Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Android amasses 48 percent of US adult tablet market, iPad slips to 52 percent

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 04:56 PM PDT

A new research study has determined that Android tablets have made a strong impact among adult tablet owners in the US. In 2011, Android tablets occupied just 15 percent of the market share. Here we are in 2012, and the number has grown to an astronomical 48 percent. Of the 48 percent, 21 percent of users own the Kindle Fire and 8 percent own some form of the Galaxy Tab. Unfortunately, this study was conducted before the Kindle Fire HD or Nexus 7 were introduced, leaving us without accurate numbers for either devices. The Pew Internet & American Life Project provided us with the following breakdown.

“Over the last year, tablet ownership has steadily increased from 11% of U.S. adults in July of 2011 to 18% in January of 2012, according to PEJ data. Currently, 22% own a tablet and another 3% regularly use a tablet owned by someone else in the home. This number is very close to new data, released here for the first time, conducted in a separate survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project on July 16 through August 7 2012 that found 25% of all U.S. adults have a tablet computer.

The growth in tablet adoption is likely related to the advent of the lower-priced tablets in late 2011. Overall, about two-thirds of tablet-owning adults, 68%, got their tablet in the last year, including 32% in 2012 alone. That has lessened Apple's dominance in the market. Now, just over half, 52%, of tablet owners report owning an iPad, compared with 81% in the survey a year ago.”

Source: 9to5Google

 

Summer comScore market share numbers released, Android still #1 platform

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:39 PM PDT

Despite, most major Android manufacturers losing users, Android continues to grow as a platform. comScore recently released its May through August market share numbers and it shows Android’s overall gain. The most recent data highlights the percent of Android smartphone users jumped from 50.9% in May to 52.6% in August, so its safe to say that Android is still the most popular mobile platform. Among Android manufacturers, Samsung is steady as 25.7%, LG is down to 18.2% from 19.1% and Motorola is down to 11.2%, a 0.8% change from May. It seems that the only manufacturer reporting any real gain is Apple, which not only boosted their hardware from 15% to 17.1%, but their software a whopping 2.4% from 31.9% to 34.3%.

While it appears that Android the platform continues to grow at a steady pace, Apple crossing the one-third share mark may indicate Android isn’t so safe after all. The one bright light shining through these hazy reports is actually HTC, who is extremely popular in the US. The Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer has boosted themselves a subtle .2% to 6.3% total share. One major thing to keep in mind about these numbers is that they don’t account for September’s iPhone 5 release, so Apple’s current share may be even higher than their current status. If you’d like a closer look at the numbers just click through the source link.

Source: comScore

HTC proudly shows off early design sketches of their One X+

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:34 PM PDT

HTC is widely regarded as one of the best handset makers when it comes to designing their devices, and HTC knows that. Today HTC has shown off several early sketches of their brand new HTC One X+ handset. It’s a device the company should definitely be proud of, it was designed well and current users of the One X love the way HTC designed it. Take a look at the sketches and tell us what you think!

source: HTC

Motorola drops their ITC patent infringement claim against Apple

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:28 PM PDT

Latest news has confirmed that Motorola has dropped their latest ITC patent infringement case against Apple where they were seeking an import ban on both the iPhone and iPad. Sadly, we have no current reason as to why Motorola has decided to drop this case against Apple. Motorola specifically stated that ”There are no agreements between Motorola and Apple, written or oral, express or implied, concerning the subject matter of this investigation.”

Would you all have liked to see Motorola to see this through the end? I’m sure it couldn’t have hurt, but perhaps they just didn’t want to waste resources in fighting a losing battle? Either way, only Motorola truly knows why they decided to drop the case.

source: The Verge

MetroPCS issues a statement confirming current talks of a T-Mobile USA merger

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:22 PM PDT

This was definitely news that I was surprised waking up to. It appears that T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS are in heavy talks in a merger where T-Mobile will absorb MetroPCS in hopes to compete against Sprint’s #3 spot among US providers. What’s even more surprising is that both T-Mobile and MetroPCS are confirming such talks! MetroPCS has released an official statement regarding the merger:

MetroPCS today confirmed that it is in discussions with Deutsche Telekom regarding an agreement to combine T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS.  There can be no assurances that any transaction will result from these discussions, and the Company does not intend to comment further unless and until an agreement is reached.

It seems that talks are indeed going on, but no deal has yet been finalized. Sometimes it’s great when companies are straight forward right? Once this deal comes into fruition, we’ll be sure to let you all know!

source: MetroPCS

New Sony Xperia T commercial features one touch picture sharing

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:18 PM PDT

Sony has plenty of Xperia phones out right now, all with different specs to target different markets. The Xperia T is the most photo friendly of the bunch with a 4.6″ screen, dual core processor and of course, the 13 MP camera. Sony is pushing this angle in a new commercial which not only features the powerful camera but also the one touch picture sharing capabilities. Samsung showed the Galaxy S III using similar sharing capabilities in their commercial, so this is becoming an industry standard. Hit the break to see the commercial.

Click here to view the embedded video.

HTC’s One X+ confirmed to arrive in Canada via TELUS

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:14 PM PDT

 

With HTC’s latest Android flagship in the HTC One X+ finally being unveiled today, TELUS wasted no time in confirming the arrival of the device for the network. The One X+ will  offer a powerful 1.7 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor, the same 4.7-inch 1280 x 720 display, and has an 8 megapixel camera on the back. The One X+ will also offer Android’s 4.1 Jelly Bean software with Sense 4+ right out of the box.

So far no other Canadian network has announced the availability of this device, but well let you all know as soon as we find out. Any TELUS users excited for this device?

source: AC

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini could be introduced on October 11

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:07 PM PDT

The unveiling of Samsung’s Galaxy S III Mini could be just days away after several invites have been sent for a Samsung event that will take place on October 11th. While the invite was in German, the slogan is roughly translated to “something small will be really big", and "get ready for a little sensation.” While it’s not confirmed to be the S III Mini, one can put two and two together and assume that it will be.

Not much is known about the S III Mini and what specs it will have, but you should be able to expect it to launch with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

source: Unwiredview

Featured Play Store Newbie: Amtrak [Travel and Local]

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 01:42 PM PDT

Amtrak just released a much needed app in the Google Play Store. With the Amtrak app you will be able to plan and book your trip via any of Amtrak’s trains or buses and check the arrival and departure status. It can display your eTicket on your display, so it’s one less thing you have to remember to bring on your excursion. It even integrates with your calendar by adding your trips or you can also share any of your trips with your contacts.

Full features:

  • Plan and book travel throughout Amtrak's nationwide system of trains and buses
  • Check the arrival and departure status of trains
  • Display your eTicket from right in the app. Leave paper behind. eTickets are available nationwide. See Amtrak.com/eTicketing for more details.
  • Modify your reservations or upgrade your seat.
  • Search stations for location, building amenities and hours of operation. Amtrak links you to Google for maps, streetview and turn-by-turn directions
  • Connect to your Amtrak Guest Rewards account

If you’re a frequent Amtrak traveler you need to download this app today. Just hit one of the download links below to get started.

 

Amtrak_01 Amtrak_02 Amtrak_03 Amtrak_04 Amtrak_05 Amtrak_06 Amtrak_07 Amtrak_08 Amtrak_Splash_Banner

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Play Store Download Link

 

 

Move over Nintendo, Meep! is the future of children’s entertainment

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 01:27 PM PDT

For $150 you have a few options for a shiny new Birthday present for your child; you could go the traditional route and pick up the latest iteration of Nintendo’s DS, or you could head towards a device with a little more versatility. The people over at Oregon Scientific are hoping you choose the latter with the launch of Meep! This humbly spec’d Android tablet is designed for younger children who need a fun, yet educational entertainment source. It has a 7-inch display, a single-core 1GHz Cortex-A8 processor, 512MB of RAM, and a camera.

The tablet runs a heavily modified version of Android 4.0, and the Play Store is replaced with their own Meep! Store. It also comes loaded with an app for parents to control usage of the tablet. The Meep! store features everything from Android games such as Angry Birds to e-books and movies to fill up the 4gb of pre-loaded storage. Software isn’t the only selling point of Meep!, there’s also a variety of accessories including steering wheels, joysticks and even a piano keyboard. So, if you’re a parent looking for a nice change of pace from the usual expensive and noneducational staples of children’s gaming, you may want to have a closer look at this device. Hit the break for a quick video and the press release.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Oregon Scientific Introduces Innovative, Fully Loaded

MEEP! Tablet Designed Just for Kids

Accessories, Cloud-Based Parental Controls & Durability

Set MEEP! Apart from the Competition

 

Tualatin, OR – October 2, 2012 – Cutting edge technology, durability, interactive content, a design made just for kids and a full line of action-packed accessories. The MEEP! tablet from Oregon Scientific has it all. The new 7-inch, Android 4.0 ('Ice Cream Sandwich') tablet is Wi-Fi enabled and features the most rugged durability of any tablet on the market. With a protective and fun, bright orange silicon bumper, a recessed screen and a cutting-edge zForce® touch screen that won't shatter when dropped, MEEP! withstands wear and tear from the backseat or the playground to the schoolyard or the couch. MEEP! ($149.99) is currently available at all major national retailers including Toys "R" Us, Target, Best Buy,RadioShack, Kmart, Meijer, Boscov's, BJ's, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart.com, Kohls.com and QVC.

Every aspect of MEEP! was designed for kids and the way they interact with electronics. From the rugged, horizontal design to the easy-to-use, uncluttered interface laid out to be controlled by kids' thumbs, MEEP! is designed to be a pick-up and play device that kids can take with them anywhere they go. The innovative zForce touch screen powered by Neonode®Multisensing™ Technology makes it simple for kids to quickly access content with the lightest touch of their thumb, and a scrolling menu system makes apps, games, music, videos and more quickly accessible.

As much as MEEP! was designed for kids, the tablet also appeals to parents with customizable cloud-based settings that parents can control and adjust without having to take the tablet out of their child's hands. By simply visiting the Parents Portal on MEEPTablet.com from any device with a web browser (computer, smart phone, tablet), parents can not only hand-pick ("whitelist") which websites or keywords their kids have or don't have access to, but they can add words to the tablet's built-in "bad word" list so their child will not be able to search for those words or use them in the chat feature. Oregon Scientific also maintains a "blacklist" of inappropriate content that is updated by moderators on an ongoing basis which parents can add to. In addition, parents can actively monitor their child's online activity, limit play time duration and provide a virtual allowance for purchasing apps via MEEP! coins without needing to access the physical tablet.

From the hottest pre-loaded content including Angry Birds, UNO, Toon Goggles, art and learning apps and more to the MEEP! Store, MEEP! provides the rich interactive experience that kids are clamoring for. Games, books, videos and apps available in the MEEP! store have all been cleared for kid-friendliness by Oregon Scientific and are either free or can be purchased with MEEP! coins. Additionally, Google Play can be accessed from the Parents Portal to purchase additional content, and applications are seamlessly downloaded to the tablet with parental permission.  Music, movies and e-books that parents or kids have previously purchased on a PC or Mac can also be easily transferred to the MEEP! via the USB cable that is included in the package. The MEEP! tablet has 4GB of internal storage and a micro SD card slot to install additional memory. Kids can also capture favorite moments – still photos or videos – to share with friends and family via the tablet's built-in, front-facing camera and can display content on the tablet to a television through HDMI.

A full suite of accessories is available for MEEP!, allowing kids to rock 'n roll with a portable piano, drum pad, headphones and microphone or master gaming skills with a joystick, steering wheel or dualplay Game-Pro Case. For added customization, additional silicon bumpers are available in Meepadelic Purple and Meepto Pink.

"We wanted to design a tablet that had all of the features and technology that tablets geared toward adults had without being 'dumbed-down' for 6-12 year olds. The challenge was providing them with content they would enjoy and that parents would feel confident was safe," said Bill Fleckner, Vice President of Sales for Oregon Scientific, Inc. "We achieved that and more with MEEP! and are thrilled at the overwhelming response we've had so far from our retailers and content partners alike."

"Oregon Scientific has a long history in creating innovative consumer technology and we've had tremendous success in the electronic learning products category," said David Riley, Product and Marketing Director for Oregon Scientific, Inc. "We are excited to leverage that experience with a natural extension into the kids tablet category."

MEEP! will be supported by dedicated marketing and public relations campaigns that include national TV advertising, parent and kid-directed online ads, a Radio Disney campaign and promotional support of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation featuring Selena Gomez. The national TV advertising plan includes :15 and :30 spots on the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney XD and The Hub.

The MEEP! tablet is geared for kids 6 and up and is currently available at mass market retailers and online stores for a suggested retail price of $149.99. Accessories are each sold separately. MEEP! comes complete with a charger, USB cable and a quick start guide. For more information visit www.MeepTablet.com or like MEEP! on Facebook.

 

About Oregon Scientific

Founded in 1989, Oregon Scientific is headquartered in Tualatin; a quaint suburb of beautiful Portland, Oregon.  Oregon Scientific offers six families of products, ranging from youth & learning to sports & fitness.  Built from its hallmark of timing and weather devices, Oregon Scientific is expanding to meet the diverse needs of its customers to enhance the way we live, work and play.  Consider Oregon Scientific's products to be Innovating the Everyday.

Oregon Scientific is a division of one of the world's premier electronics manufacturers, Integrated Display Technology, Ltd. (IDT), based in Hong Kong.  IDT was founded in 1977 and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as IDT Technology. Oregon Scientific's full line of product offerings can be found at: us.oregonscientific.com.
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