Friday, July 27, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

New Fiber TV from Google could change how you watch TV

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 02:24 PM PDT

With the launch of a new fiber network in Kansas City today, Google also announced the availability of Fiber TV. Google thinks it is an entirely new way to experience TV, promising users, "You don't have to settle for old-time television anymore." In reality, it sounds like a supercharged version (in a good way) of the venerable cable box. Fiber TV is a combination of apps, services, and the set top box that provides access to television shows and the ability to record up to 500 hours of TV and eight shows at once.

Google is making apps available for both iOS and Android that let users control live TV and the DVR using text or speech. A Nexus 7 is included in the package and serves as a remote for the system. If a user wants, they can integrate the service with their Google+ stream and other social networks.

There are some downsides, not the least of which is the limited geographical availability. Google has not yet secured the ability to carry some of the more popular channels as well, like ESPN or AMC. Fiber TV is a part of Google's whole Fiber plan and costs $120 per month.  Google will waive a $300 "construction fee" if you sign a two-year contract.

It will be interesting to see how this is received and if demand spreads. It would be nice if this at least creates pressure on other TV services to ramp up their offerings in an effort to match Google. Does the Fiber TV option sound like something you would be interested in? Let us know.

source: The Verge

Google’s ‘Handwrite’ allows you to write search terms with your finger

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 01:05 PM PDT

Google just introduced “Handwrite” which is another way for you to enter search terms. You already have the ability to use your keyboard and voice, but now you can write it with your finger.

I just tried it and it works very well. It even supports 27 different languages. Hit the break for instructions and a demo video

You need to enable it first. So go to google.com on your phone or tablet and tap Settings at the bottom. Then scroll down a little and you will see a Handwrite Section. Just enable it and tap Save at the bottom. You might need to refresh your page for it to be active, but I didn’t.

In order to get it to work, there will be a lower case cursive g in the lower right corner of the mobile Google search web page. Just tap it, and it will expand across the bottom with options for help, a space bar, and a backspace button for deleting characters. Just start drawing letters using your finger (anywhere on the page) and they will magically appear in the search bar with predicted queries. It’s pretty slick.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: google

Google Talk Issues Affecting Everyone, A Fix is on the Way

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 12:26 PM PDT

You may have been experiencing issues with Google Talk this morning and that’s because Google had a “service outage.” Google explained this morning that they knew about the issue and were working as hard as they could to provide a fix:

“We’re aware of a problem with Google Talk affecting a majority of users. The affected users are able to access Google Talk, but are seeing error messages and/or other unexpected behavior. We will provide an update by 7/26/12 7:50 AM detailing when we expect to resolve the problem. Please note that this resolution time is an estimate and may change.”

Around 11:30am EST they were able to provide a resolution for the issue:

“The problem with Google Talk should be resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and continued support. Please rest assured that system reliability is a top priority at Google, and we are making continuous improvements to make our systems better. If you are still experiencing an issue, please contact us via the Google Help Center.”

I’m very glad Google is able to fix the problem speedily, but I’m expecting it to be down all day.

source: Google

Removal of the Universal Search Function for the International Samsung Galaxy S III was Accidental, will be Reinstated in the Coming Days

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 12:16 PM PDT

Recently Samsung rolled out an update for international versions of the Galaxy S III. This update quietly removed the local search function, but as of today Samsung confirmed that it accidentally removed that function. I don’t understand how you could accidentally remove such a large feature. This makes me curious if this accident had anything to deal with the recent injunctions between Apple and Samsung. On the other side of things, it almost does sound like a mistake as a spokeswoman from Samsung told Tech Radar:

“The most recent software upgrade for the Galaxy S III in the UK included the inadvertent removal of the universal search function. Samsung will provide the correct software upgrade within the next few days.”

This was an interesting update as there was no reason at all to remove the local search functionality in the UK while it would be understandable if this happened in the U.S. due to recent patent infringements. It’s very odd that Samsung would make such a mistake and I think since the local search function is a pretty robust feature that it would take some effort to remove it and that it wouldn’t just be an accident.

Suspicions aside, Samsung will be releasing an update in a few days to reinstate the local search functionality.

source: Tech Radar

 

 

Apple says Google warned Samsung that their products were too similar

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT

A lot of information is coming out as we lead up to next week’s case involving Samsung and Apple. Yesterday we showed you some excerpts from Samsung’s trial brief that say they were working on their designs before the iPhone was even introduced and that Apple would not have sold a single iPhone if it weren’t for Samsung patents.

Today brings more news, but this time it’s from Apple’s trial brief. Apple says that Google warned Samsung that their products looked very similar to Apple’s. Hit the break for more details.

  • In February 2010, Google told Samsung that Samsung's "P1" and "P3" tablets (Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Tab 10.1) were "too similar" to the iPad and demanded "distinguishable design vis-à-vis the iPad for the P3."
  • In 2011, Samsung's own Product Design Group noted that it is "regrettable" that the Galaxy S "looks similar" to older iPhone models.
  • As part of a formal, Samsung-sponsored evaluation, famous designers warned Samsung that the Galaxy S "looked like it copied the iPhone too much," and that "innovation is needed." The designers explained that the appearance of the Galaxy S "[c]losely resembles the iPhone shape so as to have no distinguishable elements," and "[a]ll you have to do is cover up the Samsung logo and it's difficult to find anything different from the iPhone."

This seems like damaging stuff, but Samsung’s whole argument was they were working on their designs before Apple even introduced their products. If that’s true and the court believes any evidence that Samsung will offer, the question that has to be asked is if Samsung needed to change their designs after Apple introduced their products. I think for phones, Samsung will show enough evidence they didn’t copy, but it looks like on the iPad front, Samsung might have a tougher time.

source: allthingsd

Motorola officially announces the Photon Q 4G LTE for Sprint as coming soon

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 08:42 AM PDT

Motorola just officially announced the Photon Q 4G LTE for Sprint, but didn’t offer a release date. This one will be similar but better than the DROID 4 on Verizon Wireless. The slide-out QWERTY keyboard looks to be the same as the DROID 4, but the specs are beefed up a little. For starters, it will most likely have the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core clocked at 1.5GHz, and the display will feature their new ColorBoost technology. Let’s also not forget that the Photon Q will also have Ice Cream Sandwich on board and will come with the same UI that’s found on the Atrix HD. This will also be Motorola’s first LTE phone for Sprint.

Specs include

  • 4.3-inch ColorBoost display (assuming qHD – 960 x 540)
  • 1.5 GHz dual-core processor (assuming the Snapdragon S4)
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 8MP rear camera with 1080p video capture
  • Front-facing HD camera
  • micro HDMI with mirroring
  • Sprint ID, offering an innovative way to personalize an Android smartphone with apps, widgets, ringtones and more all, in a single download
  • NFC
  • LTE

They said they would announce pricing and availability within the next few weeks so stay tuned.

Full press release after the break:

First Sprint 4G LTE-enabled Device with Full QWERTY and International Capabilities, Motorola PHOTON™ Q 4G LTE, Coming Soon

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – July 26, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S), the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network1, and Motorola Mobility today announce Motorola PHOTON Q™ 4G LTE, the next generation of last summer's popular Motorola PHOTON™ 4G. The new device will boast a five-row, PC-like QWERTY keyboard, international capabilities and a generous 4.3-inch ColorBoost™ display, as well as the ability to operate on Sprint's new lightning-fast 4G LTE network2.

Pricing and availability for Motorola PHOTON Q will be announced within the next few weeks. Customers seeking additional information can visit www.sprint.com/photonq.

"Motorola PHOTON Q will be the first 4G LTE device with a QWERTY keyboard and world phone capabilities to join the Sprint line-up," said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. "We want to make sure our 4G LTE handset portfolio has the full complement of choices for our customers. Adding a product with both a physical keyboard and world mode makes this a great addition to the Sprint family of devices. This is a dynamic smartphone that customers will really enjoy using and we are pleased to have Motorola as part of our 4G LTE device portfolio."

Motorola PHOTON Q equips customers with the best of both worlds to communicate – a virtual keyboard for quick texts and a slide out PC-like QWERTY keyboard for double-thumb efficiency. Each laser-cut key is outlined in LED lights so users can see what they're doing, even in the dark. It also has a dedicated number row for maximum typing efficiency and accuracy.

"When we talk to people who love their QWERTY smartphones, it's evident this segment is passionate about their keyboards," said Mark Shockley, senior vice president, Go-to-Market, Motorola Mobility. "Motorola PHOTON Q offers a class-leading keyboard and an amazing big screen so you can see and do more with your smartphone."

Offering an impressive 4.3-inch ColorBoost™ display, Motorola PHOTON Q offers the largest screen currently available on a 4G LTE QWERTY smartphone. This makes it easy to browse the Web using Google Chrome without enlarging text, look at detail-rich pictures without having to zoom in, and watch a show without straining your eyes. Motorola's exclusive ColorBoost™ display enables colors to be richer and more vibrant than other smartphones on the market. And with scratch-resistant glass and splash-guard coating, Motorola PHOTON Q resists everyday scratches and spills.

In addition to its technological prowess, Motorola PHOTON Q is the seventh device in the Sprint line-up to receive ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint.

Additional key features on Motorola PHOTON Q include:

 

  • Android™ 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich
  • 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
  • Rear-facing 8MP camera with 1080p video capture and playback so you can leave your digital camera at home. Plus, those photos can be set to automatically upload to Google+™ so you don't have to worry about accidently deleting them.
  • Front-facing HD camera for easy Google+™ Hangout video chats or conference calls
  • Mirror mode when connected with HDMI cable (sold separately) to view images, files and movies on a larger screen, like your TV at home.
  • Sprint ID, offering an innovative way to personalize an Android smartphone with apps, widgets, ringtones and more all, in a single download
  • NFC support to share links, apps, YouTube™ clips and more with Android™ Beam

 

World Smart with 4G LTE Speeds

Motorola PHOTON Q is the first Sprint phone to feature SMARTACTIONS™, the free Motorola app that helps extend battery life and intelligently automates routine, everyday tasks so that smartphones can do more for consumers. For example, walking into a meeting, SMARTACTIONS can turn the ringer to silent so an incoming phone call won't interrupt the meeting. If the battery is low, SMARTACTIONS can automatically lower the display lighting to ensure the battery lasts longer.

Motorola PHOTON Q is Business Ready with full corporate security including remote wipe, pin lock, and data encryption. It is one of several devices available with Sprint Professional Grade, a new designation for select smartphones that deliver enhanced security, device management and Exchange Active Sync capabilities to business users. Click here to learn more about Sprint Professional Grade designation.

 

On July 15, Sprint launched 4G LTE in 15 cities including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Atlanta, Kansas City and Waco, Texas. Sprint today announced that four more cities will soon experience the speed and power of the all-new 4G LTE network. As the first national wireless carrier to introduce 4G service in 2008, Sprint will bring 4G LTE to the following cities before Labor Day:

 

  • Baltimore, MD
  • Gainesville, GA
  • Manhattan/Junction City, KS
  • Sherman-Denison, TX

 

Additionally, by the end of 2013, Sprint expects to have largely completed the build-out of its all-new 4G LTE nationwide network – with an enhanced 3G network – covering 250 million people across the United States. The launch of these metropolitan areas demonstrates Sprint's continued commitment to investing in its network throughNetwork Vision. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint's 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, please visitwww.sprint.com/4GLTE.

CX-O1 Mini PC now Available for $48, Stocked with Android 4.0

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 08:23 AM PDT

The Pocket TV we reported on last month that could bring Android to a HDMI-enabled TV and monitor now has a competitor priced at only $48. The CX-O1 will bring Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to those HDMI-enabled devices in the size of a USB stick. With it only being $48, I can imagine that this would be a great accessory to keep around.

The CX-O1 would be an awesome device to get work done on the fly. The device comes with 512mb of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a 1GHz single-core processor, a full-sized USB port, HDMI, and Wi-Fi capabilities. This isn’t that bad at all for it’s price, especially with the device being stocked with Android 4.0. It’s also not a hassle to set up on the big screen. The CX-O1 would go beyond expectations if it had Bluetooth support and it was capable of running on a Google TV, but unfortunately, it’s not able to do either.

The CX-O1 is almost equal to it’s other competitor, the iPPea TV in terms of specs. Comparing both, I would still go with the CX-O1 instead of the Pocket TV or the iPPea TV as the picture makes it look a bit smaller than the other two. I think portability is key here and that is where the CX-O1 delivers the most. Between the two devices there really isn’t much of a difference in terms of specs.

source: Phandroid

HTC finally releases kernel source for the AT&T One X

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 07:08 AM PDT

Well it’s about time HTC. The kernel source for the AT&T One X was just released so developers can now use it in their custom ROMs for better stability. Right now most of you don’t have to do anything unless you’re a developer. If you aren’t, sit back and relax as the developers get to work to make things a lot smoother for you.

source: HTCDev

 

Sony LT30p ‘Mint’ Smartphone Outed and Outlined

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 06:53 AM PDT

 

While Sony has been quietly at work developing devices like the LT29i, we now see other devices it’s had up its sleeve in full fruition. A complete preview of a device called the LT30p (also known as ‘Mint’) has surfaced and gives Sony fans a look of what will be Sony’s next premium smartphone. The Sony LT30p will feature Android 4.0 and have a 4.6-inch (1280 x 720) display with on-screen buttons, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 chipset, 1GB RAM, 13MP camera capable of 1080p video recording, 720p front facing camera, 16GB of internal memory, microSD, MHL output, NFC and a sealed battery.

The overall design of the smartphone looks to be a bit on the lackluster side, but the hope is what you see will not be the final design. After all— all those premium goodies should be featured in a premium design, right?

source: Xperia Blog

Nexus Q app updated along with YouTube and Play Movies & TV

Posted: 26 Jul 2012 06:38 AM PDT

Google promised that the Nexus Q was compatible with Android 2.3.3 and higher, but every since Google I/O, it only worked for Jelly Bean devices. Google finally updated the app to support these older devices so everyone on Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread (2.3.3+) can now control the Nexus Q. In addition Google updated YouTube which brings Nexus Q support to older Android devices plus the ability to turn your phone into a remote to play videos on other devices. Last but not least, they updated Play Movies & TV for faster downloading and a playback fix for some LG devices. Hit the break for download links

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Play Store Download Link – Nexus Q

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Play Store Download Link – YouTube

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Play Store Download Link – Play Movies & TV
Posted by at 5:45 AM

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