Sunday, August 19, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Sony Xperia S and AOSP – a Google experiment

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 02:05 PM PDT

Earlier this week, Jean-Baptiste Queru, Google's Technical Lead on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), announced a new experiment he was starting up. Up to now, the AOSP has focused on Nexus class devices. As Queru explains, AOSP was setup so that in theory it would be possible to plug in files for additional hardware targets. Thus far though, the theory has not translated into practice. Queru hopes this new experiment may change that and help identify and eliminate hurdles present in the theory as it moves to practice.

The target of the experiment is Sony's Xperia S model. Queru selected the LT26 as it is a fairly powerful device currently on the market, has an unlockable bootloader, and a manufacturer that is friendly toward open source projects and philosophy.

If you are interested in helping out with the effort, check out the source link. Otherwise, keep an eye on this experiment as it may yield positive results not only for the Xperia S, but for other devices as well.

source: Google Groups
via: The Verge

Jelly Bean update rolling out to ASUS Transformer Pad TF300

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 01:56 PM PDT

As of today, Asus and Google’s smash hit tablet the Nexus 7 is no longer the only Android tablet boasting Jelly Bean. News started surfacing this morning that some lucky Transformer Pad TF300 owners have received the prompt to download the OTA update. This is yet another huge feather in the cap for ASUS who has easily positioned itself as the top Android manufacturer when it comes to OS updates. With rumours of a Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy S III arriving before the end of the month, here’s hoping it’s a sign of things to come!

If you own a TF300 you might want to go and check for updates, just be sure to check back in and let us know how that Jelly Bean tastes!

Source: ASUS

Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE unboxing and initial hands on review [Video]

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 12:32 PM PDT

It was a little over a year ago when the Motorola Photon 4G launched on Sprint, so it seems like the right time for a follow up. Motorola has done just that with the Photon Q 4G LTE. The addition of LTE speaks for itself and the Q signifies the addition of a QWERTY slider keyboard. This device is very much like the DROID 4 with a little more horsepower and the addition of the same diamond cut corners that were on the original Photon.

The Photon 4G LTE has a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) ColorBoost display, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, 8GB of internal storage, microSD slot for an additional 32GB of storage, 1785mAh battery, Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, and Android 4.0.4. It’s also considered a world phone, but the SIM isn’t removable so it’s not going to be as flexible as you would like since you’re forced to work with Sprint’s roaming agreements abroad.

Since it’s a QWERTY, it’s not the thinnest phone in the world at 13.7mm thick, but the keyboard is the most usable and the sexiest to date. If you are a Sprint customer and you love QWERTY’s, then this is the phone for you, but I’m still questioning the $199 price tag on this one. On the flipside, the Photon Q 4G LTE is the first Motorola phone to have an unlockable bootloader via the tools on their new site.

Our own Roy Alugbue will do a full review, but for now check out my initial hands on video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

Motorola files new patent case against Apple, seeks import ban on iPhone and iPad

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:39 AM PDT

While Samsung is still part of an ongoing battle with Apple, Motorola has decided to step up and join the fight. Google's Motorola Mobility filed a new case with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Friday, claiming some features on Apple's products infringe on it's patents.

After having it's entire case against Apple dismissed earlier this summer, Motorola has now requested an import ban on Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPad touch and Mac computers, claiming infringement on seven of its intellectual properties. Interestingly, the allegedly-infringed features include Apple's Siri voice-recognition software, as well as e-mail notifications, the music/video player and location reminders.

Motorola Mobility emailed the following statement:

"We would like to settle these patent matters, but Apple's unwillingness to work out a license leaves us little choice but to defend ourselves and our engineers' innovations." 

The patents in question aren't standards-essential, which means Motorola isn'tobligated to license its patents under the reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing law (FRAND). Unfortunately, details of the claim aren't yet available, though action is slated for Aug. 24, when the commission will announce a final decision in the company’s previous case and possibly place an import ban on the iPhone.

We'll be bringing you more details as we get them.

Source: Bloomberg

Cloud-based gaming service OnLive officially acquired by ‘newly-formed company’ with ‘substantial funding’

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:28 AM PDT

Yesterday, it was reported that the popular cloud-based gaming hub OnLive had allegedly laid off a majority of its staff and planned to file for bankruptcy. OnLive remained quiet for several hours after the initial rumor became widespread. When asked about the potential folding of the company, OnLive’s director of corporate communications refuted the claim by saying “we don’t respond to rumors, but of course not.”

As the business day wrapped up, the official word was sent out in the form of an email.

We can now confirm that the assets of OnLive, Inc. have been acquired into a newly-formed company and is backed by substantial funding, and which will continue to operate the OnLive Game and Desktop services, as well as support all of OnLive’s apps and devices, as well as game, productivity and enterprise partnerships. The new company is hiring a large percentage of OnLive, Inc.’s staff across all departments and plans to continue to hire substantially more people, including additional OnLive employees. All previously announced products and services, including those in the works, will continue and there is no expected interruption of any OnLive services.

We apologize that we were unable to comment on this transaction until it completed, and were limited to reporting on news related to OnLive’s businesses. Now that the transaction is complete, we are able to make this statement.

As it turns out, OnLive will not be shutting down its business operations any time soon. Instead, the company has been acquired by an entirely new entity. OnLive has chosen not to disclose the name of the newly-formed company, but the good news is that all existing services will continue without interruption. Unfortunately, many employees have been let go as a result of the merger. However, according to the statement, many could potentially be re-hired as the new company plans to increase it’s workforce. Details are still scarce, and there’s no official word regarding whether or not OnLive’s CEO Steve Perlman will have a future with the new company. If you’re not familiar with OnLive, you can check out our hands on from CES.

Source: The Verge

At Long Last: Testimony Is Finished In Apple Vs. Samsung Case

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:20 AM PDT

 

“We are done”. Those are the words of Judge Lucy Koh expressing an understandable sigh of relief after the epic Apple vs. Samsung battle out here in the States. The testimony and deliberations included words from famed professors to more or less gag orders aimed at Samsung developers. While Samsung and Apple will have a few hours for their closing arguments on Tuesday, the ultimate decision will be left to a jury of seven men and two women on whether or not Samsung did in fact, commit several patent infringements. And in case you all weren’t sure before, the panel will have a lot to think about too. In order for an infringement ruling to be made, the jury will have to unanimously agree that a particular patent is valid and infringed by a particular device. The issue is: there are tons of different phones and tablets named in the case (i.e. the Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab) in addition to the various patents.

We’re absolutely certain all eyes in the tech world will be on the ruling the jury and Judge Koh makes for the landmark case this upcoming week.

source: AllThingsD

Motorola Device Unlocking Site Now Live

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:51 AM PDT

 

It was reported last month that it was Motorola’s goal “to provide a way to unlock the bootloaders on our devices…” for those that like to venture down that path of phone customization.  It now appears that they’ve made good on their goal and promise.  Motorola’s site which will make this option available, is now live and filled with all the steps along with warnings and disclaimers one would find on any developer’s post such as XDA.  There currently aren’t any Motorola phones available for this feature but Sprint’s Photon Q is listed as the first phone that will take advantage of all the unlocked goodness. You will need fastboot, the Android SDK, as well as the Motorola drivers in order to unlock.  It’s also highly recommended that before you attempt to unlock that you read all the warnings, disclaimers, prerequisites, and consequences found on the link below as it’s not always for the feint of  heart.  All of said warnings and steps are clearly laid out on Motorola’s site, which can be accessed in the link below once you’re ready to take the plunge.  You’ve still got little time to do your homework on all things unlocking in the Motorola world before the Photon Q launches.

source:  Motorola

Sprint Will Give you $400 Store Credit for Leaving Your Current Wireless Provider

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:35 AM PDT

I love it when cell phone carriers fight for my business, it usually means I come out on top. Generally this results in a waived activation fee or a couple of free cases, but Sprint is taking it to a whole new level. How you ask? Great question, they are ready to offer you up to $400; all you have to do is sign up three (new) lines of service on an “Everything Data Share” or “Simply Everything Data” plan. In addition, you will have to sign a 2 year contract and must keep the lines open for at least 60 days. Once you have met the requirements Sprint will offer you $400 of in-store credit; which can then be used towards “qualifying devices.”

Does it sound too good to be true? Well it’s not really but there are some caveats. First of all, tablets, USB modems and accessories do not qualify for purchase with the $400. Secondly, you cannot receive a mail in rebate on a device if you are using the promotional cash to buy it. For example, if the phone you want is $250 with a mail-in rebate of $50, you will pay the full $250 and receive no additional rebates. Most importantly, one of the 3 lines you activate must be ported over from another carrier (a port is to transfer an active line of service). If you intend on porting your number, it cannot come from any of Sprint’s affiliates; like Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile.

That’s all the information we have for now. If you are interested in this promotion it’s rumored to begin on August 19th and would run through September 15th. So, who’s making the switch?!

source: phonearena

Samsung Galaxy S III Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Update Brings New and Innovative TouchWiz Features

Posted: 17 Aug 2012 07:07 PM PDT

Just as the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich brought along new features to its users, including The “Premium Suite” of applications (for the Galaxy Note), the Samsung Galaxy S III Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update brings new TouchWiz applications and features. As we reported previously, the Jelly Bean update (not the final) already leaked, and the folks over at AndroidCentral put a list together of all the enhancements. Hit the break for the complete rundown.

Redesigned Notification Shade

  • Redesigned date and time section
  • TouchWiz settings underneath new date and time section
  • Stock Jelly Bean expandable notifications functionality included
  • Certain Samsung applications include button controls from the notification shade

File Transfers over Android Beam

  • Android Beam now available alongside “S Beam” application
  • File transfers slower than “S Beam” as they are handled over Bluetooth

Task Switcher and Google Now

  • New Google Search and Google Now applications
  • Due to lack of on-screen keys, new button at the bottom of the task switcher has been added to launch Google Now
  • New button is accessible by long pressing the Home key

Basic and Easy Home Screen Modes

  • New home screen switching modes
  • “Basic Mode” consists of standard arrangement of icons and widgets, just as stock Jelly Bean
  • “Easy Mode” is a new and intuitive setting designed for first-time smartphone owners. It automatically fills in home screens with large widgets displaying favorite settings, applications and contacts
  • The modes can be switched through the Mode Control section in the Settings menu

Help Application

  • Geared towards first-time smartphone owners
  • Offers walkthroughs of basic tasks of keys, the lock screen, notification bar, wireless and networking settings, and setting ringtones

S Note Lite

  • Replaces “S Memo” application
  • It is a stripped down version of the Galaxy Note’s “S Note” application
  • Capable of creating multimedia notes consisting of texts, sound, video, drawings and voice recordings

Dormant Mode

  • Similar to iOS 6′s “Do Not Disturb” mode
  • Turn off specific notifications and events entirely or during specific hours
  • Block incoming calls
  • Disable the LED
  • Customize emergency controls, such as only receiving emergency calls from select contacts

Other Features

  • “S Planner” application has undergone a slight visual overhaul — the lines are cleaner and clearer, and it's easier to tell what's going on when multiple events are overlapping
  • The option to limit background data usage, which was confusingly absent from ICS-based Galaxy S III firmware is now available in the Jelly Bean update

They also noted that there weren’t any obvious performance gains, mainly because the phone is already blistering fast running Ice Cream Sandwich. They also expect this update to be available soon as the performance and stability appear to be ready for rollout.

Source: AndroidCentral
Posted by at 5:57 AM

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