Thursday, August 1, 2013

Android World Update # Android Community

Android Community
Tracking the Android Platform Revolution 
Paranoid Android drops Android 4.3 Preview ROM for Nexus 4 users
Aug 1st 2013, 17:18, by Robert Nelson

There are some obvious perks for those carrying and using a Nexus branded device. Perhaps the most talked about is the speed of updates. Google announced Android 4.3 a short time back and the update began rolling-out almost immediately. While getting the official updates is nice to see, the other side of these perks often means quick work when it comes to third party custom ROMs.

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We have seen some details and nightly builds from the CyanogenMod team. They have begun offering CM10.2 which is a build of Android 4.3. And now it looks like we have something from the Paranoid Android team. This release is specifically for those rocking a Nexus 4 and is labeled as “Nexus 4 Mako 4.3 JSS15J Preview.”

That being said, while clearly listed as a preview release, the Google+ page for the Paranoid Android team has a set of instructions to get up and running along with links to the necessary files that will need to be downloaded. Basically, that means grabbing the latest radio and bootloader along with the 4.3 Gapps.

From here is is a matter of grabbing the Paranoid Android ROM, doing a factory reset on your handset and then beginning the process of installing the ROM and the Gapps. And for those wondering, all files are able to be flashed by way of recovery. Before you begin though, there is one word of caution for those in need of root — as was pointed out, this build has problems with root.

Not much that can be done with that just yet. The Paranoid Android team has said this means “PAPrefs will not be able to write hybrid props.” On the flip side, the hybrid engine is OK, but “you cant communicate to it.” Otherwise, a quick skim of the comments on the Google+ page show some issues. Overall things seem relatively smooth, but if you are going to give this an install — make sure you go in knowing that things may not be perfect just yet.

VIA: Google+ Paranoid Android

SwiftKey Cloud beta update improves Flow prediction and more
Aug 1st 2013, 16:41, by Robert Nelson

The SwiftKey Cloud beta launched a short time back and it looks like the first update has arrived. The details are coming by way of the SwiftKey blog where they offers details on the updated release for both tablets and smartphones. This update will bring the version number (for tablets and smartphones) to 4.2.0.94 and the apk for both are available for download at this time.

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As with any beta release, the folks at SwiftKey are looking for feedback so they can continue to improve and also continue to keep squashing any bugs. That aside though, this update has brought a list of changes and improvements, but there are still some known issues.

To begin, how about we cover the changes. These include improvements for the behavior of different keyboard layouts when multiple languages are enabled and improvements to the prediction quality in Flow. There were also some performance improvements aimed at reducing lag and for hyphen handling.

The remaining changes include the following;

  • Fixes for a variety of crashes in the settings
  • Keyboard should no longer refuse to accept input for a short while after pressing send in messaging apps
  • Kingsoft Office should no longer cause a crash
  • Fixed crashes when personalizing with Gmail
  • Enter key should now move cursor to new line in Firefox
  • Predictions disabled in Vaulty app's password field

Otherwise, those known issues include the “occasional” crashes in the cloud setup process and when two emojis are typed next to each other in Handcent or Hangouts (this may have them combine into what is described as being a “weird new” emoji). The final known issue deals with when words are removed from predictions on devices. With this, those words may need to be re-added on all devices individually.

Those looking for the updated apk files should head to the download page on the SwiftKey site.

NVIDIA SHIELD iFixit teardown gives a look at the inside
Aug 1st 2013, 16:19, by Robert Nelson

We recently reviewed the NVIDIA SHIELD and while we took a rather thorough look at the system itself as well as what it is capable of doing in terms of gaming there was something we couldn’t do — open it up and take a look at the interior guts. Thankfully though, there was another group willing to do just that. That group is the familiar iFixit and they have recently opened up the SHIELD.

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Unlike the recent Chromecast teardown that revealed what powers the streaming dongle, we already knew what was to be expected in terms of the guts of the NVIDIA SHIELD. For example, we had already known the system has a 5-inch 720p display and is powered by a quad-core Tegra 4 processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. But still, there is something especially gratifying about seeing it all pieced out.

Based on the teardown experience, the SHIELD was given a ‘repairability’ rating of 6 out of 10 (with 10 being the easiest to repair). Sticking on the topic of repairing a broken SHIELD, it was said the “complicated interior design makes repair and reassembly difficult.” It also looks like the display and battery are not that high up on the list of being easy to access and/or swap out if either of those should need repair or replacement.

Screen-Shot-2013-08-01-at-9.46.40-AM-580x434

Simply put, given the details coming from this iFixit teardown — we suggest taking a bit of care and caution with your SHIELD. Maybe say, grab a carry case for when you are taking the system out and about. That all being said, while maybe not an ideal system for those who like to DIY any repairs, the teardown did provide a good look at everything from the stereo speakers, to the fan, 7350 mAh battery and more.

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Android World Update # Android, iOS, Samsung, and the facts about brand loyalty

Android Authority
Android News, Reviews, How To 
Android, iOS, Samsung, and the facts about brand loyalty
Aug 1st 2013, 18:19, by Nate Swanner

Android Army securitycoverage

The Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) recently conducted a study to see which mobile OS people had migrated to, or whether they stuck with their current Os and/or device manufacturer. The idea behind the study was to see which mobile operating systems and which manufacturers people preferred, while appreciating their former device OEM and OS. As it turns out, iOS is a clear winner for loyalty across the board, but that figure can be a bit skewed.

BRand loyalty: previous operating system

This CIRP chart shows the current OS for customers on the left, and which OS they may have moved from.

Operating systems and retention

We can learn from the chart above that of those users currently on Android, 67% stuck around from last year. A tight 14% of iOS users migrated, and 34% of Blackberry users made the switch. In the iOS corner, 27% of former Android users switched, while 48% of Blackberry users went with Apple. A respectable 39% of feature phone users went all in with iOS, too. From this we can also glean that iOS users are more likely to stay with their iPhones and iPads, with 78% sticking around this year over last.

Of those feature phone users, 50% moved toward Android. This can almost certainly be due to Android being made available on lower cost devices, and capturing a wider audience. This can also be attributed to emerging markets, where lower cost devices are popular and often necessary. Apple's insistence on one device hurts them in this realm, though they are said to be working on a lower end iPhone in response to demand, as these numbers illustrate.

Brand loyalty: current and previous OEM

Much like the above chart, this shows the current brand of device consumers are using on the left, and their previous throught the chart.

Does brand loyalty exist?

Much like the OS customer base, OEMs have the same, if not worse, turnover. We may use a Samsung one year, but that new LG or Motorola catches our eye the next. We can also make some deductions regarding the operating system switchovers from this chart, especially in regard to Nokia.

Apple has their singular OS, tied to one phone. It clearly works well, and their retention numbers prove so.

Apple again has the highest customer loyalty, but that's evidence of one device tied to a singular operating system. If you notice, OS loyalty and device loyalty are exactly the same for Apple users at 78%. What is notable is that iOS picks up the bulk of former Blackberry users with 48%, a decisive 17% over Samsung's 31%, and nearly quadruple those who went with HTC or stayed loyal to Blackberry.

Of course, Samsung has their loyal fanbase as well, with over half of users from the previous year still using a Samsung device. Migration patterns from other OEMs was fairly steady, hovering around 30% for all non-Apple users. Of those Apple fans who are no longer tucked under the iOS wing, 11% went with Samsung, which was over double the other manufacturer's Apple migration numbers.

The Nokia issue

As they're married to Windows Phone, Nokia is seeing some troubling retention numbers, according to this chart. If these numbers are accurate, just about every single customer Nokia had went with another device manufacturer, which also means another operating system. Apple and Samsung shared the Nokia migration lead with 30% each, while HTC had a respectable 20% of Nokia fans flock to them. LG made a showing with 15%, and Motorola rounded it out with 5%. If you're keeping score, that's 100% of Nokia fans who have moved on. Interestingly enough, none went with Blackberry.

Android and iOS

The old 'Android vs. iOS' chestnut

It just can't be cracked, because the comparison is a bit unfair. Android is open, and thus available for interpretation. Each of those Android manufacturers has their own take, and tries to create loyalty with their iteration or skin. Samsung goes so far as to create an ecosystem, which is clearly helping them with customer retention.

Apple has their singular OS, tied to one phone. It clearly works well, and their retention numbers prove so. When almost 80% of your customers stay home, it means you're doing something right. When your market share is about half of your largest competitor, the ground you have to hold onto is precious.

Even though there is some movement around the Android ecosystem, and more Android users went with iOS than the other way around, the long term growth potential is solid. Emerging markets, lower cost devices, and an open source system all contribute to the overall success of Android, both now and in the future.

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Android World Update # Blackberry Messenger for Android enters beta-testing stage, screenshots leak

Android News, Rumours, and Updates
The latest in android news, rumours, and updates, including device news and apps! 
Blackberry Messenger for Android enters beta-testing stage, screenshots leak
Aug 1st 2013, 17:46, by Harrison Kaminsky

BBM_Android

BBM was originally rumored to hit Android devices by June 27— however, the app looks to be on pace to arrive by the end of the summer, as rumors are coming in reporting that BBM for Android is in beta-testing among a small group of users.

Adam Zeis from Crackberry reported on the matter:

Invitations have gone out for BBM for Android but we’re not sure what the status is with iOS. There were no real details provided with the invites aside from needed at least ICS to run the app … We’ll most likely see more on the actual app very soon now that it’s out in the open so don’t worry too much.

A few images of the app have leaked online which show the new UI— pictures include a sign-in screen, a chats screen, and a menu screen which looks a lot like Blackberry Hub from BB10. Check out the leaked screenshots after the break.

BBM1

 

BBM2

 

BBM3

We doubt that this app will gain a lot of traction in the Android world, especially among our readers, but how many of you are looking forward to the arrival of the BBM app?

Via: Android Central
Source: BGR


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Android World Update # AT&T HTC One receiving update to enable new frequency bands

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Android Central 
AT&T HTC One receiving update to enable new frequency bands
Aug 1st 2013, 17:43, by Andrew Martonik

AT&T HTC One update AT&T HTC One update

Hefty update enables Band 2 and 5 LTE for improved coverage.

Users with AT&T variants of the HTC One are pulling down an update starting this morning that is a pretty hefty size. The ~250MB update, which started pushing out today, despite its size does nothing more than enable Band 2 and Band 5 LTE on the handset. That's still an important change, and considering how large and complex the radios are the size of the update does make sense. Going forward as AT&T expands its LTE coverage to new bands it will be important to have everything enabled on the device ahead of time.

Members in our forums have already started to see the updates hit their own devices, and we've got the update downloading as well. Let us know in the forums if you happen to find any user-facing changes in this latest update.

More: AT&T HTC One Forums

    


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Android World Update # AT&T tops in wireless customer care satisfaction — JD Power

AndroidGuys
Android news and opinion 
AT&T tops in wireless customer care satisfaction — JD Power
Aug 1st 2013, 17:39, by Scott Webster

Look out, AT&T is making some serious headway in the mobile space. Not only do they own the fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network, but they are also tops in wireless customer care. According to the latest JD Power report, AT&T has earned the highest marks in the industry.

jd_power_june2013a

Scoring particularly well in walk-in and online contact channels, AT&T topped the other carriers in 4 of the 5 areas surveyed. Not only is AT&T  number one in overall rankings, but they pulled in the highest score by any carrier over the previous three studies. While Verizon also scored higher than the industry average, Sprint and T-Mobile were under the base score.

 

The  report polled 7,373 wireless subscribers over a six-month period which just ended in June 2013. In terms of non-contract carriers, MetroPCS earned the highest marks in J.D. Power's report.

JD Power via GigaOm

The post AT&T tops in wireless customer care satisfaction — JD Power appeared first on AndroidGuys.

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Android World Update # Hulu to get in on the Chromecast fun

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Hulu to get in on the Chromecast fun
Aug 1st 2013, 17:23, by Quentyn Kennemer

Hulu has confirmed that it's working to bring Chromecast support over to its mobile apps! This $35 gadget sounds more and more juicy as the weeks roll on.

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Android World Update # First Paranoid Android ROM based on Android 4.3 available for Nexus 4 (mako)

Android Authority
Android News, Reviews, How To 
First Paranoid Android ROM based on Android 4.3 available for Nexus 4 (mako)
Aug 1st 2013, 16:30, by Chris Smith

Paranoid AndroidThe first Android 4.3-based Paranoid Android ROM is now available, although this is still a preview version.

The Paranoid Android team posted instructions and download links on its Google+ page (see Source link below) for the Nexus 4 (mako), but at the same time cautioned users that the build has issues with root, and they'd be better off waiting for root issues to be resolved before proceeding:

This build has still problems with root. If you follow Android news you know that Google changed access rights and the permission system, it's not easy right now. That means PAPrefs will not be able to write hybrid props. Hybrid engine is OK, but you cant communicate to it. Everything else should be fine.

Those who can live with it for now, get it. The rest, stay on stock 4.3 or PA 4.2.2 until root has been fixed and that will probably take a while as koush and chainfire are working, as well as us trying to figure out Androids new policy system.

We'll add to that that while we keep you in the loop with the latest news regarding custom ROMs, we're certainly not encouraging you to install them. That’s your decision to mak, and you'll be the only person responsible for whatever happens with your devices during such procedures.

In addition to the Paranoid Android team working on updating its custom ROM to Android 4.3, we'll also remind you that the CyanogenMod team has started work on its own Android 4.3-based CM 10.2.

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Android World Update # Nvidia Shield torn to pieces, iFixit style

Android Authority
Android News, Reviews, How To 
Nvidia Shield torn to pieces, iFixit style
Aug 1st 2013, 17:22, by Bogdan Petrovan

nvidia shield teardown ifixit (1)After giving us a glance inside the new Chromecast and the Nexus 7 (2013), the fine device anatomists at iFixit are back at it with the Nvidia Shield.

Finally released after some delays on July 31, Nvidia's Android-powered handheld is the first device powered by the Tegra 4 system on a chip, Nvidia's answer to the market dominant Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 and 800. But what else is there to see besides the beefy Tegra chip? Quite a few things actually, as you'd expect from a device that offers mobile gaming, PC game streaming, and full Google Play compatibility, along with a "console-class controller" in one compact package. Here's a small sample of the teardown image gallery:

nvidia shield teardown ifixit (3)
nvidia shield teardown ifixit (2)
nvidia shield teardown ifixit (4)


The ultimate goal of any iFixit teardown is assessing the reparability of the device being dissected. The Nvidia Shield scored a mediocre 6 out of 10, due to its internal complexity, which makes disassembly and repairs problematic, as well to the powerful adhesive used to secure the display and other components in place.

iFixit does note that the handheld console appears to be solid and well built, which is great news for any device designed to be used on the go.

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Android World Update # Netflix adding profiles to service, Android support coming soon

Android News, Rumours, and Updates
The latest in android news, rumours, and updates, including device news and apps! 
Netflix adding profiles to service, Android support coming soon
Aug 1st 2013, 17:24, by Jeff Causey

netflix_profiles_ps3

Netflix announced today a new feature to help make things easier when several people are sharing the same Netflix account, Netflix Profiles. Profiles act like a sub-account on a master Netflix account. Each profile gets personalized suggestions, their own Instant Queue lists and a segregated Recently Watched history. Owners of competing devices probably wish this function had already been available, but with the introduction of Google’s Chromecast this could be even more useful since so many people are now able to stream their own viewing choices to the device.

To add new profiles to an account, users can configure them when first creating an account or existing users can go to their settings. Netflix will allow you to create up to five profiles, which can correspond to individuals or situations like “Family Night.” Profiles can also be linked to Facebook accounts to help users get recommendations from their friends.

Netflix is rolling out the new feature in phases over the next several days. Initially, the profiles will only be available through the web site interface, iPad and iPhone devices, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 gaming platforms, Apple TV, newer smart TVs and Blu-Ray players that come loaded with Netflix. Unfortunately, Android devices are not amongst the initial round, joined by the Nintendo Wii, but Netflix says the feature is coming soon to those platforms. According to Netflix, profiles can only be created through the web site or on the PS3, but they can be accessed from any of the devices supporting profiles.

Check out the video below showing how it works.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: Netflix
via: Android Police


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Android World Update # Galaxy S 4 Mini to get three new colors in the near future

Android News, Rumours, and Updates
The latest in android news, rumours, and updates, including device news and apps! 
Galaxy S 4 Mini to get three new colors in the near future
Aug 1st 2013, 16:59, by Jared Peters

S 4 mini red

Samsung launched the Galaxy S III in a handful of colors, and they’ve already had their latest Galaxy S 4 show up in a few new paint jobs, so it would make sense to extend that to the Galaxy S 4 Mini, right? Ahead of an official announcement, some renders of the GS 4 Mini have shown up depicting the device in Scarlet Dawn, Bronze Autumn, and Blue Iceberg, because what good is a new color without a strange name behind it? There’s no official word on when you’ll be able to pick up any of these, but you can expect them to have the same specs as the original black and white versions. You can check out the pictures of all three devices below.

What do you think of the colors? Personally, I really like the red color, but the blue looks nice, too. Anybody planning on picking up one of these special variants?

source: Hi-Tech

via: Cult of Android

S 4 mini red s 4 mini brown s 4 mini blue


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Android World Update # UK market now has access to TV shows in Google Play

Android News, Rumours, and Updates
The latest in android news, rumours, and updates, including device news and apps! 
UK market now has access to TV shows in Google Play
Aug 1st 2013, 17:04, by Jeff Causey

google_play_movies_tv

Android users in the UK who accessed the Google Play Movies store this morning may have noticed something a little bit different, the availability of TV shows. Just like in the U.S. market, buyers can order individual episodes or buy entire series for playback on the web or through an Android device. The selection includes titles from the BBC and Channel 5 as well as numerous US titles. Some of the series available include Doctor Who, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and Top Gear. To help raise awareness and entice folks to try out the service, Google is offering pilot episodes of Battlestar Galactica, The Big C and Justified for free.

If you are in the UK, just fire up the Google Play store and head over to the Movies & TV section to check out what is available. Let us know if you find any interesting titles in the mix.


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