Tuesday, 14 December 2010

Android Community

Android Community

Android Community

Two New Accessories for myTouch4G and Samsung Galaxy Tab

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 10:59 AM PST

New stuff for phones and such! New stuff to add to your stuff! In particular you’ll want to pay attention to… myTouch4G PowerSkin giving some extra padding around the sides and TWICE your battery power for a total of $69.99. And for the Galaxy Tab, LOTS of items apparently flowing in to T-Mobile stores including a lovely dock for the cool price of $49.99. Both (and all) of these accessories are available NOW at your local T-Mobile outlet. (The big pink and white building next to the video store, you know the one.)

So tell me – are you the sort of person who accessorizes? As it turns out, I myself end up going either way. For devices that cost me under $100, I usually let them float around in the nude. For anything more expensive than that, I’m gonna go ahead and get a case of some sort at least to keep it protected from the keys in my pocket. You?

[Via TmoNews]

)


ESRB Ratings App for Android – Parental Simplicity

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 10:43 AM PST

Are you a parent or otherwise in some way or another a person whose gotta buy a video game for a kid? Are you also the sort of person whose generally unaware of the content of games because you basically don’t play them ever? You aren’t alone. MOST people are like that. Nuts, huh? You’re in luck, there’s an app for that. It’s an ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) ratings app released today in the Android Marketplace. What does it do? You turn it on, take a photo of the cover of a video game, and instantly receive rating information, age group the game is good for, and reasons for the rating and age group its been put in.

“Aim. Snap. Learn.” That is, in actual reality, how simple this app is. And it’s going to be incredibly helpful for parents attuned enough to be able to work an app but not quite in the world of video games enough to know who which ones are appropriate for. Know what I mean? Available in the Android Market today – just search for “ESRB.” Take a look at the press release below:

NOTE: Also available for iPhone, if for some reason you’ve got one of those too and happen to just be snooping around here on Android Community. lulz.

ESRB RELEASES MOBILE APP THAT LETS PARENTS FIND RATING SUMMARIES BY TAKING A PHOTO OF THE GAME BOX

New iPhone® and AndroidTM Apps Give Parents Simple Way to Get Detailed Information about Video Games Just in Time for Holiday Shopping

NEW YORK, NY – Aim. Snap. Learn. It's just that easy for parents to get detailed video game rating information before buying a video game this holiday season. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) – which assigns the age and content ratings for computer and video games – has upgraded its free mobile app to include the ability to search for rating summaries using the phone's camera. Now parents can quickly and easily look up a game's in-depth rating summary by simply snapping a photo of the game box with their iPhone or Android phone.

Video games are once again expected to top holiday wish lists. But just like movies, not all games are appropriate for every child. Rating summaries, which are available at ESRB.org but are not displayed on game boxes as are the ESRB ratings and content descriptors, provide parents with a detailed, straight-forward explanation – including specific examples – of the content that factored into a game's rating. By using the ESRB mobile app to access rating summaries, parents can make truly informed game choices for their children.

"When buying a video game for a child it's important to check the game's rating and understand its content to determine if it's the right choice. And for a parent who still isn't sure about whether a game is OK for their child after checking the rating information on the box, rating summaries provide exactly the types of examples that help parents make that final decision," says ESRB president Patricia Vance. "With our new mobile app all you have to do a snap a photo to access the rating summary right from the store, where this information is usually needed most. By using the ESRB ratings – and tools like rating summaries – parents can be confident that they're giving games this holiday season that are not only fun, but also age-appropriate."

The ESRB mobile app is available for free via the Apple App StoreSM or the Android Market. It offers easy access to ESRB rating information for over 20,000 titles by either taking a photo of the game box or typing in the name of the game. Rating summaries are available for all games rated since July 1, 2008, which means that most of the games likely to appear on kids' wish lists this year will have rating summaries.

In addition to the mobile app, parents may also want to check out the ESRB Facebook page for valuable tips and resources for choosing age-appropriate video games, or follow ESRB on Twitter (@OKtoPlay). Ratings information, including rating summaries and additional resources for parents are also available on the website, ESRB.org, and mobile website, m.esrb.org.

Since their inception in 1994, the ESRB ratings have become a trusted resource for parents when choosing computer and video games. In April 2007, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report1 which found that nine in ten parents are aware of the ESRB ratings, 87% expressed satisfaction, and nearly three quarters use them regularly when choosing games for their children.

The ESRB rating search app is developed by Point About and the image recognition and visual search is powered by IQ Engines.

)


Nexus S Launch Quantities Leaked

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 10:37 AM PST

The Nexus S will be coming out in just 2 days, and eager customers are anxious to get their hands on the device and the Gingerbread operating system. We know the launch plans according to Best Buy, but now it looks like we may have some expected quantities of the device.

According to a tipster close to the matter Best Buy’s inventory will look something like this:

  • Big box Best Buy locations that sell T-Mobile contracts in store will have on average 35 units Thursday
    • Big box Best Buy locations that do not, will have on average 4 units Thursday
  • Best Buy Mobile locations that sell T-Mobile will have on average 72 units Thursday
    • Best Buy Mobile locations that do not, will have on average 4 units Thursday
  • There will be plenty of transferring product around from Best Buy to Best Buy to even out counts as needed, but these are the numbers shipping to stores
  • There will be plenty of units for orders placed online and shipped to the customer

These are all unconfirmed numbers, but they seem to be right according to Best Buy’s previous launches.

If you’re looking for a Nexus S on launch day your best bet is a Best Buy with that sells T-Mobile phones, if not it may be in your best interest to go before the doors open at 8AM to get your Nexus S.

Want further coverage of the Samsung Nexus S? Check out our full review!

[Via AndroidAndMe]

)


Google Updates Voice Recognition for Android, Makes it Personal

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 09:58 AM PST

Voice recognition is a bold place for companies to focus on. There’s a lot that goes into making sure that your phone is able to actually figure out what you’re saying, and make the results make sense for what you’re trying to do. Hurdles to making sure this happens correctly, and every time, include a wide assortment of variables, including the fact that no one actually sounds the same as someone else. Especially when you look at accents, male or female, and plenty of other considerations. But Google is hoping to make it better, as they’re focusing on the personal aspect of voice recognition with this latest update to the Android Voice Recognition platform.

The update now includes a tool that users can access when they want, and literally train their Google Voice Recognition to work better with their personal voice, intonations, and such. This means that the voice recognition software will be able to determine your particular accent (versus everyone else’s), speech pattern, and speech style. Slowly but surely, the voice recognition software will be able to recognize your particular voice, and be able to work better each time you use it.

Google wants to make it as personal as possible, so with that in mind, users will have to opt-in to make use of the new technology. It will be tied to your account, along with all of the data it collects. As of right now, the new software is available for Android handsets running Android 2.2 or 2.3 (through the Google Voice Search app, in the market), and it’s available only to English speakers in the United States.

Or Scan This QR Code

[via Google Mobile Blog]

)


Android Community Google Cr-48 Giveaway

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 09:33 AM PST

Notebooks running Google Chrome OS aren’t expected to hit the market until mid-2011, so until now the only way to get your hands on a Google laptop is to sign up to the search giant’s pilot program and hope you get picked to try out one of the 12.1-inch ultraportables. Now, though, there’s another way: Google has given us five Cr-48 notebooks to give away, two for Android Community members and three over at our sibling site SlashGear.

To take part, all you have to do is sign up as an Android Community member and reply to this post saying why you want a Cr-48 notebook, then send out the following message via Twitter:

Google Cr-48 @androids Giveaway: http://is.gd/iJYri

Remember, Google is pushing their cloud apps in a big way with Chrome OS, and the Cr-48 is all about cutting ties and going mobile.

We’ll draw the first Android Community winner at random on Friday December 17 at midnight PST, and the second on Sunday December 19 at midnight PST. Unfortunately, due to the terms of Google’s pilot scheme, only US entrants can be accepted. Good luck!

Rules:

Competition is open to residents of the US over the age of 18. Family members of Google and SlashGear/Android Community are not permitted to enter. Competition entries are only accepted via the specified Android Community post; entries left in the comments section of any other post will not be recognized. One entry per person (and yes, we check). Winners of the Android Community Cr-48 giveaway are ineligible to win the SlashGear Cr-48 giveaway, and vice-versa.

The winners will be announced on Android Community and contacted via email or board message; they will be expected to respond within 24 hours else their prize may be forfeit and another winner selected. Editors decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winner agrees that their name and details of their entry may be used for promotional purposes by, but not limited to, Google and Android Community.

Prize consists of two Google Cr-48 notebooks to be shared between two winners. There is no cash alternative. Should this prize become unavailable, Android Community and Google reserve the right to substitute another prize of equal or greater value.

)


Nexus S Reviewed by SlashGear

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 09:14 AM PST

With the upcoming launch of Google’s and Samsung’s Nexus S device, it harbors the official launch of Android 2.3, or Gingerbread, along with the first device to fully suport Near Field Communication, or NFC. It may have not had as large of an announcement as the original Nexus device, but it certainly doesn’t lack the features we’d expect from a device like this. We’ve already unboxed the handset, and featured a quick hands-on, but now it’s time for the official review from SlashGear.

Just as we’ve come to expect from any review from SlashGear, the team focuses on all of the hot topics of the device. The hardware, considering the Nexus S features a slightly curved display, and the camera on the back. The Nexus S manages to take good pictures, and the video capturing of the device is top-notch. But of course, while the hardware is great (including the 4-inch Super AMOLED display, along with the 1GHz Hummingbird processor under the hood), the main focus of the device are the software-based features.

The upgrade to the Android platform, from Android 2.2 to 2.3, is one of the main takeaways of the device. It features a pretty unique, and expansive update to the User Interface. There’s a new keyboard. And, perhaps best of all, there’s a better implementation of selecting text on the device, for those without a trackball. And, of course, the usage of NFC. The device is the first to feature the technology, and Google is banking on it becoming mainstream, but even without it, the Nexus S stands out.

Check out the gallery below, along with the pair of Nexus S hands-on videos. And then head through the source link to find out of the Nexus S should be your next Android device.

[via SlashGear]

Nexs-S-Review Nexus S Review2 Nexus S Review3 Nexus S Review4 Nexus S Review6 Nexus S Review8 Nexus S Review9 )


Android Ad Impressions Hit Plateau with Millennial Media Network

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 08:59 AM PST

There are several different ways that analysts, and anyone else interested, can determine how well a platform is doing. While one way, perhaps the most preferred way, is to just look at the amount of devices being sold, or that have been sold over a period of time, another way is to look at the ad impressions generated by a particular platform. In a new report from the Millennial Media Network, it looks like Android may have hit a lull in ad impressions. This could be indicative that the mobile Operating System has plateaued.

According to the independent mobile advertisement network, Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android were tied for ad impressions once again this month, at 38 percent. The two mobile platforms were tied last month, too, at a total of 37 percent of total ad impressions on the network. There’s no denying that Android was on an incline, a sharp one at that, as the mobile platform’s ad impressions increased from 14 percent back in March. On the contrast, Apple’s iOS dropped from 70 percent at the same time period.

The results have people speculating on both sides of the fence. This could mean that Android’s growth has tapered off, even with 300,000 units being sold every day. On the other side of the coin, it could be temporary, and that previous growth we’ve seen over the last few months could kick back into gear, with the release of more tablets, devices, on networks around the world.

A bright spot is seen by Millennial Media Network in the Android applications. They noted that, applications on the Android platform accounted for 54 percent of the platform mix by revenue for the month of November. That’s compared to the 39 percent from iOS. For Android, that’s a 10 percent growth versus the previous month.

[via GigaOm]

)


Dell Streak for O2 UK Update to Android 2.2 Rolling Out This Week

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 08:29 AM PST

The Dell Streak, which launched earlier this year with Android 1.6 on board, has seen a pretty aggressive update schedule since it hit the market. Which, for owners of the 5-inch “tablet” device, is good news. It doesn’t look like it’s slowing down, either, as O2 UK has just announced that Streaks tied to their network will be getting the official, carrier-approved update starting this week.

The Over the Air rollout is set to start this week. But, as with many OTAs, it won’t hit every device at once. So, if you don’t get the update, and the new Stage UI along with it right away, just stay calm. The carrier has confirmed that the update is starting this week, so you will get it. Barring any unforeseen complications, of course. The update will bring support for Adobe’s Flash Player, and it should give the applications on your device an improvement boost.

[via GSMArena]

)


NOOKcolor Getting Update to Android 2.2 in January

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 08:21 AM PST

For those out there who purchased the newest eReader from Barnes & Noble, the NOOKcolor offers up plenty of options out of the box, but for those who think outside of the box, the device has an almost unlimited potential. And that’s all thanks to the Android platform ticking away under the hood. While we’ve already seen Android 2.2 hacked onto the device, it looks like Barnes & Noble is confident in their update strategy, to confirm that the eReader will be seeing the official update in just a matter of weeks.

The update, which will bring the eReader to Android 2.2, will make it possible for those who don’t feel like hacking their device to access the Android Market, as well as have more traditional Android homescreens (unless B&N alters them in some way, which they might). And, for the record, if you’ve managed to hack your NOOKcolor and put Android 2.2 on their already, B&N would like you to know that that turns off the battery monitoring process, which could mean that your battery overheats. And you don’t want that.

[via Engadget]

)


Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 Could Feature NVIDIA Chip, Analyst Claims

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 07:47 AM PST

Rumors about the Galaxy Tab 2 may not be as rampant as rumors for other tablet devices out there, but that will more than likely change very soon, as Samsung nears a release date for the next version of their Tab. One rumor, that puts NVIDIA smack-dab at its center, just won’t seem to die, and now a semiconductor analyst is stepping in to put his two cents into the situation.

Ambrish Srivastava is an analyst for BMO Capital Markets. He recently spent a week visiting 30 different companies, all focused on the tech market, and has come to the conclusion from his trip that NVIDIA will be putting the Tegra 2 processor in a lot of different gadgets. NVIDIA has said as much in the past, so this bit is not that big of a revelation. What is, though, is that he believes the next version of the Tab will feature a NVIDIA chip under the hood.

This is interesting, because Samsung already has a successor to the company’s 1GHz Hummingbird processor. It’s a dual-core successor, no less. So, if Samsung really does choose to go with NVIDIA for their chip option, one would have to wonder why they’d skip over their own creation. Diversity, perhaps.

[via SlashGear]

)


Lotus Notes Traveler hits Android

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 06:07 AM PST

If you are a big IBM Lotus Notes fan, you will be thrilled to hear that the company is launching Lotus Notes Traveler 8.5.2.1. The major new addition in this update is support for mail, calendar, and contacts on the Android OS.

To use the app your device needs to be running Android 2.x at least and it will run on tablets and mobile phones. Other caveats to use the new Android app are Notes Traveler servers have to be running 8.5.2 to support Android. That software also keeps the device software up to date automatically.

The real suck of the announcement is that the app can't be installed on any Android devices on the AT&T network since AT&T only allow apps to install directly from the Android Market. Those using the beta version will have to uninstall and reinstall the final version.

Via Ed Brill

)


RSA offers new security tools to make Android eCom and enterprise friendly

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 05:01 AM PST

RSA is well known for its security offerings and is a division of EMC. The company has announced a new RSA SecureID Software Token for the Android operating system. The new software app is made to allow Android devices to be used as an RSA SecureID authenticator.

This allows for an easy to use and cost effective dual factor authentication method for enterprise resources and applications. With many enterprises already using Android smartphones and many business users taking advantage of Android smartphones many businesses already have a network of devices in place that can be used as tokens.

The RSA SecureID Software Token for Android is designed to generate a one-time password that changes every 60 seconds to allow users to access secure resources. The app can be downloaded via the Android Market right now.

)


SuperShuttle app hits Android to get you a ride to the airport

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 04:48 AM PST

One of the things that I hate most about traveling is finding a way to the airport and back. I don’t like parking my car in the parking lot not to mention how expensive long term parking can get. If you travel, a lot you are probably know the SuperShuttle name.

SuperShuttle runs the blue vans with yellow writing on the side that gives folks a ride to the airport. If you travel a lot and need a quick and easy way to get a ride the company has announced that it has a new Android smartphone app you can download.

The SuperShuttle App offers several different functions including the ability to get a fare quote, book reservations, cancel reservations, locate where the vehicle coming for you is right now and you can earn airline miles with the app too. The company is also giving a 10% discount for those who book using the Android app right now.

)


Nexus One Android 2.3 Gingerbread ROM is unofficial work-in-progress

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 03:59 AM PST

A new Android 2.3 Gingerbread ROM for the Nexus One has been cooked up, though right now it’s still very much a work-in-progress. The handiwork of xda-developers’ MicroMod777, the unofficial ROM supports 3G data and SMS messaging, but still lacks support for WiFi, the camera, sound and SD card access, among other things.

It also lacks the official Google apps and USB mounting support. Certainly not the sort of ROM you could live with every day, then; it remains to be seen whether the hacked installs or Google’s official Gingerbread 2.3 release for the Nexus One – tipped for release in the next few weeks – comes first.

[Thanks Judeaism!]

)


Advent Vega Flash Player 10.1 pulled over missing certification

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 03:42 AM PST

Advent has announced [pdf link] that the version of Flash Player 10.1 shipped on their Vega tablet has not, in fact, passed Adobe’s certification testing, and that effective immediately new Vega units will ship without the app pre-loaded. The company expects the newly tested, certified Flash Player 10.1 download to be available “in the early part of 2011.”

Existing owners with the uncertified Flash Player 10.1 plugin may find their slates aren’t as efficient at Flash video playback as they should be, Advent warns, and they’ll also be able to install the certified version when it’s available. We imagine the uncertified app will be broadly available through unofficial channels in the meantime, since Vega owners will likely prefer unoptimized functionality over no functionality whatsoever.

Press Release:

Important update on the Advent Vega

The Advent Vega has an nVidia Tegra 2 dual core 1GHz processor, but we have just learned that the version of Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 installed on the tablet has not completed the required certification tests by Adobe.

Adobe certification is a process of testing the Adobe Flash Player on the device to ensure a consistently high user experience and compatibility with common websites e.g. iPlayer and 4 on Demand.

We would like to reassure customers who have already purchased an Advent Vega, which included an uncertified version of the Adobe Flash Player 10.1; that we stand behind the quality of these tablets. However, we do need to obtain a properly certified version of the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 before pre-installing it onto further models.

The certification process is currently underway and we estimate this will be complete in the early part of 2011.

New stocks of Advent Vegas purchased after 13th December 2010 will not have Adobe Flash Player 10.1 pre-installed, but we will be providing a seamless and free-of-charge download of the certified version as soon as it is available. This download will also be available as an update to users who have already obtained the Advent Vega which includes the uncertified Flash Player 10.1.

1. What does this mean for me?

a) If you have purchased an Advent Vega prior to 13th December 2010

Your device has an uncertified version of Adobe Flash Player 10.1. As a result, it may have not exhibit the optimal performance that the nVidia Tegra 2 processor is capable of running with certain Flash website content.

Once we obtain a certified version of Flash Player 10.1 for the Advent Vega, we will provide a seamless, free-of-charge download to this version. The certified software will be available to download from our website. http://www.myadventvega.co.uk

b) If you are planning to purchase an Advent Vega from 13th December 2010 onwards

Your device will be shipped without the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 pre-installed. As soon as we obtain certification for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 we will provide a seamless, free-of- charge download from our website. http://www.myadventvega.co.uk

2. What do I do next?

For all customers we recommend registering your Advent Vega at

http://www.myadventvega.co.uk.

Registering your Advent Vega will ensure we have your email address and contact details up to date. Once we have a certified version of Flash Player 10.1 available we will email all customers with an easy to follow set of instructions to install the new software and enable hardware accelerated Flash Player 10.1 support on your Advent Vega.

)


Vodafone HTC Magic gets Android 2.2.1 OTA update

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 01:47 AM PST

Vodafone UK has begun the release of its Android 2.2.1 update for the HTC Magic. According to the company’s forum, the Magic Froyo update will be a two-stage OTA affair: one update to prep the phone, and the second to actually install Android 2.2.1.

The update’s release will be staggered, so you’ll have to wait for your Magic to flag up that new software is available; there doesn’t appear to be a way to manually trigger the install. Still, we’re glad to see that the ageing Magic hasn’t been left out in the cold.

“Android 2.2.1 will give customers a number of improvements including: latest Gmail and Android Market clients; ability to save applications directly onto an SD card; support for USB tethering so the phone can be used as a modem; improved support for Active Sync Exchange (email, contacts and calendar sync); enhancements to Bluetooth; and enhancements to the camera. The update also includes the latest Google security patches.”

)


Google acquire NFC startup Zetawire for mobile wallet ambitions

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 01:18 AM PST

Google’s NFC intentions are gradually being fleshed out, with the news that the company has acquired Canadian start-up Zetawire to their acquisitions portfolio. Zetawire was yet to announce its launch plans, but according to a patent filing would specialise in mobile banking, advertising, identity management, credit card and mobile coupon transaction processing using NFC.

That opens up the possibility for NFC-enabled devices – such as the Google Nexus S – to be used to make wireless payments; Zetawire had also trademarked the name “Walleto“, presumably the brand their system was intended to launch under.

)


LG Optimus 2X is Korean LG Star [Video]

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 12:42 AM PST

The Korean equivalent of the LG Star (SU660), the LG Optimus 2X, has been quietly announced, packing the same Tegra 2 processor and sizeable display as the leaked Star we’ve already seen. As with the US version, the Optimus 2X has an HDMI output as well.

According to LG’s press release, the Optimus 2X is expected to arrive in Korea in the next few months.

LG Optimus 2X vs Galaxy S vs iPhone 4:

LG Optimus 2X HDMI output:

LG Optimus 2X vs Galaxy S benchmarks:

[via Phandroid]

)


Android Community Daily Wrap Up: December 13th 2010

Posted: 14 Dec 2010 12:10 AM PST

While the Android community starts to shift it’s focus to tablets as Honeycomb is the new “mystery” device news has been quite slow. We saw a few FCC listings, followed by the ultra-lux Galaxy tab and quite a few other software releases. Check after the break for all of the stories covered on Android Community Monday, December 13th 2010.

R3 Media Network

AndroidCommunity

Words with Friends Port for Android Coming Soon
Best Buy Details Nexus S Launch Plans
Walgreens Mobile App Now Available
T-Mobile G2 Now Only $49.99
eLocity A7 Tablet Shipping Now
NOOKcolor can now use Android Market (If you're Rooted, that is)
LG Optimus Mach LU3000 Stocked with Original Ennio Morricone Music
Creative ZiiO appears at the FCC
Android make its way onto Fanboy and Fangirl's wedding cake
Huawei Ascend for MetroPCS Launched for $179
White Samsung Galaxy S Arrives in Germany
HTC EVO Shift 4G Shows Off Keyboard, Release Date Believed to be January 9th
Galaxy Tab Luxury Edition to cost about $1000
Angry Birds looks for new ways to make money
Pantech P8000 surfaces with Android onboard

)


Words with Friends Port for Android Coming Soon

Posted: 13 Dec 2010 06:28 PM PST

Words with Friends is the insanely popular multiplayer Scrabble-like game for the iOS platform. Chances are if you know anyone with an iOS device, this isn’t the first time you have heard of the game. Word from the development team is that a group of developers has been made responsible of porting the game to Android.

When asked about their plans for an Android port, a representative of New Toy Inc. stated:

"We've since hired a team to develop an Android version. They're actively at work on it at the moment and are getting close to being done, so not too much longer!"

Exciting news for all you Words With Friends fans. Hopefully, when it’s released (or a update after), we will have cross-platform multiplayer making the user base extremely massive.

[Via Phandroid]

)


Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)