Saturday, March 9, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Solar cells could soon add power to your smartphones and tablets

Posted: 09 Mar 2013 02:14 AM PST

Soon you can charge your smartphone while sunbathing, with a gallium arsenide solar cell chemistry from Alta Devices.

Soon you can charge your smartphone while sunbathing, with a gallium arsenide solar cell chemistry from Alta Devices.

Power efficiency can make or break a mobile device. If we weren’t constrained with the power supply, then our mobile devices would probably be even faster and more powerful than they are now. But even as mobile CPUs and GPUs are increasingly becoming power efficient, we still find ourselves finding the need to plug in at the end of the day (or even at the middle of the day). If all goes well with a new technology being developed by Alta Devices, we might be able to rely on the sun or other light sources to augment our batteries or even power our devices altogether.

As it stands, solar cells are currently very inefficient at absorbing energy from the sun, especially if the surface area were only to cover, say, the back end of a mobile phone or tablet. The highest-efficiency solar cell chemical could, theoretically, power a mobile phone, but in its current form, it would be very impractical to incorporate in a mobile device.

Gallium arsenide is better-able to capture light than traditional solar cells, and is currently used in space-bound craft such as satellites. The problem is that gallium arsenide is usually synthesized in a crystalline form — quite cumbersome to add onto a mobile device. Alta Devices, a Silicon Valley startup, has found a way to synthesize the material onto a thin film, and the resulting solar cells can convert up to 30.8% of the energy from light into electricity.

Alta Devices solar cells

The resulting film is about 1 micron thin — about a fourth of the width of human hair. The solar cells have two layers, one of which consists of indium gallium phosphide, which converts light with lower wavelengths into electricity.

The end result: a smartphone battery cover that can output about 1.5 watts of electricity at peak, such as when exposed to sunlight. Alta Devices has actually developed a prototype for a Samsung galaxy smartphone (model unspecified). CEO Christopher S. Norris says this can charge a mobile phone in about three times the time it would take to charge from a wall outlet. But while that’s still less than ideal, the point here is to reduce dependency on he grid. “If you're in full sun, a watt and a half for 10 minutes will give you an hour of talk time.”

At this point, the main benefit would not necessarily be taking out the need to plug in altogether, but to augment power from the grid and to extend usage while unplugged. If you’re curious, you can check out Alta Devices’ battery life extension calculator, to determine how much you can extend your battery life. If you’re mostly outdoors and if you carry your phone on your belt, this could be as much as an 83% extension. Students with time spent outdoors get about 54% extension of their battery life.

While this would be a great addition to smartphones in the developed world, the real benefit would be in emerging markets, where mobile devices have proliferated faster than the electricity grid, reports the New York Times.

But going beyond mobile phones, Alta Devices’ technology can also be applied to cars. While Alta Devices solar cells mounted onto a car’s surface area would not necessarily be able to power the entire vehicle, it can help reduce the load on the internal combustion engine by, say, delivering power to the electronics. This is something that certain hybrid vehicles currently do with their gas-powered engine, plus battery technology.

Would you be willing to carry your smartphone on your belt, in order to absorb as much energy from the sun possible?

Featured image credits: Shutterstock / Solar cell film image credit: Alta Devices

The post Solar cells could soon add power to your smartphones and tablets appeared first on Android Authority.

HTC One will now launch on April 2 in the Netherlands, UltraPixel shortage to blame

Posted: 09 Mar 2013 01:44 AM PST

htc-one-leftaa

The streak of bad news for HTC – and its flagship handset, the HTC One — continues. Following our report yesterday about the company's inability to produce enough of the phone's camera modules, which is expected to have an adverse effect on its supply and availability, we now have the first UltraPixel casualty.

If you're in the Netherlands, you can put your money back into your wallet, as HTC has confirmed to a Dutch media that the launch of the phone in the country has been pushed back from March 15 to April 2. While the reason wasn’t given, it’s quite likely that the delay is related to the above problem.

Now, two weeks might not seem like a long time, but let's not forget that the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be unveiled very soon. People might just have a change of heart about their desire to grab the incredible HTC One if it isn't within grasp.

Initially, HTC is aiming for a mid-March worldwide release for the One, which sort of explains why the unofficial launch in Singapore was cancelled this week. Here’s hoping that the delay virus will not spread to other markets.

Disappointed that you won’t have the One by next week? Hit the comments below.

The post HTC One will now launch on April 2 in the Netherlands, UltraPixel shortage to blame appeared first on Android Authority.

Pantech’s 5.9-inch Vega No. 6 now out in Hong Kong for $774, wrist support not included

Posted: 09 Mar 2013 12:08 AM PST

Pantech Vega No. 6-4

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has been rumored to come with a 5.9-inch display, which will put it almost at tablet territory, but it won't exactly be the biggest phone in the market – not when there's the Huawei Ascend Mate and other upcoming genre-bending devices.

One device that shares the Note 3's purported display size is the Pantech Vega No. 6, released in South Korea just last month. Will it be made available for those outside of the country? The answer is yes if you live in Hong Kong.

Granted, you can find all sorts of gadgets and gizmos in the streets of Hong Kong, but this is different, since the Vega No. 6 has actually been officially launched there. If you’re interested, you’ll have to plunk down 6,000 HKD ($774) to take the full HD smartphone home.

The 1080p screen isn't the only feature that'll attract your attention. Check out the full specs below:

  • 5.9-inch Natural IPS Pro Full HD display
  • Quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • 32GB internal storage
  • microSDXC slot (up to 2TB)
  • 13MP rear camera
  • 2MP front cam
  • LTE
  • 3,140mAh battery
  • Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean

Do you find the almost 6-inch Vega No. 6 — or any other huge phones — appealing? It looks pretty awkward to hold, right?

The post Pantech's 5.9-inch Vega No. 6 now out in Hong Kong for $774, wrist support not included appeared first on Android Authority.

$99 Cherry Mobile Fusion Bolt gets performance boost with firmware update

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 08:57 PM PST

Cherry Mobile Fusion Bolt

The Cherry Mobile Fusion Bolt caught our attention for being an affordable Jelly Bean device. After all, for just $99, you get a 7-inch tablet running a quad-core Cortex A9-based processor clocked at 1 GHz with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Sure, that’s nothing to phone home about for hardcore Android fans, but for the price it’s a good buy — good enough that Cherry Mobile stores reportedly had very long lines during launch day.

Read also: Cherry Mobile unveils Fusion Bolt tablet: quad-core power and Jelly Bean for just $99

But what’s quite disappointing for the Fusion Bolt is the performance, as some have noted lags and delays, especially when playing games. Even the benchmark results were a bit disappointing. However, tweakers might have their excitement rekindled, as the Fusion Bolt can actually get a stellar performance improvement with a firmware upgrade.

YugaTech was able to flash an updated firmware from the Ainol Novo Venus Lite, which was the OEM device the Fusion Bolt was based on. The result: an increase in Antutu score from 5,985 to 11,053, and an increase in Quadrant score from 2,722 to 2,802. And it’s not just about benchmark scores. The tablet is “now noticeably smoother and faster,” notes contributor Louie Diangson. Early reviewers of the Fusion Bolt say their firmwares were pre-release and some retail versions might already come with an updated firmware.

Yet another reason to get excited about this inexpensive tablet?

Image credit: Noypigeeks

The post $99 Cherry Mobile Fusion Bolt gets performance boost with firmware update appeared first on Android Authority.

No cheap BlackBerry 10 devices for now, says CEO Thorsten Heins

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 06:40 PM PST

Blackberry Z10

BlackBerry has launched its Z10 smartphone initially in emerging markets, with some success. But as inexpensive Android devices has proliferated in the market, CEO Thorsten Heins says BlackBerry is not likely to sell $50 BB10 devices anytime soon. Could this break BlackBerry’s attempt to regain its share in the mobile market?

In a question-and-answer session at a conference in BlackBerry’s Waterloo, Ontario home town, Heins says the company is not “getting into the 50-, 60-buck segment,” reports Bloomberg. That is “not BlackBerry,” he says. Heins adds that this does not result in value for the company. “Understand where you are playing and resist being talked into segments that you know will not serve your purpose and will not result in shareholder value.”

Here are a few highlights:

  • BlackBerry is focusing on launching flagship products first. Even in emerging markets like India and Indonesia, the company is banking on a trickle-down effect, in which more affluent flagship device users are seen to influence other users in their purchase decisions.
  • The Z10 sold out in India only after two days, even as it was priced at an unsubsidized US$800. Heins says BlackBerry was prepared with at least five days of stock when the Z10 launched on February 26, but is “now scrambling to reload those channels.”
  • Heins adds that BlackBerry is launching all its new devices with LTE capability. These will have “the whole 10 yards,” and will be “more geared towards those price bands where people need to be.”

BlackBerry has somehow held its market share in places like Indonesia and India, where the inexpensive BlackBerry Messaging Service has become a mainstay. To illustrate, the basic BBM would usually cost in the vicinity of US$2.50 per month for unlimited service, which is cheaper than most data plans and SMS charges. Market share is shrinking, though, especially with the rise of cheap data plans and free cross-platform messaging services.

A good idea?

BlackBerry seems to be holding on to its enterprise-oriented roots in focusing on the higher-end of the market. But given BlackBerry’s ailing market share, is this such a good idea? Here are a few thoughts.

Android skyrocketed to popularity in both established and emerging markets because of the wide array of devices offered within the platform. You have flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, middle-of-the-road smartphones like the LG Nexus 4, and even basic entry-level devices like the Samsung Galaxy Pocket. While it is arguable that this wide array of offerings has resulted in fragmentation and a wide disparity in user experience, there is no question that Android is the market leader in smartphones today (and tablets are rising, as well).

But perhaps BlackBerry wants to continue offering its older devices for the lower-end of the market, much like how Apple services this segment with previous years’ devices. For instance, the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 are still being offered on contract as either the $100 or free smartphone in the U.S. There is one big difference, however. BlackBerry’s latest BB10 platform would only be supported on new devices. Apple, meanwhile, continues to push upgrades to previous models, as long as the devices are still capable. For example, even the four-year old iPhone 3GS supports the latest iOS 6.1.2.

Is BlackBerry willing to alienate this segment of the market that would not necessarily pay for an expensive high-end device?

Still, BlackBerry will be launching more affordable devices after its focus on the high-end. While this will not necessarily mean devices as cheap as US$50, BlackBerry fans can still expect devices aimed at the mid-range.

It’s a question of keeping the user experience consistent with BlackBerry’s aims. If you’re familiar with how low-end Android devices result in a disappointing user experience, then you will know how that will tend to turn off users.

So it’s a tradeoff between gaining market share and ensuring a consistent user experience. Which will it be for BlackBerry?

The post No cheap BlackBerry 10 devices for now, says CEO Thorsten Heins appeared first on Android Authority.

Android Authority On Air – Episode 54 – Chameleon Launcher 2 Live Q&A

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 06:11 PM PST

Android Authority on Air

 

This week on Android Authority On Air, we held a live Q&A session with Tony MacDonell from Teknision, the company behind Chameleon launcher. If you recall, Chameleon launcher debuted last August for tablets only. Yesterday for the first time, Chameleon launcher became available for smartphones. Along with the addition of smartphone support, Chameleon launcher got a slight name change to simply Chameleon 2. Besides phone support, the latest version added folder and linked folder support, widgets have been completely overhauled, the context based home screen philosophy has slightly changed, and there’s been some performance and stability enhancements. But, don’t take our word for it. Just listen to Tony from Teknision, he discusses with us every new feature from inside and out.

The vast majority (probably 50 minutes) of the show was dedicated to Chameleon and Tony sure likes to talk. We’re not complaining one bit, it was a great show. We did manage to squeeze in a few minutes or so of Android news from the past week. The Verizon Galaxy Nexus received a substantial leak, Android 4.2.2 which can be downloaded directly from Google’s severs, so you know this is legit. The Motorola RAZR and RAZR MAXX got debloated with their long, overdue Android Jelly Bean OTA update.

For patent wars, Judge Koh reverses course, orders new trial on $450 million of Apple's $1.05 billion 'win'.  Koh wants the new trial to wait until after the appeals.  It's increasingly clear that the appeal is likely to overturn a lot of Koh's decisions. Microsoft to pay $750 million fine to EU for browser choice snafu. Big name companies like Qualcomm and Ericsson file comments with FTC opposing recent Google settlement as damaging to the industry.

We even managed to squeeze in a giveaway teaser.

Miss the show? Tune in or watch below:

 SoundCloud |Stitcher |iTunes | Miro | RSS

The post Android Authority On Air – Episode 54 – Chameleon Launcher 2 Live Q&A appeared first on Android Authority.

Xperia Z is waterproof so models can talk on the phone in the shower [NSFW]

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 06:00 PM PST

xperia-z-czech-republic-models-7

By now the Xperia Z doesn't need any more introductions, as it's one of the best Android handsets of the first half of the year. Sony is already selling it in a variety of markets with sales described as off to a good start, but it looks like certain local Xperia Z launches are more creative than others.

Take the T-Mobile Xperia Z which was launched in the Czech Republic recently. You'd think that Sony and its carrier partners would focus on the Android phone's high-end features when presenting it to new buyers, but you'd be wrong.

Instead T-Mobile turned its attention to showing the world how somewhat-naked models take showers while talking on the phone, the Xperia Z to be exact. Because, if you don't know it already, the Xperia Z is waterproof and could be used for such purposes – not that we encourage you to do it.

We can only assume that the Xperia Z performed gracefully in such company, and we invite you to check out the marketing campaign in the following image gallery for yourself:

That's definitely one way of selling a hot Android phone, and we can't but wonder whether it worked or not. After all, sex does sell everything, doesn’t it?

The post Xperia Z is waterproof so models can talk on the phone in the shower [NSFW] appeared first on Android Authority.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini – will we see it at Samsung’s Unpacked event?

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 05:03 PM PST

Samsung Galaxy Logo aa 600px

It should be common knowledge by now that Samsung is holding its Unpacked event in New York City on March 14, where it will unveil the Galaxy S4. While the spotlight might be on the Galaxy S4, rumors are saying that Samsung won’t just be announcing the Galaxy S4 but the Galaxy S4 Mini as well.

What do current Galaxy S4 Mini rumors say?

We reported in early February that a rumor surfaced claiming that the Galaxy S4 Mini is a part of the Project J family, codenamed Serrano. The Galaxy S4 Mini is reportedly confirmed, which makes sense considering that a Galaxy S3 Mini accompanied the Galaxy S3 a few months after the Galaxy S3 was launched. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this trend continue.

A few days after the claim of the Galaxy S4 Mini being reportedly confirmed, we received wind that the device could be releasing as early as May, a month after the Galaxy S4 is allegedly supposed to launch. Considering that a Galaxy S4 Mini seems to be a given at this point, will we see it at the event next week?

Is it even worth manufacturing a Galaxy S4 Mini?

We more than likely will not see a Galaxy S4 Mini unveiling alongside the Galaxy S4′s announcement, and for a good reason too. That’s not to say that Samsung won’t make an S4 Mini though, as there are many demographics Samsung caters to.

Let’s use the Samsung Note devices as an example. All of Samsung’s Note devices, in essence, are the same. There are a lot of Note sizes though, and that is so that Samsung can appeal to a wider array of customers. Some people think that the Note 2 is too small, so Samsung made an 8-inch Galaxy Note tablet for those buyers. The only real difference between the 8-inch Note tablet and 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2 is its size.

Some think Samsung won’t make a Galaxy S4 Mini because the Galaxy S3 Mini was not very successful. But the South Korean company will most likely release a Galaxy S4 Mini though, as it’s part of its business model. Besides, all the pieces seem to be in place to make it, so why not do it?

galaxy-s3-review-16

Will the Galaxy S4 Mini get announced alongside the Galaxy S4?

It’s in the realm of possibility, but it will more than likely not get announced next week. Obviously, we’re just speculating at this point, as there’s no official information available on the matter.

Compared to the Galaxy S4, the Galaxy S4 Mini should be cheaper to make considering that it is supposed to be smaller than the Galaxy S4. But Samsung would have to manufacture the device and its rumored accessories differently, which would take more time.

Samsung may also not want to announce an S4 Mini right away, so that consumers can focus on its flagship device instead of a bunch of renditions of its flagship smartphone. There’s no doubt that Samsung would want to earn as much cash off of its new top-of-the-line handset after seeing how much success the Galaxy S3 had in 2012.

While it could make sense for Samsung to release an entire Galaxy S4 family at once, what will happen to marketing for these products? If the spotlight is on the Galaxy S4 with no mention of a smaller and cheaper variant of the device, the majority of consumers may rush for the Galaxy S4.

Lastly, we didn’t see the Galaxy S3 Mini until long after the Galaxy S3′s original announcement. In fact, the Galaxy S3 Mini didn’t even launch in markets where Android was very strong, such as the U.S. That said, it would be a surprise to witness a Galaxy S4 Mini unveiling at Samsung’s Unpacked event on March 14.

If we do see the Galaxy S4 Mini at the event, why get excited about it? Chances are, it won’t be making its way to a lot of countries, just like the Galaxy S3 Mini. If you don’t remember the Galaxy S3 Mini, check out our review:

Do you think we’ll see a Galaxy S4 Mini announcement at the Unpacked event in New York City next week?

The post Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini – will we see it at Samsung’s Unpacked event? appeared first on Android Authority.

1SaleADay app hits Google Play, Toshiba Excite 10.1 on sale for just $250

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 04:08 PM PST

1saleaday

Today is a good day for Android loving individuals looking for good deals on the net. 1SaleADay has now released its official Android app to Google Play. Even better, they also are offering a great deal on the Toshiba Excite 10.1.

As you would expect from this kind of app, it gives you access to everything that you would normally be able to do from the web. This includes using the shopping cart and checking out using PayPal or a credit card, all from the convenience of the new app. There is also a sharing button that allows you to easily post great deals you find to various social networks like Google+ and Twitter.

For those who have never shopped at 1SaleADay before, essentially it focuses on one major deal every day that is significantly slashed down from the average selling price. Today’s major deal is for the Toshiba Excite 10.1 16GB model, where it is going for only $250.

toshiba-excite-10-front

The Excite 10.1 might not be the most advanced Android tablet on the market but it isn’t a pushover either. The device has a 1280 x 800 resolution, a 1.2GHz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor and 1GB of RAM. Other specs include a 5MP rear cam, 2MP front cam, micro-HDMI, micro-USB 2.0, full-sized SD, Bluetooth 3.0, a docking connector, stereo speakers, and a battery that holds about a 10 hour charge. As for the OS? While it originally ran Android 4.0, an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean has since become available.

If this sounds like the deal for you, you have a little under five hours until the one-day sale officially comes to an end. What do you think, is $250 for the Excite 10.1 a steal or not?

The post 1SaleADay app hits Google Play, Toshiba Excite 10.1 on sale for just $250 appeared first on Android Authority.

MessageMe: more than just another instant messaging app?

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 03:42 PM PST

MessageMe iPhone Android

Just in time for SXSW this year, a Valley-based startup has launched MessageMe, which is an instant messaging app for Android and iOS platforms. We might be tempted to say it’s yet another instant messaging app for mobile devices, trying to carve its share from under Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Viber and the like. But I’ve taken MessageMe for a spin, and I can say I like the app, which lives up to its promises.

In gist, here are some of the things I like about MessageMe:

  • Doodles – kids love ‘em. The artist (or prankster) in you might, too.
  • Fast, lightweight – won’t eat up all your phone’s resources just sitting idle.
  • Simultaneous logins – you can run it on several devices at the same time, be it Android or iOS based

MessageMe promises to be a simple app that focuses on context. Just like popular regional messaging apps like Japan’s LINE and South Korean Kakao Talk, MessageMe offers rich multimedia content, such as pictures, videos, songs and audio recordings. But what makes it more fun is its inclusion of Doodles — that small applet that lets you pass around sketches either to a single correspondent or a group of friends. You can even doodle on existing pictures – perfect for adding that mustache or glasses to your unwitting subject.

MessageMe was built by a team of experienced social media app developers, led by Arjun Sethi, who is a veteran of Tapjoy and about.me, among other startup companies. I did a quick interview with Arjun — over MessageMe, of course — where I got to pick his brains on his opinions about the supposedly crowded IM space, developing for iOS vs. Android, and their business model.

Is the market for mobile messaging apps already saturated?

Basically, Arjun says he doesn’t believe the mobile messaging app space is saturated, especially in North America, South America and Europe. While bigger competitors like Facebook Messenger theoretically have a captured audience (1 billion users on Facebo0k), MessageMe competes on a couple of advantages: speed and context. Meanwhile, in Asia, the likes of WeChat (300 million users), LINE (100 million) and Kakao Talk (70 million) are dominant, although MessageMe still has something unique to offer.

MessageMe promises to be lightweight and not eat up too much of your smartphone’s resources, which can be very important in maintaining a smooth user experience. But the app’s more important focus is context. “Our team’s core principle is to adhere to the media in which people communicate, and bringing those contexts more naturally into a 1:1 or group conversation.”

This is done by incorporating sensory elements, which is accomplished by the user linking YouTube videos or music tracks, adding photos, sending voice clips and exchanging doodles. Again, the focus is on context.

iOS vs. Android: the developer’s perspective

Developing for Android and iOS each has their own nuances, Arjun admits. “We had to tailor our design and development not just for the platforms, but for the type of devices customers would use and the carriers under which they would operate. Android has more 'hedge' cases. iOS is a bit more straightforward because it has many standards and policies laid out.” In a way, building for iOS might be easier, given that you are only writing code for a limited set of devices. On Android, you have to consider a wider variety of screen sizes, processing capability and the like.

MessageMe doesn’t currently have a business model yet, although the company is venture-funded. Arjun admits that the “focused on customer experience and growth at this time.” It’s sure that they won’ be running advertisement on the platform any time in the future. And while BlackBerry ad Windows platforms are being considered in future builds, right now the’re sticking with Android and iOS. “We'll decide over time as we work on the customer experience on iOS and Android.”

Stickers, mobile payments

However, there are currently greyed-out “stickers” and “money” buttons, which means MessageMe might soon let users exchange free and premium stickers. These are quite popular in some markets like Asia, where IM services earn millions of dollars per month from stickers and premium games. And if you’ve heard about BlackBerry opening its BBM Money in some markets, an IM-based payment system might be a game changer in doing small transactions like splitting the bill, paying at the checkout counter or paying for freelance services.

MessageMe connects with friends through Facebook authorization, and friends can also be added through either email address or a unique PIN that the app will generate for each user. The app is a free download from the Google Play Store (and also the iTunes App Store for iOS devices). You can also head on to msg.me and click the “download app” link, which leads you to either iTunes or Google Play downloads, depending on your device.

The post MessageMe: more than just another instant messaging app? appeared first on Android Authority.

Android and Me

Android and Me


Duke University uses Google Glass for app to recognize people by their clothing

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 02:15 PM PST

Seeing the apps Google has in store for us with Glass is exciting in itself, but as is the story with smartphones and tablets right now, it’s the third-party apps that really make the platform. So just what exactly will developers be able to do with Glass? Duke University is working on an app...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Transform your home screen with Action Launcher Pro

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 02:10 PM PST

I’ll never forget when ADW Launcher was first released. Discovering the power that a replacement launcher could have on Android was exciting. From themes and gestures, to action icons and in-depth widget customization, using a custom launcher like ADW felt like using a totally different OS at...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Samsung Galaxy S IV has the opportunity to make wireless charging mainstream

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 07:36 AM PST

Digitimes reports that Samsung will adopt the Qi wireless charging standard for their upcoming Galaxy S IV. Recent smartphones like the LG Nexus 4, HTC Droid DNA, and Nokia Lumia 920 have all supported the Qi charging standard out of the box, but the wireless charging technology is still not very...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


AT&T responds to DMCA complaints, promises to keep unlocking cellphones for their customers

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 01:03 PM PST

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Most of us already know the story. On January 26, 2013, it became effectively became illegal under the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) for consumers to unlock a cell phone provided from a carrier for use on another network, unless they had approval from the original carrier. That means where you could normally unlock, say, an AT&T phone for use on T-Mobile’s newly refarmed 1900MHz network, it has now become illegal. Just about everyone has been up in arms over the law, sparking a petition seeking legislative action, even gaining the attention of FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, who stated that the unlocking ban “raises competition concerns,” as well as “innovation concerns."

Well, AT&T has finally decided to weigh in on the matter in a post found on the company’s Public Policy Blog. Their thoughts? “Chillax, boo, we’ll still unlock our cellphones for you… but there are some caveats.”

“While we think the Librarian's careful decision was reasonable, the fact is that it has very little impact on AT&T customers.  As we make clear on our website, if we have the unlock code or can reasonably get it from the manufacturer, AT&T currently will unlock a device for any customer whose account has been active for at least sixty days; whose account is in good standing and has no unpaid balance; and who has fulfilled his or her service agreement commitment.  If the conditions are met we will unlock up to five devices per account per year. We will not unlock devices that have been reported lost or stolen.”

60 days. Good standing. No longer on contract. Sounds reasonable enough. If you’re a new AT&T customer and buy a subsidized phone for $200, you’ll have to wait until your current contract is up before you can unlock that phone and sell it to someone else for use on another network. The problem? Those people who buy used locked AT&T phones for use on other networks — they’re the ones getting stiffed. Well, those and unsavory types who sell falsely reported lost or stolen smartphones.

I have sort of mixed feelings about the whole thing. While I agree this kinda sucks for Android junkies looking to refresh their handset with a new one every 6 months by selling their phones on eBay/Craigslist/etc, there’s really nothing stopping anyone from selling their phone to someone already on AT&T’s network. I guess the real issue is with non-AT&T customers looking to score a used-deal on an AT&T phone for use on T-Mobile or in another country, and of course, isn’t something AT&T seems too concerned with.

Curious to hear your thoughts on the matter. Do you think AT&T’s stance on the whole matter is unreasonable? Or do feel like they really shouldn’t have an obligation to provide unlocking services for non-customers?

[via AT&T Public Policy Blog | MobileBurn]

First look at gameplay from upcoming Shadowrun Returns, coming soon to Android [VIDEO]

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 11:23 AM PST

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The boys at Harebrained Schemes have been putting their $1,895,722 dollars to good use, giving gamers everywhere their first glimpse at gameplay from their upcoming tactical, isometric turn-based RPG, Shadowrun Returns. The pen-and-paper role playing game was more than successful on Kickstarter, where the team managed to raise just a hair over their $400,000 goal, raking in the aforementioned $1.8 million in backing from gamers around the world.

If you’re still relatively new to planet Earth, Shadowrun is a franchise that’s been around for a long time, with a history spanning back to the early PC/ Super Nintendo era. Just to give you the gist of what Shadowrun is all about, it’s a rich world that manages to blend fantasy and cyberpunk, mixing orcs and cyborgs into a single setting that somehow work. Think Lord of the Rings meets Bladerunner, and you’re on the right track.

Keep in mind Shadowrun Returns is completely different from Shadowrun Online, a rehash of the old-school PC title that will making its way to OUYA and other Android devices at a later date. Shadowrun Returns is currently up for pre-order on PC and Mac for $15 with a general summertime launch date. It’s only after that, we can expect a release on Android and iOS tablets. So, it looks like we’ve still got a lot of waiting ahead of us, but in the meantime, grab a sandwich and check out this awesome 19-minute gameplay video from the creators, giving us a first look at the world of Shadowrun Returns. Dear, god… I’m drooling over here.

[via Kotaku]

‘UltraPixel’ camera component shortages forcing HTC One delay?

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 10:33 AM PST

According to sources inside Taiwan’s manufacturing industry HTC is having difficulty sourcing enough components to keep up with production of their HTC One flagship. The result could spell worldwide delays for the handset pegged to launch next week.

Specifically, the voice coil motor and compact camera module are to blame. The latter makes up HTC’s new UltraPixel camera sensor. With current supply and resources, analysts KGI Securities estimates HTC will only be able to produce between 800 thousand and 1.2 million over the next few months. We could see HTC pull back from smaller markets in an effort to reduce delays and stock shortages in regions like the US.

HTC’s One is on track to launch March 15th, just a day after Samsung is poised to launch their Galaxy S4 flagship.

[via BriefMobile]

1SaleADay app now available for Android – Jelly Bean ready Toshiba Excite 10.1 only $250 [DEALS]

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 10:01 AM PST

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Good news for bargain hunters looking to do a little more shopping from their Android smartphones and tablet. It’s been a long time coming and today, the official 1SaleADay application is now ready and available for download on Android (and iOS) devices.

The app gives shoppers full access to everything they love from the daily deals site, allowing full viewing of galleries, account login, shopping cart management, and even provides a handy countdown timer down to the second to ensure you never miss a deal. If you find a truly great deal and want to share it with friends (after you’ve already gotten yours, of course), there’s a handy share button for easy posting to social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc.

Oh, and if you hurry. The Toshiba Excite 10.1 (16GB) is today’s deal and currently up for grabs at a very reasonable $250 (it’s still going for $375 on Amazon). Our own Edgar Cervantes reviewed the the 10.1-inch tablet a few months back and had largely great things to say about it. The tab’s best feature? It’s full sized SD card slot allowing for, not just memory expandability, but it’s super useful when transferring files to and from and computer/camera/etc.. Sure it’s “only” got a Tegra 3 and 1GB of RAM, but don’t forget Jelly Bean was officially announced for the tab in late December, making this deal all the more enticing. Only 11 hours left!

Now we only have to wait for DailySteals to get on the ball with their own mobile app and I can say bye-bye to my savings.

[1SaleADay on Google Play | Toshiba Excite 10.1 on 1SaleADay]

New AMOLED technology could make Galaxy S4 display 25 percent more efficient

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 09:47 AM PST

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 will be their first device to feature a full 1080p AMOLED display, but the new screen will be different on more than just the surface. A new report says Samsung is utilizing a new AMOLED technology called Green PHOLED to produced a display that is 25 percent more battery efficient than previous Super AMOLED formats. The new display utilizes phosphorescence (hence the PHOLED name) over fluorescence to achieve its lower power draw, an element that could go a long way in adding to the Galaxy S4′s battery life.

The same reports again floats the idea of touchless gestures being introduced in with the GS4, as well. The new system could allow for Air View-like functionality using a finger instead of the Note’s S Pen. A user could preview a gallery item simply by hovering their finger over it.

The Galaxy S4 is set for its official debut next week. March 14th is the date to watch for Samsung’s biggest unveiling of the year.

[via SamMobile]

 

Google files patent for backside touch controls

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 08:58 AM PST

Google has filed a patent for “simple backside device touch controls,” a concept that could change the way we interact with smartphones in the future. The concept is simple: introduce touch controls to the rear casing of a device. The control could be smartly reconfigured (by remembering the last performed action) to allow for quick recall of common functions simply by tapping the rear the the phone.

Google’s patent details how variations in touch strength could be used to either trigger a function or allow for a preview, eloquently providing users with one more way to interact with their phones. Of course, a patent filing does not necessarily equate to a technology we will see any time soon.

Such is the case with Apple. The company filed a similar patent for tablets back in 2006. I can see the lawsuit now, and it gives me a headache.

[via PatentBolt]

HTC Myst gets specced, rumored as next ‘Facebook phone’

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 08:23 AM PST

Rumors of the next “Facebook phone” are heating up in the form of the HTC Myst (formerly the HTC opera). The device is said to be a three-way collaboration between the Taiwanese company, the social network giant, and AT&T. The partnership has its origins in AT&T’s HTC Status, the US version of the HTC ChaCha. That phone was more or less a standard Android device with a dedicated Facebook button. Could the Myst be even more?

The latest news concerns specs, and it sounds like we’ll get another mid-range device targeted at tweens and the socially obsessed. Hardware is said to include a 1.5GHz dual-core MSM8960 CPU, 4.3-inch 720p display, 1GB RAM, and 5MP camera and 1.6MP front-facing camera. The handset features 16GB of internal storage and no SD card support.

The LTE-enabled handset is built around Android 4.1.2, and at this point it’s impossible to say how much of a Facebook-oriented treatment the OS will get. It’s safe to assume we will get plenty of Facebook-driven content (a full app suite including Messenger and Instagram), but will the device otherwise sport a standard HTC Sense overlay? Or are we looking at an entirely original software layer? Just another Facebook button? How the software side is handled will be the focus for this phone.

There is no solid word on when we can expect to see the phone launch, but the companies behind it should be ramping things up over the next few months. A summer release isn’t out of the question.

[via UnwiredView]

 

 

German court sides with HTC in Nokia patent dispute

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 07:56 AM PST

Nokia has lost on claims that HTC infringed upon two patents help by the Finnish company. The company brought the allegations in front of the District Court of Mannheim in Germany where a judge ruled in favor of the Taiwanese manufacturer of Android devices.

The patents in question relate to a “method for using services offered by a telecommunications network, a telecommunications system, and a terminal for it and electronic display device and lighting control method of same.” HTC thinks that Nokia is attempting to overstep the boundaries of that patent in an effort to gain “unwarranted licensing royalties from Android handset manufacturers.”

Of course, Nokia doesn’t feel the same way following their loss. There has been no decision on whether or not the company will seek an appeal, but this is only the beginning, either way. Nokia is currently pursuing claims on 30 additional patent violations across Germany, the UK, and US.

[via WSJ]

HTC designers wax poetic on their One flagship

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 07:39 AM PST


“I think what we really want to do when we are designing a phone is create a three-sixty experience — a holistic, beautiful experience.” Thus is the opening line to the above video giving us a glimpse at the thought process behind the design of the HTC One.

Yes, much of the video is peppered with buzz words, black shirts, and carefully curated stubble, but we also get a look at HTC’s “electro-chemical etching process” as a single block of metal is carved to the perfect shape. Diamond cutters, nano-matrix structures, this short clip has it all. It’s a neat little look into the making of the One, but am I the only one  that thinks it comes across as trying too hard?

[via TMoNews]

GoGo Inflight data shows Android gaining ground in the air

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 06:37 AM PST

Here is an interesting slice of data. GoGo Inflight recently rounded up the stats for devices connecting to their WiFi networks during flights and the results show good growth for Google’s platform. In comparison to Apple, Android devices accounted for only 3.2 percent of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) connecting to GoGo in 2011. So far in 2013, the number has grown to 16 percent.

When taking into account smartphones only, Android accounts for 26 percent of all devices connecting to GoGo. It’s still a far cry from Apple’s 73 percent, however. Overall, smartphones and tablets make up the majority of traffic on GoGo’s networks, a total of 67 percent.

The data suggests you are more likely to see someone surfing the web from their iPad or iPhone during flights, which is interesting when considering the fact that in terms of overall smartphone market share Android has been dominating for quite some time. You would think the numbers would look a bit more even. Perhaps the info says more about the type of person purchasing in-flight WiFi from GoGo than it does about any actual device distribution.

[via CNN]

Google Glass app InSight identifies friends based on what they wear

Posted: 08 Mar 2013 05:11 AM PST

Yes, Google Glass sits in your field of vision, but what if it can actually enhance it? That’s what a team of Duke University scientists are attempting to do with InSight, and app that could find its way to the platform and allow for the identification of people based on more than facial recognition. It could determine who you are looking at based solely on what they are wearing.

For the app to work, you will need to gather a few samples from friends showcasing what they normally wear. The app uses colors, patterns, and textures to mark an individual (you can see where this could get complicated quickly). It might be useful for picking out somebody recognizable in a crowd. Imagine if InSight had the power to crawl the Facebook photos of all of your friends, quickly filling out a database of individuals linked to you.

The idea seems like a slightly heavy-handed approach. After all, you likely will have identified your friends visually on your own before a set of computer-powered glasses does so. But perhaps the use here isn’t to help you figure out who someone is, rather it could be used to instantly tag photos or geographically link you to friends. There certainly are a number of possibilities.

We want to request a “Party Mode.” Snap a quick shot with Glass upon meeting someone at a party and when we run into them again later the headset quietly reminds us of their name. Now that’s problem solving.

[via Engadget]

Android Overload: Google to cut 10% of Motorola’s workforce, Microsoft wants to ban Google apps from schools, and more [VIDEO]

Posted: 07 Mar 2013 08:58 PM PST

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The Android Overload is where we feature the biggest news stories from throughout the day (see above video), as well as stash all of the stories/articles/news bits that didn't make it onto our front page. But just because they weren't featured doesn't mean they aren't worth taking a look at. In fact, there's almost always a little something here for everyone. So, take a look around and let us know what you find.

  • After laying off 4,000 workers last August, Google’s cutting another 10% of Motorola’s workforce in US, China, and India. [WSJ]
  • Microsoft targets Google with “Scroogled Mark II.” Pushes for legislation to keep Google apps out of schools. [BGR]
  • iOS is more popular on planes than Android… and it’s all thanks to the iPad. [GoGo]

App wants to pay you up to $50 per month to view ads on your lock-screen [VIDEO]

Posted: 07 Mar 2013 08:14 PM PST

Mobile advertisement is somewhat of a tricky scene these days. Your typical 30-second clip before or after a 5 minute block of gaming or the persistent banner ad at the top or bottom of an app is fine, but companies are always looking for ways to evolve.

We already saw a bit of that evolution with AirPush, an advertising system that allows developers to push ads to users’ notification pane. This is highly undesirable for the end-user, of course, and it’s because of this risky practice that most developers are hesitant to get on board with it.

Well what if I told you a company wanted to start pushing ads to your lock-screen? I know… ugh. But here’s the catch: they actually want to pay you to do that. It’s called SmartAds, and for now it only exists as a project on IndieGoGo. SmartAds will target you with relevant ads before you unlock your smartphone, and each time you view an ad you might earn a small commission.

SmartAds claims users can make up to $50 per month ($25 on your phone and another $25 on a tablet) doing this. I immediately had my doubts, of course — that “up to” is the oldest trick in the book. I would be shocked if I could make more than 25 cents going this route. Still, it’s an interesting proposal that throws a very significant wrench into the fold.

We gravitate toward unconventional development like this. It’s not because we want something like this, but because we’re simply  interested in seeing how it’ll all play out. That said, I feel really, really iffy about backing an IndieGoGo project whose sole purpose is to serve you ads.

It’ll be an interesting day if it can make it to the funding goal of $50,000 in two weeks, for sure. We imagine most backers will be ad publishers or cheeky investors simply looking for a piece of the pie, but if SmartAds can pull this thing off you can bet we’ll have the most sensitive microscope we can find looking down on it. Watch the video above, and let us know in the comments section below if you’d ever try your hand at something like this.