Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Engient Introduces All New “Rigonauts” Gameplay Footage As I Throw My Money At My Screen

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 07:14 PM PDT

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In the spirit of Phandroid’s Developer Appreciation Month, I wanted to make sure you guys didn’t soon forget about one of the most promising looking indie titles soon to hit our Android devices — Rigonauts. Developer Engient has uploaded some all new gameplay footage of Rigonauts in its very pre-alpha stages, but gives us a candid look at what we can expect from the upcoming physics-based action puzzler. It’s a very simple level, but if the former trailer is any indication, things will heat up as the game progresses.

In case you’ve forgotten, gameplay involved building a rig that you will send into battle, firing cannons, and issuing orders to lead you into victory. The premise is simple: destroy everything in your path and if your rig is the last one standing, you’ve won that challenge. During the battle sequence, players have no direct control over the movement of their rig, instead observing and taking notes on exactly where they can improve their death machines next round.

Feel free to drop the small development team at Engient a line on their Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ pages, or just keep up with the development of their upcoming game.

[Engient]

T-Mobile Galaxy Note Inches Ever Closer To Launch – Hits FCC, Demo Units Shipping To Stores

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 06:13 PM PDT

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If we were to pick a single iPhone-killing Android device — the Samsung Galaxy Note would have to be it. For those on T-Mobile who’ve been waiting for this behemoth to arrive, we have another clue that its launch day is fast approaching. A leaked inventory check list reveals that the “Galaxy Note Navy Blue Demo” will soon be hitting T-Mobile retail stores and is another hint the device could make good on its rumored July 11th launch date.

What’s more, is the T-Mobile Note (SGH-T879) has just passed by the FCC yet again, packing an NFC integrated chip behind its battery cover (disabled on the AT&T version) pretty much identical to the international version, only with new radios. If Samsung can update this version with an upgraded Qualcomm S4 processor (although there hasn’t been any leaks to indicate them doing so), I’ll be going all-in when this device finally hits Magenta. Come to me, Note. My body is ready…

Even with a last generation Snapdragon, anyone still have their hearts set on the Note?

[PocketNow | TMoNews]

Vonage Mobile Updated To Version 1.5 – Better Battery Life, Added Sharing Features

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 05:46 PM PDT

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As a one time Vonage Mobile user, I waned to let y’all know that the app has recently been updated to version 1.5 and is now more useable than ever. The update — or upgrade, rather — now gives users the ability to use a Bluetooth device while making data calls (perfect for those with hands-free equipped vehicles), as well as increased voice quality, while sucking less battery life from your device. There’s also enhanced sharing options while texting with support for location information in Google Maps. If making free calls and text messages over data sounds like a good fit for you, feel free to give Vonage Mobile a download right now in the Google Play Store.

[Play Store Link]

 

Sprint Moves Towards Own NFC Payment System – Bye, Bye Google Wallet?

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 04:53 PM PDT

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Sprint has long been one of the few carriers to back Google Wallet here in the US, but it looks like that could soon change. According to a few internal slides leaked to Android Central, it seems Sprint is making plans to introduce their own mobile payment system, dubbed “Sprint Touch.” Everything here is pretty much standard form what you would find in a mobile payment app, complete with vault animations to give users a greater sense of security. Although the slides don’t reveal any official backing by well-known financial institutions, a few retailer loyalty reward cards from McDonald’s and Best Buy were briefly mentioned.

It’s unclear where Sprint’s future plans for Google Wallet lay, although I’m sure the carrier wont drop support for Google service entirely. What do you guys think? Do you welcome more options (and possibly better security) when it comes to making purchases using your NFC equipped device? Or is Google Wallet all the application you need on your Android device?

20 tickets up for grabs to attend Lookout’s “Party Your Apps Off” party at Google I/O! [Giveaway]

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 03:11 PM PDT

Google I/O is on the horizon and Lookout, the folks who are dedicated to keeping your smartphone safe and giving you peace of mind, are throwing a shindig in San Francisco June 26th. It’s the “Party Your Apps Off” party, and 20 of you have a chance to win a ticket to take part in some great Lookout-provided fun.

Food, drinks, giveaways, and more will all contribute to one of the most fun times I’ve had in San Francisco. The party last year was great and we’re sure this year’s will be no different. But only twenty of you will be able to go. Listen up:

Are you going to be in San Francisco for Google I/O? Come kick-off this year’s event in style at Lookout’s "Party Your Apps Off" annual event on June 26. Last year’s party featured delicious food, unlimited drinks, cool Android giveaways, and great people! We can’t wait for what’s in store this year.

  • When: Tuesday, June 26 @ 8PM
  • Where: This part is a secret :)
  • What: Lookout’s big party in San Francisco on the first night of Google I/O. Drinks will start flowing at 8PM at a hot secret location in downtown SF & one of the city’s best Food Trucks will be there serving snacks. There will be some goodies for the first folks who show up at the door. *Please note, this event is 21 and over.
  • Want to party your apps off? Lucky for you, we’re giving away 20 tickets.

So that’s that, but what exactly do you have to do to enter? Keep on reading:

  • Post a comment letting us know if Lookout has ever saved your life in a particular situation. If you’ve been fortunate enough not to need to actively use the phone finding and virus scanning features, then letting us know what you mainly use Lookout for is completely fine.
  • One comment will count as one entry, and we will only accept one entry per post.
  • You have between now and Monday, June 18th, 2012 at 11:59pm Eastern to submit an entry.
  • At the end of the entry period, we will select 20 random winners to issue tickets to. We will be contacting winners by email so be sure to use your real email address (no one can see it but us).
  • Those who aren’t already planning on going to Google I/O may enter, but we must warn you that any travel accommodations is your own responsibility.

Phandroid’s very own Rob and Chris will be at the party so if you happen to win don’t be a stranger! PhHave at it in the comments section below and keep your fingers crossed for good luck — this party will be totally worth the small amount of time needed to enter!

AT&T Galaxy S3 shipping on or before June 21st

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 02:44 PM PDT

We may have gotten a bit more insight into AT&T’s Galaxy S3 launch plans. When confirming presales for the device, users are being told that the device would ship on or before June 21st. June 21st seems to be the universal launch date for all carriers here in the United States so we’re not terribly shocked by this revelation. It’s nice to have a bit more concrete proof that we’ll be  seeing this available everywhere before the end of the month, and we couldn’t be any happier at how this launch is going. Is anyone picking one up for use on Ma Bell? [via BGR]

T-Mobile USA Galaxy S II getting Ice Cream Sandwich tonight

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 02:05 PM PDT

T-Mobile have posted details about an upcoming Samsung Galaxy S II upgrade headed their way tonight. The upgrade will bring Ice Cream Sandwich, surprisingly enough, making them one of the first US carriers to get the upgrade for that phone. Expect TouchWiz to remain present, but don’t expect any of the new features found in TouchWiz 4.0 to make their way to the handset.

Other improvements will include WiFi calling, voicemail, and CMAS (Commercial Mobile Alert System). It’ll be made available through Kies so be sure to have the app downloaded to your computer. Look for it to arrive there starting at 11PM eastern tonight. Head to T-Mobile for more details. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Max Payne for Android finally coming June 14th?

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 01:37 PM PDT

Rockstar have set a date of June 14th for the arrival of Max Payne. Yes, the news was official but I used a question mark in the title because we had an official date before — April 26th — and they ended up delaying the game. The delay was originally a week or so, but that week came and went with nary a peep from the critically acclaimed developer.

But they’re finally ready to announce a new date, and we have a feeling this one is solid. June 14th, a Thursday, users will be able to take control of Max Payne, a DEA agent who’s involuntarily taken on a personal journey in a dark, creepy story. For just $3 you get to relive this PS2 and PC classic, but only on the following devices for the time being:

Supported Android Phones: Motorola Razr,  Razr Maxx, Motorola Atrix, Motorola Photon, Motorola DROID BIONIC, HTC Rezound, HTC One X,   HTC One S,   HTC EVO 3D, HTC Sensation, HTC Droid Incredible 2,   Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Nexus S, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung S2, Samsung Galaxy R, Sony Xperia Play, Sony Xperia S, Sony Walkman Z Series Media Player

Supported Android Tablets: Acer Iconia, Asus Eee Pad Transformer, Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, Dell Streak 7, LG Optimus Pad, Medion Lifetab, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 / 10.1, Sony Tablet S, Sony Tablet P, Toshiba Thrive, HTC Flyer, HTC Jetstream

That list may or may not grow, but there’s a pretty decent selection of devices that can run the game. We’ll be sure to let you know the moment the game goes live in the Google Play Store later this week. [via Rockstar]

Apple bringing the heat with iOS 6; ditches Google Maps, introduced 200 new features [Poll: Will you defect?]

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 12:22 PM PDT

Be sure to visit iSource.com for extended coverage on all things Apple.

Apple’s just gotten through with their keynote for 2012′s Worldwide Developer Conference, an event that usually define’s Apples direction for the next year or so and beyond. A ton of interesting things came from the event, including a tidbit that we all knew was coming: Apple will be dropping Google Maps for their own mapping solution.

Apple’s maps app doesn’t have much more than Google Maps at first glance. They both share many features, including the 3D maps feature that Google just announced June 6th.

They now have their own turn-by-turn solution, and this experience is enhanced with Siri. You can ask Siri to reroute you for better traffic or to find you a gas station and it’ll do it in real time. The maps app looked very clean, and I’m sure it’ll be as smooth as any Apple app has.

And beyond that, they improved Siri with the ability to command it to open apps, to pull down sports schedules, scores, and live updates, find someplace to eat on Yelp, book a table at that place using OpenTable, and a lot more.

The browser has gotten some cool enhancements, including a reading list feature that many have been dying to get. You can share tabs between your iOS devices and desktop Safari, not unlike what Google introduced with Chrome Beta for Android.

Passbook gives iOS users the ability to store all sorts of things, including Starbucks cards, boarding passes, and more to help with the clutter of paper. Those are just the major announcements, and buried deep into these apps and most of the OS are 200 new features.

The ability to have a VIP list or put your phone on do-not-disturb mode is very nice. And Apple has also partnered with car manufacturers to include a Siri integration button in new models of their vehicles — this is like On*, but you’re using your phone instead of having to pay for a separate service.

But I must ask: does any of this seem new to you Android users? Be it through a built-in Android feature or an app, I feel as if Android was already capable of many of these things, Siri aside.

iOS 6 seems like it’ll be a godsend for those who’ve only used Apple phones, but I, as a consumer who has to seriously consider the iPhone, am just glad more than anything that many of the things I enjoy about Android can finally be achieved in iOS (and without many additional apps to add those things, to boot).

Relatively speaking, iOS 6 is a huge upgrade for the Apple community, but we’re curious: did any of the announcements today make you want to consider defecting? Personally, I’d be lying if I said I knew 100% that my next phone would be Android. Blasphemous, right?

But having owned an iPad 2 and an iPod Touch, I can speak to the quality of the hardware and the reliability of the software, and now that these features will make their debut in the new iPhone later this year I’ll have a big decision to make come Fall. How about you? Let us know in the comments section and poll below! [Images via Engadget]

Take Our Poll


ITC rules out Google-owned patents in HTC dispute with Apple

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 09:25 AM PDT

HTC, the ITC, and Apple are getting pretty familiar with each other these days. Apple has tried (and temporarily succeeded) to ban the import of HTC devices into the US and has filed another dispute with aims to halt sales of handsets such as the One X. Meanwhile, HTC has turned to Google for support in their own battle against Apple, but a judge just struck down the notion.

Administrative Law Judge Thomas Pender has passed a ruling that says HTC may not use patents borrowed from Google in their suit against Apple, as the One series maker did not properly acquire the necessary rights. The move limits the patents HTC can use in an attempt to gain their own ITC ban of Apple products to three of the original eight. The next step would be to appeal the decision, but it looks likely that HTC will have to recruit Google to be a little more hands on in the process if the dispute is to move forward under its original terms. With less ammunition, HTC’s case will be all the more difficult to make.

[via Engadget]

10 Burning Questions with Marek Wyszynski of Infinite Dreams, developers of Jelly Defense

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 09:15 AM PDT

Infinite Dreams has a knack for making great games. Perhaps best known for the tower defense title Jelly Defense, the independent development house has over a dozen top-rated games available from Google Play and has recently unleashed their latest, Shoot The Zombirds. While they have seen plenty of success on iOS, Infinite Dreams took an early adopter approach with Android. Unlike some of the bigger developers who decided to wait out the first couple of years of Android before diving into development, founder Marek Wyszynski and crew jumped right in, though it hasn’t always been easy.

We pitted Wyszynski against our “10 Burning Questions” to get his take on the Android platform and experiences developing fun and addictive games. Read on for the full text!

Phandroid: How did you get started with Android Development?

Marek Wyzsynski: Our strategy was always to create games that could be played on multiple systems. In case of Android we had to wait until the platform started supporting native applications (via NDK). We released our first Android game as early as December 2009 and it was our classic, historical shooter Sky Force.

P: What phone do you personally use?

MW: Currently I use Galaxy Nexus and I’m really happy with it! I’m gonna try Galaxy S3 soon and decide whether I should upgrade or not.

P: What was your biggest challenge in developing games for Android?

MW: I’m not going to be original when I say that the most challenging thing is fragmentation. It’s really difficult to design and develop a game that works great on both low-end and high-end devices. On high-end devices you always want to push its hardware to the limits but on the other hand you need to maintain the compatibility with older devices. It’s always a matter of having a good balance between those two worlds.

P: What has been your favorite game to work on and why?

MW: I believe that my most favourite game that we’ve developed is Jelly Defense. I love the style, graphics, gameplay and music. It’s also very challenging and fun - great to see how many people are enjoying that game!

P: Monetization: in terms of driving revenue, can you tell us about your experience, your strategy, and the overall potential?

MW: Currently we still get most of our revenues using traditional paid model but we definitely see the potential in freemium and in-apps. Actually our latest game called Shoot The Zombirds was released for free and is using full potential of in-apps. In my opinion both models are here to stay - it just depends on how the game design fits into one of the strategies. It’s worth noting that if your game has been downloaded in big numbers you can also get pretty decent revenues from ads. In our case Can Knockdown for Android was downloaded almost 2M times and it’s generating about the same money from ads as it’s paid successor Can Knockdown 2.

P: What do you want to see in future versions of Android?

MW: For at least few years I see Android as the most dominant OS in mobile space. It’s a choice of mass market where people can choose between cheap low-end phones and expensive power monsters.

P: Do you develop for other platforms and how does Android compare to those platforms?

MW: We develop for multiple platforms but our current focus is set on iOS and Android. In terms of revenues iOS is still a big winner as it generates a big chunk of our incomes. On the other hand we see a trend that our Android sales are increasing. We definitely need to understand that demographics on iOS and Android are a bit different and address that in our games. This is what we are working on!

P: If you could give one tip to fellow Android Developers, what would it be?

MW: Keep in mind that you have an opportunity to present your application to hundreds of millions of people. The market is very competitive so don’t be surprised if your first app turns not to be a great success. Work hard, listen to your customers, focus and quality and eventually you will be noticed!

P: Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you.

MW: Did you know that our games were downloaded more than 25 million times already? :)

P: Which game that you have worked on would you like to see ported to the Google Project Glass concept?

MW: It’s a very interesting question. If Google makes those glasses right then it enables endless opportunities for game developers. For me it just opens the gates to completely new genres using for example a mix of social, geolocation and augmented reality. In case of our games I would really like to play Let’s Create! Pottery and alter the shape of my pot using hands in virtual reality.

Here’s hoping Marek and crew will be around to create such next-gen concepts for Project Glass. If their past success is any indication, we suspect we’ll be seeing awesome games from the group for years to come. If you haven’t checked out some of Infinite Dreams great titles for Android, there’s no better time than now.

Want to get involved in Developer Appreciation Month? Contact us and start your message with "Developer Appreciation Month".

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New Sony Xperia smartphone on the horizon, fans given opportunity to advance announcement date

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 07:24 AM PDT

Sony has a new Xperia smartphone originally set to be unveiled on June 22nd, but fans anxious to see the phone sooner are being given the opportunity to advance the announcement date via Facebook. Visiting Sony’s official Facebook page allows users the chance to press a fast forward button to shorten the amount of time the world will have to wait to see the next Xperia device. The date has already been moved up to June 21, and will likely shift even closer as word of Sony’s PR stunt spreads.

What we can expect remains a mystery, but it could be the powerful handset codenamed Hayabasu. The phone, which also goes by the LT29i model number, features similar specs to the recently announced Xperia GX for Japan and could be an international variant of the device. Equally as likely we could be treated to another mid-range Xperia device or something different entirely. Needless to say we’re interested in finding out, so head on over to Sony’s Facebook and let’s get this announcement moved up!

[Facebook via UnwiredView]

Samsung files ‘Knox’ trademark for ‘software providing secure remote access’ to PCs and smartphones

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 07:12 AM PDT

A recent trademark filing suggest Samsung may be looking to launch a service that will allow smartphones, tablets and PCs to interface over wireless networks. Dubbed Samsung Knox, the trademark references some potential combination of hardware and software that will provide “secure remote access” between devices.  While the initial description is that of a “security platform,” the full text presents what could be anything from VPN access to cloud storage:

“Security platform software programs, downloadable and preloaded computer security software, downloadable and preloaded smartphone security software, downloadable and preloaded tablet PC security software, computer hardware and software for providing secure remote access to computer and communication networks, smartphone hardware and software for providing secure remote access to smartphone and communication networks, tablet PC hardware and software for providing secure remote access to tablet PC and communication networks”

The Knox name alludes to Fort Knox, the US installation known for housing the nation’s bullion depository. Its security is the stuff of legends, so the name fits the description and further suggests that secure cloud storage is a definite possibility. It’s hard to imagine Samsung simply rolling out a new anti-virus suite for smartphones. Sharing is a big part of the Korean manufacturer’s recent endeavors, with various methods of connecting devices and users being a focal point of the recently launched Galaxy S III, and we’d imagine the company will further focus on interconnecting its various product lines over virtual networks.

Of course, a trademark filing does not a product make, so we may just be looking at another placeholder name for a concept dreamed up on a whim deep within Samsung’s research department. Without any further rumors to back it up, let the speculation on Samsung Knox begin. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

[via USPTO]

 

Any Rubin has ‘no plans to leave Google’ as Android surpasses 900,000 activations per day

Posted: 11 Jun 2012 05:12 AM PDT

What happens when someone starts a rumor claiming Android top dog Andy Rubin has plans to leave Google? Andy Rubin squashes those rumors, and adds that Android is currently seeing over 900,000 activations per day for good measure. He also barek-nuckle boxes a shark while dressed as a lumberjack, but good old Andy is a bit too modest to announce that part on Twitter.

It all started when past Microsoft tech evangelist and current spreader of dirty internet lies Robert Scoble posted to Google+ a report that Rubin would be leaving Google and Android to focus on a new startup called CloudCar. Rubin, who is no stranger to startups after guiding Android from a small business of its own to arguably one of Google’s greatest acquisitions ever, is involved with CloudCar to the extent that he has offered up some office space to his chums working on the new tech endeavor. Aside from the possibility of offering some input and advice here and there, Rubin seems content with his current position at Google.

As far as the news that Android has surpassed 900,000 activations per day, well that’s just plain impressive. A little over a year ago activations sat at 400,000 a day, growing to 700,000 by the end of 2011. We’ll surely receive a full report at Google I/O at the end of the month, at which point it wouldn’t be surprising in the least to hear that Android has reached 1 million daily activations.

[via AndroidPolice]
Posted by at 7:59 AM

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