Today's Latest Posts.... |  |
- Q2: Android Accounts for 68% of World’s Smartphone Shipments
- How to: Turn on Wi-Fi on an Android Device [Beginners' Guide]
- iOS to Get Advanced Google Voice Search in Coming Days, Still Nothing for Android Use
- GameKlip for Smartphones – Turn Your Mobile Device into a Real Gaming Machine
- $240 NFC Keyboard with Non-Rechargeable Battery is Neat, but Not Practical
- Why It Matters That Samsung Copied Apple [Opinion]
- Lookout Introduces Newly Redesigned Mobile Web Application – Losing your Phone Doesn’
- Walmart Selling T-Mobile Galaxy Note for $349 Off-Contract, Steal of the Century? (Up
- Reminder: Verizon has Mega Share Everything Plans, Ranging From 12GB to 30GB
- Nikon Coolpix S800 to be Their First Android Powered Camera, Sports Gingerbread and 3
- Nova Launcher Updated to Beta 3, Merges with the Jelly Bean Hotness
- New Verizon Galaxy S3 Root Tool Brings Root, Recovery and Will Unroot You if Need be
- MetroPCS Launches World’s First VoLTE Network and Smartphone, Take That Big Four!
- How To: Set up Google’s Two-Step Authenticator Application
- You can Make Nandroid Backups Without Having to Reboot to Recovery, Thanks to New Bac
| Q2: Android Accounts for 68% of World’s Smartphone Shipments Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   In total, Android accounted for 68% of all smartphones shipped globally while iOS held a mere 17%. As with any major release from Apple, those numbers are sure to get a nice boost as they prepare to launch their newest iPhone next month. *On a sadder note, while Android numbers grow bigger and healthier, it means that Windows and BlackBerry are not sharing the same success, accounting for just*4.8% and 3.5% of all shipments during the second quarter of 2012. Ouch. Stay strong, Bugdroid. Stay strong. Via: BGR |
| How to: Turn on Wi-Fi on an Android Device [Beginners' Guide] Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   Standard Method: 1. *First, head into the Settings menu of your device. *Press the Menu button and then Settings. On some devices without a Menu button, you can pull down your Notification menu and select the Settings icon. 2. *From there, the top option you will see under “Wireless & Networks” is Wi-Fi.3. *Select Wi-Fi and turn the toggle or button to “On.” 4. *The device will display all of the networks in range. 5. *When you see your home network’s name, select it, enter your password and hit “Connect.” 6. *You are now connected to a Wi-Fi network. Alternative Methods: For future usage, Android comes with a Power Control widget that can be placed on a homescreen and is a much quicker method for toggling Wi-Fi on and off. To add the widget, long-press the desired homescreen and an options menu will appear. Select “Widgets” and scroll down the list until you see “Power Control.” You have now added the Power Control widget to your homescreen. If your device is running Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean, the widgets menu can be accessed by opening your app drawer and scrolling all the way to the right or hitting “Widgets.” By hitting the Wi-Fi icon on the Power Control widget, it will toggle your Wi-Fi connection on and off without forcing you to go into the Settings menu. On some devices, the Power Control is accessible through the pulldown notification bar on the top of your display. *Android Beginners Guide is a way for people new to Android to get to learn how Android works. We will be posting many tips and tricks on how to optimize your usage of the Android operating system. |
| iOS to Get Advanced Google Voice Search in Coming Days, Still Nothing for Android Use Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   To make matters worse, this new iOS Voice Search appears to be ever-so-slightly improved even over the build you and I are running on the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7. When you watch the video below, you’ll see it return results with voice for questions like “movies playing in Cape Cod” and “I need a mechanic,” two things that the current Android version won’t do. Now, those additions are likely easy for Google to implement, plus they also aren’t in the beautiful card style that we get from Google Now. It is still a bit unfortunate that devices running Ice Cream Sandwich are being left out, though. After all, in most people’s minds, Jelly Bean is only a slightly upgraded version of ICS. So who knows when the rest of the Android universe will see the new Google Voice Search. I can’t imagine it’s that far off. In fact, I wouldn’t be all that surprised if it showed up in the next week with even better functionality than what you are seeing here in the iOS version. That of course, is speculation. Via: *Google |
| GameKlip for Smartphones – Turn Your Mobile Device into a Real Gaming Machine Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   Once connected to your device and controller, it makes mobile games a much less aggravating pastime. Games such as GTAIII and Dead Trigger can be*accomplished*with ease without your fingers being in the way of that huge display. Each clip, depending on which option you want, starts at just $15. You can check them out on the GameKlip website down below. Click here to view the embedded video. Via: GameKlip |
| $240 NFC Keyboard with Non-Rechargeable Battery is Neat, but Not Practical Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   The issue, is that the keyboard’s battery is neither*rechargeable*or*replaceable. Once its life span of 18 months (eight hours a day) has come to an end, it’s time for it to hit the garbage can. So, why did they do this? No clue, but it would immediately turn me off from forking over that kind of dough when the pre-installed keyboard works just fine in most cases. What do you think? Is it awesome or a total waste of money? Click here to view the embedded video. Via: Engadget |
| Why It Matters That Samsung Copied Apple [Opinion] Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   It’s easy for Android supporters to want to defend Samsung, but the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of Apple’s argument: Samsung realized that it needed to copy Apple to get ahead in the smartphone space. In terms of what this means for the lawsuit seems trivial, but there are deeper issues at stake. How did Samsung copying Apple damage the Android ecosystem as a whole and why should you care? Since the release of the original Galaxy S back in 2010, Samsung began a steady climb to become the dominant Android manufacturer in terms of both tablets and smartphones. Prior to the Galaxy S, Samsung had touted phones like the original Galaxy (running Android 1.6) and before then the Omnia line of phones running Windows Mobile. Like HTC, Samsung began developing their custom skin, TouchWiz, on Windows Mobile before hitting their stride by skinning Android. It is important to remember that in the early days of Android, there were not a lot of differences between Android and Windows Mobile. Both operating systems were designed to compete with Blackberry OS, Palm OS, and Symbian, not iOS. Towards the end of Windows Mobile’s life, companies like Samsung and HTC made Windows Mobile usable with TouchFlo UI (later renamed Sense) and TouchWiz. Because Android was not designed to compete with a touch-only operating system, Android manufacturers used skins to make Android more competitive. For example, while the original Droid could not originally pinch-to-zoom, the Droid Eris and Droid Incredible were able to because of Sense (at least in the browser; Google apps like Maps weren’t able to use pinch-to-zoom until Google updated them). In the midst of Apple’s market disruptions, customers were looking for a more modern smartphone than Microsoft or Blackberry had to offer. They turned to manufacturers like HTC and Samsung to provide a skinned Android experience more like the experience afforded by the iPhone. Manufacturers correctly assessed that Android’s early incarnations were not as polished as they should have been to compete with iOS, so they skinned them to improve the experience. HTC had partnered with Google to make the first flagship Android phones (the G1, the Magic, and the Nexus One), making it the most prominent Android manufacturer in the early days of Android. Other manufacturers wanted to get ahead. As OEMs realized that Android was the way to go (especially since Microsoft’s upcoming OS would not allow the manufacturer customizations that OEMs had pured millions of dollars into developing), they began to push more of their efforts into customizing Android. Samsung was able to jump ahead of everyone with the release of the Galaxy S, the successor to the less-than-impressive Galaxy. The Galaxy S had a lot of things going for it. It featured a 1 GHz processor, a Super AMOLED display, a 5 MP camera, and perhaps most importantly, was available on all four major carriers in the US by September of 2010. At the time, the iPhone was still only available on AT&T in the United States. Following the release of the Galaxy S, Samsung began their steady climb to become the only profitable Android manufacturer in the world. The question is, what did Samsung do that HTC, Motorola, and others didn’t? The answer is simple: Samsung copied Apple while manufacturers like Motorla and HTC differentiated their software. The evidence has always been clear. A quick comparison between the Galaxy S and the iPhone 3G/3GS reveal many similarities between the design of the bezel to the color and look of many TouchWiz icons. To make matters worse, the trial between Samsung and Apple has revealed several internal Samsung documents that specifically state that Samsung was trying to copy Apple. As supporters of Android, we shouldn’t care if one manufacturer fairs better than another; after all, competition spurs innovation. We should care, however, if a manufacturer steals ideas from a competitor to get ahead of everyone else instead of innovating on their own. If you look at Samsung’s Omnia line and first Galaxy device, it’s clear that Samsung was further behind in the game than Motorola or HTC. Look at Motorola and HTC devices in the era of the iPhone 3G onward. There is a clear design aesthetic that Motorola and HTC have been pursuing. When you see a Motorola or a Samsung phone today, the design is iconic of each company. While Motorola and HTC may have taken some inspiration from Apple initially (especially HTC), both companies differentiated their software and eventually came into their own hardware design language. Motorola phones usually feature striking edges, tough materials, and blocky software design while HTC phones have curved edges and polished, flashy software. There is a clear path of design aesthetic from the Droid to the RAZR. The same can be said of HTC’s designs from the Nexus One onward (the G1 and the Magic still looked like Windows Mobile devices in my opinion). Samsung’s devices, on the other hand, take a dramatic shift from the Galaxy S onward in terms of software and hardware mimicking the iPhone. Maybe Samsung got ahead because consumers saw their phones as close enough to an iPhone. Maybe Samsung got ahead because they stole hardware design and software ideas from Apple so they didn’t have to put in as much time and effort as other OEMs did in developing their own ideas. Regardless of the specific reason, it is clear that Samsung not only stole ideas from Apple to get ahead, but that it worked. More importantly, because it worked, the Android ecosystem as a whole has suffered and manufacturers that would have probably thrived through their own innovations are instead losing money every quarter. I have no doubt that companies like Motorola and HTC would be doing much better had Samsung decided to compete by actually innovating instead of lazily stealing ideas from Apple to get ahead. Apple surprised the world with the iPhone. Everyone knew that it would take time for the competition to catch up and then really compete, but Samsung took the lazy route and copied Apple instead of innovating. Obviously Samsung didn’t copy everything from Apple, but their own documents make it clear that their intent was to copy enough from Apple to get ahead. This sort of problem can’t be solved in the courts. Samsung has built up a brand and a reputation that, based on Galaxy S III sales, will be difficult to tarnish. The reality is, most people won’t care that Samsung copied Apple, but they should. Real innovators like HTC and Motorola would undoubtedly be doing better in the market, and therefore have more resources to keep innovating. Google can’t buy all the OEMs that fail, and even if they could, that wouldn’t right Samsung’s wrong. The Android ecosystem has been forever damaged by Samsung’s callous laziness. Samsung’s brazen copying of the iPhone didn’t hurt Apple nearly as much as it hurt other Android OEMs. Hopefully OEMs like Motorola and HTC are able to out-innovate the competition even more to ensure their success in the market. |
| Lookout Introduces Newly Redesigned Mobile Web Application – Losing your Phone Doesn’ Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   With the new mobile web-based app, you can view your backed up contacts, locate your device’s location through Google Maps, and if you’re a premium user, remotely wipe and lock your device so no creepers can look through your goods. The redesign has already rolled out, so go check it out at the Lookout website on your phone and make yourself comfortable. Lookout also plans to roll out even more features for the redesign so stay tuned. Via: Lookout |
| Walmart Selling T-Mobile Galaxy Note for $349 Off-Contract, Steal of the Century? (Up Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   Update: *This was clearly an error. The device is no longer listed with Walmart at all. In fact, the link below now directs to some cheap Prism phone. If you are out of contract and thinking about T-Mobile, this wouldn’t be a bad choice. Grab yourself an off-contract Note and sign-up for a prepaid plan. Tough to beat that idea. Via: *Walmart*| TmoNews Cheers Scott! |
| Reminder: Verizon has Mega Share Everything Plans, Ranging From 12GB to 30GB Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT   For those on Share Everything that imagine a time where 10GB of data at $100 is not enough, don’t worry, Verizon has more tiers for you to entertain. The next plan after 10GB is 12GB and will run you $110. The chart above details the rest, but as you can tell, there is even a 30GB plan for $200 in case you and your family plans on getting really wild some month. I would assume that Big Red may even go above and beyond 30GB if you need them to. To our Share Everything readers, I ask you, how are you liking your plan? Satisfied with tiers, pricing, etc.? |
| Nikon Coolpix S800 to be Their First Android Powered Camera, Sports Gingerbread and 3 Posted: 08 Aug 2012 04:31 PM PDT  * According to Nikon Rumors, Nikon is said to be prepping for their*announcement*of the company’s first Android-powered camera, the Nikon S800. The camera is part of their point-and-shoot range so don’t expect the specs to blow your mind. As for what is known, we are looking at a 25-250mm lens, 3.5-inch OLED display, and built-in GPS and WiFi connectivity. In terms of Android, Gingerbread is said to be the OS of choice, but much isn’t known about any type of skin that will go on top. As a cherry on top, the device is said to be able to access Google Play for the downloading of applications that will add camera features.* Nikon’s*announcement*is rumored for sometime late this month. Excited? Via: Phandroid, Nikon Rumors |
| Nova Launcher Updated to Beta 3, Merges with the Jelly Bean Hotness Posted: 08 Aug 2012 08:59 AM PDT   If you’re running the market version of Nova, go into Nova Settings and hit “check for updates.” In the top right you will see the three dot settings button – select that then choose the beta option. The new application will download and you can simply install over the current Nova and you won’t lose any settings. Play Link Cheers Adam! |
| New Verizon Galaxy S3 Root Tool Brings Root, Recovery and Will Unroot You if Need be Posted: 08 Aug 2012 08:59 AM PDT   A new 1-click tool has been created by XDA member*AdamOutler, that will give you root, a custom recovery, boot into Download and Recovery modes, and unroot your device should you need to. The tool was released yesterday, so feel free to give it a few test runs and provide feedback to its creator. Via: *Download Link |*XDA Cheers Kevin! |
| MetroPCS Launches World’s First VoLTE Network and Smartphone, Take That Big Four! Posted: 07 Aug 2012 07:51 PM PDT   VoLTE is a data service that will transform the industry once it is widely adopted. Current carrier networks that have 4G LTE capabilities still rely on CDMA or GSM to handle their voice calls and texting, but with VoLTE, data takes care of it all. Call quality and stability should be greatly improved once you have the entire process handled by data. We would assume that battery life on devices will also become much more efficient with there being no need to power a second 3G or 2G radio, however, devices of that nature may still be a ways out. Along with this announcement of the first VoLTE network, MetroPCS is also announcing the first phone to take advantage of it, the LG Connect 4G. Fun news, right? Once Verizon covers the country in 4G LTE over the next year, you can imagine that they will start to ready VoLTE service of their own. They have reportedly begun testing in a couple of markets and have said that they could start rolling it out in 2013 to the public. By the end of 2013, they may even offer VoLTE-only devices. MetroPCS Launches World’s First Commercially Available Voice Over LTE Service and VoLTE-Capable 4G LTE Smartphone DALLAS, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) today reached another innovation milestone by announcing the world’s first commercial launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, availability of the world’s first VoLTE-capable handsets and the first sale of a VoLTE-capable handset at one of the company’s Dallas/Fort Worth store locations. MetroPCS is selling the new VoLTE-capable LG Connect 4G Android™ smartphone at select U.S. stores and will continue to roll out VoLTE services and phones in the coming weeks.“Being the first operator globally to reach this industry first speaks volumes about our company’s innovative spirit and passion to achieve goals that we believe will have long-term benefit for our customers and for the company,” said Roger Linquist, chairman and chief executive officer of MetroPCS. “The initial move to LTE and this move to VoLTE allow us to achieve significant spectral efficiencies and will increase network capacity so that we can enhance the 4G LTE experience that our customers have today at a tremendous value. VoLTE also provides a foundational capability for future Rich Communication Services (RCS), which we plan to launch later this year.” The addition of VoLTE capabilities to MetroPCS’ 4G LTE handsets will be transparent to consumers as they continue to enjoy all the voice and 4G LTE data services with which they are already familiar. Calls to and from the handset will use VoLTE, regardless of the handset or network used on the other end of the call. MetroPCS was the first U.S. carrier to deploy a commercial 4G LTE network in September 2010 and has since built out its 4G LTE network to cover roughly 90 percent of its CDMA footprint. About MetroPCS Communications, Inc. Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) is a provider of no annual contract, unlimited wireless communications service for a flat rate. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With Metro USA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their service in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of June 30, 2012, MetroPCS had approximately 9.3 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com. |
| How To: Set up Google’s Two-Step Authenticator Application Posted: 07 Aug 2012 07:51 PM PDT   1. What is*two-step authentication? In this context, Google Authenticator works as a second line of defense if your account is compromised. When setup of Authenticator is complete, you log in to your account as you normally would, but much like you would see on a banking website, there is an additional step for signing in. A numerical*authentication*code is messaged to the mobile device tied to your account for entering, which will then allow you to gain access to your account. The*authentication*code is never the same twice, which ensures for a more secure experience for users. 2. Setting up Google Authenticator. Setting up Authenticator isn’t the easiest process, especially if you have multiple devices on a single account. First, you must enable the feature in your Google account under the “Security” option. Once enabled, you set it up to send a six digit code for*authentication*purposes to your cell phone. Select your main phone’s number and not a Google Voice number that is tied to your account. Once you have paired both your 2-step*authentication*and your smartphone, you can then start adding your other Android devices and also download the Authenticator app from Google Play, which does not need a data connection to create your codes for logging in. After these steps, it will ask you to mark the computer you’re signing up on as a “trusted computer,” meaning it won’t ask you to verify log ins from that computer except for every 30 days or sometimes longer. At this point, you’re at the landing page for all of your two-step settings. From this page and this page alone, you can change individual application access, add or remove trusted computers, and add more backup phones.  Play Link Note: For habitual ROM flashers that wipe their data every week or so, this may not be a fun process. When logging into your Google account at the setup screens, make sure to have*authentication*codes and a*computer*handy. If you run out of manual codes from your account’s dashboard, you can have them generate more codes. We*wouldn’t*want you to be locked out of your device. Click here to view the embedded video. |
| You can Make Nandroid Backups Without Having to Reboot to Recovery, Thanks to New Bac Posted: 07 Aug 2012 07:51 PM PDT   So how does this work? Well, here is the setup that ONB’s creator suggests: Requirements And some example backup types:1. Rooted android phone 2. A terminal emulator installed on phone 3. Busybox 4. A working CWM based recovery installed 5. Some patience Installation 1. Download and copy zip file to SD card 2. Reboot into recovery 3. Choose install zip from SD card, select zip and flash . 4. Reboot! Usage 1. Open terminal emulator 2. Type*su*to obtain root 3. Type*onandroid 4. Wait and watch  Give it a spin and let us know what you think. Full support at the source link below. Via: *XDA Cheers*Aravind and Paul (from yesterday)! |
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