Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


Google+ Hangouts go cross-platform with group video

Posted: 15 May 2013 10:58 AM PDT

Google has confirmed some of the earlier rumors. These rumors were dealing with the unified messaging service that was first tipped as Babel. Coming later in that rumor cycle, we had heard Babel was going to be launching as Hangouts. Well, Hangouts have been officially unveiled and as part of the announcement, Google played off the bit about how their own services have been “fragmented and confused at times.”

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With that in mind, Hangouts are being touted as “conversations that last, with people you love.” Notice the focus on conversations. The Google I/O demo showed Hangouts launching with a list of conversations — not contacts. Of course, the contacts are available. In fact, they are easily accessible with a single swipe to the left.

These conversations will be connected and carried across devices. Also, as was rumored, those devices will include Android and iOS along with the web. Plus, Google included group video and it doesn’t cost anything to use. The updated Google+ Hangouts will be available beginning today.

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Other features here include notifications that sync across your devices as well as group messaging and typing notifications. All this sounds pretty good and once this over-sized keynote comes to an end we are going to have to dive in and see how well these perform with some real-world testing.

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As Hangouts were an often discussed rumor in the time leading up to Google I/O, we suspect more than a few of you will be excited these are actually coming. On that note, make sure to shout in the comments and let us know how well (or poorly) they may be working for you. In the meantime, make sure to stick with our Google I/O coverage.

Google Play for Education takes Android into the classroom

Posted: 15 May 2013 10:39 AM PDT

Google has announced Google Play for Education, which is said to have been “built from the ground up to meet the unique needs of educators.” Basically, this sounds like Google is making an effort to bring more technology into the classrooms. The keynote mentioned that teachers feel there is a gap between what is possible in technology and what is practical.

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Of course, that brings us back to the having been built from the ground up comment. The Google Play for Education setup will be broken down based on the needs of the particular teacher and as a result, the particular age and grade level. And all apps will have been recommended by other teachers.

The Google Play for Eduction setup also ties in with the over-the-air app installs. In this case, teachers that are logged in using Google+ will be able to push apps to the devices in the kids hands. Not only will this help to ease the pain of installation, but it should keep the kids focused on the app being installed — as opposed to the many more also available.

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Those teachers using this will find a mix of free and paid apps and paid apps will be billed to a central school account. Anyway, Google will be launching the Google Play for Education program in the fall and developer submissions are currently being accepted.

There is also a trial underway with six schools in New Jersey. Google noted those six schools used more than 500 apps in a single day. Considering that is for just a relatively small number of schools, that number will likely be huge when rolled out to any and all schools that want to participate.

Google Chromebook Pixel handed out to every IO attendee

Posted: 15 May 2013 10:30 AM PDT

Google‘s IO keynote today, the one and only one this year, has been packed full of news that we can hardly keep up. In the usual Google fashion we’ve just learned about the first of probably many freebies. Google will be giving each and every developer at Google I/O their very own ChromeBook Pixel.

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Google Chrome is about to take center stage here at IO, and we’re expecting plenty of details, but they won’t be merging it with Android any time soon. There is however tons of options in Chrome to sync with Android, and that includes the new cross platform Google Play Games.

However, the Chromebook Pixel is one of Google’s first dedicated hardware devices. It’s nothing new, and has been reviewed in full, but now will be in the hands of thousands of developers. This means that Retina smashing 2560 x 1700 HD resolution 12.85″ touchscreen display can truly come to life and be useful.

For more details on the Pixel check out my thorough ChromeBook Pixel review at SlashGear. This powerful device rocks a 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 32GB SSD for storage, and now will be in the hands of developers to help improve Chrome. Don’t forget to follow all of the news from IO as it gets unveiled by hitting our Google I/O Portal.

We’re just waiting on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean news, if it’s coming, as well as more hardware. There’s a little over an hour left for Google to shock us, so get ready.

Samsung GALAXY S 4 ‘Google Edition’ is real

Posted: 15 May 2013 10:10 AM PDT

Some last minute rumors surfaced late yesterday afternoon and it looks like they have since been proven accurate. The rumor was dealing with a GALAXY S 4 running vanilla Android, and well, that handset has just been announced. The device is dubbed the Samsung GALAXY S 4 Google Edition and it will be available beginning next month.

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Specifically, the Google Edition GALAXY S 4 will be available beginning on June 26th. The handset will sell for $649 and it will be unlocked with support for AT&T and T-Mobile. Those looking to make the purchase will be able to do so by way of the Google Play Store.

The handset will be running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, which will have it just like the Nexus 4. Perhaps more important here — given this is a vanilla Android installation, those who make the purchase will be able to expect prompt updates, which is something that cannot be said for the carrier branded GALAXY S 4 models.

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Not to mention, this should be good for those who really like the GALAXY S 4 hardware, but really dislike TouchWiz and the tweaks that are added by Samsung. Seems like Samsung has listened and offered users what they want — even if that group of users may be on the smaller side.

The question remains now; Who is going to be making a purchase? At just shy of $650, this will not come cheap, but it does provide the flexibility of being contract free. Not that we expect anytime to jump from carrier to carrier on a regular basis, but it could be done with this model. That said, make sure to keep up with the latest from Google I/O using our portal.

Google Play Music ‘All Access’ takes on Spotify for a monthly fee

Posted: 15 May 2013 10:05 AM PDT

Live here at Google I/O we have just learned a few details regarding Play Music. We have heard a few reports and rumors over the past few weeks and months, but today it’s official. Google will be taking on Spotify and other music streaming services head on. It’s called Google Play Music All Access, and here’s what we know.

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So far we didn’t see any major design changes from Google regarding Play Music, but it does appear to have changed. It’s behind the scenes that will be different. Google Music will give you all the content you want to buy from the Play Store, all your own music, then you can stream anything and everything you’d like. Play Music gets full streaming.

Yesterday we reported that Sony and Universal are both on board as far as full music streaming, and that’s on top of the hundreds of millions of tracks already available from Google Play Music. So what’s new. Streaming. Google Play will be taking on Spotify with full music streaming for $9.99 a month.

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Many were hoping that this would be a free option, but even Google doesn’t have the power to do that. Music industry wants and needs their money, you know. However, Google Play will offer quite the array of content and more will be added as soon as possible. The same thumbs up and down options for creating and curating your own channel will be available, just like the competition. We’ll learn full details later in our hands on.

When can you get it? Starting today Google Play Music All Access will be available in the US for $9.99 as well as a free 30-day trial. If you sign up in the next month however, you’ll get a early tester price of $7.99 per month. Check for updates guys as this should be appearing any moment now on your devices. Who’s excited about that price?

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Google I/O: Google+ Sign-In update brings cross platform sign-on

Posted: 15 May 2013 09:52 AM PDT

Coming out of Google I/O 2013, we are seeing an update to the Google+ Sign-In API. This update brings one notable improvement which is cross platform single sign-in. This will work in conjunction with the over-the-air app installs and simply adds another level of convenience for the user.

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Basically, if you are on a website and are already signed in with Google+ you will be given the option to install the mobile app. Assuming you proceed with the app install, the app will then be installed on your smartphone (or tablet) and when launched, you will automatically be logged in on the app.

This of course, takes the same Google+ account that you are signed in with on the regular website. Even nicer for those with multiple devices, this sign-in process will carry to other devices that are tied to your account. All said and done, this may be just one update, but it is an update that adds a nice layer of convenience.

Otherwise, the 2013 Google I/O keynote continues and it looks like we have plenty more left to cover today. We were given a look at the numbers, which had activations up to 900 million for this year. Without rehashing those numbers, we will just go with what Google called it — an "extraordinary achievement."

Stay tuned for for more coverage through the day and the remaining two days of Google I/O. In the meantime, our continued coverage will be posted throughout the day in our 2013 Google I/O portal.

Play Store gets beta testing and staged rollouts for developers

Posted: 15 May 2013 09:48 AM PDT

Google is on a roll at the moment, although so far we’ve been hearing all about backend services. So far they’ve touched base on the Play Store, Google Maps, location services getting a major overhaul, Google Games and more. And we haven’t even got to the newest Android 4.3 or 5.0 yet. However, they just announced some awesome options for developers.

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As the title states, the Google Play Store and developer console just received some massive improvements. We’ll update with tons of detailed information later, but here’s the important bits. Live beta testing in the Google Play Store, as well as staged rollouts.

This means developers can launch an app on the Play Store, in a limited or open beta, and control everything. No more 3rd party download and installs needed. From here replies and “reviews” on the Store go directly to the developer, and he can reply directly too. Even better, these are beta reviews and won’t be seen by the public. Nice touch Google.

Then from here the developer has full control in the dev console for the actual app launch. He can open the beta for all, stage a limited small rollout, or open the floodgates for everything. This makes developing, testing, and launching Android applications on the Play Store the best app experience on mobile. Hopefully we don’t see a flood of unstable beta apps though. That wouldn’t be ideal.

Stay tuned for more. Coming quick!

Google I/O: Google Play Games coming to every Android

Posted: 15 May 2013 09:32 AM PDT

So it’s finally started. Google I/O is rocking out full steam and we can hardly keep up. We all knew it was coming, especially considering this leaked and appeared in the Play Store, but Google Play Games is real. Live on stage they’ve just confirmed everything we already knew. Cloud game saves, cross platform gaming and more.

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We’ve been waiting for it, and wanting it for a long time, and it’s finally coming. We haven’t got to what version of Android they’ll be announcing yet, but this should work across all Android devices – hopefully. This should roll out in the latest Google Play Store, but we’re still waiting for more details.

So what can you expect from Google Play Games? Well, everything that was revealed this weekend. The list is still growing, but Google’s confirmed some pretty great things for gamers. Cloud game-saves, multiplayer, leaderboards and much much more.

• Cloud Save
• Achievements
• Leader-boards
• Multiplayer
• Cross platform gaming

Then, using the new Google Play services and GCM (Google cloud messaging) you’ll be able to clear a notification, whatever it may be, and it will clear across all devices. Get invited to a game, and you can play with ease, or simply deny the invite. There’s plenty of games coming too. Google’s been working extremely hard with developers and they have an entire suite of games launching TODAY with these features.

So what does this mean, well gaming is about to get really good. This should take on, and blow away Apple’s game center. Now, live on stage Google just confirmed Play Games will be coming to every Android, not just the latest version. An update to the Google Play Services framework will bring this to all versions of Android. Excellent. Stay tuned for more details.

Google I/O 2013: 900 million Android activations and 48 billion app installs

Posted: 15 May 2013 09:27 AM PDT

The 2013 Google I/O keynote has begun and as we often hear in the beginning, they are talking numbers. In this case, Android numbers relating to activations and a bit about Google Play installs and revenue. Looking back, 2011 had 100 million device activations and 2012 brought that number up to 400 million.

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From that point it was said the “momentum has been breathtaking since then.” Translating breathtaking momentum into numbers and Google was referring to 40 million activations in October of 2010 and 200 million in November 2011. At present, that yearly number has increased to 900 million and it has been dubbed an “extraordinary achievement.”

Shifting away from the installations and into Google Play. The number here is 48 billion, with a B. That is for app installs, of which there were 2.8 billion during the previous month. Given the app install number is high, one may suspect the developers are doing well as a result.

In regards to this, Google shared that revenue per user is 2.5 times what it was last year. Seems like developers should have a bit easier time trying to decide which platform to work with. Touching on the revenue in dollars and while Google didn’t mention specifics, they did say they have paid more this year (in 4 months) than they did in all of 2012.

Plenty more Google I/O coverage still to come so make sure to keep an eye on the portal. In the meantime, while we are already looking at 900 million activations this year — anyone have a guess as to how big that number will be by the end of the year?

Samsung dominating Android smartphone profits with 95% globally

Posted: 15 May 2013 08:49 AM PDT

A Samsung executive recently released some details in terms of GALAXY S 4 shipments. The news touched on how the company managed to break an internal record and have shipped 4 million GALAXY S 4 units since launch. Shifting away from the GALAXY S 4 and to smartphones in general and it looks like Samsung is currently dominating the global market.

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Granted, we have heard similar stories in the past, however an analyst from Strategy Analytics has said Samsung now has 95 percent of the global Android smartphone profits. To give an idea of what that means in terms of dollar amounts, the report has global Android smartphone profits at just above $5 billion for the first quarter of 2013.

Specifically, the report shows profits of $5.3 billion with Samsung having $5.1 billion. That would translate into a 94.7 percent profit share. Following Samsung is LG and ‘others’ with 2.5 and 2.7 percent respectively. From LG and the others category, both account for the remaining $0.2 billion with $0.1 billion each. And just to clarify, these numbers are looking only at Android smartphones.

Further details note the success of Samsung coming as a result of “an efficient supply chain, sleek products and crisp marketing.” Shifting away from Samsung and it was said that LG did deliver a small profit this quarter but that they were held back because they lack the “volume scale needed.”

Looking aside from the $5.3 billion total and the report is showing the Android platform sitting with 43 percent of the smartphone industry operating profits. For those keeping track, those operating profits are said to have reached $12.5 billion for Q1 2013. Finally, for the interesting bit of the report — it was said that Samsung (at least for now) is the “undisputed king of the global Android smartphone industry” and that they are believed to be taking in more revenue and profit (from Android) than Google.

SOURCE: Strategy Analytics

ADAIA and BMW partner for topographic map inspired Android phone

Posted: 15 May 2013 08:12 AM PDT

If you have ever dreamed of having an Android smartphone with a design that has been inspired topographic maps you may be in luck. Such a device will be coming as a result of a partnership between ADAIA and BWM Group Designworks USA. In addition to having a map-like design, the handset will be rugged and for those who like to be in the outdoors.

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The companies have yet to share a full set of hardware specs, however there is still plenty to attract some interest here. For example, the handset is said to have been designed for the outdoorsman. There is a focus on dualism, in which the companies have said the design theme was focused on "Duality and Sophisticated Ruggedness.”

“Dualism is the key characteristic of the design, as the smartphone's customers lead a multi-dimensional lifestyle, active in the outdoors as well as in their professional lives.”

The case itself is described as having elements that were chosen to “express toughness in a modern way.” The handset will have a side-grip surface that was said to be able to protect the phone and also keep it comfortable — even for those with gloves on. The handset will also have chamfered corners, an o-ring layering and a “revealing rubber structure assembly also add to the impression of solidity.”

Some of the device features include satellite functionality for times when no cellular network is available. This includes a satellite-based search and rescue service that can be used to call for emergency assistance. Security features are also present and will provide military-grade security and privacy.

ADAIA and BWM have also said the handset was made from premium materials with a focus on durability, lightness and precision. The device will have a removable battery as well as an SOS button. Finally, touching on the topographic map inspiration, here is was said that “maps tell the story of adventure, add premium with preciseness, and work as a functional grip.”

Google I/O 2013: We’re here live!

Posted: 15 May 2013 07:50 AM PDT

Google I/O 2013 is set to begin today and we are once again on-site to provide coverage. The keynote will take place a bit later this morning and we look forward to seeing what is announced and talked about. They keynote is scheduled for three hours and will run from 9AM PST through 12PM PST.

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Of course, aside from the super-sized keynote, there will be plenty of additional coverage for the remainder of the day. And on top of that, Google I/O runs through May 17th which means we will likely see some goodies over the next few days.

We arrived on site yesterday afternoon for registration and began to do a bit of looking around. Those curious about Google Glass may want to check out the ‘on-site preview through Glass’ coverage which we posted yesterday afternoon. That included some images as well as a short video taken with Glass. Plus, you can get a brief look at the crowds that were starting to build.

The video you see above was actually recorded yesterday evening, however it once again gives a look at the building crowds. Otherwise, Google had previously released the Google I/O 2013 schedule and in addition to our coverage, those not able to attend can watch a livestream of the keynote. The streaming will be available online and by way of the Google I/O 2013 mobile app.

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Finally, while we are waiting for the keynote to begin, we can take a look back at some of the predictions for this years event. We are hoping to see some hardware, however we are also expecting some software goodies covering topics such as Game Center, Ingress, Google Now, Babel (Hangouts), Chrome and of course, Android. With that, make sure to bookmark our Google I/O portal for continuing coverage.

Verizon and VMware release Horizon Mobile app to seperate work from home

Posted: 15 May 2013 07:04 AM PDT

We are starting to see a bit more in terms of using an Android handset in the workplace. While the Android adoption may take some time, we are currently seeing apps that will help to keep your work and personal data seperate. The latest in this bunch has arrived by way of VMware. The app is called WMware Horizon Mobile and the app has been announced for Verizon Wireless users.

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Specifically, the WMware Horizon Mobile app will be available for Verizon users provided they are carrying an LG Intuition or Motorola RAZR M smartphone. At present the app is only supported on these two handsets, however there was a mention of additional device support arriving “throughout the year.” More important for now, WMware Horizon Mobile will create what is being referred to as a “virtualized operating system” on your device.

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In simpler terms, this app will allow the user to keep their work and personal profiles seperate. Additionally, the work profile will be controlled and managed by your IT department. This IT department managed section will have its own virtualized operating system as well as its own applications and policies. The key here though, security.

“Having a virtual workspace available on smartphones using the VMware Horizon platform gives us an unobtrusive way to more securely offer applications to mobile care givers and maintain control of the data while minimizing worry about potential data breaches,” said Edward Ricks, chief information officer, Beaufort Memorial Hospital. “This dual persona approach gives us full control over our data on personally owned or corporate-owned mobile devices without requiring us to unnecessarily manage the entire device.”

Sticking with the topic of security. The app is said to have “enterprise-grade security for Android” and in addition to simply keeping the work and personal data separate, the app will also encrypt the work side. All that being said, the VMware Horizon Mobile app brings a licensing fee which starts at $125 per user. Those looking to get setup will able to do so through Verizon Wireless as well as with a VWware reseller.

Otherwise, looking at some of the similar solutions and we have the recently updated BlackBerry Secure Work Space and Samsung KNOX. Both of these items have support for Android handsets and they are similar to the VMware offering in that they keep the work and personal data seperate with the work place data being encrypted.

SOURCE: MarketWire

HTC Backup app arrives for AT&T HTC One users

Posted: 15 May 2013 06:30 AM PDT

AT&T may have launched the HTC One without the HTC Backup app, however in a bit of good news for any users that may have been waiting — the app is now available by way of the Google Play Store. The app is called HTC Backup for HTC One and it does just what the name implies, it backs up the data on your AT&T branded One. In fact, the HTC Backup app has brought support for more than 150 settings.

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To begin with, the backing up is done by way of Dropbox. As a result of using Dropbox, there are some small quirks with the app itself. For example, the HTC Backup app doesn’t backup images, videos, music or documents. The reasoning here is that HTC has said Dropbox “already does a good job” with those items. Instead the HTC Backup app supports items such as your home screen including your app shortcuts and widget layouts.

Other items that are backed up using the app include your BlinkFeed categories, mail accounts and passwords, Evernote account and password for HTC Notes sync, personal dictionary, alarms, bookmarks, wallpaper, WiFi networks and much more. The app will even backup your Sense TV remote and viewing preferences.

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HTC has equipped the Backup app with the option to do manual or automatic backups. Those going the automatic route can expect the app to perform one backup per day. That backup will always be done when connected to a WiFi network. Backing up is possible on a cellular connection, however that will have to be done manually.

For those worried about the security of your data in the cloud. The app uses Dropbox to save those backups and the data is further protected using an HTC Account (with username and password) or a Facebook account. Those worried about having your images backed up, Dropbox has a Camera Upload feature that will backup images and videos in real-time. This can be turned on when setting up HTC Backup, or at a later time by diving into the settings.

SOURCE: Google Play Store

Game developer Butterscotch Shenanigans sees 95% piracy rate on Android

Posted: 15 May 2013 05:20 AM PDT

Everyone knows the piracy happens in the software world. Smartphones are certainly no exception, particularly on the Android platform where you don’t have to buy from an official application store. One Android game developer has recently offered up some details that highlight the struggles game developers face with app piracy.

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Developers Butterscotch Shenanigans, who developed the games Towelfight 2 and Quadropus Rampage, recently admitted that they had seen over 34,000 pirated copies of their first game on the Android operating system. By comparison, the number of pirated versions of their game on the iOS platform numbered only a little over 2400.

According to the developers, 95% of users who played their game on Android used an unofficial pirated copy. The game the developers are talking about is Towelfight 2 and it released at the same time for Android and iPhone users and $.99 on each platform. While 95% of Android players pirated the game, only 5% on the iPhone pirated.

Obviously, you can’t assume that every developer faces the same sort of massive piracy problems as Butterscotch Shenanigans. However, you can bet now a number of developers are facing the same challenge. Butterscotch will be switching to a freemium model moving forward with free to download games supported by ads and presumably in game purchases.

The developers say that it’s freemium title will be beatable solely by meeting goals in the game and by paying for access. Interestingly, the developers will also reduce the price for gamers who made progress in the free version of the game to begin with.

SOURCE: SlashGear

Panasonic unveils Eluga P-03E 4.7-inch smartphone

Posted: 15 May 2013 05:05 AM PDT

Panasonic has announced a new Android-powered smartphone called the ELUGA P-03. The smartphone features a 4.7-inch full HD resolution display. The native resolution of that panel is 1920 x 1080. Panasonic is positioning the new smartphone as a high-end device and it’s 10.9 mm thick.

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Under the hood, the new smartphone features a 1.7 GHz Snapdragon quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. It features 32 GB of internal storage and has a whopping 13.4-megapixel rear camera. The front camera has a resolution of 1.3-megapixels. The phone weighs in at about 146 g.

Power comes from the 2600 mAh internal battery. One of the interesting features of the new smartphone is called Touch Assist, which is said to be along the lines of the Air Gestures feature on the Galaxy S 4. Touch Assist is able to detect swipes and touches before the user actually touches the screen.

The proximity feature can detect movements from up to 15 mm away and Panasonic intends the feature to help prevent users from accidentally selecting menu options or applications. This feature provides a description of the software and asks the user to confirm if they want to open the app when the finger hovers over the application.

Another interesting aspect of the Touch Assist is that hovering over image will show an enlarged preview. Hovering over a web browser will also enlarge a specific section of the screen without having to use a pinch gesture to zoom. The smartphone is currently only available via the Japanese Panasonic website. It’s unclear if the device will come to any other countries at this time.

SOURCE: TheNextWeb

Samsung sets internal record with 4 million Galaxy S 4 smartphones shipped

Posted: 15 May 2013 04:53 AM PDT

I think we all knew that Samsung was going to have a huge hit on its hands with the Galaxy S 4 smartphone. The device is destined to be one of the most popular smartphones 2013 and one of the biggest sellers in the entire smartphone industry. Samsung has now reportedly set an internal record for Galaxy S 4 shipments.

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According to an unnamed company executive, by the end of April Samsung had already shipped 4 million S 4 smartphones to wireless carriers around the world. That is an internal record for Samsung. For comparison, it took Samsung 21 days to ship 3 million Galaxy S III smartphones to carriers globally.

It also took Samsung 55 days to ship 3 million Galaxy S II smartphones. Clearly, carriers expect huge demand for Samsung’s newest offering. Demand for the device is still growing with the unnamed executive saying that as of Friday the company had sold more than 6 million of the smartphones.

The executive also predicted that by the end of the month Samsung could ship as many as 10 million S 4 smartphones. You do need to be aware of one little factoid with these numbers from Samsung, these are sales to wireless carriers not to end users. With Samsung’s track record with its Galaxy S line of smartphones, there is little doubt that the vast majority of these devices will find their way into consumer hands.

If you’re wondering how early demand for the S 4 stacks up against demand for the iPhone 5 when it launched, Apple still has the edge. Apple sold 5 million iPhone 5 smartphones the first week the device was available. However, demand for the iPhone 5 has now cooled as people realized that it was an incremental update at best.

SOURCE: SlashGear via UnwiredView

Google Subscription services for YouTube and Music: is the deal struck?

Posted: 14 May 2013 10:10 PM PDT

While it’s not clear when Google Music and YouTube will be offering up per-month subscription costs for content above-and-beyond the fold, it appears that sources speaking freely on the matter have made it clear: Google media is on the brink of a big change. Google I/O 2013 spreads across this week starting tomorrow morning, there the first (and only) major keynote showing developers and the public alike what the company will be bringing the market in the near future. Could the YouTube Channel subscription service be ready for an initial announcement – or is it a Google Music streaming service that’s ready for action?

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In Android Community’s early tour of the event center, it didn’t seem immediately evident that Google would be making any major announcement in the way of YouTube or Google Play at all. Could it be that the company is bringing a blast without the fanfare? Or might the big G just be that good at hiding their big media push?

Sources speaking with the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal have suggested that Google Music will be bringing streaming music to the mix, in this case without a free tier. Also suggested to the WSJ is that Google is attempting to get an audio-only license for YouTube – this could have major implications for the future of the system, especially in the way of it being a video-only brand.

Meanwhile The Verge reports sources are speaking with them regarding specific deals made with brands for content for this supposed Google Music subscription music service: Universal and Sony having signed on very, very recently. It’s important to note that the YouTube streaming service had been tipped earlier this year as well, while deals with music labels for Google Music streaming have been tipped more than once over the past few months.

Could it be time for Google to let it be known what they’ve been brewing in the way of streaming and/or subscription services tomorrow morning? At the moment, it’s already seeming rather amazing that the company has squished two 2-hour keynotes of years’ past into one 2.45-hour keynote: could it be that there’s not a lot else to speak about?

Have a peek at our Google I/O tag portal to continue to follow the action and join us right away in the morning tomorrow for the main keynote for the full story. We’ll be ready at 9AM PST tomorrow, May 15th, to bring the whole show to you, quick as a whip!

HP Slatebook x2 delivers Tegra 4 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

Posted: 14 May 2013 09:55 PM PDT

The folks from ASUS might have revolutionized the way we use and enjoy tablets, mainly Android tablets, but today HP is the first to offer it with NVIDIA‘s brand new and impressive quad-core Tegra 4 mobile processor. Just like the popular Transformer series, the HP Slatebook x2 will be an Android tablet that docks into a keyboard for that full laptop experience.

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Not only does the Slatebook x2 offer that full laptop-like experience, but just like ASUS it doubles as additional battery for the slate. HP’s Slate 7 isn’t extremely popular, but this new Slatebook might better suite your tastes. Why, because it offers top-tier specs across the board all for a fairly decent price.

The HP Slatebook x2 comes with a 10.1-inch display and keyboard dock, but it’s what’s under the hood that matters. Being one of the first devices announced (and to market) with the NVIDIA Tegra 4 quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. That isn’t all either. You’ll be enjoying Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean as well. Well done HP! How much you ask? All of this will be just $479. So not as cheap as some recent Transformers, but then again we do get the Tegra 4.

That 10-inch screen rocks a 1920 x 1200 resolution IPS display, you’ll enjoy 16GB of internal storage and micro-SD to add as much as you need. Then being a laptop-like device that keyboard dock supports USB 2.0, full size SD card, HDMI-out, and more. We don’t have exact details on the additional battery inside the keyboard, or battery life estimates, but we’ll be finding out more details soon.

The HP Slatebook x2 will be the first detachable Android device to market with NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 4 mobile processor, and will support all those Tegra-optimized games. Again it will be priced around $479, and should hit the market around August. Sounds like a pretty quality Android “laptop”. What do you guys think?

Screen Shot 2013-05-14 at 9.42.22 PM Screen Shot 2013-05-14 at 9.42.10 PM HP Slatebook x2 - Back HP Slatebook x2 - Detached HP Slatebook x2 - Front HP Slatebook x2 - Left side

Google updates the Play Store and adds ‘app data sync’

Posted: 14 May 2013 09:06 PM PDT

With Google I/O officially kicking off tomorrow, Google released a few surprises a bit early this evening. A brand new Google Play Store has just started rolling out that brings a few much needed changes to the latest redesign, as well as tons of other features in the Google Play Services framework. Read on for the full details and download links.

Screen Shot 2013-05-14 at 9.02.46 PM

Google just redesigned the Play Store last month, but today we’re getting a few new changes already. The improved 6 button layout has been revamped and looks a little better, with some UI tweaks to the buttons. The colors have been spruced up a bit, as well as other changes. The new Play Store is listed as version 4.1.6 vs 4.0.27 before, but there’s lots of little changes.

The menu text is a little more consistent, the install/uninstall buttons have been changed, and they increased the space between them too. Many complained about that, so that’s nice. Now you won’t accidentally hit uninstall when you mean to hit update. Oh and don’t worry if you do, if you head into your Google account sync options, there’s now an option for app data sync. Yes, this means Google will sync and save all your application data to the cloud.

We’ll be leaning more about this tomorrow, but most likely this means app settings, and of course game saves. Probably between devices too. Google’s rumored “Play Games” will use this to backup game data to the cloud. Yes! Then the Play Store has other various UI changes. The wishlists have been improved, the “redeem giftcard” popup is different, and the settings page went back to white. I preferred the black settings menu more myself.

There is tons of other various minor changes, but you’ll see them yourself once the app updates tonight or tomorrow morning, or just get the download link below. Then in settings under Google Sync it will also now sync People details, whatever that means. We’ll update with all the details live tomorrow. So stay tuned!

Download: Play Store 4.1.6

SOURCE: Android Police

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