Monday, 20 September 2010

Android Community

Android Community

Chrome OS Replacing Android on the next galaxy tab?

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 11:28 AM PDT

Samsung's much hyped Galaxy Tab hasn't even been released yet and people are already speculating on the future of the device. Many are reporting that the next update for the current Tab or the next model will be sporting Chrome OS instead of Android 2.2. It all depends on what Google has in store for Android 3.0 (Gingerbread) if it's more tablet friendly then it would be the next update. However, if it is still not built with a tablet in mind, like Google has stated was the case for 2.2, then Samsung may consider Chrome OS.

What would Chrome OS mean for the Samsung Tab? First off, Users will be fronted with a very different experience. They will exchange a mobile phone like OS for one that feels more like an extension of a computer operating system. Chrome OS will also focus more on web based applications similar to Google Docs and stray away from downloadable apps.

In the end the preference will come to the end user. Right now the Galaxy Tab is capable of running Google's upcoming Chrome OS. When it's released it will be possible to replace the operating system with Chrome, but for the average user it may require professional help. Only time will tell to see the future of Chrome OS, Google 3.0 and the Android platform but we will be sure to let you know of any developments as they happen.

[Via PC World]

)

Sprint Advertising Samsung’s Media Hub with “Epic Mini Movies”

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 10:24 AM PDT

One of the best new features for all Samsung Galaxy devices is Samsung's Media Hub. This hub was just announced to be ready for release at the Samsung Tab event and just released on the Epic 4G. It is also coming to all Galaxy devices soon and offers up a lot of video that can be purchased.

The ads are fun, short (less than a minute) stabs at current movie standards and film clichés. The Sprint Epic 4G is the first device available to fully utilize the Media Hub and is just the first of many Galaxy devices to come. To check out these humorous stabs at movie pop culture, head to Sprint.com/Epic4G.

We got some time with the Media Hub app on the Galaxy Tab and we were generally impressed. The Media Hub is an iTunes Store-like application that provides movies, TV shows and Videos that will, after purchase, be available for viewing on up to 5 Hub-enabled devices. You can check out our own hands-on video of the Galaxy Tab Media Hub below.

[Via Androinica]

)

Editing of Google Docs Coming to Android Soon – Google Apps use growing in business

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 10:02 AM PDT

Google has just gone and announced that more than 3 million businesses have "gone Google". These companies have switched all of their software to Google's own assortment of apps. With more companies relying on the array of online based applications such as Docs, Calendar, Video and GMail Google has finally made plans to add editing of Google Docs on mobile devices.


This may not seem like such a big deal to the average user, but for many who rely on Google Docs as their primary word processor, mobile editing has been a long requested feature.

This also moves Google even further into the online based application age. With their up and coming Chrome OS, we expect to see a lot more of these online usability shifts in the future.

[Via Google Blog]

)

Galaxy Tab Coming to Canada, Bell and Rogers both on board for sale

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 08:26 AM PDT

It looks like our favorite Tablet device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, will be hitting Canada this fall on the two largest carriers in the country. This comes as no surprise, Samsung sure has been making this tablet a priority lately.

Rogers and Bell have signed on, along with all 4 major US carriers to sell the Tab. This is making the Tab's potential market share much, much larger than Apple's who only offer their 3G iPad on one Carrier, AT&T. Expect to see the Tab in Canada this fall along side it's American release.

No pricing or availability are available yet, more word to follow in the coming weeks.

[Via AndroidGuys]

)

HTC Lexikon, Verizon’s next Droid device?

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 08:13 AM PDT

It has been just over a month since we have first heard of the HTC Lexikon. It's supposed specs were "pretty" impressive: MSM7630 Snapdragon processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, 5-megapixel camera all inside this 3.8-inch display QWERTY slider. In standards of the next-gen phones we are seeing now, it's nothing too ground breaking. However, it may just be coming to Verizon making it one of their best Android devices.

Another point of interest is that the ROM may have been leaked. The same website that provided us with the image above is also hosting the ROM for download. 911HTC has been a reliable source for rumors in the past so it looks like this may be the actual Lexikon ROM.

[Via AndroidGuys]

)

Samsung Galaxy Tab Promotion Video hits the web

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 08:00 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is sure getting it's 15 minutes of fame recently. First with a blowout announcement of all 4 carriers on board and then multiple demo's and videos on their own site. Now comes another video this time a promo detailing it's 7 inch pocketability, or lack thereof (seen below).

Now we can all agree that the Galaxy Tab is more portable than it's competition the iPad. But it still is not small enough to be considered a pocket device. However, no matter it's form factor and size it's still looking to be one of the best tablets we will be seeing in a long time, and the best part, it will be running Android 2.2

In the promo we see the Galaxy Tab in everyday situations. Many of them it fits perfectly with, the 7 inch size may just be the perfect tablet size for the masses.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[Via BGR]

)

Android Community Week In Review – Week 37 2010

Posted: 19 Sep 2010 02:45 PM PDT

This week here at Android Community has been another exciting week. With Samsung announcing the Galaxy Tab for the US market, Android's market share continuing to surge, and game developers becoming more interested in the Android platform.

________________________________________________________________________


The big announcement this week in Android news was, of course, the Samsung Galaxy Tab. We were at the event Thursday and got our hands on the much hyped 7 inch tablet. From what we saw the device was really solid, and on top of claims stating that apps will not look good on the larger screen, we were able to confirm that the apps looked just fine.

The Galaxy Tab will be coming to the United States this fall on all four major carriers as well as shipping with a WiFi only option. Price and availability are not currently known but expect that and much other information to be released as we near closer to release.

We also saw Android market share continuing to surge. Research company comScore reported that the Android Platform has been steadily and rapidly growing over the last 3 months. In the three months that were reported, Google had jumped from 12% to just over 17% taking some market share from RIM and Apple. A 5% jump is pretty substantial over just a 3 month period and they fully expect to continue to see Android dominate the market in the coming years.

Verizon has also been in the news quite a bit this week. First with the Galaxy Tab and clearing up rumors about their exclusivity with Bing. And then announcing that they have plans on introducing their own app store to feature V Cast Apps on Android devices and giving Android developers incentives to submit to their own store.


Much else hasn't been said but we can fully expect more information in the coming weeks regarding this bold move from Verizon.

More and more game developers are being interested in the growing Android platform. First we saw the popular iOS game Fruit Ninja ported officially to the Android Market. This was one of the first applications to utilize OpenFeint on Android devices. Following OpenFeints breakthrough into the market came word that EA was planning on developing for Android as well. And finally word hit the internet that even though iOS is currently Epic Game's focus, Android is definitely in the future for the gaming company.

)

Verizon LTE Devices coming to Best Buy this fall?

Posted: 19 Sep 2010 12:47 PM PDT

According to internal documentation, it looks like Best Buy is preparing their BEAST internal activation system to accommodate Verizon LTE (4G) phones. Many were expecting Verizon's 4G would be mainly used for their lineup of USB modems and WiFi devices. However, it seems that actual LTE phones will be coming to utilize the new 4G network that they are already planning to launch in 30 "NFL cities" by years end.

Now we know that it will not be a Windows Phone 7 device because they are not coming to Verizon this year. This means we can safely assume it's going to be an Android device. Of course, no specific devices are mentioned in this documentation but it's a start as this is the first we have heard of any expected "devices" at all.

[Via Slashgear]

)

Verizon discontinuing the Droid 2 and only carrying the DROID 2 World Edition?

Posted: 19 Sep 2010 11:56 AM PDT

Only a month after it's release the Verizon Wireless Droid 2 is already the subject of discontinuation rumors. This time Boy Genius Report has gotten word that they plan on phasing out the DROID 2 in favor of the yet to be launched DRIOID 2 World Edition.

This is an understandable move business wise; only manufacturing one, better model for sale in all of their stores will sure cut costs, hassle and even confusion among customers. But if they start to sell the newer device for the same $199.99 price point some early adapters of the DROID 2 might be upset. As of now this is only a rumor, further word from Verizon itself will confirm or deny this in the coming weeks. As always we will be sure to let you know.

[Via BGR]

)
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)