Friday, March 25, 2011

Android Community

Android Community


Samsung Vibrant passes FCC

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 11:36 AM PDT

Samsung has gotten the green light from the FCC for the Samsung Vibrant to operate in AT&Ts 3G spectrum. The repackaged Galaxy S 4G, may be a phone that will be used to transition T-Mobile customers over to Ma Bell as it’s model designation points to a Get More network pedigree (Model SGH-T959P). The speculation is that this phone is part of a fast track strategy to move towards the AT&T-Mobile merger, and which starts with T-Mobile customers being allowed to roam AT&T’s network with phones that support AT&Ts spectrum. And while FCC approval is widely believed to be a long way off, the roaming agreement will happen regardless.

Other speculation is that the phone is being designed to test integration of both networks as AT&T begins to transition T-Mobile towers into their 4G networks. Both theories tend to make sense, but are speculation, nonetheless. There are even rumors that the HSPA+ capability of the Galaxy S design could portend this being for a Canadian Wireless Network. Could be either, none or both. Don’t you just love rampant speculation?

The Samsung Vibrant (aka Galaxy S 4G) has a 1Ghz processor, 4-inch Super AMOLED display, and a 5MP camera with 720p HD video recording. It’s loaded with Android 2.2 OS (Froyo) and can operate with 4G data transfers up to 21MBps. And although it has 4G capability over HSPA+, the phone was approved for AT&Ts 3G spectrum of 850 and 1900MHz bands. Regardless of where the Vibrant ends up, it’s Galaxy S 4G design makes it a great phone no matter what carrier it’s on.

[via PhanDroid]

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GameLoft to distribute games exclusively through Amazon

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 10:45 AM PDT

GameLoft has announced that they’ve hitched their wagon to the Amazon AppStore for Android and will be distibuting their games exclusively. Citing security and piracy concerns, GameLoft stated that they want their users to be confident that the games they download aren’t being co-opted with malware, which has afflicted the Amazon Marketplace lately. Additionally,GameLoft stated DRM as another reason to go with Amazon as a distribution partner. Considering that Amazon will be putting strict controls and must approve every app for listing is a compelling and attractive reason, but let’s not forget the large pond that Amazon enjoys. Although not as large as the Android Marketplace, the online portal has launched with over 3,800 titles out of the box, it’s one-click eco system makes purchasing apps both secure and easy.

“The Amazon ecosystem is controlled where we don’t find too many pirated version of our games or malware games, so for the consumers, it will be a safer place to come and get applications,” Guillemot said in an interview with Reuters.

Amazon’s AppStore for Android launched this past Tuesday and already has Rovio as an exclusive partner for distribution of all Angry Birds for Android products. The online portal is offering most games for a standard price of .99 cents, and will also be featuring a free app of the day. It not only distributes games, but apps and utilities all across the Android spectrum, making it a serious challenge to Google’s Android Marketplace. Not only does it have the security infrastructure that GameLoft is looking for, but the ability of one-click checkout makes game purchases more secure and easier for the consumer.

And that translates to more sales for GameLoft. With titles like Ultimate Spiderman Total Mayhem, Uno, Assassins Creed, and Modern Warfare, mobile games account for 95% of GameLoft’s revenues. Based on a combination of their own portal and some titles still on the Amazon Marketplace, Gameloft pulled in nearly $200 million in sales last year. And with the mobile gaming market expected to top over $11 billion by 2014, linking with Amazon’s AppStore for Android is a strategic move that should give GameLoft a wide reach to add with their presence on the iTunes AppStore.

[via Reuters]

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Samsung Galaxy S 4G wins best of CTIA

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 09:56 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S 4G, also known as the Samsung Vibrant, took best in show honors for the mobile phone category at CTIA 2011 in Orlando, FL, today.  Categories included mobile applications, mobile consumer electronics, enterprise and vertical markets and network infrastructure..   The award is based on a popularity contest whereas phone fans text in their votes for their favorite seen at the show.  Samsung also took third for their 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot feature in the mobile consumer electronics accessories category.

"CTIA congratulates this year's E-Tech Awards winners," said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director. "The mobile industry is undergoing rapid innovation and the E-Tech Awards honor the latest products and services for a truly mobile life."

The awards were part of the Emerging Technology (E-Tech) awards and this year’s winners show a great focus on 4G networks as the speed race continues. Other honors went to the Motorola Atrix 4G, which took the top prize for Best Mobile Phone/Smartphone, followed by the LG Thril 4G and the HTC Thunderbolt. The Motorola Xoom won the prize for Tablets & Notebooks, followed by the AT&T Vitality GlowCap and the T-Mobile GSlate with Google.

The Samsung Galaxy S 4G is T-Mobile’s star entry in the 4G race, with a 1 Ghz processor, 4-inch Super AMOLED display, and a 5MP camera with 720p HD video recording. It also comes with a 16GB microS card slot and a 1650 mAh battery. And thanks to Android 2.2 (Froyo), it can take advantage of that award winning Mobile Hotspot option to boot. And that the award was given by peers at the conference shows how much this phone is liked industry wide. It’s like the people’s choice award for cellphones. Hat’s off to Samsung FTW!

[via SamsungHub]

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Sonos Controller for Android delayed

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 06:14 AM PDT

Sonos has confirmed delays in the release of the Android controller app, which will now arrive sometime in April. Originally the company had promised to release it this month.

“We know you're anxiously awaiting the Sonos Controller for Android. Unfortunately, testing the app is taking a bit longer than we anticipated” Andrew Schulert, Vice President of quality at Sonos says. “The latest addition to our free controller line-up won't arrive until April, but when it does, it is going to rock.”

More info on the app here.

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Ainol Honeycomb tablet gets pictured

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 06:08 AM PDT

Having taunted us with specifications for its upcoming Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet, Ainol has now turned to photos to build pre-launch hype. The trio of shots show a reasonably chunky, though also nicely distinctive slate, which is said to have WiFi and 3G along with a 1280 x 800 IPS capacitive touchscreen display and SoChip Cortex-A9 processor.

Ports include HDMI and a microSD card slot, along with a headphones jack, and there’s at least a front-facing camera for video calls. We can also make out a kick-stand, useful for standing the tablet up for video playback; given Ainol is better known for its PMPs, it’s not too surprising that they saw fit to add that in.

Curiously, despite Honeycomb having on-screen controls, the Ainol tablet has physical keys for home, menu, back and search. Still no word on when exactly we can expect to see the unnamed slate hit shelves.

ainol_a9_honeycomb_mid_3 ainol_a9_honeycomb_mid_2 ainol_a9_honeycomb_mid_1

[via MP4Nation]

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Mobiado CPT002 Aston Martin concept promises transparent touchscreen

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 05:39 AM PDT

Car designers are used to being able to come up with outlandish ideas that will never quite work, so why shouldn’t they do the same with smartphones? The Mobiado CPT002 Aston Martin concept phone takes a sheet of solid sapphire crystal, layers on a transparent capacitive touchscreen, and then brackets it with platinum side bars containing the battery, electronics and SIM card.

At least, that’s what the design brief says; actually manufacturing all this would, we fear, be a little outside the realms of what’s feasible. Still, the Android-based concept looks fantastic, and would have plenty of integration with your Aston Martin (you do have an Aston, don’t you?).

As well as working as the key, the CPT002 would automatically hook up to your car’s display, showing FourSquare-powered points-of-interest, parking and your friends, while cameras embedded in the car will share photos to Twitter and Facebook. Should you accidentally crash, the phone will record stats from the airbag and other sensors. Mobiado say the whole exercise is designed to “push the boundaries of invention”; as long as they’re paying for the car, we won’t argue with them.

mobiado_cpt002_aston_martin_concept_1 mobiado_cpt002_aston_martin_concept_3 mobiado_cpt002_aston_martin_concept_2

[via GSMArena]

Press Release:

MOBIADO CPT002 ASTON MARTIN CONCEPT PHONE: DESIGN IN MOBILITY

Basel, Switzerland – March 24th, 2011: The CPT002 exemplifies what a concept phone can be, combining existing technology and software with state-of-the-art advances in electronics to create a realistic vision of luxury mobile phones. The CTP002 will present this futuristic image at BaselWorld, the world watch and jewelry show in Switzerland (Hall 2.1, Booth A22).
The CPT002 is the key to your Aston Martin vehicle, automatically unlocking the doors as you approach, however this is just the beginning as the phone also connects directly to the car display while remaining in your pocket. The CPT002 software combines with the vehicle GPS providing a new level of social network experience:
 FourSquare will show your current location as well as the location of your friends and nearby venues all integrated on a GPS map of the Aston Martin car display, to help you plan your night and organize parking locations.
 Cameras integrated into the vehicle can be set to periodically update FaceBook and Twitter with pictures, video, and information of passing cities/landmarks during road trips, or can update your social sites in real time with your progress during race track days.
 At the time of an accident, the vehicle Airbag will receive accelerometer information from the CPT002 in the driver's pocket. These readings will give the car information of the driver's acceleration movement from within the car seat, allowing for more responsive control over safety deployments such as airbag sequence, timing, and seatbelt stiffening.
Mobiado is consistently guided by a philosophy of doing things differently, and this principle has now given rise to the CPT002 Aston Martin Concept Phone. Staying on the cutting edge of design required the freedom to push the limits of what a luxury phone can be. The heart of the CPT002 is the solid sapphire crystal, see-through capacitive touch screen. The sides of the CPT are crafted from platinum; they incorporate the battery, electronics, and SIM card allowing for the screen of the phone to be transparent giving the phone a simple modern look while maintaining a luxurious appearance.
The purpose of a concept is to push the boundaries of invention, allowing concept ideas to be identified for future production designs. Mobiado's passion for the avant-garde is an essential element of its DNA and history, and the driving force of its R&D strategy.

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Sony Ericsson confirms Gingerbread for XPERIA X10

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 04:41 AM PDT

Sony Ericsson’s decision earlier this year to freeze OS updates for the XPERIA X10 met with no small amount of disgust from owners of the smartphone, and their complaints were certainly vocal. Now, however, Sony Ericsson has backtracked and changed its mind, announcing that Android 2.3 Gingerbread will now be headed to the X10 at end Q2/early Q3 this year.

Sony Ericsson describe the decision as a response to consumer feedback and a side-effect of developing Gingerbread for the 2011 model range. There are a few things to consider, however. The update will be for generic handsets, not carrier-modified versions, and there’s no guarantee that the latter will ever get Gingerbread. The XPERIA X10 mini and mini pro won’t be getting Gingerbread, and Sony Ericsson says this really will be the final update for the X10 – it’ll see no subsequent updates after 2.3. There’ll also be some limitations compared to the XPERIA Arc and other 2011 handsets:

  • The current plan is that the XperiaTM X10 will get the Android standard Camera user interface and therefore features like e.g. face recognition, smile shutter etc will be lost.
  • Moxier is replaced by the gingerbread native EAS functionality.
  • Mediascape is being replaced by the media experience widgets and music player included in our new 2011 products.
  • DRM keys for protected content on your phone will be lost in the upgrade process.
  • The Sony Ericsson Backup and Restore client is not supported in the Gingerbread version and will therefore be lost.
  • Support for bi-directional languages will be reduced compared to the latest version of the 2.1 version of the XperiaTM X10.

Still, we have to give Sony Ericsson credit for changing its mind on a decision that left a lot of people furious about being early-adopters of the company’s handsets.

[via Clove]

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F1 fans can download official 2011 live timing app

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 04:24 AM PDT

If you are a big fan of F1 racing the official timing app for Android users is now on the Android Market for download. The app is cool and looks like something that fans won’t want to miss. This is the only official F1 2011 live timing and tracking app and it has over 130 hours of live race coverage inside.

The user will be able to access all live timing and positioning details for the F1 sessions over a race weekend including qualifying, practice and the final race. The app provides pause and replay options so you can see the action over if you want.

The developer of the app is Softpauer and it says the information is streamed directly from the track to the phone as it happens. Other features include text commentary, map view, and 3D track navigation. The app works on WiFi and via data connections when not near a hotspot.

UPDATE: Our homie Jason has just informed us of an alternate app, one that appears to be MORE official than official, and it’s free, and it’s awesome. Check that one out [over here].

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ASUS’ Honeycomb Eee Pad Transformer tablet gets official launch

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 03:04 AM PDT

As promised, ASUS has officially launched the Eee Pad Transformer, the company’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet. The 10.1-inch slate runs NVIDIA’s dual-core Tegra 2 processor, and has a removable keyboard with an integrated secondary battery that helps boost runtime to 16hrs.

Alone, the Transformer slate manages a healthy 9.5hrs according to ASUS’ predictions. There’s also 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, twin cameras – 5-megapixels on the back, 1.3-megapixels on the front – and optional integrated 3G. The 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display uses an IPS panel with 10-point multitouch and Gorilla Glass.

Unfortunately, ASUS hasn’t confirmed official pricing for the Eee Pad Transformer in the US, though there was the suggestion last week that it could be €399 in Europe. More details in the press release below.

Press Release:

ASUS Introduces the Eee Pad Transformer

– Innovation meets Versatility as ASUS launches the Eee Pad Transformer TF101 tablet with a unique expandable keyboard docking station –

Fremont, CA (March 25, 2011) – ASUS is excited to announce the launch* of the Eee Pad Transformer, the best tablet choice for users looking for media consumption and mobile productivity in an elegant yet versatile design. The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer features the powerful and responsive Android 3.0 operating system, an optional expandable keyboard docking station, and ASUS' intuitive Waveshare user interface that results in an exciting portable tablet for content creation, social communication, high-definition media playback and smooth realistic game play.

Exciting mini-cinema entertainment on-the-go
Powered by the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 dual-core processor, the Transformer browses the web at blazing speeds, providing snappier response times and excellent multi-tasking performance. An IPS (in-plane switching) Panel made from durable and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass is viewable at angles up to 178°, perfect for sharing your favorite photos, web pages, work documents and more with co-workers, friends or family next you or across the room. The 10.1" IPS panel features LED backlighting that provides brilliant and vivid colors at a 1280×800 resolution, perfect for viewing high-definition movies and other media content.

Built-in SRS Sound technology provides a dynamic 3D stereo audio experience, with maximum bass response and a wide sound field from the discrete speakers housed in a thin 0.51" thick chassis that only weighs 1.49lbs. A 1.2MP front-facing camera is perfect for video conferencing while the rear-facing 5MP camera can shoot and record HD video, which can be played back on HDTVs via the mini HDMI output port, making the Eee Pad Transformer a true mobile entertainment device.

Transform from pad to notebook mode with optional keyboard docking station
The Transformer sets itself apart from other tablets on the market by featuring an optional docking station. This unique docking station provides access to a full QWERTY keyboard along with unique Android Function keys, instantly turning the Transformer into a mobile content creation device.

A touchpad, 3.5mm audio jack, two USB ports as well as a built-in SD Card reader for easy file sharing and storage expandability makes the Transformer a versatile media hub. The docking station also extends the Transformer's 9.5 hours** of battery life up to 16 hours**, so users can use it all day for work or play. In addition, the ultra-convenient ASUS WebStorage* with one year of unlimited storage space provides worry-free cloud computing.

Android 3.0 OS melds with ASUS' Waveshare UI for a unique user experience
Google's Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) is a revolutionary operating system specially designed and optimized for tablets, which enables users a rich web experience for on-the-go web browsing, social media activities, video playback and casual gaming. Supporting Adobe® Flash® 10.2*** and the ever growing Android Market, media entertainment is just a finger swipe away. The convenient ASUS Launcher also allows users to easily launch software, manage content and access online services and connect devices with a few simple taps, while ASUS' Waveshare Interface hosts a variety of unique applications* such as MyNet, MyLibrary, MyCloud and more.

MyNet easily streams digital media wirelessly within home network devices so HD videos or music can be played on devices such as an HDTV or desktop PCs for an even better experience from the Transformer. MyLibrary consolidates downloaded books, magazines and newspapers in to one easy to browse profile while MyCloud is a total cloud solution, providing access to digital content such as music, videos and files from the cloud anywhere, anytime. Users can even use MyCloud to remotely access and control any PC or Mac system and access applications or files to extend the versatility of the Eee Pad Transformer experience.

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Nook Color to get B&N app store support and Flash in April

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 02:55 AM PDT

If you like the idea of the Android powered Nook Color becoming a cheap Android tablet, that idea is even more appealing now. The Nook Color will be getting access to a custom Barnes & Noble app store and Flash support in April. That would mean you can play games and watch Flash video and more from the eReader.

Right now you can root the Nook to get these features but according to the Home Shopping Network the features will get official next month. The new B&N app store will be interesting if it has good apps in it. The official date for the launch of the app store and the update isn’t offered.

Apparently, the update for the Nook Color will be sent out automatically to devices on a WiFi network. HSN says that some of the apps include Angry Birds, Lonely Planet Phrasebook, and Drawing Pad. The device will also get integrated email support without needing a web browser. Sounds nice and makes the $299 Nook Color more appealing too.

[via CNet]

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In-app billing for Android is ready for testing

Posted: 25 Mar 2011 02:30 AM PDT

We reported in early February that Android was going to be getting in-app billing this quarter. That would mean that you could call in those Eagles in Angry Birds if you want and buy up all sorts of upgrades using real money as you play some of your favorite games. The downside to in-app billing as some other smartphone users have found out is that you can rack up a bill fast if the charges aren’t made clear.

Android Developers has announced that in-app billing is ready to test for the Android platform. The new service will be launching next week. To get ready for the launch Android Developers has opened up the Android Market for upload and end-to-end testing of apps that use in-app billing. The apps can be uploaded to the Developer Console and a catalog of the in-app purchases and prices charged can be set up.

The devs can then set up an account and test out the in-app purchases. The purchases will act just as they will in the real world during testing. The apps won’t be pushed to users until the service launched fully next week.

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HTC Incredible S Review by Chris Davies

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 11:31 PM PDT

Our man in England Chris Davies has done it again with a fabulous review of the HTC Incredible S, a lovely phone that, although he expected a bit of letdown in light of the slightly less-than-top-tier nature of the phone, Chris found himself liking quite a bit. We got to handle this phone back at Mobile World Congress and now Chris has the full dish on the situation, lovely pics and video example and all!

Hardware

The HTC Incredible S has 120 x 64 x 11.7 mm chassis with a total weight of 135.5g, a rather unique backing with a molded “pool liner” look and a slim feel to its entirety. On the front you’ll find a slightly less than largest on the market 4-inch WVGA 800 x 480 touchscreen with a 1.3-megapixel camera LED indicator light, whilst on the back you’ll find a camera that equals the top of the pack at 8-megapixels.

As for the set of four buttons, home, menu, back, and search, they sit either portrait or landscape depending on the way you’ve got the phone sitting. They flip their orientation the same way your display does when your phone is turned. Clever! You’ll find a very similar situation going on when you check out the US version of the HTC Flyer, the HTC EVO View 4G (essentially exactly the same with a bit of a different color scheme.) It’s there that the entire set of buttons hangs out at the bottom of your display no matter which orientation is chosen.

Inside you’re going to find a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255, a fat processor in its own right, but still not the dual-core we’re just about to be expecting as standard. Connectivity includes HSPA/WCDMA and quadband GSM/EDGE, along with WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1, and there's GPS, a digital compass, g-sensor, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor, and for the final guts, 768MB of RAM and 1.1GB of internal storage.

Take a peek at a video sample as recorded with the HTC Incredible S:

and a photo taken at full res:

Software

What you’re looking at here is not the top of the pack. This is a powerful phone, certainly one that’s going to do most of the Android stuff you’ve grown to know and love, and you can take some fat photos and videos with it as well. This phone features HTC Sense, a user interface that sits on top of Android, something that a massive amount of Android enthusiasts quite often get down on. This newest version of Sense, however, we’re pretty much having a really positive time with. Skins and healthy wallpapers galore, a smooth interface here and there and everywhere, and you’ve got a winning system that doesn’t NEED to be changed if you’re alright with it – and we’re definitely alright with it. I say WE because we’re using the same HTC Sense over on this side of the pond and we’re all in this together.

Performance

Benchmarking this phone with Quadrant rolled it in at 1559, which, for example, is higher than a Nexus S running Android 2.2 Froyo, the same version of the mobile OS running here. Flash 10.2 is functional but still leaves some dropped frames in video here or there even over Wifi. Mobile hotspot appears to be working perfectly well for up to 8 tethered devices (on 3G of course.) Will this phone blast forth in the USA with 4G instead? We shall see. Let’s hope for such a situation.

Battery time for Chris on an average day of mixed use was approximately a day. That’s pretty freaking good for a phone as powerful as this, especially since we know Chris isn’t your average smartphone user. One charge a night should suit you fine with this handset.

Wrap-Up

As Chris notes, this device happens to hit a sweet-spot right in between the 3.7-inch Desire and the giant 4.3-inch Desire HD. If you’re dissatisfied with either of those phones, this may well be the device you desire, if you know what I mean. This fat (but not TOO fat) display is a Super LCD, and one that Chris says is “excellent,” so entertaining videos and games should be no problem just so long as the processor can handle them.

As far as the no-dual-core goes, we’re still in with the pack of people who aren’t quite sure about the battery usage when it comes to doubling down. A dual-core processor on a smartphone more often than not leads to a rather short battery time whilst comparing to a single-core – thusly Chris notes, and I and we agree, this might be the phone for you if you’re into working an average workload and you’d like a battery life that’s longer than 6 hours. Beware of the incoming set of games and apps though set up for the dual-core wave – you may be left in the dust.

Take a peek at Chris’ full review over at [SlashGear]

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BlackBerry Playbook will support Android apps with “app player” [New]

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:51 PM PDT

This has just been confirmed. Today RIM announced that they WILL indeed be supporting Android Apps with an optional app player that will be available for download on the Playbook release day. This is big news. According to RIM the Playbook will support both Blackberry Java as well as all the Android apps. This includes native C/C++ development support, HTML5, Flash and AIR support. Also take note that RIM’s press release only mentions Android 2.3 apps, so we aren’t sure if Android 3.0 Honeycomb apps will work, or will need an update first.

We were told that developers who are already building for the BlackBerry or Android platforms can easily port their apps to run on the BlackBerry Tablet OS, with the two app players available to download from the BlackBerry App World at launch. To look into more information regarding how this has all unfold check out these other stories. Rep says Playbook may support Android Apps, or when Android app developers saw RIM phones running Android apps.

This is all extremely exciting and interesting at the same time. I wonder what Google’s take is on this. So now that the story is official and RIM has came out and confirmed this themselves (see press release below) what do you all think? Will you be buying a BlackBerry Playbook when the device launches now you can use the hundreds of thousands of Android apps, or will you just simply stick to Android and get the Samsung Tab 8.9 or 10.1. Feel free to share your thoughts on this in the comment section below.

Subject: RIM to Expand Application Ecosystem, Support Android Apps

Hello,

We thought you might be interested in this news from RIM that came out late this afternoon:

RIM Expands Application Ecosystem for BlackBerry PlayBook
· BlackBerry PlayBook to support BlackBerry Java and Android apps
· Native C/C++ development support added, in addition to HTML5, Flash and AIR support
· Support from leading game engines: Ideaworks Labs (AirPlay) and Unity Technologies (Unity 3)
· BlackBerry PlayBook becomes a new market opportunity for all the developers who have already created over 25,000 BlackBerry Java apps and more than 200,000 Android apps

Waterloo, ON – Developers wanting to bring their new and existing apps to the highly anticipated BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet will soon have additional tools and options to enhance and expand their commercial opportunities. Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to greatly expand the application ecosystem for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The BlackBerry PlayBook is scheduled to launch in the U.S. and Canada on April 19.

RIM will launch two optional "app players" that provide an application run-time environment for BlackBerry Java® apps and Android v2.3 apps. These new app players will allow users to download BlackBerry Java apps and Android apps from BlackBerry App World and run them on their BlackBerry PlayBook.

In addition, RIM will shortly release the native SDK for the BlackBerry PlayBook enabling C/C++ application development on the BlackBerry® Tablet OS. For game-specific developers, RIM is also announcing that it has gained support from two leading game development tooling companies, allowing developers to use the cross-platform game engines from Ideaworks Labs and Unity Technologies to bring their games to the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Support for BlackBerry Java and Android Apps

"The BlackBerry PlayBook is an amazing tablet. The power that we have embedded creates one of the most compelling app experiences available in a mobile computing device today," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "The upcoming addition of BlackBerry Java and Android apps for the BlackBerry PlayBook on BlackBerry App World will provide our users with an even greater choice of apps and will also showcase the versatility of the platform."

Developers currently building for the BlackBerry or Android platforms will be able to quickly and easily port their apps to run on the BlackBerry Tablet OS thanks to a high degree of API compatibility. The new optional app players will be available for download from BlackBerry App World and will be placed in a secure "sandbox" on the BlackBerry PlayBook where the BlackBerry Java or Android apps can be run.

Developers will simply repackage, code sign and submit their BlackBerry Java and Android apps to BlackBerry App World. Once approved, the apps will be distributed through BlackBerry App World, providing a new opportunity for many developers to reach BlackBerry PlayBook users. Users will be able to download both the app players and the BlackBerry Java and Android apps from BlackBerry App World.

The BlackBerry PlayBook and BlackBerry Tablet OS are built on the QNX® Neutrino® microkernel architecture with a 1GHz dual core processor and a leading OpenGL solution, which allows RIM to make this incredibly broad platform support possible.

BlackBerry PlayBook users and developers who are interested in seeing the new app players for BlackBerry Java and Android apps can see demos at BlackBerry World in Orlando, Florida (May 3 to 5, 2011) (www.blackberryworld.com).

BlackBerry Tablet OS Development Tools

The BlackBerry Tablet OS already supports an incredibly robust platform with support for Web development standard HTML5, through the BlackBerry® WebWorks™ SDK for Tablet OS, and Adobe® AIR®, through the BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR. The BlackBerry Tablet OS is built from the ground up to run WebKit and Adobe® Flash® as well, giving developers a fast and true Web experience to leverage.

RIM is also announcing today that the BlackBerry Tablet OS Native Development Kit (NDK), which is currently in limited alpha release, will go into open Beta by this summer and be demonstrated at BlackBerry World. The BlackBerry Tablet OS NDK will allow developers to build high-performance, multi-threaded, native C/C++ applications with industry standard GNU toolchains. Developers can create advanced 2D and 3D applications and special effects by leveraging programmable shaders available in hardware-accelerated OpenGL ES 2.0.

Other features of the BlackBerry Tablet OS NDK will allow developers to:

* Take advantage of the QNX POSIX library support and C/C++ compliance for quick and easy application porting and for creating native extensions for both BlackBerry and Android applications
* Easily integrate device events like gesture swipes and touch screen inputs
* Integrate the BlackBerry Tablet OS environment into existing code management and build systems using industry standard Eclipse CDT (C/C++ Development Tools)
* Leverage work done in standard C/C++ to make it easier to bring applications to the BlackBerry Tablet OS
* Find and fix bugs quickly with provided debug and analysis tools

"The response to the BlackBerry PlayBook from the developer community has been exceptional. Our commitment to supporting HTML5 and Adobe AIR development has resonated and spurred developers to create fun and innovative applications for BlackBerry PlayBook users," said David Yach, Chief Technology Officer, Software at Research In Motion. "The upcoming BlackBerry Tablet OS NDK beta will add C/C++ tools to our repertoire and gives developers one of the broadest and deepest platforms to develop on."

Gaming Engines

Building on the power of the BlackBerry Tablet OS NDK, RIM is working with leading gaming and application development technology providers such as Ideaworks Labs and Unity Technologies to implement their native engines and application development platforms. Developers will be able to take advantage of these engines when building games and other applications for the BlackBerry PlayBook.

The Ideaworks Labs Airplay SDK is expected to include support for the BlackBerry Tablet OS soon, making it easy for publishers and developers to use their existing code to bring their games and apps to the BlackBerry PlayBook.

“Supporting a new OS can be a challenge for developers,” says Alex Caccia, President of Ideaworks Labs, “however, integration of the BlackBerry Tablet OS with the Airplay SDK makes this a non-issue. We think this is a far-sighted move by RIM: the BlackBerry PlayBook is a great device for games and applications, and combining this with content distribution via BlackBerry App World brings an exciting new ecosystem for developers.”

RIM has also been working closely with Unity Technologies, providers of the highly popular, multi-platform Unity development platform and Union, the firm's games distribution service. Through Union, dozens of high-quality Unity-authored games are slated to make their way to BlackBerry App World for the BlackBerry Playbook.
"With a sharp focus on the multimedia experience, very powerful hardware, and fantastic games in the pipeline, the BlackBerry Playbook has all the right ingredients to be a mainstream hit," said Brett Seyler, GM of Union at Unity Technologies. "Through Union, Unity developers have an opportunity to reach a new audience and grow with another great new platform."

Availability
The new app players for the BlackBerry PlayBook are expected to be available from BlackBerry App World this summer. More information and demonstrations of the new app players will be shared at BlackBerry World. The BlackBerry Tablet OS NDK will be available in beta later this year and will also be showcased at BlackBerry World.

Useful Links
For more information on the BlackBerry Tablet OS and BlackBerry PlayBook developing, visit http://us.blackberry.com/developers/tablet/

To see the BlackBerry Tablet OS in action running conceptual applications from The Astonishing Tribe, please visit http://www.youtube.com/blackberry#p/c/8D8C3A23664E6761/5/uH7NKhNyygw andhttp://www.youtube.com/blackberry#p/c/8D8C3A23664E6761/0/mWJG-sB7H4Y

For RIM insights into developing for the BlackBerry Platform, visit http://devblog.blackberry.com or follow @BlackBerryDev on Twitter.

Visit the BlackBerry Developer Zone at www.blackberry.com/developers for the latest news, information and updates for BlackBerry developers.

Visit the BlackBerry Developer Video Library at
www.blackberry.com/go/developervideolibrary to view a variety of instructional videos.
Sign up for the BlackBerry Developer Newsletter at

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/developers/resources/newsletter.jsp.

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AT&T/T-Mobile Merger, what it means

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:34 PM PDT

Consumer Reports has an interesting breakdown of how the AT&T purchase of T-Mobile USA will affect subscribers of both wireless services. In the breakdown, they list five areas which, for good or bad, will be of interest to customers including overall service, price rates, how it will affect Sprint, network coverage and if the deal with be approved by the FCC or not. The consensus is, that T-Mobile customers will see a price hike, being that the Get More network has one of the lowest pricing schemes amount the major wireless providers. But the downside is that customer satisfaction for T-Mobile customers may take a huge dip since Consumer Reports considers AT&T to be amongst the worst companies in that rating. By contrast, we reported that JD Power found the opposite to be true. So depending on who you’re with, you’ll be disappointed or elated. What are the other factors at play?

Coverage is likely to improve since both networks will combine, with rural customers seeing a benefit. Data wise, however, AT&T has already said many of T-Mobile’s towers will be converted to 4G over the next several years since T-Mobile’s bandwidth is on a different wave length. Analysts think the big loser is Sprint, as it’s not likely it’ll survive in it’s present form. Will that force the Now Network to look for a buyer like Verizon or maybe merge with a smaller network just to keep pace?

But the big question is … will the merger be approved by Uncle Sam? Stories are going around that AT&T is preparing for a protracted long battle that will end in victory, but with conditions to ensure competition remains industry wide. Losing a player in a shrinking field can affect pricing, innovation, and customer satisfaction, so if AT&T gets the deal approved, and many think it ultimately will, it won’t be a rubber stamp.

[via Consumer Reports]

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ZTE Style S and LTE Tablet in the works for the US

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:24 PM PDT

ZTE is not a very wide known brand but we have covered them more than a few times here in the past. They are a small company that is based in China that have build budget phones that thousands have used. This week at CTIA they announced some exciting news that I’m sure you will all be pleased to hear. They are coming to the U.S. in the second half of the year and are bringing an Android 2.3 beast with a 4.3″ screen as well as a Android 3.0 10″ Android Tablet with them.

The display units were only mockups and not functioning devices but we are excited to see them either way. They are known for making good devices that are budget friendly like the widely popular Orange San Fransisco.

According to reports the ZTE Style S will feature a 4.3″ display, front .3 and rear 5MP camera with flash, as well as all the usual bells and whistles. The good news is it will also feature Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Next up and sorry for the mediocre photo is the ZTE Tablet, being called the V11-LTE Tablet and it features some specs we are all starting to be accustomed to, as well as a thin design. It features a 1280×800 resolution 10.1″ screen, 1.2 Ghz CPU, 1.3MP Front and 5MP rear camera’s, along with 512mb of ram and a large 6800 mAh battery. Sadly it was behind some glass protecting it from prying fingers so more pictures of that beauty will have to wait.

It was mentioned that both items will be very competitively priced, but that no carrier partners have been announced. Stay tuned for more pictures and info as it comes in.

ztestyles-lg1 ztestyles-lg2 zteltetablet-lg1 zteltetablet-lg2

[via Electronista]

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Android 3.0 Honeycomb gets a Screenshot App

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:48 PM PDT

For those that use these kind of apps or have been around lately to notice that we didn’t have one. The Motorola Xoom and any Android 3.0 Honeycomb device in general could not take screenshots with an app. There is drocap2, ShootMe and many other screen capture apps for our Android phones and apparently none of them worked on Android 3.0 but now a developer from the XDA forums named ftgg99 has fixed this issue for us. He has developed an app called Screenshot ER.

Before this Xoom users had to use the Android SDK to take screenshots with an app and you had to be plugged into the computer making it a little difficult to take screenies while gaming for reviews and such, I know because I had to do it. Now all you need is an Android 3.0 device (also works with all earlier android versions) and root access on the device and you are good to go.

The app has many good funtions and settings, sounds for when it captures the screen. You can shake to capture but don’t hurt anyone while swinging a 10″ Xoom tablet around trying to get it to snap a screenshot as that might be bad. That is when the wife will say it’s time to return the toys. The wonderful developer has made this free for everyone, you can get it here or it will always be available at xda at the source below. I’d like to mention there is also a donate version on the Android Market if you feel like donating to the developers of this app.

Download:
ScreenshotER v1.0.2

[via XDA Forums]

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HTC Flyer may get two big brothers, delayed til May

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 01:44 PM PDT

There’s talk that HTC is so happy with preorders of the HTC Flyer that they may be following Samsung’s lead on the Galaxy Tab and adding two more sizes to the Flyer line by this summer. We reported a few weeks back that preorders of the Flyer have gone through the roof with over 1,000,000 already sold … and it’s not even out yet. The two new Flyer tablets will have larger screens, mirroring the Samsung release plan, and will run Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Out other than that, there’s little information.

Currently available for pre-order, the HTC Flyer has a 1.5GHZ processor, a 7-inch screen similar to the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and will use an optional "Magic Pen" stylus. The stylus, is a digital pen works to emulate a real pin and provide a realistic pen to paper experience. OS wise, the Flyer is planned to run Android 2.4 (Gingerbread) initially, to be followed by Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) with a Sense UI.

The report, which comes from the DigiTimes also says that in the US, supplies of the Flyer are limited due to production being unable to keep up with the demand. To that end, US Flyer fans will find it a challenge to find the Flyer, which we reported is exclusive to Best Buy, until at least May. Originally, it was to be launched sometime in April, and limited quantities will be available at that time, but demand will far outstrip it like has happened with the iPad 2. Meanwhile, you can swing over to this Flyer Hands-On to learn more about this cool tablet.

[via Android Police]

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HTC EVO 3D design prevents kickstand, but we have you covered

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:36 PM PDT

If you are like us and saw the unveiling and showcase of the amazing looking HTC EVO 3D this week you are probably as excited as us about this device. A beast by any measure coming to Sprint soon. The link above mentions all the specs so I’ll spare all of that other than mentioning that it will probably sell as many or more than it’s younger brother. This story we bring you news about the kickstand everyone loved on the EVO 4G. Sadly it will not be present on the 3D.

The HTC EVO, and the Thunderbolt both have a kickstand that works amazingly well for watching movies, listening to music, video chatting and more. The problem is in order to be safe and secure they build the kickstand right into the device, not just the back. This makes it strong and durable so you don’t hear stories about kickstands breaking. While showing the EVO 3D at CTIA 2011 this year, they mentioned that the 3D does not have a kickstand because of design issues. With the large battery and dual 5 MP camera’s for 3D there was just no room as shown in the photo’s below.

Don’t worry though, we have you covered. Well HTC has you covered. They are currently in the final stages of design for a slim, and perfect case that most will probably buy along with the EVO 3D that has a kickstand built in, hopefully it will be strong enough. They say it will be. I know you have all grown to love the kickstand and obviously HTC realized this also. Look for pricing and availability to be released around the same time as the phone itself. Also for all your EVO 3D Coverage check out these stories.

EVO 3D Official
EVO 3D Hands-On
EVO 3D Micro USB & HDMI Combined into one port
lastly check out the latest commercial for the EVO 3D, it shows all the powers the new EVO family member has.

kickstand P1040185 P1040184 P1040183 P1040182 P1040181 P1040180 P1040179 P1040178 P1040177 P1040176 P1040175 P1040174 P1040167 P1040162 P1040161 P1040160 P1040159 )


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