of those features was a full HD resolution five-inch display.
A big five-inch screen could be more screen size than a lot of people out there really wanted. Particularly those with smaller hands or smartphone users who don’t like a big-screen device that takes up their entire pocket. Sony has offered up the new waterproof smartphone today called the ZR that has some of the same features of the Xperia Z with a smaller form factor.
The ZR uses a QUALCOMM Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with four cores running at 1.5 GHz. It also has 2 GB of RAM. All the typical connectivity features are there including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well as NFC technology. The touchscreen for the phone has a prediction filter that tries to guess where your finger is headed for smoother scrolling. That screen measures 4.6-inches making it about half an inch smaller than the Xperia Z.
The devices use the BRAVIA Engine 2 technology for better quality video and graphics. Sony also promises that the phone can survive water up to 1.5 m deep. It also features a 13-megapixel rear camera that can take photographs underwater. The smartphone is IP 55 and IP58 compliant allow it to survive underwater for up to 30 min. One of the requirements for the device to be waterproof is that all ports and openings have to be closed. If you forget to seal up the headphone port for instance, the phone will be ruined the water. Sony also says stick to freshwater, so no underwater photography at the beach. SOURCE: SlashGear] |
| Phoenix hits Kickstarter goal to bring Android apps to HP TouchPad Posted: 13 May 2013 04:54 AM PDT I think most of the people who follow the mobile realm when HP purchased Palm to get webOS wondered exactly what HP was thinking. The operating system already failed to lure in developers and buyers for Palm. HP apparently felt that its name or position was all it needed to get webOS to become a popular and viable alternative to Android and other smartphone operating systems.
One of the only products that HP produced the used the webOS operating system was its TouchPad tablet. The device proved unpopular and didn’t sell well until HP started offering massive discounts in the fire sell to shed stock. The upside for HP was that when it slashed prices in the fire sell, it sold a large number of the TouchPad tablets. That means there are a huge number of them in the wild right now and while is abysmal, the devices can certainly check e-mail and surf the web. If you own one of the HP TouchPad tablets and had given up on the chance of ever having new applications, a project turned up on Kickstarter called Phoenix the chill be interested in. The project is seeking $35,000 in funding to port the OpenMobile Application Compatibility Layer two webOS specifically for the HP TouchPad. Now that the project has raised the money needed for development costs, it looks like once the development work is done, owners of the tablet will be able to access many of the Android applications that are out there. The project also has some expansion goals that will add new features and functionality to Phoenix for money raised beyond $35,000. Extra money will be applied to additional projects such as adding support for Android 4.0 applications. Currently the ACL supports apps designed for Android 2.x. The developers hope to release the software by July. However, anyone who follows Kickstarter knows that you to take those proposed launch dates with a grain of salt, delays are frequent with this sort of project. SOURCE: Liliputing |
| Samsung brags about next-generation 5G network testing Posted: 13 May 2013 04:39 AM PDT Samsung is currently working on new network technology that you can bet we’ll see in future Android smartphones. Samsung has announced that it has been successful with an impressive test of its next-generation 5G network. 5G networks are promised to be hundreds of times faster than current 4G mobile networks.
Samsung has announced that in testing its prototype 5G wireless network has been able to transfer data at up to 1 Gbps. Data has been successfully tested at speed over distances of up to 2 km. Samsung says that it’s 5G network technology is using 28 GHz ultra-high-frequency bandwidths. The company sees this technology as superior to similar 5G technology under development using 6 GHz bandwidth. Samsung says that the benefit of its 5G technology compared to the 6 GHz 5G technology is transmission range. The distance the data can be transferred using the 6 GHz bandwidth is reduced compared to Samsung’s 28 GHz frequency. Currently Samsung says that the maximum transmission speed for its 5G mobile networks can reach the area of “tens of Gbps.” That would be fast enough to allow the download the complete 4K resolution movie in seconds according to Samsung. We’ve got a very long time ago before 5G networks are available around the country. Samsung is currently hoping to commercialize its 5G technology by 2020. Competing 5G networks are also looking at 2022 to debut around the world. There are also a number of international standards unions working on standards for 5G technology. SOURCE: SlashGear |
| Google Play ‘Games’ fully revealed ahead of Google I/O Posted: 12 May 2013 11:39 AM PDT All the details regarding Google Play Games, the new home for gamers and Android’s response to iOS Game Center, has been revealed this weekend just days before Google I/O. Back in April some details found inside the Google My Glass APK hinted at a gaming center, but today we know all the juicy details. Android will finally be getting universal cloud-based game saves, and much, much more.
A new version of the Google Play Store and Google Services was leaked and tore apart by the folks over at Android Police, and it reveals all sorts of details that you’ll be happy to hear. Whether your a casual Angry Birds and Temple Run gamer, or get down with all the Shadowgun multiplayer games and more you’ll want to read below to see what Google Play Games will be all about. Android will be getting a new ‘Play Games’ section in the Play Store, and with it brings an entirely new platform and option for gaming. An area of potential that Google’s been missing out on for some time. With the OUYA game-console, the Gamestick, and tons of others things are finally about to get serious. Apple’s Game Center is decent, but we have a feeling Google will be on-upping Apple, that’s for sure. The leak reveals cloud-based game saves, that will sync across any and all devices. Never have to restart or lose your progress again, ever. There will be leaderboards and scoreboards for tracking progress, true multiplayer gaming, matchmaking, player invites, achievements and goals, and more. Most are excited about the cloud-based saves, but all of this is exciting. This will all be officially revealed at Google I/O on Wednesday, and of course we’ll report all the official details when that happens.
According to Ron the only part of the application that actually works is being able to switch accounts, since you can have multiple accounts, then the option to enable and control notifications. All which by the way are ran through Google+ of course. For now not all the pieces are in place, but Google probably just needs to flip a switch. This will undoubtedly be revealed next week, but we’re not sure if it will launch at Google I/O, or come later down the road in the coming weeks or months. Stay tuned! SOURCE: Android Police |
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