Saturday, August 25, 2012

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

BREAKING: Verdict reached in Apple v. Samsung patent trial – Samsung found guilty, must pay Apple $1.049 billion in damages

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 02:53 PM PDT

Looks like the jury didn’t need the extra time after all, as reports are emerging from Judge Lucy Koh’s California court room that a verdict in the Apple v. Samsung patent trial has been reached. The jury of nine is set to announce their findings shortly after deliberating the case since Wednesday morning, a day after Apple and Samsung presented their closing arguments in the case. The final verdict could be a mixed bag that would result in product bans on both sides as well as damages that could reach into the billions. Stay tuned for the final word as this story develops…

UPDATE by Chris Chavez

Samsung has been found guilty of violating Apple’s software and hardware design patents, as well as trade-dress dilution. The good news? Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 managed to come out unscathed, not found guilty of copying the iPad. Still, Samsung will now have to pay Apple $1.049 billion in damages that can be broken down by the offending devices as follows:

  • $57 million for the Samsung Prevail
  • $44,792,974 for the Infused 4G
  • $53,123,612 for the Mesmerize
  • $3,350,256 for the Replenish
  • $954,060 for the Transform

When it came to Samsung’s patents, Apple got off completely scot-free. The iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, iPod, and iPad were not found infringing on any Samsung patents.

Whether or not you feel that Samsung willfully copied the iPhone 3GS and elements of iOS, one things for certain. After this win, Apple’s going to have a much easier time going after, and possibly winning cases against various other Android OEM’s. Looks like they’re all just sitting ducks now. Let’s hope the brilliant minds at Google have already got something up their sleeves, Lord knows Android is going to need it.

[via CNET | TheVerge]

Smartphone users rarely exceeding 2GB data usage per month, according to NPD

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 01:52 PM PDT

Though the move towards tiered and shared data packages has been met with much resistance and grumbling from smartphone owners, a new study by NPD suggests the vast majority of users are just fine without access to unlimited data plans. Using an Android app to collect info on the data usage of 1,000 smartphone users, NPD found that users on T-Mobile’s network are the most bandwidth hungry. Even still, only 11 percent of subscribers use more than 3GB of data per month.

For AT&T and Verizon, the number is even lower, with only 4 percent and 3 percent of users exceeding 3GB respectively. Usage on Sprint’s network was found to be in the same range as AT&T and Verizon despite unlimited data offerings. T-Mobile’s higher number is attributed to a younger subscriber base taking advantage of streaming music and video. In general it was determined that WiFi connectivity played a large role in alleviating excessive mobile data usage.

While some may find the results surprising, they certainly echo sentiments of my own. While holding on to an unlimited Verizon data plan, rarely does my monthly data usage exceed 2GB. While it is true users will likely be fine with the new data plans set forth by carriers, it doesn’t change the increasingly exorbitant fees service providers are asking for.

[via BGR]

ASUS posts Jelly Bean update files for US Transformer Pad TF300

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 01:26 PM PDT

If you’re a Transformer Pad TF300 owner in the US and haven’t received the update to Android 4.1 as part of ASUS’ initial over-the-air push, you’re in luck. ASUS has posted the official update file for download from their website. It’s worth noting that the approximately 440MB file is compatible with the TF300′s US SKU only, so those excited to learn that the rollout of Jelly Bean to the Transformer Pad in the UK has begun will still have to wait for the OTA update to reach their slates (or for ASUS to post the proper update files to their support site). Head on over to grab the update now if you just can’t wait any longer.

[ASUS via AndroidPolice]

Facebook Messenger update brings better integration with Facebook app, adds emoji support

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 01:11 PM PDT

Following an update to the main Facebook for Android app, the folks behind the social network are rolling out a new version of Messenger. The update brings Facebook Messenger to version 1.9  and introduces new features including emoji support, an indicator to see when friends were last online, and better integration with the Facebook app. Now tapping a friends name will launch the native Android app, bringing you directly to their Timeline.

Overall it’s a rather small update that compliments the latest version of Facebook nicely. It would be nice to see the two applications eventually merge once again to provide a more complete experience, but the company seems content to provide Messenger as a standalone application.

Google Play Link: Facebook Messenger

[via TheVerge]

Jury in Apple v. Samsung trial deep in deliberation, requests extra time

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 12:30 PM PDT

The jury in the Apple v. Samsung patent trial is deep in deliberations and has made a request to extend discussions by an hour before the trial breaks for the weekend. The jury’s desire to continue reviewing the case past the 4:30PM wrap time sends mixed signals from the California courtroom tasked with resolving the landmark dispute over alleged patent infringement on the part of Samsung. Either the jury is close to reaching a verdict, or, more likely, doesn’t want to end today’s deliberations prematurely as the group of nine men and women review a 40-page worksheet to determine such things as damages owed on behalf of either party.

The general consensus is that the jury simply does not want to leave any loose ends as they head into the weekend. The chance of a verdict coming sooner rather than later seems unlikely. Apple is seeking $2.5 billion in damages while Samsung has filed a countersuit seeking $400 million from Apple for their alleged infringement of patents owned by the Korean firm.

[via TGDaily]

Jelly Bean leaks for T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy S3

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 10:44 AM PDT

After Android 4.1 leaked for the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-i9300), the updated software has now surfaced for a carrier-branded handset. T-Mobile Galaxy S3, the SGH-T999, is getting a taste of official Jelly Bean goodness as uncovered by XDA-Forums member LuffarJoh. Rumors point to the software rolling out in some capacity by the end of August.

The update for the SGH-T999 seems to mirror the software for the GT-i9300, which was shown off on video earlier this month. Whether or not a proposed date of August 29th release date applies only to the international version or if it also covers devices tied to carriers is unknown, but it seems unlikely that a simultaneous rollout would occur.

[via XDA | Thanks, Hans-Erik!]

Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Stellar revealed to be $99, has a “starter mode”

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 09:49 AM PDT

We have’t heard much about the Samsung Galaxy Stellar since it showed up on a rebate form last month. We still don’t know too much about the device itself, but a couple of new details have come to light courtesy of Droid-Life. For starters, it looks like the phone will debut at $99, making it a fine device to aim at the mid-range or entry-level market.

We’re also exposed to knowledge of a “Starter mode,” and while the still image doesn’t explain what, exactly, this mode will do we’re willing to bet it’ll simplify the Android experience for those not used to smartphones.

That, alongside its price point, makes us all the more confident that this won’t be a juggernaut of a device, but it will still be one to keep on your radar. Even if you don’t want it yourself, you’re sure to come across someone who wants you to recommend a smartphone that’s easy to use.

Hopefully users are given the option of disabling Starter mode once they feel they’re ready to dive even deeper into the beautiful world of Android. Oh, and this thing will have 4G LTE, but that’s no surprise considering all of Verizon’s future smartphones will no doubt come with the high-speed radios inside.

LG Singapore confirms ICS upgrades for Optimus Black,Optimus 2X, Optimus 3D, and more

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 09:03 AM PDT

LG Singapore issued its users an update via their Facebook page regarding the Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for several of their phones. They’ve confirmed that the LG Optimus Black, LG Optimus 3D, LG Optimus 2X, LG Optimus LTE, and the LG Prada would all be getting Ice Cream Sandwich “in due time.”

We can’t blame them for not even promising a quarterly release window with how unpredictable these things can be. But it’s good to know that these phones will get the update in at least one market.

While LG Global is not yet ready to disclose any information on their ICS plans, LG Singapore’s confession gives us hope that other markets should eventually be seeing the upgrade that has eluded them for so long. [Facebook]

ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 gets Jelly Bean in the UK

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 07:36 AM PDT

ASUS surprisingly began to roll out Jelly Bean for the ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 this past weekend, but UK users found they weren’t invited to the party. Well, all of that is changing today as it seems those in the world over are now seeing the gooey goodness that comes with Android 4.1.

With it, you’ll be getting improved performance on the pre-installed applications, global search, and some new power options. And beside all that, Google Now, Project Butter, and all the other standard Jelly Bean feature are in tow.

I’m sure many users are no doubt patting themselves on the back for going with the Pad 300 in the end, and ASUS has definitely backed up their reputation at being one of the best when it comes to update turnaround time. You can find the upgrade over the air by hitting up the settings menu. [Facebook]

Amazon and NBC add hundreds more episodes to Amazon Prime Instant Video

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:53 AM PDT

You Amazon Kindle Fire owners are going to want to hear this one. Amazon and NBCUniversal have announced an expansion in their agreement for Amazon Prime Instant Video. They will add hundreds of episodes more from the likes of Friday Night Lights (FINALLY!), Parks and Recreation, Heroes, Battlestar Galactica, and more.

With an expanded video catalog I couldn’t be more excited, but I’d be even more excited if Amazon ever came out with an Android app that wasn’t exclusive to the Kindle Fire. We’re keeping our fingers pressed for the day that press release comes in. As for the presser for this particular story, you can find that by scrolling below.

Amazon Announces Expanded Prime Instant Video Agreement with NBCUniversal Cable & New Media Distribution

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced an expanded content licensing agreement with NBCUniversal Cable & New Media Distribution, adding hundreds of popular and award-winning TV episodes to Prime Instant Video, including prior seasons of Parks and Recreation, Parenthood, Friday Night Lights, Heroes, Battlestar Galactica and more. Prime Instant Video now features more than 22,000 movies and TV episodes for Prime members to stream on Kindle Fire or any of the hundreds of compatible Amazon Instant Video devices including iPad, Roku, Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Customers who are not yet Prime members can sign-up at www.amazon.com/primevideos or can enjoy a free one month trial right out of the box with Kindle Fire. To start watching Prime Instant Video, visit www.amazon.com/primevideos.

“We are excited to be working with NBCUniversal to add their award-winning lineup of TV shows such as Parks and Recreation and Friday Night Lights to Prime Instant Video,” said Brad Beale, Director of Digital Video Content Acquisition for Amazon. “We continue to invest heavily in our content selection for Prime members, and have now reached over 22,000 movies and TV episodes available instantly with unlimited streaming.”

“We are thrilled to have several of our iconic programs available to subscribers of Amazon Prime, a service focused on the best possible consumer experience,” said Frances Manfredi, President, Cable & New Media Distribution for NBCUniversal. “We look forward to further expanding NBCU’s content offering available to Prime subscribers in the near future.”

To start watching Prime Instant Video now, visit www.amazon.com/primevideos. Customers who are not Prime members can enjoy a free one month trial of Prime. For a list of compatible Amazon Instant Video devices, visit here.

LG begins teasing a 4.7 inch quad-core smartphone

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 05:54 AM PDT

LG’s expected to have a solid outing at IFA in Berlin next week, and they’ve started the excruciating, unbearable teasing. A new site has been set up to tease a smartphone that has a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, a quad-core chipset said to be unrivaled in the current space of mobile computing.

The timing is notable because LG is rumored to be unleashing a very powerful device at their upcoming showing in Berlin at IFA. It’s the LG Optimus G and it’s said to be coming with a quad-core S4 processor by Qualcomm, 2GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel camera, and more.

We sure do believe they are teasing that device, but only time will tell what they’re really coming to market with. Regardless, it’s sure to be a beast based on knowledge of the processor alone. We’ll see if LG can win some market share back with this device when they head to Germany next week.

Blood and Glory: Legend will bring you gladiatorial honor in video game form [VIDEO]

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 05:15 AM PDT

Glu Mobile seems to be working on a new game and they’ve dropped their first teaser for it. Dubbed “Blood and Glory,” the short trailer does little to explain what’s going on outside of the visuals.

What we do notice is a gladiator getting ready to battle to the death, likely in an epic stadium filled with thousands. The game is a sequel to the original Blood and Glory, a game that did very will for itself in the Play Store.

But that’s all we know for now. What they did show looked good, but there’s no way of telling whether or not these graphics will end up representative of the final game. The original game didn’t look nearly as good as this trailer is depicting so we’re hoping Glu is showing an accurate degree of quality. Watch the short trailer above.

Samsung spills their emotion over Galaxy S3 design [VIDEO]

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 04:38 AM PDT

While you may think that these OEMs are little more than corporate machines out to make a buck, you have to remember that there are real people behind these different phones, tablets, and other devices we enjoy on a daily basis.

Samsung employed a passionate bunch of individuals to design their most impressive smartphone yet, and they got those folks on video to talk about their experience designing it.

I’m talking about the Samsung Galaxy S3, of course, and while some may have their own reservations on the look and feel of the device, Samsung certainly could have done a lot worse.

The 5 minute video you see above is in Korean, but Samsung graciously includes English subtitles for those of us who don’t have the privilege of knowing that language. Hit that play button above if you’re interested.

Android Overload: Nikon Coolpix S800c Up For Pre-Order, Google Maps Bug Causing Erratic Behavior In HTC Devices, and More

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 02:15 AM PDT

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  • Words with Friends updated in the Play Store. Brings refreshed UI and bug fixes. [Play Store]
  • White House open sources “We The People” petition application. [GigaOM]
  • Google Play videos can now be streamed to Chromebooks. [GigaOM]
  • Samsung enticing Galaxy Note 10.1 owners in the UK with free apps. [SamsungUK]
  • Onlive was $40 million in the hole before being bought out. [Electronista]
  • Nokia, Samsung, Sony, and Qualcomm for indoor location alliance dubbed the “In-Location Alliance.” [BGR]
  • HTC and Google looking into Google Maps bug causing crashes and device reboots on HTC devices. [T-Mobile]
  • Nikon Coolpix S800c up for pre-order at online retailer. [B&H]

NASA Preparing Mini-Satellites To Send Into Space Powered By The Nexus One and Nexus S

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 01:54 AM PDT

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The boys at NASA have been making headlines after hitting the sand dunes of Mars with their mini go-cart, Curiousity, and it looks like they have a few more surprises in store. A team from NASA’s Ames Research Center has been hard at work developing miniature satellites — called a “PhoneSat” — powered by, none other, than the OG Nexus One and Nexus S. NASA has spent the last few years putting these PhoneSats and the devices inside through the paces, testing them in a variety of situations, destroying a few prototypes in the process.

Currently, the team has 2 nanosatellite prototypes that will be sent up into space at different times. To see if something like this is even possible, the first will consist of a Nexus One, external batteries, external radio beacon, all inside a comfy 10x10x10cm shell. If the PhoneSat 1.0 is a success, the team will send up the PhoneSat 2.0 with the more powerful Nexus S inside and featuring a 2-way S-band radio, solar panels, and GPS receiver.

At $3,500 to build, NASA’s goal is to launch the “lowest-cost satellites ever flown into space,” and plans to send ‘em on up later this year aboard the Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Antares rocket. With plans to send future PhoneSats to the moon, it shouldn’t be long before we see the Galaxy Nexus making an orbital space trip for itself, finally at home amongst the galaxies.

[PCWorld]
Posted by at 7:44 AM

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