Wednesday 3 November 2010

Android Community

Android Community


Facebook Single Sign On – Simplifying Social Login

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 10:56 AM PDT

We all hate logging on, especially on mobile devices. The Facebook team as acknowledged this issue and today announced a new service, “Single Sign On.” While the idea isn’t anything new, the Facebook integration on top of the ease for developers to add it to their applications or sites is a much welcome change as Facebook begins it’s way to web domination.

Facebook is going to make their login process available to developers. With just a simple tap of “Login to Facebook” users can be connected to many applications or websites without giving their information to the new application or going through a lengthy sign up process.

One example that was provided at the event was Groupon. With just an added 3 lines of code, the developers were able to include Single Sign On into their application.

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Android FaceBook Application getting a refresh – Places and Groups coming

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 10:49 AM PDT

Live at the Facebook app we discovered that because there hasn’t been a full team on board for the Android App, and that is has been “behind” it’s iOS counterpart.

Some of the changes coming to the Android Facebook application will ‘Places’ and ‘Groups’ integration. This will finally bring the Android application somewhat up to par with the iOS version of the application.

They also stated that they are not developing a phone. They are simply a social company and instead of focusing on getting hardware to the market, they will be focusing on updating their application to make more devices more social.

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FaceBook Event Being Broadcast Via FaceBook Live

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 10:28 AM PDT

If you have some time on yours hands when 10:30 PT comes around, you might want to check out Facebook’s live stream of their mobile-focused event. It is still unclear exactly what their plans are but we’re hoping that it involves either deeper integration into the Android platform, or a device developed by the Facebook team.

You can check out the Live Stream here.

And if you’re not able to catch the live stream, be sure to stay tuned as we will be there, keeping you updated with any potential software demos, or hands-on time!

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10 reasons why Android 2.2 Falls short of iOS 4

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 10:18 AM PDT

The Apple Vs. Google debate has been a major one since Android’s announcement. And while each has it’s own advantages, Android is usually seen as the “better” option because of it’s openness and ability to be highly customized. Well the people at eWeek think that Android 2.2 is far behind iOS 4, and gives us ten reasons why.

In an humorous post to start of your Wednesday morning, check out some of their highly arguable reasons below:

1. Google isn't so big on software

Google's real plan with Android is to dominate the mobile advertising space. It fully realizes that the best way to achieve that goal is by doing whatever it can to capitalize on the desire for touch-screen smartphones with the help of Android. That's precisely why Google offers its operating system for free. But due to that focus on eventual mobile advertising dominance, Google falls short compared to Apple on software design.

2. Apple understands consumers

Apple understands what consumers want and how they will use a particular product. That comes through in all the products the company sells, including its iOS platform. Google, on the other hand, doesn't seem to understand consumers as well as it could. It's certainly doing a better job than most companies, but it still has a long way to go to match Apple. In fact, Google's consumer understanding seems to be more Microsoft-like than Apple-like. And that could be a problem — especially for its operating system—going forward.

3. Multitasking

Multitasking on iOS is a key reason why Apple has enjoyed such success in the mobile market as of late. For years, consumers were hoping for true multitasking. But for years, the company made no promises. But in iOS 4, multitasking is running on the iPhone. Because of that, Google has a long way to go to match anything Apple is currently offering.

4. Folders make it all OK

Apple's iOS platform is better than Android 2.2 for several major reasons. But one of the minor things that consumers should think about is Apple's operating system's folder support. With little effort, consumers can quickly create folders, lump similar programs together, and more. It provides a rewarding experience. And it's something that Google has a long way to go on in order to catch up.

5. Ease of use must come into play

In any evaluation between two operating systems, ease of use must play a role. After all, if a particular operating system is easier to use for the average consumer than another, it should get the nod. In this case, iOS 4 easily gets the nod. Apple's operating system is simply easier to use. And it doesn't suffer from the strange quirks that arise on Android due to vendors trying to tailor the user experience to their own products.

6. Responsiveness

One of the main issues with Android 2.2 is that the software doesn't respond as effectively as it should to the user when compared to iOS. Does that mean there is a responsiveness issue with Android 2.2? Absolutely not. In fact, compared to other operating systems, it holds up quite well. But Apple's platform is different. It's just that iOS simply provides more responsiveness when users interact with it. It could be extremely difficult for Google to catch up anytime soon.

7. Too many variations

Because Android is an open platform, vendors that get their hands on the operating system can change it however they see fit. That openness creates an environment across the Android ecosystem that loses uniformity and provides variations of the Android operating system on different phones. The result is sometimes spotty performance that must be taken into account when evaluating differences between iOS and Android.

8. Apple's App Store

Apple's App Store is integral to the success of iOS 4. With hundreds of thousands of applications, Apple's marketplace is the best place to find programs that appeal to both consumers and enterprise customers. Admittedly, Google's Android Market has been growing at a rapid rate, but it has a long way to go to match Apple's store.

9. iTunes integration

Whenever users pick up an iOS-based device, they can access iTunes from the product. That's extremely important. It provides them with an end-to-end entertainment experience that isn't so readily available on Android. After all, iTunes is the world's top music store. If only Apple's products have access to it, few could say Google's offering can best Apple's.

10. The tablet issue

Google has said that Android 2.2 is not designed for tablets. Apple doesn't have that issue with iOS 4. Currently, iOS 3 is running on the iPad. But this month, Apple plans to offer iOS 4 integration with its tablet. When that happens, the company will prove that its operating system is the best choice for just about anyone trying to go mobile. Then the onus will be on Google to respond.

Now they do offer up some very good shortcomings in our favorite OS, but many of them were highly one sided. What do you think? Which parts of their argument do you agree/disagree with?

[Via eWeek]

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Win one of 100 Galaxy Tabs in Samsung’s “Feel Free” Contest

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 10:08 AM PDT

Samsung has just updated it’s YouTube page with a new contest allowing users to participate for one of 100 Samsung Galaxy Tabs. The idea of the contest is simple. Create a video sharing what freedom means to you.

To them it means feeling free to use Adobe Flash, video chat, and to be truly mobile. Just submit a video showing what it means to you and the winners will be announced on Cyber Monday, November 29th.

Click here to view the embedded video.

So, what does freedom mean to you?


[Samsung YouTube]

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Galaxy Tab Gingerbread/Honeycomb updates on the roadmap claims Samsung India

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 07:57 AM PDT

Samsung India has apparently confirmed that they intend to upgrade the Galaxy Tab to Android Gingerbread and Honeycomb, once Google has released each version of the updated OS.  According to Samsung Hub, who attended the Galaxy Tab launch event in India this week, an unnamed Samsung executive confirmed the upgrade plans.

We’ve previously heard from Samsung that, while they would hope to update the Tab from the Froyo 2.2 version of Android it ships with to future builds, that will depend on the hardware requirements Google puts in place.  There’s no timeline for Samsung’s releases; Gingerbread is expected to make its generic debut before the end of the year, but Samsung will obviously need time to bring its custom apps up to speed with the new software.

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Archos 70 Android internet tablet ships

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 05:21 AM PDT

If you don’t want to wait until next year when that LG Android tablet I mentioned earlier lands you can get your hands on a new Archos 70 tablet right now. The company has started shipping the tablet in 8GB capacity for $279. The tablet has a 7-inch touchscreen with a g-sensor and a resolution of 800 x 480.

The tablet is very thin and lightweight at 11 ounces and only 0.43-inch thick. The device also has a TV output allowing you to see Android content on your big screen and surf the web. The device has Samba and UPnP protocols built-in for streaming of video.

The device supports WiFi and will play Flash content. The processor is a 1GHz unit and later a version with 250GB of storage will be available. It also supports 3D graphics for video games with OpenGL acceleration. The specific version of Android the device uses is 2.2 and it supports video chatting.

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Android Market “Recent Changes” makes changelogs more consistent

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 05:16 AM PDT

Google is seemingly attempting to make changelogs for apps available through the Android Market more consistent, adding a new section for developers to detail the recently added functionality when they submit updated versions of apps.  Convertor Pro developer Sterling Udell flagged up the change to us, basically a new text box on the developer site.

Details entered are then appended to the app description under a Recent Changes heading.  To be fair, many developers were doing this manually whenever they updated their software, but this will hopefully make the practice more consistent and easier to track.

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Mobile Nanny lets parents keep an eye on kids with Android smartphones

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 04:19 AM PDT

My son has had a phone that he uses for a while when he is going around the neighborhood playing with friends so I know where he is and can find him when needed. I don’t worry about him calling people or texting people inappropriately as much as I worry about other people calling him and doing that sort of stuff. A new app for Android devices called Mobile Nanny has been unveiled that will allow parents to keep an eye on what kids do and what people are saying to them.

The app is able to record text messages, calls, and other activity silently and then uploads the data to the Mobile Nanny account using the web. The software also offers parents the GPS location of the phone and presumably the phone user every 15 minutes or at an adjustable interval.

The app can alert when a text with specific words in it is sent or received and the entire message can be sent to the parent. Other features include contact and photo logging, website and GPS monitoring, and you can wipe personal data if the device is lost or stolen. The downside is the cost with a year of service for $49.97.

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LG Pad tablet set to hit in early 2011

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 03:47 AM PDT

There were lots of us all excited about the prospects of tablets running Android coming from well known electronics giants like LG .We were then bummed when we heard that LG was not going to put tablets on the market using Froyo and other exiting versions of Android after stating that the OS wasn’t tablet appropriate.

LG has planned to toss tablets on to the market when a better version of the OS lands that is suited to the tablet market. Apparently, that well suited version will be Honeycomb with an LG rep stating that the tablet running the new version of the OS are set for early 2011. The rep also gave up a few tidbits on the tablets and what will be inside the machines to whet the geek appetite.

According to the source, the tablet will have dual-core Tegra 2 inside and will sport an 8.9-inch screen. The tablet will land in the US and Europe at the same time. Now that you know these tablets are coming, will you wait or just grab another tablet that is here in time for Christmas?

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Galaxy Tab full-screen app fix with Spare Parts [Video]

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 03:33 AM PDT

While some third-party apps – like Angry Birds – run fine on the Galaxy Tab‘s 7-inch 1024 x 600 display, others can’t quite handle all those pixels and work at most in a WVGA block floating in the middle of the display.  jkkmobile spotted that you could use a free Android app called Spare Parts to force all apps full-screen, however.

Most recent apps should work with Samsung’s resizing technology, but there are still a few sticklers which cause problems.  You can download Spare Parts from the Android Market.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via NetbookNews]

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LiveView Android display hits UK November 19 for £50

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 03:19 AM PDT

Sony Ericsson’s LiveView companion display for Android smartphones has got itself a release date, courtesy of UK retailer Play.  According to the site, the LiveView will be released on November 19 priced at £49.99 ($80).

The LiveView is a 1.3-inch color OLED display that hooks up via Bluetooth to your Android smartphone, and thanks to a companion app that runs on the handset can send message and call updates, alarms and other information to the battery-powered screen.  More information here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via SlashGear]

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T-Mobile myTouch 4G on sale now

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 02:54 AM PDT

The T-Mobile myTouch 4G has gone up for sale on the company’s site, with four color versions of the HSPA+ capable smartphone available.  Priced at $199.99 after an online discount and a $50 mail-in rebate – also assuming you’re willing to sign up to a two-year agreement – the myTouch 4G is also available contract-free for $449.99.

The black, plum, red or white handset has a 3.8-inch capacitive touchscreen, WiFi b/g/n and runs T-Mobile’s custom version of HTC Sense.

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Reminder: FaceBook Media Event Today 1:30PM – We will be there

Posted: 03 Nov 2010 12:14 AM PDT

Facebook is indeed holding a media event today at 1:30PM ET at their headquarters. The event is said to be mobile-focused, will we get to see a Facebook-branded Android handset? Whatever we see, it’s expected that we will at least see an update to the companies Facebook application and “deeper integration with some manufacturers.”

In reality, it’s not a stretch to assume that Facebook has developed (or had a major part in development) of a mobile phone. But they could also go the route of creating their own skin of Android integrating Facebook into the core OS.

Although the event will not be Android specific we can definitely expect some news regarding our favorite operating system! We will be there live, tomorrow at 1:30 ET and will keep you updated with all the latest happenings!

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T-Mobile 4G Vs. iPhone 4 Advertisement – It’s on

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 07:58 PM PDT

Well T-Mobile has done it, offically started advertising their HSPA+ 4G network. In their first advertisement they take a shot at AT&T, and the iPhone 4 with it’s huge burden of the slow 3G network.

Now we know the T-Mobile network is wicked fast, and “America’s Largest,” and with the new T-Mobile myTouch 4G the phone and network combined make one of the best devices for this years holiday season.

Click here to view the embedded video.

You can even video chat, over 4G! Take that, Apple!

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G2 to get Wi-Fi Calling starting Tomorrow

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 07:45 PM PDT

More exciting news from T-Mobile. After hearing about the 4G networks from T-Mobile and the new commercials, we have learned that Wi-Fi calling will be available to G2 users starting tomorrow.

This feature will definitely please G2 users. Free calling via Wi-Fi, can’t get much better on top of that. If only this feature was available to all smartphone phone users, it could save us all ALOT of money by not wasting minutes at home for those of you that aren’t on an unlimited calling plan. T-Mobile has been recently stepping up its game with the 4G news and the release of some new 4G gadgets tomorrow. Keep up the good work T-Mobile.
Via [Tmonews]

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T-Mobile says they will have biggest 4G network in US

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 06:45 PM PDT

We’ve seen enough of those Verizon most reliable 3G network commercials, its time for some change. T-Mobile looks to up the ante by showing off their 75+ 4G areas in some commercials. Now they can show off their network in some commercials that will also be showing off their network.

Tomorrow will be the first day you can purchase the following devices: T-Mobile® myTouch® 4G and T-Mobile's first 4G netbook, the Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 4G. These devices will be the fastest of the fast on this new network. Speeds are supposed to get up to 21Mbps and average download speeds near 5 Mbps on the T-Mobile My Touch 4G and up to 12 Mpbs at the highest. T-Mobile plans to also announce a new plan that allows users to use their smartphone as a wireless modem using their network. Imagine the kind of work you could accomplish(or random internet browsing) with these types of speeds just on the go using your phone as a modem. Oh, the T-Mobile commercials will start as well tomorrow(in case you were wondering). Check out the full post at SlashGear link below.

Via [SlashGear]

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Logitech Revue to get OTA Update

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 06:19 PM PDT

The Logitech Revue, or commonly known as the Google TV, has been issued an Over-The-Air update which should fix one problem that alot of people have been complaining about; framerate issues. Google simply heard about the issues, and said “your wish is my command”, and officially announced the update in a post earlier today.

Users told us that their Google TV gave them a prompt that told them to download a 163 MB file said to update 39953. Word on the street is that the update did fix the framerate issues. Go ahead and give it a try, you have nothing to lose and you can only gain a better experience on this new TV System. Let us know how your update goes and if it helped improve the framerate issues.

Via [Logitech]

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LG enV Pro User Guide Leaked, Canceled by Verizon?

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 03:58 PM PDT

We haven’t seen much of the LG enV Pro, nothing actually. With an expected released of November it’s rare that a device goes that long without a major leak. Well now we have the devices user guide which hit the internet. However, just as we got our first glimpse of the device, we are hearing rumors that it has been canceled due to testers not being impressed.

From the leaked user guide we learned that it would have had the following specs:

  • Height: 4.56 inches
    Width: 2.22 inches
    Depth: 0.62 inches
    Weight: 5.57 oz.

  • Internal Memory: 102MB
  • microSD card: 4GB microSD card included – (expandable to 32GB)
  • 3.2-inch (diagonal) widescreen – 800 x 480 pixels
  • 3.2MP camera with LED flash
  • Android 2.1

The device was supposed to be an entry level Android 2.1-based device. But rumor is that the initial batch of testers for Verizon were not impressed with the phone which lead Verizon to ultimately cancel the device.

[Via AndroidAndMe]

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Samsung Continuum Comparison Chart Breaks Cover

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 02:15 PM PDT

We know that one of your favorite things out there is a comparison chart between an upcoming device, and some of the heavy hitters out there already available on the network. So, here we are with a new one featuring the Samsung Continuum, the device that’s still missing from any kind of official Verizon announcement. But, we know the device exists, and now we see how it compares to some of the other devices available for Verizon.

The Continuum features Android 2.1, while the Fascinate has the same mobile Operating System version on board as well. However, the Droid X, Droid 2, and Droid Incredible bring the heat with updated versions of Android 2.2. The Continuum also features the smallest of display screens, with it being measured at 3.4-inches, but it’s also features that secondary touchscreen below the larger one, where notifications pop up.

Other features include 512MB of ROM, and 384MB of RAM. On the back, you’ll find a 5MP camera with an LED flash. So, it sounds like the device, with its 1GHz Hummingbird processor, aren’t going to break any records or anything, but with its unique design and strong features, the Continuum will probably be a good contender for the holiday shopping season. Now it just needs to be officially announced.

[via Droid-Life]

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