Thursday 8 July 2010

Android Community

Android Community

OpenFeint Bringing Social Gaming Network to Android

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 09:32 AM PDT

There’s no one out there that would say the Android Market doesn’t have apps. It’s got plenty of apps. Unfortunately, though, despite the gaming prowess that most of our high-end devices have, there’s still not any killer games out there. Plenty of “good” ones, sure, but nothing that stands out amongst the crowd. Especially when the crowd includes Apple’s App Store. But, that’s about to change, as one of the largest social gaming networks that has thrived in the App Store for quite some time is finally making their jump to Android.

OpenFeint, which connects players through multiple titles, will bring a whole new level of gaming to the Android mobile Operating System. By providing titles, as well as chat-based systems that will allow folks to communicate with other players, gaming is about to get a huge boost from one of the best development teams out there. And, hopefully that means other developers out there will want to get in on the action, too, which should bolster the gaming development on the platform as a whole. Go ahead and read the full press release below.

Press Release:

OpenFeint To Bring World’s Largest Mobile Gaming Developer Community To Google’s Android Platform
Mobile Social Games Network’s Expansion to Android will Accompany Titles from Glu Mobile, Digital Chocolate, And Hudson Entertainment.

Burlingame, CA – July 8, 2010 – OpenFeint, the leading mobile social gaming ecosystem for iOS devices, today announced that its 9,200 member game developer community with thousands of published games will soon have a complete solution to thrive in the Android apps economy. Launching later this summer, the company’s complete solution will include its de facto standard SDK, a game discovery store and mobile payment options. It will also include high quality content from leading publishers Astraware, Digital Chocolate, Glu Mobile, Hudson Soft and independent studios like Distinct Dev (Moron Test), ustwo (Dot Dot Dot), Pik Pok (Flick Kick Football) and RocketCat Games (Hook Champ).

With a strong set of partners at launch, OpenFeint’s ecosystem provides Android users the most compelling way to discover and buy high quality online games. In addition to incorporating Google Checkout and leading community features into its developer SDK, OpenFeint will extend its wildly successful Game Spotlight discovery app to Android. Interested parties can register at www.openfeint.com/developers/android for details as they emerge.

At the same time, OpenFeint continues to invest in and expand its efforts on Apple’s iOS devices and maintains the largest mobile social gaming ecosystem on that platform with over 28 million users and a presence in over 2,200 live games.

“Android is an evolving gaming platform that will greatly benefit from OpenFeint’s industry leading online gaming and community technologies,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of Glu Mobile. “OpenFeint is leading the charge for game developers on Android, helping simplify and improve the game discovery and purchase process for players on the platform.”

OpenFeint also announced that its expansion to Android is backed by a recent strategic investment by leading Chinese online gaming company, The9. This marks the path for a significant expansion for the company as it rolls out its cross platform strategy. As always, OpenFeint will remain open source and free for both developers and players.

“OpenFeint continues to demonstrate leadership and innovation in building community technologies which drive considerable discovery and monetization for publishers,” said Jason Loia, COO of Digital Chocolate, one of the industry’s most highly-rated publishers of mobile and social games. “We are excited about their entry into the Android ecosystem and we look forward to partnering with them to bring the best gaming experience to the Android platform.”

With over 160,000 Android powered devices shipping daily, Google’s mobile platform is growing rapidly and leading game developers recognize the tremendous opportunity to bring quality content to the platform.

“This is a big step for OpenFeint and an even bigger step for Android as it becomes a serious mobile gaming platform,” said Jonathan Goldberg, Analyst at Deutsche Bank Equity Research. “OpenFeint ushered in mobile online gaming for iOS devices and we think they’ll lead the revolution on Android.”

OpenFeint also re-affirmed its continued commitment to the Apple iOS device community where thousands of games are in development and several games are approved in the App Store daily with OpenFeint enablement.

)

AT&T Samsung Captivate arrives July 18th for $200

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 08:18 AM PDT

Samsung has announced that AT&T will begin selling the Samsung Captivate – their version of the Galaxy S – on July 18th.  The AMOLED touchscreen Android smartphone will be priced at $199.99, with a new two-year contract including voice plan and $15 per month data package.

The Captivate has a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display and a 5-megapixel camera, together with Samsung's Social Hub system, 720p HD video recording, HSPA connectivity and both WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0.  For more on the Galaxy S, check out our review over at SlashGear.

)

Nexus One gets Ubuntu install [Video]

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 05:47 AM PDT

The Nexus One may be the first to get new releases of Android 2.x, but it’s also one of the first to get a usable install of Ubuntu.  NexusOneHacks have a massively comprehensive tutorial showing how to get the usually desktop-bound OS onto the 1GHz smartphone.

Usefully, the Ubuntu install doesn’t wipe the original Android OS, but lives alongside it: the Ubuntu terminal runs in the background, while the Ubuntu X11 GUI runs as an app under Android’s VNC client.  If you’re currently asking “why would I want to do this?” then you should probably stick to what’s on offer in the Android Market, but if you’ve ever wanted a portable Ubuntu test server then here’s your chance.  A tutorial suited to the HTC EVO 4G is also promised.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via BRG]

)

Droid X for Verizon Gets Reviewed by SlashGear

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 03:25 PM PDT

By now, everyone should know about Motorola’s Droid X. The 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen display should be more than enough to get people’s attention. Our fine friends over at SlashGear got their hands on the Droid X for Verizon, and they’ve gone ahead and put up their review of the device. Basically, it’s just a bunch of good wrapped in a shiny package.

This phone features a 1GHz processor, 8MP camera with HD video support, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, MicroUSB 2.0 port, and a micro HDMI port to connect the Droid X to an HDTV. (Or you could just use the integrated DLNA and connect wirelessly to all your other high-tech gadgets.) There is also the 3.5mm headphone jack, GPS, an accelerometer, digital compass, proximity/ambient light sensors, and microSD card slot, which we wouldn’t want you to forget about. Motorola will includes 16GB microSD card in the box, just because they’re nice folks. As for Android, you’ll get 2.1 at launch, but be prepared to get upgraded by the end of Summer to Froyo. Now check out the video below, and then go head through the link to read the in-depth review.

[via Slashgear]

)

Android 2.2 Crushes iOS4 in JavaScript Benchmark Tests

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 03:12 PM PDT

There’s no doubt about the fact that we love our benchmark tests around here. We see them as great ways to get a feel for the competition, even if those benchmarks are normally Android vs Android. Thanks to Ars Technica, we finally get to see what a real fight is: Apple’s iPhone 4 versus a Nexus One. Or, more accurately, Apple’s movile Operating System iOS4, versus Google’s Android 2.2, or Froyo. They performed two tests: SunSpider and V8, both of which are javascript benchmarks. Despite the results, which you can clearly see below in the graphic, we’re sure there’s still going to be plenty of people out there who still try to fight them.

The result of this battle was pretty intense. Froyo is almost two times faster when tested on SunSpider, and three times faster than iOS 4 in the V8 testing. Of course, this goes right in line with what Google showcased at this year’s Google I/O conference.

[via IntoMobile]

)

Samsung Intercept for Sprint Available July 11th for $99.99

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 02:27 PM PDT

The Samsung Intercept has already been showcased in the real world once before, but that doesn’t help everyone out there that may have wanted to get their hands on one. Luckily for the rest of them, Sprint’s got your back. They’ve gone ahead and announced that the newest landscape QWERTY slider device landing on their shelves will be available this weekend, and it will be surprisingly affordable.

The Intercept features that landscape QWERTY keyboard that became so famous on the Samsung Moment. As for the device’s specifications, you’re looking at getting a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display, a 3.2MP camera on the back of the device. What’s a real selling point, though, is the fact that the Intercept will launch with Android 2.1. And from what we know of the Intercept so far, it’s going to be of the vanilla variety, with none of that TouchWiz proprietary software overlaying it.

As for pricing and availability, the title pretty much says it all. Starting on July 11th, you’ll be able to get your hands on the Intercept through all Sprint channels. You’ll only have to pay $99.99, but that’s after you sign over a new, two-year contract, and after a $100 mail-in rebate. You’ll also need to be part of Sprint’s Everything Data plans, at least, but that shouldn’t be a surprise at all. Go ahead and check out the full press release below.

Press Release:

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 7, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States1, today introduced a stylish addition to its growing portfolio of Android devices with Samsung Intercept. In addition to the 3.2-inch, touch-screen display, 3.2 MP camera and video, and full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Samsung Intercept comes preloaded with social apps and one-touch picture posting to the top social sites.

Customers can purchase Samsung Intercept starting July 11 through all Sprint channels, including Web (www.sprint.com), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and select national retail partners. Retail pricing will be just $99.99 (excluding taxes) after a $100 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement on a new line activation or eligible upgrade on an Everything Plan with data. It will be available in two attractive colors –Gray Steel and Satin Pink.

Loaded with Android 2.1, Samsung Intercept provides access to popular Google™ mobile services, includingGoogle Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™ and YouTube™, and more than 50,000 applications available in Android Market™ today. It also features a powerful processor to make it a snap to maneuver within the device.

"Samsung Intercept is a valuable addition to our growing portfolio of Android phones with a rich Internet browsing experience, visual voicemail and practically all of the latest must-have features," said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product development for Sprint. "Best of all, at this price, we are able to bring the Android experience to a broader audience that will appreciate the versatility that comes with access to thousands of apps on Android Market. This is a great device for those who use their wireless device to manage a business or socialize with family and friends."

"The Intercept is a perfect example of Samsung's commitment to bring the latest Google mobile services, social applications and popular features to smart phones for the mass market," said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile. "Users will enjoy the Intercept's stylish design, full QWERTY keyboard and access to full web browsing and Google services for a full-featured smart phone experience."

Great Price Without Sacrifice
Samsung Intercept makes menu and display navigation easy with a highly responsive optical joystick that virtually zips from item to item. It operates on the Sprint 3G network (EVDO-Rev. 0) and features Wi-Fi capability, integrated GPS navigation and accelerometer. Additional features include:
· Home screen that scrolls right to left for more space to organize widgets and apps
· 3.2 Megapixel camera and video camcorder
· MP3 Player with MicroSD card slot (supports up to 32 GB)
· Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology
· Visual voicemail
· Sprint TV®, Sprint Football Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
· Access to social networking sites Facebook®, Flickr® and TwitterTM
· Access to personal and corporate e-mail
· Easily view Word, Excel, PowerPoint on-the-go to maximize productivity

Samsung Intercept requires Sprint's industry-leading Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSMthat include unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from every mobile in America while on the Sprint network. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month – the same price Verizon and AT&T charge for unlimited talk only. (All price plans exclude surcharges and taxes.)

Sprint is the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Samsung Intercept, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time atwww.sprint.com/storelocator.

)

HTC Wildfire is Rooted, Not Ready for the Public

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 01:22 PM PDT

Whether or not you were blown away by the HTC Wildfire, doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t get it its time in the limelight. So, here it is, front and center. Considering the power behind the rooting process, the Wildfire didn’t stand much of a chance. Thanks to the treatment from legendary developers courtesy of hacker extraordinare and MoDaCo founder Paul O’Brien.

Unfortunately, the rooting process hasn’t been handed out to folks quite yet, as the pair are still working out the bugs before they launch it for the masses. But, if you’ve got the Wildfire and you’re waiting, just waiting a little bit longer isn’t a big deal, right? At least it will be worth it.

[via Phandroid]

)

MOTOROI Doppelganger Heading to T-Mobile After Approval From FCC

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 01:15 PM PDT

The Federal Communications Commission website revealed recently the MB710, which should look pretty familiar around these parts. According to the FCC and all of its tests, the MB710 supports the WCDMA 1700MHz AWS spectrum, which basically indicates that the Magenta-hued wireless carrier here in the States is about to get their hands on some new Motorola Android goodness. (Not that the Charm doesn’t count, mind you.)

In the draft user manual that was included, there’s definitely mention of T-Mobile’s “MyFaves,” which basically tells us that this is a shoe-in, at least at this point. It could just mean that testing for “MyFaves” has taken place on the device, as well as network optimizations, but that still doesn’t mean the device is guaranteed to show up.

Since the MB710 is so strikingly similar to the already released MOTOROI, we can safely bet that the handset heading to T-Mobile will feature a 3.7-inch touchscreen display, an 8MP camera with xenon flash on the back, and it will more than likely launch with Android 2.1. At least, that part we can hope, beyond hope. (Or, dream for Android 2.2, right?). It features MOTOBLUR, a 3.5mm headset jack, MicroSD card support, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Neither T-Mobile nor Motorola have confirmed the device’s future existence on Magenta, but there’s not many places for the handset to go. So, now we just wait for the official announcement. Anyone excited?

[via PhoneScoop]

)

T-Smart G68 Breaks Cover in China

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 01:07 PM PDT

Android devices just keep popping up all over the place, don’t they? And the handsets keep making appearances over in China, too. Recently, a Guangzhou based manufacturer brought a new Android handset to the market. The device in question is called the T-Smart G68. The design of this phone is remarkably simple and common, but that’s not a bad thing.

The G68 will have a 3.2-inch touchscreen, and a 5MP camera on the back. Also, it features a 600MHZ Qualcomm processor, 256MB of RAM, WiFi, and a 1230mAh battery. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. Rumors suggest that the G68 is going to launch with Android 1.6 — no word on an update schedule, but we probably shouldn’t expect on to pop up, either. The price of this phone is 1290 Yuan, which is about equal to $190. What do you think, worth it?

[via Cloned In China]

)

Leaked Image of T-Mobile Roadmap Shows Exciting Things for the Future

Posted: 07 Jul 2010 11:43 AM PDT

If you’re fond of your wireless carrier, which we’re sure most of you are by now, then seeing a roadmap of what’s to come should be pretty exciting. Unless, of course, you just signed a new, two-year agreement and you’re going to be pining for a handset that you didn’t see coming a little sooner. Either way, this roadmap should be plenty exciting for most T-Mobile customers out there, because there’s plenty here to be excited about.

As you can see, even if it is a bit blurry, the main bar in the middle shows us the months, leading all the way up to December, while the dots on either side of that main line show us where handsets are set to debut on the Magenta carrier. For example, we already know the Samsung Vibrant is set to launch on July 21st, and this blurry image of goodness confirms that for us (again). The Motorola Charm, which was just announced today, is also set to launch on the 21st of July, so that’s pretty interesting. (Also worth noting, is that it looks like the Charm is getting a software update in September.) However, it gets a bit more interesting when you see that the Motorola CLIQ and CLIQ XT are on that list, right there in August. Which, for all intents and purposes, could mean that they’ll be getting updated to Android 2.1 around that time.

Other handsets of note are the HTC Vanguard, Shubert, and Emerald. The Vanguard is a handset we haven’t heard of before, and that’s supposedly scheduled to break cover this September. While the Shubert is listed for a November 17th launch, we’re not sure if that’s one we’re looking forward to or not (yes, just by the name. What? We judge our books by the cover, too.) And, then there’s that HTC Emerald, which alludes to that whole Project Emerald thing we talked about in the past.

The other thing to note here, is that while we’re pretty confident that pretty much every device (that hasn’t been officially announced, mind you) is going to be Android-based, that’s not confirmed by any means. Keep in mind that Microsoft has Windows Phone 7 set to launch at the end of the year, and HTC and Motorola would be main manufacturers to put that new mobile OS on their devices, and launch them for T-Mobile. But, we’ll go ahead and call it now: Android all the way.

[via AndroidSpin]

)
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)