Android Community |
- Galaxy Nexus Hands-on and Unboxing
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Hands-on
- Archos Arnova 9 G2 budget-friendly tablet revealed
- Google Checkout checks out, replaced by Google Wallet
- HTC Quattro Tegra 3 tablet photo revealed
- Verizon LTE Galaxy Nexus dimensions confirmed by updated Google website
- As Galaxy Nexus launches in UK, Verizon version appears in Google video
- Android 4.0 update for Samsung Galaxy S II confirmed
- Panasonic looking to move outside Japan with smartphones
- Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus sign-up page now headlines Verizon Wireless
- Nook Tablet Hands-on and Unboxing
- Tablet Brawl: T-Mobile Springboard vs Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus [Video]
- Slide 2 Wake enables locking and unlocking by sliding capacitive buttons
- Galaxy Tab 10.1N released in Germany, Samsung says “saugen sie es” to Apple
- Buy Google Music from your Android phone right now with Google+
- Google Music gives indie artists a direct sales platform with Music Hub
- Google Music App v4.0 now in Android Market, free streaming for all
- Google Music includes free full track sharing via Google+
- Google: Over 200 million Android devices activated globally
- Google Music unveiled with Android Market integration, stays free
| Galaxy Nexus Hands-on and Unboxing Posted: 17 Nov 2011 10:03 AM PST What we’ve got here is the Galaxy Nexus, Google’s hero device for their next-generation Android operating system version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – manufactured by Samsung and made to exemplify the most basic flavoring of the next step in the software series. What you’ll find when you hold the device in your hands for the first time is that it’s essentially a cross between the most recent models of Samsung Galaxy S II and the last Google hero phone, the Nexus S, also manufactured by Samsung. Of course there’s little room for error with Samsung hoping to keep up their standing with Google and Google hoping to keep up their standing with you, the consumer, so what’s it going to be? You’ll find right away that this little monster truly takes the cake.
First have a peek at the unboxing video here and have a heart attack because it’s just like opening up the Pulp Fiction suitcase, essentially, then continue on below once you’ve stopped jumping up and down in addition to doing backflips: It’s going to be difficult to not just do the whole review here right out of the box as it’s instantly evident how well made and obviously well-tuned this device and its operating system are, but I will have to keep this relatively brief so we’ll go through a few key points. First of all, the build is strikingly similar to what we’ve seen in recent Samsung devices like the T-Mobile Galaxy S II in its roundness on the edges and the AT&T Galaxy S II in the fact that the battery cover is basically set on the back of the device in the exact same way, allowing the camera lens and LED flash poke through with a slightly raised bumper at the bottom that contains the speaker.
Also at the bottom of the device you’ll find the microUSB port where you’d expect it, right in the center, one mic hole, and a headphone jack. Both the headphone jack and the charging pins on this device are set in strange places, where normally we’d expect the jack to sit on the top of the device and the charging pins (of which there are three) to sit on ANY side that isn’t the same as the power button. But lo and behold, they are on the same side – we suspect that the charging dock has plans that don’t include you turning the device on and off while the Galaxy Nexus sits in peace.
On the left side of the device you’ll find the volume rocker just as small as we’ve seen on recent Galaxy S II device, and on the top you’ve got nothing, nothing at all. On the back you should note that the camera is a 5 megapixel shooter capable of 1080p video at 30 fps complete with a single LED flash. This may seem like a small number, 5, in the face of an 8 megapixel army on the high-end of devices out there today, but we suspect that in addition to the fact that megapixels aren’t everything when it comes to image quality, this device has some connection to that specific size of camera in the software, perhaps in the way of how quickly it can snap photos (basically instantaneously.) On the front you’ll find a 1.3 megapixel camera for video chat, and your average earpiece, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor are up there as well.
It’s important to note here that there are a couple other sensors inside, one of which has rare to never been seen on a smartphone in the past. See if you can guess which one it is: compass (magnetometer), gyroscope, and barometer. Want to take some weather readings from right there where you’re standing? Go ahead!
There’s a tiny multi-color notifications light on the front of this device hidden near the bottom in the blackness surrounding the display. We look forward to messing around with this light for all-night disco raves and to see when a new email comes in, of course.
The display on this device is a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED at 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, aka 720p, if you like buzzwords. This busts even the largest competitors such as the HTC Rezound, what with its own 720p display coming up short in the brightness and perceived sharpness department even when compared to the lower pixel count DROID RAZR. The Galaxy Nexus easily has one of the best if not simply the brightest and the most sharp display in the smartphone world to date.
You’ll find no capacitive buttons here as Ice Cream Sandwich is built to not need them (though as you’ll find in the coming months, hasn’t compelled manufacturers to get rid of them entirely quite yet), and the interface is a whole new ballgame for Android. Here’s another peek at Ice Cream Sandwich: The above video gives you another great look at ICS but we’ve also got the entire boot and setup process for you to enjoy. Here’s a quick glance at the boot and set up for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in case you’ve not seen it yet. This short video will give you an idea of what to expect once you finally can power up and enjoy your own. Note that we’ll be getting into that much more in-depth when our full review comes up soon. See you then!                         )
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| Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Hands-on Posted: 17 Nov 2011 10:01 AM PST This week we get the privilege of handling not only the newest device in the Samsung portfolio, complete with curved front display at a resolution not yet seen on a Super AMOLED touchscreen, we get to experience the newest version of Google’s mobile OS: Ice Cream Sandwich. This is the 4.0 version of Android and is the most significant refresh for Android since FroYo. Have a quick peek and you’ll think it’s Honeycomb for handsets, but you’ll quickly realize that this is a combination of all the good points, plus a bunch more new, of Androids past. Have another peek at what this newest flavoring is all about.
The app switcher is the first thing one might recognize here on the Galaxy Nexus running Ice Cream Sandwich since its recognizable from Honeycomb but hasn’t yet appeared on handsets in a form that’s equitable. In other words, we’ve seen some imitators in the custom ROM front, but nothing as nice as this. You’ll be able to tap and hold a thumbnail to remove it from the list or open its info. This is essentially the same info you’d have gotten if you headed to your Android Applications in your settings, just much more simple to access here. Holding down in a similar way on any of your first five home panels only brings up a wallpaper here where before, most notably in Samsung’s iteration of Gingerbread on their Galaxy S II line, you were given a plethora of options including Widget additions, App shortcuts, and the like. Instead you’ll be adding apps and widgets much in the same way you did with Honeycomb, heading to your apps menu and finding what you want then holding it down to see your pages where you’ll place it thusly. The app menu scrolls horizontally, not vertically, and the placement of elements is again very reminiscent of what we’ve seen in Honeycomb for tablets.
For the facial recognition bit of this equation, you’ll be letting the device see you for a few moments so it might “learn” your appearance. We’ve seen this system fooled once or twice already with photos of the person in question, namely you, but we expect updates to this feature soon after launch. If you do end up not being able to get in to your device with the face unlock feature, you’ve still got your PIN or security pattern unlocks to work with. Once inside, you’ll find voice transcription in many places, this leading you to perhaps feel like you’ll never need to use that pesky ol’ keyboard again.
Real-time voice transcription appears to be working right around 90 percent of the time, with some of my thick Minnesotan accent not quite being understood for certain slang words like “hella”. Of course we’ll see how this all works out when the device continues to learn my pattens and whatnot. There’s also in-line spellcheck and a few more nice new editing tools to keep you typing should you be in a place where you cannot speak aloud.
This version of Android is the first to feature what I’d consider more than enough out of the box features and apps without the additional need for downloads. Image and video editing can be done from the device out of the box, Filters, effects, red-eye reduction, and live video effects for video chat are all right here – say goodbye to third party editors. On the other hand, third party developers will have an easy time creating apps for this new environment as little to not modifications will have to be made for existing apps.
Here’s a quick glance at the boot and set up process for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in case you’ve not seen it yet. This short video will give you an idea of what to expect once you finally can power up and enjoy your own. This system is easily the most complete mobile operating system yet produced by Google, and we’re looking forward not only to giving you the full review on the Galaxy Nexus SOON, but having a look at this OS on a tablet as well. Stick around on Android Community for more just around the corner!            )
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| Archos Arnova 9 G2 budget-friendly tablet revealed Posted: 17 Nov 2011 09:45 AM PST Honeycomb may be all the rage with Archos’ top of the line tablets, but they never miss an opportunity to make good with the low end as well. Behold the Arnova 9 G2, a Gingerbread 9.7-inch affair with tablet-friendly modifications to Android. Even so, the tablet packs in some respectable hardware with a 1Ghz ARM processor and 8 gigabytes of built-in storage.
In a strange move, the Arnova 9 G2 has a 4:3, 1024 x 768 LCD screen, just like the one found on the iPad and HP Touchpad. That’s a departure from the majority of Android phones and tablets, which use a 16:9 or 16:10 ratio. Because of the lower pixel density for a panel of that size and resolution, it’s probably a lot cheaper to manufacture than the ones we’re more used to seeing. Naturally WiFi is the only wireless option, though Archos continues its tradition of expandability with a microSD card slot, micro and full-size USB ports.As with most Gingerbread tablets, Google services and Android Market access are nowhere to be seen. Gingerbread may be a buzzkill now that Ice Cream Sandwich is well and truly here, but Archos has a vibrant community of modders, so you can expect to see an ICS ROM show up once the Arnova is released. On that note, there’s no pricing or availability info just yet, but expect it to be considerably less than the already cheap G9 Honeycomb tablets. We’ll be keeping an eye out for other sizes in the Arnova G2 series. [via Slashgear] )
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| Google Checkout checks out, replaced by Google Wallet Posted: 17 Nov 2011 09:00 AM PST
This move was a pretty obvious one for Google: Wallet is their forward-looking, NFC-enabled payment system, whereas Checkout is mostly just a competitor for PayPal in the online payment space. The move isn’t so much abandoning one product as it is combining two that have too much overlap. For a company with hundreds of active projects at a time, focus is important – and to be honest, something that’s been lacking with some of Google’s satellite products. You don’t need to do anything if all you’re using Google Checkout for is Android Market purchase and the odd retail purchase. At some point in the next few months you’ll just be automatically transitioned to Google Wallet. If you operate a storefront or app with Google Checkout support, Google is asking you to adjust your wording to reflect the change my early 2012, but other than that there’s no modification necessary. Easy-peasy. If you need more answers, Google is hosting a webinar on the transition – sign up for it here. )
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| HTC Quattro Tegra 3 tablet photo revealed Posted: 17 Nov 2011 08:36 AM PST And the HTC leaks keep coming. After images of the Edge, Ville and Zeta phones showed up in some leaked images, the HTC Quattro is the latest device to escape from Taiwan. The new 10.1-inch tablet is showcasing the latest quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, according to the anonymous source that leaked the image. Current release date is pegged as some time in 2012, like the other leaks, and may show up at the Mobile World Congress in February.
Other specs leaked include the standard 1GB of RAM, Ice Cream Sandwich and a 10-inch, 1280 x 768 LCD display. That’s the same size as HTC’s only 10-inch tablet so far, AT&T’s Jetstream. The Quattro is currently predicted to come in WiFi and 3G variants, so hopefully you won’t be forced into a two-year contract to get a hold of one. 16GB of on-board storage, an 8MP camera and Beats audio round out the hardware. All this is shoved into a chassis less than 9mm thick. On the software side of things, besides a Sense version of Ice Cream Sandwich, the source is also claiming that the Quattro will receive an updated high-def version of HTC’s Watch movie store. Other goodies include the standard 5GB of Dropbox storage that’s being bundled with all HTC Android devices and compatibility with the Scribe active stylus first revealed with the 7-inch Flyer. [via PocketNow] )
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| Verizon LTE Galaxy Nexus dimensions confirmed by updated Google website Posted: 17 Nov 2011 07:51 AM PST The Nexus news is coming fast and furious today: after an official Verizon-branded Galaxy Nexus appeared on Google’s own instructional videos, the official Galaxy Nexus website has been given yet another visual makeover. Hidden within the shiny promo images and 360 degree demonstrations is the official thickness of Verizon’s LTE version of the phone: 9.47mm. That’s just a hair thicker than the phone’s HSPA+ brother, now on sale in the UK. The extra bulk is likely to accommodate the LTE radio and/or a beefier battery.
Verizon still hasn’t let out a peep about the release of the phone, save a logo-only appearance on the Verizon Wireless website. Today was one of many of the rumored release dates for the US’ exclusive primary Galaxy Nexus partner, but Verizon seems content to let the Europeans have all the fun for now. I’m sure they’d be happy to sell you a DROID RAZR or HTC Rezound in the meantime. Passive-aggressive blogger ranting aside, we’re positive that the Nexus is coming sooner rather than later. After the phone finally made it through the FCC with Verizon’s LTE bands, it seems like a release is imminent. A Phandroid forum poster is showing what appears to be promotional material for a Verizon store, confirming the 4.7mm thickness and the rest of the Galaxy Nexus’ Ice Cream Sandwich features. Take note that these images (see gallery below) don’t feature anything we haven’t seen before, and could easily have been faked. Just a little while longer, folks. Take it one day at a time… and be sure to make snide comments to your British friends. Check out our hands-on looks at the Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich below: Galaxy Nexus Hands-on Ice Cream Sandwich Hands-on    Device Info
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| As Galaxy Nexus launches in UK, Verizon version appears in Google video Posted: 17 Nov 2011 07:15 AM PST Well, the day has finally arrived, for UK citizens, at least. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is available for purchase unlocked and sin contract in the British Isles, all you need is a spare £549.99. There’s still no word out of Verizon, supposedly the exclusive US launch partner for the Galaxy Nexus, but if you’re desperate for a little more confirmation, mozy on over to the official Google Nexus YouTube channel. Demonstration videos for the new Ice Cream Sandwich features are all done with a Verizon-branded LTE version of the Nexus. At least Google can get their hands on one, right?
The Getting Started video is of particular interest. As the hand model swivels the phone around you get a quick look at the same Verizon 4G LTE logo that VZW handsets have been sporting for months. At this point there isn’t much the instructional videos can tell us that we don’t already know, but if you’re in the mood to drool you can watch a dozen or so sedate introductory videos walking new owners through the hardware and software. Do you see what you’ve reduced us to, Verizon? Shame. Us Yanks will just have to console ourselves with FCC filings in the meantime. Things aren’t all sunshine and roses across the pond, however. Apparently there have been a series of launch day blunders for exclusive retail launch partner Phones 4U. Confusion about the phone’s price and unlocked status abounds, with apparently clueless retail employees running around. The very first customer to buy the Galaxy Nexus at one Phones 4U location was actually given a pre-production model, and had to return it for one with the final Ice Cream Sandwich software installed. Check out our hands-on looks at the Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich below: Galaxy Nexus Hands-on Ice Cream Sandwich Hands-on Device Info
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[via Slashgear] )
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| Android 4.0 update for Samsung Galaxy S II confirmed Posted: 17 Nov 2011 03:47 AM PST Today is a good day for fans and owners of the Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone. Samsung has officially confirmed that the smartphone will be getting the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update. Samsung confirmed the update would be hitting the Galaxy S II via a tweet from Samsung UK. The tweet does leave out some important details.
For instance, there is no mention of the time frame that the update will come for the S II. At least we know the update is coming. With many of the high-end devices getting the update early in 2012, perhaps the S II will as well. It’s worth noting that since the tweet was from Samsung UK that other markets might not be getting the update at the same time. Samsung UK notes that it will update fans with more details on the official availability when it can. What’s your guess on the time frame for the update? I would think Q1 2012 along with the other popular Android devices. [via SlashGear] )
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| Panasonic looking to move outside Japan with smartphones Posted: 17 Nov 2011 02:55 AM PST Fans of smartphones in Japan have been able to get devices with the Panasonic logo on them for a while now and the company has sold mobiles in the country for many years. Panasonic has only offered its mobile phone wares inside Japan since 2005. It looks like Panasonic is now set to push those smartphones out to other countries including Europe. I would expect that if Panasonic hits Europe it would come to the US as well.
Europe and the US are two of the most prolific smartphone using areas in the world. According to reports, Panasonic is seeking a European PR agency to handle the launching of its smartphone Southside of Japan. There is no official comment from Panasonic on the move. The phones are said to be Android offerings. Panasonic is also reported to be looking at launching the devices next year. Panasonic has only been in the smartphone business in Japan a while now. It has offered devices like the P-07A back in 2009. [via SlashGear] )
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| Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus sign-up page now headlines Verizon Wireless Posted: 16 Nov 2011 06:21 PM PST News regarding the Samsung Galaxy Nexus has appeared in some shape or form on a daily basis well before it was even announced, and today that continues. We first told you back in October about the sign-up page for details on the Galaxy Nexus right at Samsung.com but today it has changed a bit. Instead of just offerings news and updates it now exclusively states Verizon Wireless. Maybe an announcement with availability is coming soon.
The original sign-up page we mentioned and linked to above said, “Sign up to get the latest on the Galaxy Nexus from Samsung” but recently it has a slightly different tune that states Verizon Wireless and is also in bold. It now reads:
Is that just a tease? What does that mean? Maybe I’m crazy and its been that way for a few days now but last I checked it didn’t mention anything regarding Verizon on the official Samsung page. We have heard all sorts of rumors regarding the Galaxy Nexus hitting Verizon since it was first announced. The biggest date was November 17th, which happens to be tomorrow. I have a feeling we’ll get plenty of Galaxy Nexus news tomorrow, but whether Verizon announces it or not I haven’t a clue. For anything and everything Nexus feel free to look over our Galaxy Nexus portal. Stay tuned because tomorrow could be the big day for Verizon and the Galaxy Nexus. Galaxy Nexus Hands-on Device Info
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[via Samsung] — Thanks Jeff! )
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| Nook Tablet Hands-on and Unboxing Posted: 16 Nov 2011 06:09 PM PST This week marks the launch of Barnes & Noble’s second-wave full-color media consumption slate, the Nook Tablet, and with a bumped-up processor from Texas Instruments, connections to Hulu Plus and Netflix, and notably similar physical attributes otherwise for the chassis, we’ve got to wonder how this will be able to take on the competition this holiday season. What we’ve got here is what your humble narrator got to look at back about a year ago in the Nook Color, but this time with a few upgrades. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it – is that what this is all about? Our hands-on here and our eventual review of this device will tell the tale.
Inside this device, if you’re not familiar with the original, is Android 2.3 Gingerbread here, but not the Android you’re use to, a wholly different vision from Barnes & Noble which tends directly to the media they want you to use with it – namely books. You’ve got the ability to use apps such as the Hulu Plus and Netflix for video – and they do come pre-installed, but for the most part you’ll want to be concentrating on books and magazines from Barnes & Noble’s vast library. You are able to side-load videos if you wish, as you could with the original, but the main idea here is to work with the cloud, quite clearly.
There’s a microphone on this device, that being an improvement over the Nook Color, there’s a brand new slightly softer feel to the whole device, especially the front facade. This device is slightly lighter and ever so slightly thinner than the Nook Color, but on the whole, again, it’s the same form. If you want a tablet that has access to the Android Market for apps outside those authorized set Barnes & Noble has agreed to get access to the tablet.
As for the reading experience, this device, like the Nook Color, is unparalleled for magazines and rich-color content. There’s interactive elements in quite a few magazines, and a lot (though not all) of the bits that move and play are able to be accessed without a wi-fi connection to the internet. You can get free access to wi-fi for this device at any Barnes & Noble store, mind you, and for the most part I can tell you that I’ll be using this device in coffee shops and in the home anyway, so no worries. Then there’s comics! Comic books are provided by the new Marvel Comics app, the pages turning just as swiftly as the magazines, rich color and connections included. When you’re on any page, just as it is with a magazine, book, etcetera, you can pull up a menu that will give you such options as “Discover” which shows you suggestions and “Share” which does exactly what you expect it would do.
This device is clearly a beacon for Barnes & Noble, just like the Nook Color was, and it’ll certainly continue to look fabulous right up front of the stores before the customer gets to the paper books. When will they replace the whole store? We shall see!            )
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| Tablet Brawl: T-Mobile Springboard vs Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus [Video] Posted: 16 Nov 2011 06:00 PM PST We all love Android tablets but choosing the right one can be a hard decision for some. Especially with the wide array of choices and options available in the market at the moment. Today I’ll be showing you some pictures and a quick video comparison between both of the brand new 7″ Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablets available starting today from T-Mobile. Those are the T-Mobile Springboard and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. Both are 4G HSPA+ enabled devices and are quite portable. Check out the hands-on video and pictures after the break.
Starting today, November 16th both of these 7″ tabs are available in stores and online from T-Mobile (links below), and while they are both awesome devices I’m sure many of you want to know what is best. Today I’ll be breaking down a few small points but first feel free to enjoy our in-depth look at these slates. Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus review, and the T-Mobile Springboard review. I’ve also got a quick hands-on video comparison that should help answer any questions better than the photos might — so we’ll start with that. Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus vs T-Mobile Springboard Tablet To break down the specs just as I mention in the video these are very similar devices from the design to the internals and more. We have a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage, 3MP rear and 1.3 front cameras and 4,000 mAh battery in both of these tablets so the variation isn’t large. However the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is lighter and thinner and performs quite a bit better overall in benchmarks although real world usage was much closer of a race. Even though the Springboard has a higher 1280 x 800 HD resolution compared to the Tab’s 1024 x 600 I actually prefer the Galaxy Tab’s display. To be completely fair and honest it feels more responsive too.
I mention pricing a little in the video and you can get all the details right from T-Mobile.com as well. Apparently T-Mobile has a few unique plans for these tablets. You can buy the Springboard outright for $429 with a new 2-year contract or the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus for $499 (also with a new data contract) or T-Mobile is offering a down payment plan, and that seems to be what they are pushing for. The Springboard will run you $179 in-store along with the data plan and 20 monthly payments of $10 — making the total $379 for the actual device. The Tab 7.0 Plus will run you $229 in-store with the same deal — 2 year agreement and 20 months of $10 dollars. For those that don’t want to make a full out expensive purchase the monthly payments will go nicely with your service agreement. At least T-Mobile gives you the option though right?
Again, feel free to check out the reviews on both of these tablets via the links posted above for a more in-depth look at each one and what they have to offer. If I was planning to purchase a 7″ tablet that also had 4G data connectivity these are both exceptional offers and are great at what they do. Offering power, performance, and portability all for a fair price. What tablet would I choose? For me personally the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is the clear winner here. While the Springboard’s amazingly durable design and build quality is nice the aluminum is extra heavy and the squared edges makes it feel fatter then it really is. The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus feels better, it’s more comfortable and is much lighter during daily usage. Pair that with the small but enjoyable changes with the Samsung TouchWiz UX the entire experience was just a tad better for me. The extra price you pay would definitely be worth it. Although, if you need the extra options such as a micro-USB port and micro-HDMI for accessories or video playback that is one area the Springboard has a clear advantage. If you just want a powerful and portable tablet that isn’t tied down to a Wi-Fi only connection the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 is the best optional available and will be for some time. The Springboard just isn’t up to par with what Samsung has to offer but it sure is close. Feel free to ask any questions regarding either tablet and I’ll try my best to answer. Enjoy the rest of the pictures in the comparison gallery below then head to T-Mobile and pick one up. Which tablet would you prefer? T-Mobile Links:                Device Info
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| Slide 2 Wake enables locking and unlocking by sliding capacitive buttons Posted: 16 Nov 2011 05:34 PM PST This sort of thing is why I love Android. A n innovative modder named “bponury” from the fairy land that is XDA-Developers has posted a video of his latest creation, the Slide 2 Wake kernel. It enables a quick sleep mode via a swipe across the capacitive keys from right to left, and an easy unlock from wake via a swipe from left to right. Thus you can turn your phone on and off without ever actually touching the screen.
Note that this is a kernel, not an app; actually enabling it will require a flash via ClockworkMod or some other custom recovery. This sort of thing apparently requires more base-level modification than is possible even with a root-enabled app. And right now it’s only available on a single Android device, the unlocked GSM version of the HTC EVO 3D, so it’s only available to a very tiny portion of Android users. With any luck, we’ll see ports to the CDMA version of the EVO 3D, and eventually maybe even other device’s kernels with this feature enabled. It’s a little hard to visualize the sliding action in words, so check out the video below for a brilliant demonstration: Android is ripe for this sort of modification, and it’s always fun to see what lots of talent and free time can do. This sort of thing might be impossible in a year or so when Ice Cream Sandwich makes capacitive buttons passe, but then again, HTC doesn’t seem in any hurry to get rid of them. If you happen to have a GSM HTC EVO 3D lying around, head on over to XDA to try it out. [via Android Police, Good and Evo] )
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| Galaxy Tab 10.1N released in Germany, Samsung says “saugen sie es” to Apple Posted: 16 Nov 2011 04:59 PM PST After winning an injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany over some extremely vague design patents, Apple was sitting high on the hog, keeping the South Korean company from selling tablets in the country. Months later Samsung has responded with the Galaxy Tab 10.1N, a redesigned model that presumably skirts Apple’s complaints to become legal in Deutschland. The new tablets will begin shipping in the next few days for €550, or about $743.
It’s not immediately clear what Samsung has done to the original design to make it comply with the German court’s ruling, or if Apple is planning a rebuttal on the new model. The latter wouldn’t be at all surprising, given Steve Jobs’ vitriolic mandate against Android and the company’s particular hatred for Samsung. But if the 10.1V successfully sidesteps Apple’s design patents, you can expect to see a similar model popping up in Australia soon, and perhaps even replacing the standard model worldwide to avoid future lawsuits. That includes the United States, where Apple is currently suing Samsung over the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and other devices. Since the design looks like it’s got only a few minor changes, on the hardware side at least, it should be easy enough for Samsung to transition manufacturing for current and future models (assuming that it’s necessary). If Apple can raise any further objections, I’m sure we’ll hear about them in the coming months. [via Engadget] )
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| Buy Google Music from your Android phone right now with Google+ Posted: 16 Nov 2011 04:55 PM PST Excited for the new Google Music, but can’t stand the thought of waiting a few days to get your mobile MP3 on? The fire up your Google+ app and hit up a friend for some recommendations. If you follow Google Music link from within the Google+ app, you can purchase music directly from the Android Market – no PC required.
Support is still spotty, as this is a workaround. Once in the music section Android Market, you can’t search or go back without getting the boot, or at least out guinea pig couldn’t. But the purchase will go through using the same source as your app, movie and book purchases, instantly syncing to Google Music’s services and available through the Google Music app on your phone. You can even review the songs or albums you download. According to Google, a new version of the Android Market should start pushing out in the next few days with all of the content promised in their LA presentation. In the meantime, US music fans can still rock out using the web version of the Market, and your songs will appear in the Google Music app, just as promised. What are you waiting for? Get to it, all you cool cats out there in Internet land! )
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| Google Music gives indie artists a direct sales platform with Music Hub Posted: 16 Nov 2011 03:33 PM PST Music labels are so 20th century. As a company that’s thrived in the 21st, Google understands that, and if Google Music is any indication, they’re embracing it. The new Artist Hub allows anyone to post their music to Google Music and the Android Market for free, with a host of tools for managing and sharing content. All together, it makes Google Music and Android a pretty amazing platform for indie artists to share and expand.
First of all, Artists receive a 70/30 split with Google for all of their music revenue, and there are no extra setup or upload fees. Bands can set their own prices for tracks or albums, and connect songs to YouTube videos to quickly and easily bring viewers into their musical fold. The Artist pages allow each artist or band to set up their own profile in Google Music, with features songs, videos and the like. The Google+ sharing tools that regular users get can also be used by bands themselves. There’s no bottom limit for pricing, so artists can give away as much music as they want. Revenue is sent back to artists via Google Wallet. To get a quick overview of the Music Hub from some of the first indie bands to use it, check out the video below: Unfortunately, the Google Music service is only available in the US right now, and that extends to artist as well. Since Google is constantly updating the system with new features and artists (not to mention record labels), expect that to change soon, at least as fast as Google can negotiate with the various labels and recording companies in other countries. Google Music is available now via the official website, and updated versions of the Android Market and Google Music should be rolling out to most Android phones soon. )
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| Google Music App v4.0 now in Android Market, free streaming for all Posted: 16 Nov 2011 03:08 PM PST Well folks, its now official and all the details are right here. Google Music Beta has left the building and will now just be called — take a guess — Google Music. It has left beta but the big news here is it will actually be free for everyone and users can store and stream up to 20,000 high quality 320 kbps audio files with Google Music — completely for free.
The brand new Google Music v4.0 application has just hit the market and is available right now. You can get the update and enjoy all the free streaming offered by Google right now. The music webstore is also available by clicking here or going to market.android.com/music — feel free to try the “Free Song of the Day”. This is very similar to the version leaked a few weeks back, but newer is always better right? If you didn’t watch the live broadcast of the new Google Music for Android all the information and screenshots are available in this post. For now the web market and the application are up and live but the actual music integration into the Android Market on mobile devices hasn’t landed yet. We’ll be sure to update everyone as soon as that hits so you can start buying and enjoying the millions of songs right from your Android devices. Rock on!     )
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| Google Music includes free full track sharing via Google+ Posted: 16 Nov 2011 03:06 PM PST Google’s new Music endeavor is certainly exciting, and not just because it’s yet another digital music store. Google is the first company to offer a free preview of your purchased music to your contacts on Google+. Your friends can listen to one full play of any song or album you purchase.
All this is in addition to the considerable social features built in to Google Music, by way of Google+. You can recommend songs or albums to individual friends or Circles, who can see an instant link to the relevent music on the Android Market or the Google Music web site. Naturally all your music is instantly added to your personal digital locker, available for unlimited downloads or pins at any time. This functionality should be showing up in the brand new Google Music app, as well as the web versions of Google Music and Google+. You can purchase music with the same credit card that’s attached to your Android Market account, and T-Mobile customers will be able to add music to their phone bills soon. )
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| Google: Over 200 million Android devices activated globally Posted: 16 Nov 2011 02:36 PM PST Today during the live broadcast of the Google Music event going on now, Google has just announced that over 200 million android devices have been activated a globally. A number that has doubled in the past 6 months. Whoa, that is a pretty large number that appears to be growing by the thousands every single day.
The Google “These Go to Eleven” event has just announced the new Google Music and that it will be completely free offering Android users 25,000 songs worth of free cloud storage for all their music. For all of the details as they become available feel free to check out that link above. Not only that but all of this music will be full high quality 320 kbps music, beating Apple’s 256 offering. We are still digging through all the details but thought the above numbers regarding well over 200 million android devices was worth a quick post. The Android Army is going strong and is showing NO signs of slowing down. Enjoy the ride guys! )
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| Google Music unveiled with Android Market integration, stays free Posted: 16 Nov 2011 02:25 PM PST In a creatively-teased event in Los Angeles this afternoon, Google finally pulled the wraps off its long-awaited music store. Hundreds of tech press were crammed into Mr. Brainwash Studio, where the details were finally hammered out. Google has been testing the streaming music waters for since May with its Google Music Beta program, but today it comes to everybody in the country.
Streaming and Syncing Google Music is now open to everyone in the United States. The uploading and streaming properties are intact: you can upload up to 20,000 songs to Google, completely free, and stream it to any device. Users can upload their music selectively using the Google Music desktop application from Windows, Linux or Mac. The Google Music app for Android, updated today, will tie into users’ digital locker saved on Google’s servers. You can stream the music to unlimited Android devices and access it from a desktop browser. An interesting new feature is a pin manager: simply pin songs or albums to your device to save a local copy, to make sure you can get to it even without a connection. Android/Market integration As expected, Music has been added to the Android Market along with Movies and Books. Google is offering “millions of songs” in the updated version of the Market, including suggestions based on your current music collection. Once a song or album is added it goes straight into your digital locker – no download necessary, unless you want it. All songs get a free 90-second preview, and come in at a high-quality 320kbps files. The Market also gets some interesting social features, as your Google+ contacts can recommend music, which you can then check out. Friends will receive one free full play of recommended music that has been shared, a feature that’s completely new to the music industry.
The Music store is live at the web version of the Android Market, and will be rolling out to Android devices in the next few days. Sony Music, Universal, and EMI have all signed up for the service – so far, Warner Music is not on board. Numerous independent labels are also debuting with Google Music. Google is actively pursuing more music partnerships. Some exclusive Google Music content includes six as-yet-unreleased Rolling Stones concert, as well as Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam and Shakira. Busta Rhymes’ new album will be available only on Google Music, and the first track is a free download right now.
Independent Artists Independent artists can share their music through the Artist Hub, which publishes music directly to the Android Market. Artists can set their own prices (even free!) and establish their own band profiles on the Google Music service. Artists get 70% of the revenue from their songs with no album or track fees, and they can sell music against their YouTube videos. T-Mobile integration T-Mobile customers will be able to pay for new music through their phone bill, just like they can with apps. The functionality hasn’t been added just yet, but should be coming very soon. T-Mobile will aslo be giving their customers free exclusive content from Drake, Maroon 5, Busta Rhymes and others through the end of the year. Google didn’t mention pricing, but a quick look at the web version of the Android Market shows most individual tracks at 99 cents, with some featured albums as an all or nothing purchase.            )
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Google raised a few eyebrows when it sent indie artists through Google Wallet for the 
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