Tuesday 30 November 2010

Android Community

Android Community

Android Community


Google Holiday Party Invites Sent to Members of the Media

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 10:32 AM PST

Oh joyous day, a Google party! What will they have, candy? Cookies? Eggnog? Wait a moment – what holiday-themed Google-related treasure is due to be released in the very near future? Maybe they WILL have cookies – of the Gingerbread variety? On the other hand, take heed of that “off the record” comment there in the line about informality in this invite. That might mean it’s just all hugs and apple cider. Either way, fun!

This Google event appears to be open to those invited only, taking place over in Mountian View California. You know we’ll be there with bells on. Bells and whistles and — maybe some tape over our mouths because they might make us be shush shush. Shush shush Galaxy S? Maybeee we can hope! Shush!

[Via SlashGear]

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Verizon Offers Up Entire DROID Lineup BOGA through Christmas

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 10:00 AM PST

Everything except for the Droid Pro, it seems. Get yourself one for every one you buy, with a two-year contract of course. All the Droids your everloving Android family could desire. So much BOGA for all you two-year lovers.

Included in this deal are Motorola Droid 2, Motorola Droid 2 Global, Motorola Droid X, Motorola Citrus, and HTC Droid Incredible. All of these deals are of course also after rebate. Always with the rebates.

[Via Droid Life]

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Android Tablets in 5-inch and 8-inch Sizes Offered Up by View Quest in the UK

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 09:55 AM PST

Should you be in the UK by chance and would like yourself an Android tablet in either the 5-or-8-inch sizes, you could just ask View Quest for a bit of help. The Slate5 (800×480 screen resolution) and Slate8 (800×600 screen resolution) both have the same 600MHz RockChip CPU, 2GB Flash, microSD card slot, Wifi, resistive touchscreen interface, and Android 1.5.

Both of these lovely tablets are available for sale at Bennetts where you’ll find the 5-inch version for £149.99 and the 8-inch for £199.99. Look at all those doodads on the side! Buttons and speaker holes galore!

[Via The Digital Reader]

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Verizon Pastes iPhone Maps App into Droid X Ad

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 09:22 AM PST

Woopsie! Looks like a graphic designer working with Verizon is about to have their wrist slapped as they’ve got a Motorola Droid X ad up promoting Google Maps voice guided feature – but with the wrong image on the screen. Take a close look and note that the nearby BlackBerry Storm2 is, indeed, running the correct version of Slacker radio.

Does this give a clue about Verizon’s future with iPhone? I really really really doubt it. Doesn’t mean it wont happen, but more than likely this was just a tiny mis-step.

[Via Electronista]

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RPG Zenonia 3 Available in Android Market in Korea

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 09:11 AM PST

Or maybe I should say in Korean. Folks over at XDA forums are reporting the availability of super sweet mobile-based role playing game Zenonia 3, supposedly only available for iOS at the beginning of 2011, now up on Android Market – right now! This is super exciting for those who’ve beat the first two versions by sitting in their basements and playing for 40 hours straight. For those of you unfamiliar with games such as this, this game can be generally compared to one of the most successful game franchises in the history of the world: Final Fantasy.

The screen you see above is from more than likely a Galaxy S, apparently the APK takes more than 10MB in your phone, and there’s no App2SD. Play it forever! Tell us how you like it! Looks super fun. Look for it in Android Marketplace now, and if you can’t find it, learn Korean or move to Korea (but probably stay away from the North border for the time being.)

[Via XDA Forums]

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Samsung GT-i9200 snapshots caught on Picasa

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 07:03 AM PST

Samsung’s rumored GT-i9200 is cropping up in the wild again, though this time it’s keeping behind the scenes. Several photos have been found on online gallery Picasa which are listed as having been taken with the GT-i9200.

None of the shots seem to have been taken at full resolution, and several are listed as “tests” of the upload functionality. According to previous rumors, the GT-i9200 will have a dual-core processor and will be the successor to the Samsung Galaxy S.

[via Samsung Hub]

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University of Missouri to offer goMizzou app on Android

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 05:53 AM PST

It’s cool that colleges are embracing apps to help students interact more with the school and get information faster. The University of Missouri has had an app on the iPhone (pictured) for a while that allows students to get all sorts of useful info like menus in the dining halls, a campus map, and the MU directory.

The school has now announced that an Android version of the app is coming with a launch date set for spring break. The app will be similar to the iPhone version but will have a few tweaks. According to the university, the app for Android has been in the works since the iPhone version launched last summer.

The original iPhone app was long coming since there were issues with IP related to the offering. Ultimately, the app landed on iPhone and Android users should be looking forward to getting the app if they attend the university.

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Angry Birds on Android Downloads 7M copies

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 05:14 AM PST

Of all the games that you can play on a smartphone one of the best I have tried is Angry Birds. The game is very simple, but it is really cool and a ton of fun. My daughter runs off with my phone all the time to play it.

Angry Birds is also coming to game consoles like the Wii. It hasn’t been too long since Angry Birds landed for the first time on Android devices and despite low end devices having an issue with the game in some instances, the title has sold very well.

The developer of the game Rovio Mobile and announced that the game has now downloaded 7 million copies on the Android device alone. The Halloween themed version sold a million copies in 6-days alone on iOS so it’s very popular on multiple platforms.

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LG P990 Star smartphone surfaces with new UI pics

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 05:03 AM PST

We all love to glean new factoids about coming Android smartphones and a sweet new device is headed to the market that has some very interesting features. The big feature of the LG Star P990 is that the smartphone sports NVIDIA Tegra power. This phone should be a multimedia beast.

Some new photos of the smartphone have landed that show its UI and it looks really pretty. We have a few facts about the phone and those include that it will run Android 2.2 with some LG customizations on top of the vanilla OS.

We can also tell from the new photos that the device has HDMI out, an 8MP camera with LED flash and has a SIM card slot making it a GSM device. Perhaps it will land on AT&T. The device is also claimed to blow other Android devices like the Nexus on out of the water in benchmarks.

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DROID 2 Global hits Wirefly for just $80

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 04:54 AM PST

If you’re eyeing Motorola’s DROID 2 Global but aren’t keen on Verizon’s $199.99 pricing – even with a buy-one-get-one-free offer – then Wirefly may be your salvation. They’re currently offering the global-friendly Android smartphone for a mere $79.99, as long as you’re a new Verizon customer.

Unfortunately that does mean that, if you’re already with Verizon and looking to upgrade, you’ll be looking at $119.99. More details on the smartphone here.

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HTC considering E Ink and 3D displays/imaging for future devices?

Posted: 30 Nov 2010 02:38 AM PST

HTC could be experimenting with E Ink displays for future devices, together with 3D-capable screens and imaging. A job advert has tipped the company’s interest in alternative panel technologies, calling for a “Baseband Design Engineer” who will be responsible for the integration and evaluation of “new display and camera technologies for next-generation mobile devices.”

“This engineer will work with other baseband engineers and other disciplines to design, architect, and evaluate advanced phone concepts. The qualified candidate will have experience in specifying the optical properties of mobile cameras and displays, be capable of measuring the performance of mobile cameras and displays, and be capable of integrating those components into prototype phone designs.” HTC listing

As well as regular TFT-LCD, PMOLED and AMOLED displays, as we’ve already seen on HTC handsets, the company would prefer that the engineer also have aptitude with E Ink and “3D display and imaging technologies.” Of course, it may be over-ambitious to assume an E Ink or 3D Android smartphone might be on the cards, but there’s interesting potential for low-power displays used as at-a-glance status screens.

[via Pocketnow - thanks Toby!]

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Southwest Airlines App released for Android

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 07:27 PM PST

Southwest airlines, the airlines with all the singing commercials and what not about bags flying cheap and all their low rates, has just released their own app for Android. The app will allow the user to book flights,reserve cars, and even check on the status of their rewards program. Check out all the details of the app after the break.

Here is the full list of details as follows:

  • Manage air reservations
  • Manage rental car reservations
  • Check in for flights
  • Check flight status
  • Review flight schedules
  • Access your Rapid Rewards account
  • Access helpful contact information

It’s a pretty large download at 1.5 MB. If you’re a big fan of Southwest Airlines and their bags fly free and low airline rates, then this app is a must for you. Download it at the barcode below.

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Show off your Allegiance to the almighty Android in Call of Duty: Black Ops

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 07:10 PM PST

You are going to love this if you’re a fan of Android and of the popular shooter series Call of Duty. I’ve been in love with Black Ops, the latest installment of the Call of Duty series, and was ecstatic when my second love, Android, was able to get into the game. Full details on how you can put this little Android buddy on your player card after the break.

BigBossMcCann, a very fine individual I must say, has created a step-by-step guide on how you can get this Android mascot on your playercard. Just imagine how mad those iPhone users will get when they get shot to the ground while capturing flag A on a game of domination on Radiation by an Android user. Android users who play Call of Duty Black Ops will unite with this mascot on their playercard. You can expect to see me getting the game winning kill with my Commando in hand and when you notice how awesome the kill is, you’ll also notice the awesome Android mascot peeking out at you. Get yours at the link below!

Via [BlackOpsPodcast]

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AT&T and T-Mobile to possibly get Acer Liquid Metal?

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 06:48 PM PST

The guys over at Brighthand have a report that the Acer Liquid Metal could possibly be heading to the United States at some point in the future according to the company’s Q&A session following their press release last week which revealed two new Android tablets and a new Android handset.

The Acer Liquid Metal is supposed to be heading to Rogers as well in the near future. Acer’s president, Aymar de Lencquesaing, mentioned that AT&T and T-Mobile would be likely recipients of the phone because of their GSM networks. The phone is currently already out in different parts of Europe including France. As an AT&T user myself, I would love to see some more Android phones head there to broaden their arsenal. We will keep you updated on the status of the Acer LIquid Metal and its role in the US.

Via [BrightHand]

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Android Community Daily Wrap Up: November 29 2010

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 05:53 PM PST

Just as Cyber Monday brings an end to a busy news day in Android, we also finished one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. As we near Android 2.3 Gingerbread we are starting to see more and more powerful devices that should be running the much anticipated OS such as the Motorola Etna/Olympus and the LG Star. Today we also heard word of Android growing market share in Europe and it’s disappointing “loyalty” among customers. Check below for a full recap of all of today’s stories.


Top Stories:

R3 Media Network

AndroidCommunity

Sharp Galapagos tablets due in Japan on December 10
Fujifilm offers doctors new way to see x-rays and more from Android phones
ScanLife makes shopping easier by scanning bar codes for you
Sony Ericsson rolling out Android update for Xperia X8 and X10
LG Unveils Korea Only LU3000, faster than Galaxy S
Root Google TV and Add Third-Party Apps, Get $1,000
Sharp IS03 get's some Japanese air time with new Lady GaGa Promotion
Android on Track to Pass iOS and Symbian in Europe
Acer beTouch E140 coming soon, 2.2 equipped and will cost €199
HTC Merge Accessories Appear in Stores, Still No Phone
Android Honeycomb Spotted Conducting Performance Tests
Acer CEO Speaks on Their Wait for Honeycomb, Google Chrome OS
iControlPad Confirmed to Hold a List of Smartphones, Many of them Android Based – Release Date Q1 2011?
New LG Star Pictures and Details Leaked
NOOKcolor Rooted!

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NOOKcolor Rooted!

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 05:37 PM PST

Looks like those crazy cats over at XDA Forums are at it again, this time with everyone’s favorite new color e-reader, NOOKcolor! And what did they do? They rooted it, of course, allowing the loading of, what else? Angry Birds! It seems to be the new anthem for “I GOT THIS WORKING!” There’s great potential in this device, as we wrote earlier today in our final judgements on NOOKcolor over at A Week With NOOKcolor: 3rd Party Apps and Final Wrap-up. As XDA forum member IOMonster says, and I agree, “this thing has the potential to be an amazing device, we just gotta ‘fix’ it first.”

This post is going to be large, so be prepared to get pumped up. All the usernames listed in this post are users over at XDA Developers Forum, and they all rock at hackin away. This epic journey began very early this morning with a message from pokey9000 over at XDA Forums:

This will give you a root shell but there’s not a whole lot else at this point until further developments are made.

Latest info:

[04:00:25] <[mbm]> http://www.multiupload.com/R6U2NEMXHI <- uImage 
[04:02:27] <[mbm]> http://www.multiupload.com/MJY8SS8BAB .. there’s the sdcard image
[04:03:10] <[mbm]> dd to an sdcard, wait for fastboot and then run ‘fastboot boot uImage’ with the previous file
[04:04:03] <[mbm]> when the kernel boots there will be a serial and ethernet device on usb
[04:04:29] <[mbm]> ethernet runs telnet and ssh
[04:04:37] <[mbm]> serial is a getty
[04:13:54] <[mbm]> usb ethernet on the nook is 192.168.2.2

So what you get is a new usb interface called usb0 (on both the nook and your linux box)

set the linux box’s usb0 to 192.168.2.1 and you should be able to ssh to the nook on 192.168.2.2. root has no password. takes a long time to generate ssh keys so be patient. Also, its 5am here and I’m half asleep.. so hopefully this all makes some sort of sense.

Next, another update later in the day from pokey9000 again…

The cake goes to [mbm] here. The UART serial port was helpful for getting the kernel running but not very useful for NC users at large. If he doesn’t beat me to it then tonight I’ll build a u-boot.bin that autoboots uImage from the card. Then Windows users should be able to share in the fun.

A warning to anyone who wants to play around with the filesystems: It looks like partition 2 (mmcblk1p2) has some config files that get loaded by the bootloader including some sort of encryption key, WiFi radio calibration data, and the MAC address. I’m confident that destroying this won’t kill your NC, but it will most likely keep you from running stock firmware again.

Then an awesome conversation between several members leading to the most excellent quote from the beginning of this post:

[12:23] <[mbm]> got adb
[12:23] <[mbm]>
[12:23] w00t
[12:24] <[mbm]> and since I did ro.secure=0 it’s a root shell

[12:34] <[mbm]> new app in extras
[12:34] [mbm]: w00t^

[12:35] * [mbm] looks for a copy of angry birds
[12:35] heh
[12:35] i got one
[12:35] argh argh argh
[12:35] * Mytos oh shit we just lost mbm for a week
[12:35] HAHAHAHAH
[12:35] [mbm]: we all owe you beer
[12:35] this thing has the potential to be an amazing device, we just gotta ‘fix’ it first
[12:36] <[mbm]> first apk failed because of missing android libs
[12:36] [mbm] does adb shell work?
[12:36] <[mbm]> yep, used adb to install

And from dirtygreek:

[15:47] <[mbm]> ooh .. a reboot later and I have angry birds
[15:48] <[mbm]> no xml edit needed
[15:48] I’m jealous….
[15:48] <[mbm]> and it runs

Then you’ll note the extra apps available here on Alfa’s “Extras” screen:

Compared to what a normal “Extras” screen would look like:

Bobdude5 joined in the fun with a bit of some Launcher Pro, saying that it’s “Smooth as a Galaxy Tab”

Next, a very interesting addition by feverlax

Yes those are back and menu keys on the bottom. They are built in, but hidden by default in the BN launcher

I KNEW IT! One of the things I missed most whilst reviewing the NOOKcolor was a universal “back” button. User jerrygon added a comical quip:

Just to share a funny story…my brother went to get a NC tonight @ B&N after I told him root was possible. He was told that they were sold out and that they had sold 10 in the last 3 hours. More than they had sold all weekend.

Now all we’ve got to do is wait and see if Barnes and Noble closes the hole or otherwise somehow blocks or chops off this hack. Many are guessing they wont take the time to do so. What do you think?

[Via XDA Developers Forum]

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New LG Star Pictures and Details Leaked

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 03:53 PM PST

The Star is LG’s smartphone that marks their true entrance into the ultra-powerful smartphone market. One member over at AndroidForums.com has gotten their hands on the anticipated device and provided the net with some details that haven’t been known until now.

First of all the device has an HDMI-out port. It’s hidden by a door labeled HDMI, which means the phone will be able to output HD video as expected. We also found out that it’s not running a slightly tweaked stock version of Android that we heard a few weeks back. The device pictured is running LG’s Android 2.2 but it definitely has the power to run 2.3 and further updates, but the OS it will ship with is still unknown.

It utilizes the Tegra 2 processor which provided it with a very nice quadrant score pictured below.

It looks like LG has finally stepped up to the plate and is moving away from only offering up starter Android handsets. And if this is as impressive as it seems, then we have a top Android phone here in the making.

[Via AndroidForums]

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iControlPad Confirmed to Hold a List of Smartphones, Many of them Android Based – Release Date Q1 2011?

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 02:53 PM PST

So you know that little piece of magic called “iControlPad” that we’ve been discussing at length over at SlashGear and recently (September recently) found out would work with Android devices via BlueTooth? Well today there’s a fabulous photo of this excellent piece of equipment holding a Nokia phone (looks like a Nokia N8) – and what do you know, a quick search through the OpenPandora forums reveals a big batch of photos of tests confirming the iControlPads ability to hold different phones! Hooray!

Get yourself to gaming. Once this controller becomes widely available, you’ll be able to jam your phone right in there, playing all your favorite games the way the gods intended them to be played – with four buttons, a control pad, and two thumbsticks. Kinda looking like that PlayStation phone that’s about to come out, yes? Looks sassy. The fun/terrible/wonderful thing about this whole situation is the creators willingness to tell you to “hack” (aka cut pieces off of) your controller in order to allow your device to fit. On the other hand, they do mention:

We’re hoping we will need a maximum of 3 sets to hold almost every popular phone. We did look at making some kind of elasticated/screw based holding device but it’s a messy solution – we don’t want the risk of phones falling out. We’re already looking to make a clamp now for the most popular android phones, it should be neat and tidy and solid.

The big list they’ve got going for the one clamp they’ve got so far is thus:

Touch based phones which fit:

iphone 3 (iOS Phone)
iphone 3G (iOS Phone)
original iPhone (iOS Phone)
iphone 3GS (iOS Phone)
Motorola Backflip (needs padding) (Android Phone)
Lg Optimus S (Android phone)
Lg Ally (Android phone)
ipod touch 8GB (metal back) (requires padding) (iOS Phone)
Blackberry Torch (RIM OS phone)
Samsung Intercept (may require adjustment) (Android phone)
Motorola Backflip
Lg Optimus S
Lg Ally
Motorola Backflip
Blackberry Torch
Samsung Intercept

Do not fit (oh noes!):

Motorola Droid – too long, end clamp doesn’t fit.
HTC/Sprint EVO: much too large in all dimensions
Samsung Transform
Samsung Fascinate
Motorola Droid
HTC Evo 4G
Motorola Droid X
Motorola Droid 2
Samsung Captivate
Sanyo Zio
Samsung Epic 4G
Droid Incredible Almost fits. A little too long. Could be sanded down/dremel tooled to fit.

AND they’re on a schedule for production that puts a release date somewhere more than likely around Q1 2011:

Anyway, the iCP, where are we? Well we’re trying to mass produce it at the worst time of year, and since I don’t want to take orders before we have the goods in hand the page isn’t up yet, however the time is close, so there will be a page where you can register but we won’t be asking for any payment yet.

As with the previous cable based version we want to time the ordering with press reviews and we’re only just getting enough units to send out to the press and developers now. It’s possible we might take some orders just before that time for people who read this forum so you can be at the front of the queue. (and as a thank you for sticking with us).

We had to have the case moulds slightly modified due to the BT switch and the results are fantastic, this is a very professional looking product in the flesh. — Craigix

Below you’ll see several photos, the first few being taken by Craigix and posted via twitter, the one showing a bunch of parts lying on a carpet originally having the words “these are the first units being assembled for developers and reviews” below it. You’ll also see the control pad bottom by itself and the photo of the control pad with clamps holding an iPhone. Other than that, you’ll see many of the phones listed above pictured with the first build either fitting nicely, being a little bit snug, or just outright not fitting at all (if it appears the right side of the clamp is detached, more than likely it is.) Once they get all the different clamps back from the shop things are going to be wacky exciting!

151305672 150403778 150384443 SONY DSC SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG

[Via @Craigix]

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Acer CEO Speaks on Their Wait for Honeycomb, Google Chrome OS

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 01:29 PM PST

Just before Thanksgiving there was a blast of announcements about tablets Acer would be releasing, all of them set to be released not upon announcement, like some companies I’m sure you can think of, but in the future when Android’s Honeycomb OS is available. Speaking with the fine folks over at Mobilized (by Ina Friend), he let the world know that although they could, right now, release a slew of tablets with Froyo or soon Gingerbread, they’ve decided to hold back until the tablet-based OS is ready to go. He also noted that “when it comes to productivity,” he sees “full-blown” Windows as everyone’s best option, noting how their new dual-screen tablet will feature Windows 7.

When asked about their mainly PC based business in the US and broad mobile range abroad, Acer’s Lanci answered with an affirmation that they see mobile as the biggest opportunity “in terms of growth.” He notes that they want to be a global provider of not only netbooks and notebooks, but smartphones and tablets as well, any kind of mobile “from content creation to content consumption.”

Lanci mentions that Acer has started their smartphone business in Europe, is starting with some US operators and is starting with some Chinese operators. Again, Acer wants to be a gigantic smartphone company, today mainly based in Android but working on Windows Phone 7 as well. When asked why when Acer started into smartphones they considered Windows Phone, went with Android, and are now working with both, Lanci noted that when they began thinking about doing mobile phone operations, the experience with Windows Phone just didn’t have the prospects that Android was already delving into. Now, today, he says, Windows Phone 7 has the same customization opportunities, and that’s good. Furthermore, Acer he says is working with Meego, and you’ll be able to see something come of that in the second half of next year (2011.)

Lanci confirms that Acer is still working on a Google Chrome OS netbook, but that as everyone knows Google has had some delays, so “we need to wait and see.” When asked when and why, he simply said that a release date is “unpredictable” and that “better user interface” and “better integration with other Google applications” were and are to blame for delays.

When asked about how Apple is influencing the market from where he can see, Lanci spoke on how Apple, he sees, influences the market on one side, but that there’s always room for improvement on the other. He mentions with Flash at the launch of iPad, screen resolution, touch, and view angles, and how “with Android products we will fix that.” He also mentions how 10 inches will be the standard tablet screen size, “but also seven inches can be a good offer for the user.”

Lanci speaks on batteries, noting that Acer currently has a full range of notebooks and netbooks that have around eight hours of battery life, but that twelve hours will be the optimal solution for users of the future. In addition, he speaks on 3-D screens:

I think we are going to do the same on phone, even on tablets. If you think about gaming, 3-D gaming has becoming quite popular. If you think about a 3-D tablet, you can play games. We are working on 3-D on a lot of things.

And when pressed with the idea that Acer is basically the only one aggressively pursuing the 3-D market, he replied:

When I look at notebooks or hardware, the number of companies doing innovation are not too many. I think we are one of the few companies left focused on innovation. This is maybe the reason why you don't see it.

Sounds like a flat market to me! Maybe a few sweets will tasty it up, attract some bees and ants.

[Via Wall Street Journal's Mobilized]

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Android Users Are Not Loyal to their OS, iPhone Users Are

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 01:22 PM PST

We all love our Android devices. Yes, we would like to see faster updates on some phones, but other than that we really enjoy the Android platform. However, in an interesting study conducted of over 2,600 mobile phone users in Brazil, Germany, Spain, Britain, the United States and China the results show that Android only has 28 percent loyalty despite the plurality of manufacturers on which its OS is available.

The clear winner in overall mobile OS loyalty is the iPhone with an impressive 59 percent of users continuing to use iOS when they switch devices. Android fell under both the iPhone and BlackBerry loyalty which was pegged at 35 percent. Windows Mobile and Symbian were behind Android with 24 and 21 percent respectively.

Now the reason for this could be because of the apps available on the devices. With iOS there are currently over 300,000 apps available. Compared to Android’s 100,000 and BlackBerry’s 10,000, there is definitely a higher chance that iPhone apps will fit someones needs over Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile.

[Via Electronista]

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