Friday, August 30, 2013

Android World Update # Video: Qualcomm goes after MediaTek’s octo-core chips again

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Video: Qualcomm goes after MediaTek's octo-core chips again
Aug 30th 2013, 08:18, by Bogdan Petrovan

qualcomm mediatek

Some may argue that it is inelegant for a company of Qualcomm's level to go after smaller competitors, but that won't stop the San Diego-based chip designer from doing just that. Repeatedly.

Back in early August, a Qualcomm top executive called current octo-core systems-on-a-chip "dumb" and brashly compared the competitors' designs with "lawn motor engines" sold as an "eight-cylinder Ferrari".

Who was the target of Qualcomm's derision? MediaTek, the Taiwan-based chipmaker that has been killing it with its low-cost smartphone and tablet SoCs, which power most of the mobile devices made in China.

Now Qualcomm tries to hammer the point home with a video advertisement that compares its own quad-core designs with the designs of an unnamed competitor. However, eagle-eyed readers will notice that the color and font of the "Our Competitor" title matches precisely the styling of MediaTek.

Essentially, Qualcomm argues that having four great cores is much better than having eight older cores that deliver less performance. According to the chipmaker, 17 out of the 20 top apps in China only make use of two cores, which is a bottleneck that cancels the benefit of having more than four cores.

The video is a thinly veiled jab at the "true octo-core" processor that MediaTek recently announced with great fanfare. The problem is MediaTek's chip features older, slower ARM Cortex A7 CPU cores, which puts it at disadvantage compared to the custom Krait 400 designs that Qualcomm uses.

Truth is Qualcomm has a point here and the video illustrates it quite well: with the way apps use the processor at present, it makes more sense to have a few fast cores than a bunch of older ones. This is reflected in benchmark scores as well.

But Qualcomm's efforts to discredit MediaTek's products are telling for the success that the scrappy Taiwanese chipmaker has been enjoying as of late. MediaTek is very strong in China, a market that is sensible to cost, which prevents Qualcomm from competing as effectively as it does internationally.

And, with the octa-core chip, MediaTek is showing that it's not satisfied with catering for the entry-level to mid-range market. From this perspective, Qualcomm's jabs could be viewed as a sign of insecurity.

When asked for comment on Qualcomm's attack, MediaTek said it has no interest in the activities of competitors.

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Android World Update # Samsung details Galaxy NX camera pricing and availability

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Samsung details Galaxy NX camera pricing and availability
Aug 30th 2013, 06:42, by Andrew Martonik

Samsung Galaxy NX

US stores will see the new Android-powered mirrorless camera starting in October

We were generally taken by surprise when Samsung unveiled the Galaxy NX as a spiritual successor to the original Galaxy Camera, and now we know when and how much you'll have to spend to buy one. It will come as no surprise to camera geeks that this is going to be one expensive piece of kit, but for someone coming from the point-and-shoot camera realm may be surprised.

Samsung is setting pricing at $1599.99 for the body (no lens) or $1699.99 with a standard 18-55mm kit lens, and expects to have it on U.S. store shelves and directly from Samsung starting in October. Now you're certainly getting something for that high price tag — on the imaging front we're looking at a 20.3MP APS-C sensor with a 1/6000 second shutter speed and up to ISO 25600 sensitivity. You also have the proper lens mount for Samsung's range of NX lenses if you're ready to expand your shooting options

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Android World Update # Android Community

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Huawei developing 5G networks, eyes 2020 launch
Aug 30th 2013, 06:40, by Juan Carlos Torres

As the Internet becomes more and more a staple of everyday life, the need for speed and wider bandwidths has become almost a matter of necessity. With the world beginning to adopt the current 4G network, the race for the next generation high-speed, high-bandwidth network is on, and Huawei plans on being at the forefront.

huawei_logo

At a guest post at Forbes, Huawei deputy chairman and rotating CEO Ken Hu reveals that the company has been interested in 5G networks for several years now, even when 4G was still at its infancy, devoting hundreds of engineers to research and development. Huawei envisions a launch of the technology in 2020, when 5G will offer speeds of 10 Gbps, 100 times faster than today’s 4G speeds.

Huawei is hardly the only electronics manufacturer interested in 5G. In May, Samsung boasted about its own work on 5G network research. According to the company, its prototype 5G network was able to reach speeds of 1 Gbps over a distance of 2 kilometers. This was made possible by utilizing a 28 GHz ultra-high-frequency bandwidth, which gave it a transmission range far higher than current 6 GHz 5G test networks. Samsung is also earmarking 2020 as the year to release 5G on the world.

Of course, mobile networks isn’t the only thing Huawei has been busy with, with the company also looking into the new trend of wearable devices such as smartwatches and glasses that is ushering in a new era of connectedness. Hu sees a future where wisdom will be defined by human and artificial intelligence integrated around big data analytics, where competitiveness will be determined by the ability to grasp and make use of this new kind of wisdom.

VIA: SlashGear

Samsung Galaxy Note III for emerging markets rumored to have LCD screen, 8 MP camera
Aug 30th 2013, 05:43, by Juan Carlos Torres

It seems like Samsung is planning to squeeze out everything that it will be able to from the upcoming Galaxy Note 3 name, similar to what it’s doing with the Galaxy S4 brand. At least that is what we would be led to believe with this new rumor about Samsung’s next phablet.

samsung-galaxy-note-iii

A report coming from Korean media reveals that the manufacturer will be making an entry-level version of the Galaxy Note III for emerging markets with a slightly lower price, at the expense of slightly modified hardware. The source says that this model will sport an LCD display instead of the Super AMOLED screen on the original. The rear camera will also be knocked down a bit, from 13 megapixels to 8. The reduced components will surely have an effect on the price, although it doesn’t say by how much.

If the rumor pans out, this will be the third Galaxy Note III version we’ve so far heard about. Of course, there’s the original model that will be sporting a 5.7-inch full HD Super AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and a 13 megapixel rear camera with Xenon flash. Later, word of a second version surfaced, which had an Exynos 5 Octa-core processor and would be available in most 3G regions, while the Qualcomm variant would be reserved for markets with 4G LTE networks.

No word on which emerging markets will be receiving this tuned-down version. With just a few days left before the expected September 4 reveal, all we can do is wait until we can separate fact from fiction.

SOURCE: etnews

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Android World Update # Shazam for Android update brings revamped UI and tablet support

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Shazam for Android update brings revamped UI and tablet support
Aug 30th 2013, 05:30, by Aditya Thawardas

shazam_updateThe popular music search utility Shazam received a big update today. Version 4.0 brings a completely new UI, complete with swipe-based gesture controls and smooth transitions. Also, once searching, you get to see large album artwork, and the option to purchase the song from Amazon, interestingly not Google Play.. Another much needed big change is the addition of tablet support.

You can download the updated app from the link past the break.

Play Store Download Link

QR Code generator


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Android World Update # ARCHOS announces new line of devices

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ARCHOS announces new line of devices
Aug 30th 2013, 05:08, by Aditya Thawardas

archos_fallARCHOS, one of the first companies to begin releasing Android tablets, has announced their new line of devices for this fall. Most important is the ARCHOS 101 XS 2, which is the successor to last year’s 101 XS. It still features a magnetic keyboard/cover, but this new version has a quad-core processor and IPS screen, Android 4.2 and a display resolution of 2048 x 153. There’s actually an option for kids, the ARCHOS ChildPad, which offers a customized interface, parental controls, and Google Play content filtering.

Next, the ARCHOS 50 Oxygen is ARCHOS’s new flagship phone. It comes with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, an IPS display, 16GB of storage, Android 4.2, and a 13MP camera. It comes without any skin, so depending on the price, it could be a Nexus competitor for those who are into that. Lastly, the ARCHOS GamePad 2 will be released. Not much info yet on that, but we’ll get more details once all of the devices are formally unveiled at the IFA next month.

You can read the presser after the break.

IFA 2013: ARCHOS Confirms Mobile Connected Strategy with Innovative Tablet and Smartphone Lineup

ARCHOS will use Android expertise to expand 3G tablet, smartphone range and connected objects

Denver, CO – August 29, 2013 - ARCHOS, a pioneer in Android™ devices, announces its tablet and smartphone strategy for year-end 2013.  Leveraging its four years of Android expertise, ARCHOS has optimized its product development aiming at offering innovative products based on Android and focused into the mobility segment, from tablets and smartphones to connected objects.

"This combination of innovation, value for money and rich product portfolio should allow ARCHOS to further increase its market share in the coming months," said Loic Poirier, CEO of ARCHOS.

CONTINUING TABLET INNOVATION: Powerful, Google certified tablets with HD screens

The Platinum range - featuring Quad-Core processors, sleek Aluminum design, wireless display technology and IPS screens up to 2048 x 1536 running Android 4.2.
The new Gen11 tablet, the ARCHOS 101xs2, is designed for performance, media playback and productivity. Powered by a quad-core processor with HD IPS screen it also features front-facing dual stereo speakers and ARCHOS' unique magnetic keyboard functionality.

RENEWING THE THEMED TABLET RANGE: products designed for specific use

Unique to the new line of themed devices is a home screen application developed by ARCHOS that curates the more than 1 million apps inside of Google Play™. Here each user can discover a selection of apps that best fits the purpose of the tablet making it easier for the end user to find the right content.

The new ARCHOS ChildPad range features a user interface designed for kids, Google Play filtered for kids, full parental controls and will run Android 4.2.  Additionally, this range will feature the 101 Childpad designed to bridge the gap from the digital world of the tablet to content in the real world using magnetic figurines.

For gamers, the new ARCHOS GamePad 2 is the perfect combination of Android tablet and gaming console with access to thousands of the latest games. More device details to be released soon.

EXPANDING ANDROID EXPERTISE TO 3G TABLETS & SMARTPHONES

Expanding its deep Android expertise and answering user demand, ARCHOS is moving full speed ahead enhancing its existing line of 3G and 3G + tablets.

The new ARCHOS Xenon Range of three tablets will feature HD screens, up to Quad-Core CPUs, and will run Android 4.2 offering 3G connected devices cheaper than Apple or Samsung WiFi tablets.
The new ARCHOS Smartphone line will include the Oxygen range, additions to the Platinum range and the Titanium range. All smartphones will feature pure un-skinned Android OS, Google Certification.

The flagship smartphone, the ARCHOS 50 oxygen, features a full HD IPS screen, Quad-Core CPU at 1.5 GHz, 16GB storage, Android 4.2 and 13MP back camera and a 5 MP front camera.

The Titanium range, starting at 99 Euros with a 4 inch screen, will feature Dual-Core CPUs, Bluetooth, GPS, Dual SIM card slots, Android 4.2, 5MP back cameras and 0.3 MP front cameras.

ARCHOS will further detail and unveil this product strategy on their stand at IFA .You can visit ARCHOS at IFA 2013 – Hall 17, Stand 106. More details will be provided upon each product release at www.archos.com.

In the near future, next steps in ARCHOS product strategy will be to enrich its smartphone lineup with the addition of 4G LTE models and to develop a full range of Connected Objects, including a unique Smart Watch concept.


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Android World Update # Meizu MX3 pictured in what looks like official photos

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Meizu MX3 pictured in what looks like official photos
Aug 30th 2013, 05:22, by Aditya Thawardas

meizu_mx3It looks like Meizu’s upcoming smartphone has been spotted for the first time. The Meizu MX3 seems to have been pictured in official-like photos wearing a transparent protective case. We can see from front and back angles. The MX3 will run Flyme 3.0 OS (based on Android Jelly Bean), and has a 5.1 inch Full HD display, Exynos 5 Octa processor from Samsung, 2GB of RAM, and a 13MP rear camera.

The MX3 will officially be announced on September 2, and will likely be released only in China. Price is still a question mark, but rumor has it that it will cost 1,999 CNY – or about $327 – not a bad deal for a phone with the above specs.


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Android World Update # Android Community

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Android APKTool v2 goes out with user friendly changes and under the hood overhaul
Aug 30th 2013, 04:13, by Juan Carlos Torres

XDA Developers has just announced the availability of a new version of the Android APKTool. This software, which is used for decompiling and recompiling Android packages or APKs, has undergone a code overhaul and includes changes that will make it easier to use.

android-apktool-v2

Re-engineering Android packages is one of the a favorite activities of developers and modders, leading to the creation of many tools for that purpose. One of the most popular ones is the APKTool from XDA member Brut.all. Unfortunately, the tool only provides a command line interface that raises the entry barrier for novice tinkerers.

XDA member Flextrick developed the Android APKTool to make things easier for beginners by providing a graphical user interface. For this new version, the tool underwent a massive code rework. Users now have an option between the Android package (APK) or Java archive (JAR) formats. A new folder structure was introduced to give a better overview of the package and modified files will now reside in their own folders.

As in the previous version, the tool runs only on Windows with Java and .NET frameworks installed. At the moment only the Windows 8 version has been updated to version 2.0 while the Windows 7 version is stuck at 1.2. However, the Windows 8 version will still work on the Windows 7 aside from a broken layout.

SOURCE: XDA Developers

Qualcomm takes a jab at MediaTek octa-core in video ad
Aug 30th 2013, 03:42, by Juan Carlos Torres

In this industry, it is sometimes very easy to get swayed by numbers and specs. But sometimes “more” doesn’t always translate to “better”, a message that Qualcomm is trying to pass around in a new promotional video for their Snapdragon chips.

qualcomm-snapdragon

With a title like “Better Cores, Not More Cores”, Qualcomm is definitely converying quality beats quantity. It later on also emphasizes that the CPU is just one part of what makes up a system-on-chip, which is also comprised of other systems like a GPU, a DSP chip, network chips, and so on. Qualcomm claims that while they have been improving the performance of their chips in each generation, their competitors simply multiply old inefficient cores. And which competitor are they referring to? None other than fellow ARM SoC manufacturer MediaTek.

MediaTek, who is more known for making cheaper chips than for raw power, has lately been trying to make a dent in the the market. It recently unveiled its True Octa Core chip, which MediaTek claims, as the name implies, is the worlds first true eight-core processor. MediaTek’s implementation is able to utilize all 8 cores of the processor instead of four at a time, something that Samsung, who already has its own eight-core chip, is unable to do as of now. While Qualcomm doesn’t explicitly name MediaTek, the font used to indicate their so-called competitor is similar to MediaTek’s brand.

As an advertisement, the video doesn’t really show actual real-world examples or scientific numbers, but it does have a grain of truth in it. While we may rattle of specs for reference and drool over hardware, actual performance will be dependent on how everything works together and on actual usage.

VIA: GigaOM

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Android World Update # Low-end, cheap, and trendy smartphone line launched by BLU Products

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Low-end, cheap, and trendy smartphone line launched by BLU Products
Aug 30th 2013, 03:22, by Harrison Kaminsky

Dash_5.0

There are tons of ways to get smartphones for pretty low prices these days, especially when taking advantage of special sales and carrier offers (hint hint). But if you’d rather go with a low-end option with an extremely low price tag, BLU Products’ new offering might be right for you.

The company is launching a trio of low-end, cheap, and trendy-looking smartphones that are sure to catch more than just a few eyes.

The first phone is the Dash Jr., which sports a 3.5-inch screen, and a price tag of just $49 unlocked. The device also has dual-SIM capabilities, but just a single-core Spreadtrum processor. Data is only 2G, and a 2MP camera is slapped on the front. The Dash Jr. will ship with Android 2.3. So basically if your grandmother is looking to enter the smartphone world, this might be the device for her… I’m still not sure why the device even needs Android if it’s just got 2G data.

The second and third offerings from the company are the Dash Music 4.0 ($99) and the Dash 5.0 ($129). The Music’s screen is 4-inches, while the latter is 5-inches. Both of these will feature 3G data, dual-core MediaTek chips, better cameras, and Android 4.2.

All three devices are expected to ship before the end of September.

 

BLU Products expands DASH series of smartphone devices introducing three new models – DASH JR, DASH MUSIC 4.0, and DASH 5.0, starting at just $49 Unlocked

BLU’s DASH series, aimed for consumers on a budget, brings new affordability to facilitate the increasing rate of smartphone adoption in the U.S. and Latin America markets

MIAMI, Aug. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — BLU Products, one of the fastest growing mobile phone manufacturers in the world announced today new additions to their popular DASH series of Android smartphone devices intended for first time smartphone users on a budget, assisting the jump from feature phones to smartphone adoption.

“Almost 1 billion feature phones are going to be shipped this year. Our job is to facilitate the transition from feature phones by bringing affordable internet and smartphone connectivity to consumers without compromise on quality, user experience and overall satisfaction.” said Samuel Ohev-Zion, CEO, BLU Products. “We are doing that with gorgeous devices, available in a variety of colors, and with incredible price points – our customers are going to be very happy.”

Each of the new members of the DASH series of smartphone devices will be available in 6 different colors to choose from, as the company focuses on assisting the “Bring Your Own Device” no-contract movement in the U.S. and will be sold unlocked at major retailers such as Amazon.com and Best Buy, in addition to thousands of Operator and MVNO Dealer owned stores in the U.S. before the end of September. Furthermore, the devices will also be available throughout 30 countries in Latin America.

DASH JR

The DASH JR is meant to bring exceptional value to the consumer by being the first entry level smartphone available with 1GHz CPU and 3.5-inch HVGA Resolution LCD at a sub-$50 price point unlocked. Powered by Android v2.3, the DASH JR also features a 2.0 Megapixel Camera, expandable Micro SD Slot, Wi-Fi, as well as Dual SIM functionality.
DASH MUSIC 4.0

The DASH MUSIC 4.0 focuses on Music and Video Playback user experience, with dual front facing speakers which produce loud and brilliant sound reproduction quality. In addition, the DASH MUSIC 4.0 is equipped with a 4.0-inch High Resolution WVGA LCD, a Dual-Core 1.3GHz processor with HSPA+ 21Mbps connectivity, 3.2 Mega Pixel Camera, Dual SIM functionality and expandable Micro SD Slot, while running on Android Jellybean v4.2, and will be priced at $99.00 unlocked.

DASH MUSIC 5.0

The DASH 5.0 brings affordability to the increasing demand for large screen devices, featuring a 5.0 inch FWVGA LCD with incredibly thin bezel mount, and slim profile of just 9.3mm which makes handling the device incredibly comfortable. In addition, the DASH 5.0 is powered by a 1.3GHz Dual-Core processor with HSPA+ 21mbs connectivity, 5.0 mega pixel camera with LED Flash, expandable Micro SD slot, Dual SIM functionality, running on Android Jelly Bean 4.2, and will be priced at $129.00 unlocked.

Full Specifications Include:

DASH JR

* Network: 2.5G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/900/1800/1900 MHz,
* Display: TFT Capacitive Touchscreen, with 3.5 inch 320 x 480 pixel LCD
* Processor: Spreadtrum 6820 1.0GHz Cortex-A5 with MALI 400 GPU
* OS: Android v2.3 Gingerbread
* Camera: Rear – 2.0 megapixel, Video Record 480p @ 30fps
* Connectivity: WiFi b/g/n, a-GPS, Bluetooth, Hotspot, micro-USB
* Sensor: Gyro
* Memory: 512MB internal memory + microSD slot expandable up to 32GB, 256MB RAM
* Dimensions: 116.5 x 62 x 12, 105 grams
* Battery: Li-Ion 1000mAh

DASH MUSIC 4.0

* Network: 2.5G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, 3G (HSPA+ 21Mbps) 850/1900, 850/2100 Variants
* Display: TFT Capacitive Touchscreen, with 4.0 inch 480 x 800 pixel LCD
* Processor: MediaTek MT6572 Dual-Core 1.3GHz Cortex-A7 with MALI 400 GPU
* OS: Android v4.2 Jelly Bean
* Camera: Rear – 3.2 megapixel, Video Record 720p @ 30fps
* Connectivity: WiFi b/g/n, a-GPS, Bluetooth, Hotspot, micro-USB
* Sensor: Accelerometer, Gyro
* Memory: 4GB internal memory + microSD slot expandable up to 32GB, 512MB RAM
* Dimensions: 124 x 64 x 11.7, 128 grams
* Battery: Li-Ion 1500mAh

DASH 5.0

* Network: 2.5G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, 3G (HSPA+ 21Mbps) 850/1900, 850/2100 Variants
* Display: TFT Capacitive Touchscreen, with 5.0 inch 480 x 854 pixel LCD
* Processor: MediaTek MT6572 Dual-Core 1.3GHz Cortex-A7 with MALI 400 GPU
* OS: Android v4.2 Jelly Bean
* Camera: Rear – 5.0 megapixel with LED Flash, Front – VGA, Video Record 720p @ 30fps
* Connectivity: WiFi b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth, Hotspot, micro-USB
* Sensor: Accelerometer, Proximity, Gyro
* Memory: 4GB internal memory + microSD slot expandable up to 32GB, 512MB RAM
* Dimensions: 146 x 70.6 x 9.39, 175 grams
* Battery: Li-Ion 2000mAh


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