Monday, April 2, 2012

Google Alert - android

News9 new results for android
 
Android: It's real and I am loving it
ZDNet (blog)
Lately, I have been excited about Android, which is funny considering two other ZDNet writers are quite frustrated. I was sent a Samsung Galaxy Note and Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 with Verizon LTE to evaluate for a few weeks and diving back in to the ...
See all stories on this topic »

ZDNet (blog)
Google Will Abandon Android
Business Insider
Google has not actually decided to abandon Android. In short order, Google will launch its tablet. And in doing so it will start down the path of abandoning Android. As I explained in my article on how to think about Android fragmentation, ...
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The sorry state of Android hardware fragmentation
ZDNet (blog)
By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes | April 2, 2012, 9:00am PDT Summary: There's a bigger problem facing Android, and one that has an even greater negative effect on developers than operating system fragmentation: device fragmentation. When we talk about Android ...
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ZDNet (blog)
Xperia Android upgrade might 'impact performance', says Sony
Inquirer
By Lee Bell JAPANESE SMARTPHONE MAKER Sony has announced in a blog post that its Xperia range of handsets will be getting a sweet scoop of Google's latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) update this month. "Our developers have been hard-at-work to ...
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How the Retina Display Gave an Android User iPad Envy
PCWorld
My girlfriend uses an iPhone and an iPad, I use an Android phone and tablet. It worked for us. We were both content with things the way they were. She had her stuff and I had mine and we'd each politely nod and smile when the other felt compelled to ...
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IDC: Android Could Topple Windows By 2016
RedOrbit
According to Slashgear's Chris Davies, by the year 2016, Android will emerge as the new champion among operating systems, securing an estimated 31.1% of the market share by then, up from their current 29.4% market share.
See all stories on this topic »

RedOrbit
Android Browsers: The Best Of 2012 So Far
International Business Times
By Prarthito Maity: Subscribe to Prarthito's RSS feed There are a lot of Android browsers making their way into your devices. Each has its own unique abilities with some promising a great experience while others providing the sheer simplicity to get a ...
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International Business Times
HTC One X quad-core superphone reviewed
CNET
Android fans worldwide are dying to know how the high-octane HTC One X stacks up, and now the wait's over. by Brian Bennett April 2, 2012 5:09 AM PDT Follow @boliverbennett Craving to know exactly how HTC's latest, baddest, Android smartphone on the ...
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Ice Cream Sandwich gives Android mobes brainfreeze – Sony
Register
By Bill Ray • Get more from this author Sony says its customers should avoid upgrading their Android devices to Ice Cream Sandwich, adding that many of them won't get the option anyway. In a blog posting on Sony's Developer World the company explains ...
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Blogs5 new results for android
 
MOTOACTV companion app now available for all Android devices ...
By Kevin Krause
When Motorola first announced the MOTOACTV fitness tracker it was suggested that the device's companion app would be available on all Android smartphones.
Android Phone Fans
HTC One S Review | Android Community
By Chris Burns
The 2012 hero phone strategy for HTC hits its thinnest point with the HTC One S, a device that brings the full power of the HTC One series made to compete with.
Android Community
Google Nexus S 4G to receive Android 4.0.4 update | Ubergizmo
By Edwin Kee
The Nexus S 4G from Google has been around for some time already, and it is about time it is on the receiving end of the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update. Well, I guess owners of the Nexus S [...]
Ubergizmo
New iPhone, iPad and Android Apps for March 2012
By Dan Rowinski
Whether you are looking to draw on your iPad, make VoIP calls with your Android or just learn a new language, the ReadWriteWeb Apps of the Month for March has a little something for everybody. We also have a new feature this month: ...
ReadWriteWeb
Ingram announces VitalSource Android app | TeleRead: News and ...
By Paul Biba
From the press release: As students look for more ways to interact with digital textbooks, they are increasingly turning to smartphones and tablets powered by.
TeleRead: News and views on e-books,...

Web2 new results for android
 
Temple Run - Android Apps on Google Play
Run for your life! The addictive mega-hit Temple Run is now out for Android! All your friends are playing it - can you beat their high scores?! You've stolen the ...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imangi...
Android Economics | asymco
If this is the case, we have a significant breakthrough in understanding the economics of Android and the overall mobile platform strategy of Google. The new ...
www.asymco.com/2012/04/02/android-economics/


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Android Authority

Android Authority


Cloud syncing and accessing desktop files and folders through Zoolz app for Android

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 12:46 AM PDT

It’s very frustrating when you are downloading videos or applications from the Internet and then you find out that your data storage is not enough. This where additional storage comes in handy, which is precisely why there are a lot of cloud storage providers emerging on the Web.

Adding to the rapidly growing list of cloud storage services is Zoolz, which offers 4 GB of free storage online. It works more or less the same as other cloud storage services, but the thing that distinguishes it from the rest is that a user has the option to choose which local folders he/she wants to sync.

Users will have less problem with compatibility because the service supports both Android- and iOS-powered devices, allowing users to easily access their data remotely through the official Zoolz mobile app.  Zoolz is also integrated with Facebook, allowing users to share their photos to their Facebook accounts.

Aside from that, another thing that this app can do for users is that it allows someone to download and open files on a device through compatible apps. The app also has a timeline-based photo gallery showing photos in chronological order, sorting from oldest to the newest. You can also sync more than one computer, providing you access to data that you might have saved on someone’s PC.

Using Zoolz

When using Zoolz, you first have to register an account and then log in to the service or you can use your Facebook account to login. Once registered, you are automatically provided with 4 GB of free storage, but you can also choose to extend your storage up to 20 GB by in-app purchase or through referrals to your friends.

To enjoy this service you have to install the Zoolz mobile client on your device and its desktop counterpart on the computer that you want to be synced. Once installed, you can start syncing the files or folders from your PC.

Another thing is that through the web version of Zoolz, you can choose which part of your computer’s storage you want to sync. For example, you can either choose to sync the entire My Documents or My Computer folder.

Syncing a file might take some time especially if you have a lot of files to be synced. However, once the syncing process is done, everything will be fast and easy (though the speed will depend on your network connection).

The Zoolz app also has a native file explorer that lets you browse through all the synced files in your Zoolz account. Contents are also sorted based on categories, namely Files, Photos, and Favorites. This makes file browsing easier.

Enjoy free 4 GB cloud storage and start accessing your cloud folders.  Check out Zoolz free from the Google Play Store.

Have you tried Zoolz?  Is it any better than other free cloud-based storage services?


This article, Cloud syncing and accessing desktop files and folders through Zoolz app for Android , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Phone Schedule: Simple app for scheduling Android phone tasks

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 01:37 PM PDT

Following a routine always ensures that you always stay right on track with your busy schedule for the day. An extremely useful application known as Phone Schedule follows the same principle of your daily life, but the only difference is that it you set your Android phone to perform various tasks according to a schedule that you specify.

Phone Schedule is a handy yet very useful application that lets you create scheduled actions that you wish your phone could automatically perform. For instance, wouldn’t it be really handy to be able to tell your phone to automatically turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you leave home and turn them back on again when you reach the office?  With Phone Schedule, you can see that wish granted.

Phone Schedule has a list of predefined actions that you can set on a schedule.  The list includes altering sound profiles, notification alerts, activation of Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi, mounting device volumes, setting off alarms, and more.

If you're the type who can't stick to the same old ringtone for a week, then Phone Schedule can do the changing for you. The application works like magic, as it follows the scheduled tasks that you assign it to do. You just need to schedule the application and fine-tune the settings, and select a specific time duration for the task.

The same principle applies when it comes to your device's default notification tone. All you need to do is create a new task with your own personalized settings together with the relevant actions, and you're good to go.

The Phone Schedule app runs in the background, taking care of all your scheduled phone actions/tasks for the day.  There is also the option of pausing the application, allowing you to temporarily suspend execution of a specific task. Once the specified period expires, the task is automatically restored together with the default settings.

Phone Schedule can be a lifesaver for a number of reasons. For example, if you're eager to control how long you want your Wi-Fi to be active, you can easily configure Phone Schedule to automatically turn your Wi-Fi on or off according to your desired schedule. The app can be very useful in situations when you always forget to switch off your Wi-Fi connection or you just want to save some juice for your device.

The app is also a handy tool for those who frequently travel long distances, those who are studying, those who don’t want to be disturbed at certain hours of the day (or days in the week), and those who wish to save battery life.

To add a task to your schedule, all you need to do is tap the Add New Task button and you'll get various options like preferred time, date and action. Once you're done configuring, all you need to do is hit the save button at the top and your scheduled task will be active.

You can also choose a specific time and the desired days that you want the scheduled tasks to be executed. To exclude a task from a schedule list, just uncheck the item using the checkbox provided. To pause a task simply tap "Menu > Pause Tasks".

In a nutshell, Phone Scheduler is a fantastic application that manages and schedules all of your phone's activities without your having to worry about anything. Grab the Phone Scheduler application free from the Google Play Store and see whether it makes your life more organized.

What app do you use for scheduling phone tasks on your Android phone?


This article, Phone Schedule: Simple app for scheduling Android phone tasks , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Android OS set to overtake Windows by 2016; Android loyalists share a knowing look

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 09:19 AM PDT

We all have fond memories of Google’s and Verizon’s “Droid Does” campaign that first introduced Android to the world. Since Android 1.0, dubbed “Cupcake” was first launched, the OS has gone from strength-to-strength, currently featuring its most robust and refined feature set yet, the absolutely mouth-watering Ice Cream Sandwich – Android 4.0. In its meteoric rise to the top, the OS has created a lot of waves and left a lot of its competition behind. Attesting to this is the fact that the Android OS is the leading market share holder in the US, leaving behind iOS in 2010. But according to some, Android is just getting started on its path to worldwide domination.

According to the latest report by IDC (International Data Corporation), Android is set to overtake Windows as the premier Operating System, by 2016.

The Good News

Asymco

According to the report, we are expected to see even more massive growth in shipments of “smart connected devices.” With the number reaching close to one billion shipped at the end of 2011, it is expected to reach a whopping 1.84 billion by 2016. Given the explosive sales of smartphones and tablets, with a majority boasting the Android OS, we can expect Android to dominate this market by 2016, and in the process, overtake Microsoft’s crown jewel, Windows.

While the iPad and Apple’s iOS have been dominating the tablet market, Android-based tablet devices are expected to overtake iPad sales in a few years as well. Don’t get me wrong, as the sole vendor of the iPad, Apple will dominate in terms of worldwide vendor shipments and will also enjoy higher revenue till 2016 and beyond. But purely in terms of market presence, the sheer number of low-priced, yet high-end, Android devices set to enter the market will help the OS reach the number one spot.

Smartphones and tablets of today are increasingly able to accommodate every requirement a person can reasonably ask of a digital device, whereas  previously, people would only be able to do this with their PC. The increased mobility, performance, utility and durability of these devices are leading consumers to demonstrate with their dollars an obvious preference for them. With over three billion phones sold each year, it’s easy to envision a future where nearly everyone will have a computer ala smartphone in their pocket. And, with most of these devices now featuring the Android OS, this is certainly not good news for Windows or Microsoft.

We are also part of an era of “multi-device” ownership. What these means is that a lot of consumers are opting to buy smartphones and tablets along with their laptops or desktops. When it comes to these “additional” devices, we also see a certain amount of “loyalty,” i.e, an Android smartphone user will most likely choose an Android tablet. That being said, the market is still too young to make accurate judgements, as most loyalty for multi-device ownership belongs to Apple and their highly popular iOS. Realistically though, if Ice Cream Sandwich takes off as it should, and increased numbers of individuals continue to purchase Android smartphones, it’s hghly conceivable that many consumers will opt for Android tablets too.

The Not-So-Good News

The whole premise of the report and the subsequent numbers they have (intelligently) thrown together are based on the fact that the term “smart connected devices” lumps smartphones, tablets, and PC’s together. Put together, we see a rise of the Android OS market share from 29.4% to 31.1%, with Windows falling from its leading share of 35.9% to 26.1%.

But individually, Microsoft is completely dominant in the desktop and laptop environment, with over 90% of such devices featuring a Windows OS. While Google has had a few false starts with their Chrome OS and Netbook, and Apple enjoys a certain air of exclusivity with the MacBook series, Microsoft will still be far ahead with the Windows OS, albeit in the Personal Computer playing field.

While IDC analysts still predict a dramatic shift in favor of Android, I think the numbers will get further complicated with the imminent release of Microsoft’s Windows 8 OS, which is touted as being “tablet-friendly.”

Other major factors that bolster the impressive growth behind Android devices is the low-cost availability and the sheer volume of vendors manufacturing Android devices. Despite enjoying a market lead, this might not entirely be a good thing. The report states that due to this, profitability will be difficult to sustain for these manufacturers because of their reliance on increasingly lower prices just to stay competitive with each other. On the other hand, Apple’s iOS, while only increasing their market share from 14.6% to 17.3%, will still see higher earnings than the Android OS.

According to Tom Mainelli, IDC’s research director for mobile devices, we may also a larger percentage of app developers focusing their efforts on iOS, because, regardless of the platform’s lower overall market share, iOS end users have proven to be willing to pay for high-quality apps.

Conclusion

While the numbers about market share are an indication towards the dominance and huge success of the Android OS, it is only one of many factors that go into sustaining such an enterprise. Leading the market share will certainly be a huge achievement for the OS itself, but it seems that all is not rosy on the path to true success.

We also know that the world of mobile technology is changing on a daily basis. Because of this, I think it is especially difficult to make predictions about the state of the market for the next five years. If you stop for a second and consider what things were like five years ago, then you will certainly realize that it’s very difficult to make accurate predictions of anything in the mobile space. Either way, the rise of the low-cost, do-everything device powered by Android, the unification of the platform via Android 4.0 and Ice Cream Sandwich, and heightened competition between the world’s most powerful technology companies will certainly be an interesting fight to watch. It is one that will, ultimately, benefit the consumer by providing them access to extremely powerful technology, at competitive price points, with unparalleled user experience.

No related posts.


This article, Android OS set to overtake Windows by 2016; Android loyalists share a knowing look , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Samsung Galaxy S3 vs HTC One X

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 08:33 AM PDT

Although Samsung has not revealed any ‘official information’ about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S3, a lot of rumors and leaks have surfaced over the past month or so, painting quite a clear image of Samsung's next flagship superphone. Given the current state of the Android smartphone market, many of those that plan to buy a high-end Android smartphone over the next months will ultimately have a very tough choice to make: buy the Samsung Galaxy S3 or the HTC One X.

While armchair experts will be eager to point out that there is no point in comparing the two smartphones since the Galaxy S3 has not been officially unveiled yet, I'm willing to bet a six pack with each one of you guys that the rumored specs we currently have for the S3 will not be far off. Even more, with the One X hitting a number of markets (Europe, Australia, India) in the following week, many might want to know if they've got anything to hold out for.

This article is meant to help you better understand the possible differences between the Galaxy S3 and the HTC One X, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages showcased by each of these smartphone. So let's get to it!

Processor & GPU

Note: This is the only section of this article that requires a differentiation between the international version and the AT&T version of the HTC One X, since the two versions are built on different SoCs. The remaining specs will be the same in both versions.

The international version of the HTC One X will sport the Nvidia Tegra 3 SoC, meaning that, at a CPU level, you'll get a quad-core ARM A9-based processor clocked at 1.5GHz, accompanied by a fifth companion core designed to help run tasks that don't require full speed. The GPU inside the Tegra 3 is an improved version of the GeForce ULP GPU featured in the Tegra 2.

The US, AT&T-bound version of the HTC One X swaps the Nvidia Tegra 3 SoC with Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4. Although the S4 only features a dual-core processor, since its cores are based on a newer, faster architecture (the ARM Cortex A15), the S4 CPU generally scored better than the one inside the Tegra 3 in preliminary benchmarks. The Adreno 225 GPU is a slightly improved version of the Adreno 220 you could find inside the Snapdragon S3. Same as with the CPU discussion, preliminary benchmarks show that the Adreno 225 is faster than the GeForce ULP GPU inside the Tegra 3. Here are a couple of benchmark results that support this claim:

att-htc-one-x-benchmarks

While rumors and leaks reported different clock speeds for the CPU inside the Galaxy S3, it is certain that the SGS3 will use a quad-core ARM A9-based Exynos 4212 chip designed by Samsung themselves. Notably, one of those leaks claims that the Exynos 4212 will be clocked at a staggering 1.8GHz. If this turns out to be true, the Galaxy S3 will probably feature the fastest CPU of all smartphones period. Unfortunately, there is no mention of the GPU, but even if Samsung sticks to a slightly improved version of the ARM Mali-400 MP4 GPU (the one featured in the S2, Galaxy Note and a number of other Sammy devices), expect the S3 to be at least on par with both versions of the HTC One X.

galaxy s3 processor

RAM and Storage

The International HTC One X will feature 32GB of storage space, the same amount rumored to be available for the S3. While the One X doesn’t feature an SD card expansion slot (something expected to be available on the S3), the 25GB of free cloud storage offered by the HTC-DropBox partnership more than makes up for the slight inconvenience.

When it comes to the amount of RAM available, rumor has it that the S3 will be equipped with 2GB of RAM, double the amount inside the One X.

Display

The HTC One X features a 4.7 inch Super LCD 2 display running at a native 720p resolution. While the display is definitely nothing to shrug at, it is still not a worthy competitor for Samsung's current crop of Super AMOLED HD displays.

Unfortunately for HTC fans, there are few who can contest the fact that Samsung is the manufacturer of arguably the best smartphone displays (on a side note, Samsung is also the company that manufactures the retina displays for Apple's new iPad) in the world. All previous Samsung flagship smartphones have featured displays that were considered to be simply the best at the time of their launch. Expect Samsung to do the same with the S3.

The most recent (and credible) rumor points out that Samsung will use a 4.6 inch SAMOLED HD Plus display running at a 1280 by 720 pixel resolution on the S3. If this rumor turns out to be correct, it means that the S3 display will feature a regular RGB matrix, and not the much-disputed Pentile arrangement. Expect vivid colors, contrast ratios and image crispness that surpass everything else currently available on the market.

Samsung-Galaxy-S3-Release-Date-Mockup1

OS and Extra

Both the HTC One X and the Samsung Galaxy S3 will run on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Android available.

When it comes to the cameras, the S3 is expected to be equipped with a 12MP camera, but this is the section the HTC One X is likely to dominate thanks to the new image processing technology HTC have announced for all smartphones in the One series. In addition, the HTC One X also features Beats Audio integration, meaning it will surely offer top-end MP3 playback quality.

Release Dates

The international version of the HTC One X will be released in the first week of April. Unfortunately, there is still no word on an exact release date for the US version. Rumors claim that the Samsung Galaxy S3 will be unveiled on May 22 at a media event in London, and is expected to reach the consumer market in June.

There’s no doubt in our minds that HTC has created something truly magical with the HTC One X. If you simply can’t wait for the best and the brightest, it is certainly an awesome and arguably, wise choice. But, if you like to place your bets after all the cards are on the table, then you would be intelligent to hold out for just a little while longer. All the pressure is on Samsung now, as HTC has created a device that has awesome audio, fantastic build quality, a very impressive media capturing abilities. If they are able to beat HTC in all of those areas, then they will have accomplished something truly amazing. So, what’s it going to be? Which superphone gets your vote? Samsung Galaxy S3, or the HTC One X? Let us know in comments below!


This article, Samsung Galaxy S3 vs HTC One X , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Gmail Tap brings Morse Code to Android, we say about time

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 06:22 AM PDT

Did you ever get the feeling that 26 keys is just way to much for your smartphone screen? Well, that’s exactly how Google feels. Today, on this fine April 1st, Google has released Gmail Tap. This intuitive application for Android and iOS will bring back Morse Code in place of that clunk ‘ol keyboard that you’ve come to know. Gmail Tap also boasts the ability to type 2 emails at once, audio feedback, and a re-imagined auto-complete.

The keyboard takes advantage on minimalism with only 2 keys and a space bar. You can make each letter out of the two buttons by following the chart Google has created. Most letters are made out of just a tap or two. “You can tap it in the morning. You can tap it at night. You can tap it in the bathroom. It’s a dot and a dash” -LL Cool J.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KhZKNZO8mQ

Surely, this looks like another one of Google’s April Fools jokes. Chrome multitask mode (multiple cursors), maps in 8 bit, all of YouTube on a DVD, and more were all released today. If you’re looking to try your luck with Morse Code, the download page for the app states that you can download it tomorrow. But don’t hold your breath.

Seriously though, happy April Fools! You certainly are not a fool, good sir. You can check out Gmail Tap for yourself here.


This article, Gmail Tap brings Morse Code to Android, we say about time , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Wings of Fury: Fly and fight as a WWII-era pilot

Posted: 01 Apr 2012 03:37 AM PDT

If you've been a fan of retro fighter plane arcade games, then you might have come across with the classical action flight simulator known as Wings of Fury.

Developed by Android Machine, the Wings of Fury game for Android puts players in the role of an American plane pilot coming from the World War II era. Android smartphone owners can relive the action once again.

A 2D, arcade-style action game, Wings of Fury tests how good a fighter plane pilot you are. The game is highly addictive in nature, and once you start playing the game, you just can't stop yourself from putting the game down.

Die-hard fans of flight simulation games may not find this game intriguing or interesting enough to fill the senses, as the game is simple enough without complex flight navigation controls. Instead, the game caters to casual gamers who are just looking for a simple flight control simulation game.

First-time gamers might find it difficult to maneuver the plane, but once you get the hang of the controls, it's as easy as a walk in the park.

Wings of Fury consists of three difficulty levels: easy, normal and hard.  If you're a first-time gamer then we advise that you head to the settings menu first and set the controls for Inverted Axis to No. Most players are already accustomed to having the Inverted Axis off, so it is best that you do the same, as well.

The main goal of the game is easy. Players just need to destroy all the
anti-aircraft guns and troops that pop out on the island and land your plane back to safely. The core mechanics of the game are simple–it's just you and your plane flying over a remote island and destroying anti-aircraft batteries and enemy units.

Controlling your plane is easy as you get a virtual joystick to control your plane's tilts and elevation.  A machine gun button and bomb button sits on the right side of the screen.  Use those buttons for obliterating your enemies from above. There is also a neat bomb tracker to keep you updated on how many bombs you have left in your arsenal.

Players also need to keep track of their fuel and oil gauge to keep the aircraft flying. There is also the throttle toggle that adjusts the speed of your plane.  You can  slide the throttle bar to full gear for fast-paced flight or slow down a bit to get an accurate bombing run on the targets below.

In terms of graphics, the overall design is conventional, but considering that it is a classic action game, there's very little reason to complain.

If you're a classical gamer or a flight simulator addict, then put on your flight gear and install Wings of Fury free from the Google Play Store.


This article, Wings of Fury: Fly and fight as a WWII-era pilot , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.