Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

Things We Missed, You Shouldn’t [March 29th]

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 04:05 PM PDT

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This has been quite the slow Tuesday, hasn’t it? A lot has gone on, actually, but most of it was interesting enough to make it to our front page. The rest of what we had is below so take a second or two to glance over it. (That’s literally how long it’ll take to look at all of it.)

SBF File for Latest Motorola ATRIX 4G Upgrade Now Online, Root Path Found

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 03:39 PM PDT

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Motorola issued an upgrade for the Motorola Atrix 4G this week. It’s not much of an upgrade (we know they’ll be looking to get this thing stepped up to Gingerbread, but this isn’t it) but if you wanted it and can’t wait for the OTA process to ping your phone then you’re in luck – the guys at BriefMobile have found the SBF file that you can use to get stepped up to the latest version (4.1.57). They’ve posted instructions over on their site so be sure to check those out.

In related news, that same OTA upgrade cannot be rooted as it is, unfortunately. XDA is always there to rescue us, though, as they note that you can keep root if you were coming from a rooted version of the previous build (4.1.26). Make sure you’re rooted before you accept any OTA or OTW upgrade and proceed to follow the instructions here. [via Droid Matters]

PS: More details about what this upgrade will bring can be found here.

Intuit Challenges Square With Its GoPayment Mobile Payments System [Video]

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 03:24 PM PDT

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I was one of those guys who were amazed by Square when they first brought their product to the forefront. Imagine being able to use your mobile phone to take credit card transactions on the go? The service would be useless for me personally as I don’t really have anything of quality to sell to anyone with any bit of sense, but a ton of small business owners have found this the handiest tool of them all.

Intuit – the folks who probably handle your taxes during tax season if you don’t go to H&R Block – has made a solution of their own to compete with Square. They’re calling it GoPayment and the premise is exactly the same. You take an adapter that plugs into your 3.5mm headphone jack and have your customer swipe their credit card to pay for whatever you ring up on the app.

Upon swiping, the transaction is carried out and you then have an option to send them a receipt via text message or email. Simple, but very useful for those who can’t be bothered to carry around heavy credit card readers and who would rather use the device they’re already carrying. (Don’t expect to see bigger business carrying this, but you might run into one of these streets at a food cart or some other mobile/outside business.)

Intuit is a big name in the financial industry and they’re finally looking to mobile. They’ve already made their way to the Android market with their suite of tax-related apps (SnapTax, TaxCaster, MyTaxRefund), their personal finance app (Mint.com) and they already have a version of GoPayment for Android handsets. The tablet version isn’t expected to make its way to the Honeycomb-specific Android market until later this year. Watch our quick look at the device in the video above.

T-Mobile Posts More Sidekick 4G Videos

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 02:57 PM PDT

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We already got a pretty good look at this thing ourselves at CTIA Wireless, but if you needed to see more of the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G from Magenta themselves then today’s your lucky day. They show us what they’ve done with the messaging and multimedia experiences on the device as well as Google Services – those of you who are already familiar with Android already knows what’s going on with that last one. You can find the messaging video above while the other two are below.

Amazon’s Free Angry Birds Rio Exclusivity to End This Week; Get Ad-Free Version of Seasons for $0 Today Only

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 02:02 PM PDT

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Well that didn’t last long, now did it? We believed that the free version of Rovio’s Angry Birds Rio would eventually end up on the Android market but had no clue how long Amazon’s exclusivity lasted. I would have guessed a couple of weeks or a month at least, but they’ve just announced that the free version will be available sometime this week. As far as that ad-free version goes, you’ll still need to head on over to Amazon to grab that one up  and I don’t think that’ll ever change. (Same goes for the ad-free versions of the regular game and Seasons.) [Facebook via EuroDroid]

PS: The paid version of Angry Birds Seasons is free in Amazon’s Appstore today. You might want to mosey on over there and grab it before it’s too late.

Vimeo to Bring Newly-Announced iPhone App to Android

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 01:43 PM PDT

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The coders at Vimeo have today announced the launch of their new official application for the iPhone. I know, I know – it’s not Android. They’re bringing this thing over to Android devices eventually, though, and what they’ve done with version 1.0 is excellent. (And even calling it that is an understatement.)

Features include the ability to watch, upload, and even edit video. It’s sophisticated for what it is and I’m sure Vimeo wants to make sure they get things just right before they add support for our beloved OS. Watch a video of the iPhone version above and try to keep your mouth from watering. [via Androinica]

Confirmed: Verizon’s Samsung 4G LTE Android Will Be DROID-Branded [Samsung DROID Charge]

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 01:01 PM PDT

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Verizon and Samsung still have yet to offiically announce this device with a name, but our earlier beliefs of it being DROID-branded seems to be true if this new promotional image is anything to go by. The name itself still hasn’t been confirmed, but Samsung DROID Charge has been thrown around for quite a while now and we won’t be surprised if and when that turns out to be it. Now we just need them to officially announce those details and a release date for the device. [via PocketNow]

PS: No, this is not the first n0n- Motorola Droid device with a Samsung Eye as others are suggesting. Verizon used an eye for the HTC Droid Incredible both in their marketing campaign and on the device itself. (The eye bootup animation was added in a later software upgrade.)

New York Attorney General to Investigate Proposed AT&T/T-Mobile Deal

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 12:39 PM PDT

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If Sprint’s public and formal disapproval of AT&T’s proposed purchasing of T-Mobile for $39 billion wasn’t enough, New York attorney general  Eric Schneiderman is looking to investigate the matter himself. He states his efforts will be to ensure that the New Yorkers he represents aren’t hit with unfair mobile price hikes due to the deal.

He’s said to scrutinize AT&T and T-Mobile’s reasonings behind the move. AT&T is confident that they can prove to the FCC and to any other unsure souls like Schneiderman that the deal would be better for everyone involved, consumers included.

An official buyout might not be approved for at least another year as the FCC needs to carefully review every detail and determine whether or not the move is healthy for the ecosystem. If an approval is made it might not affect consumers until at least another year after that. [via Reuters]

Need Fring on Your Motorola ATRIX 4G or HTC Thunderbolt? [Downloads]

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 12:08 PM PDT

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Looks like Fring is just about to introduce an update to their application to add support for the market’s newest video-chatting capable phones – the Motorola Atrix 4G and the HTC Thunderbolt They’ve opened up a limited beta to add support for these devices and – to the dismay of Fring – the .APK file is floating about on the internet. Grab it from here if you can’t wait for the market version to be updated. [Thanks Droid-Life!]

Motorola DROID X & DROID 2 Gingerbread ROMs Rooted

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 10:34 AM PDT

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The one downside to the leaked Gingerbread update files that were put on the internet yesterday for the Motorola Droid 2 and DROID X courtesy of P3Droid, TeamBlackHat and the folks at MyDroidWorld is the fact that it wasn’t rooted. It was a small price to pay for many who just wanted to get stepped up to the latest and greatest version of Android and MOTOBLUR. We were hopeful that the builds would be rooted in no time, though, and the community delivered. We’ll opt to direct you to MyDroidWorld for the methods in case anything changes or if you need further support. The DROID X’s can be found here, while the DROID 2′s can be had here. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Samsung’s Unique Motion-Based Gestures Shown Off [Video]

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 10:26 AM PDT

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For one reason or another Samsung didn’t give us this close of a look at some unique features they’ve developed for TouchWiz 4.0 on the Samsung Galaxy S II. They’ve put some of the device’s sensors to work to allow you to do things such as pinch-to-zoom in the web browser and switching homescreens simply by moving your device back and forth or left and right. The exact method used isn’t known, but Engadget guesses it might be using the accelerometer or gyroscope inside. Whatever the case, it’s pretty cool (though I feel it’s a bit of a novelty feature more than something you’re going to be using often). Check out the video above courtesy of Android Community.

HTC Desire HD Gingerbread Update Pegged for April by French Carrier SFR

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 09:54 AM PDT

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HTC has been pretty clear that they plan to launch and update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread for their Desire HD in Europe, but the only official timeframe they have so far discussed has been the rather broad range of spring. According to French carrier SFR it may be coming sooner rather than later, with a first half of April release announced. Whether this timing sticks, is delayed, or applies to other regions isn’t known, but it is a good sign for those awaiting a taste of Gingerbread on the mammoth screen of the HD.

In other news, SFR also names April as the month to expect Android 2.2 for the Motorola DEFY Neither the Android version or the device in question seems much to get excited about at this point.

[via Frandroid]

Firefox 4 Now Available for Android

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 08:39 AM PDT

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Though it has been in the Android Market as a beta and release candidate for a little while now, today Mozilla has officially announced the final release of Firefox 4 for Android. The release includes Firefox Sync, Mozilla’s tool for sharing browsing history, bookmarks, current tabs, and passwords between desktop instances of Firefox and your mobile device.

Mozilla is promising three times the speed of the stock Android browser in addition to a browsing experience including tabs, add-ons, and hide-able controls for maximum screen real estate. Check out the announcement video for more.

Firefox 4 can be found in the Android Market now as a free download following the link below.

Android Market Link: Firefox 4

HTC Merge to Cellular South, First Phone to Feature Amazon Appstore Pre-Installed

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 08:10 AM PDT

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We knew the HTC Merge was headed for multiple carriers in the US, but other than Alltel (and maybe Verizon at some point), it was unclear exactly where to expect the slide-out QWERTY handset. One more option has been revealed, as Cellular South has announced they will begin carrying the Merge sometime in April, though an exact date and pricing was not revealed.

Perhaps the bigger news is that this version of the Merge will be the first carrier-bound Android smartphone to come pre-loaded with the new Amazon Appstore. As an HTC device in the US, it will no doubt carry Google’s Android Market as well, raising an interesting predicament. Could multiple app markets loaded onto one device cause some confusion for first time Android buyers? Other than app exclusive, what will dictate which source consumers pull their apps from? Just something to ponder as you read the full presser below.

Cellular South Unveils Plans to Offer HTC Merge™ – World’s First Smart Phone Pre-Loaded with New Amazon Appstore for Android

Carrier’s First Android World Phone Combines Full QWERTY Slide-Out Keyboard With the Power of Android 2.2 OS, HTC Sense™ Experience, 3.8-Inch Display and 5 MP Camera

RIDGELAND, Miss.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cellular South, the largest privately owned wireless communications provider in the U.S., today announced plans to introduce the new HTC Merge, its first Android world phone and the first smart phone in the world to come pre-loaded with the new Amazon Appstore for Android.

"Together with Cellular South, we are committed to helping customers navigate through the thousands of available apps to find those that are the most relevant to them. We aim to give customers a refreshing and unique app shopping experience."

The HTC Merge Android-powered touchscreen smart phone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the Android 2.2 operating system, HTC Sense user interface, a large 3.8-inch touchscreen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience.

"We’re excited to add our first Android world phone to Cellular South’s growing suite of Android smart phones and tablets as we continue to build on our promise to deliver the wireless industry’s best Android experience," said Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for Cellular South. "Coupled with the new Amazon Appstore for Android, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smart phone, whether it’s at home or traveling around the world."

Cellular South is the first wireless carrier in the world to feature the new Amazon Appstore for Android on a smart phone. The Amazon Appstore helps consumers find, discover, try and buy Android apps using its easy and convenient shopping experience.

One Touch Access To New Amazon Appstore

Customers can shop in the Amazon Appstore for Android from any computer using a Web browser or download the Amazon Appstore application directly to their Android smart phone or tablet. When customers purchase an Android app from the Amazon Appstore, they can use the app on any of their compatible Android devices. The Amazon Appstore also is offering customers a paid app for free every day.

The Amazon Appstore for Android includes popular Amazon features like personalized recommendations, customer reviews, one-click payment options and detailed product descriptions, including screenshots and video content that show the apps in action. All apps will be Amazon-tested before they are made available in the Amazon Appstore.

"Amazon Appstore for Android is a new and convenient way to shop and discover new Android apps for your smart phone or tablet," said Aaron Rubenson, category leader for the Amazon Appstore. "Together with Cellular South, we are committed to helping customers navigate through the thousands of available apps to find those that are the most relevant to them. We aim to give customers a refreshing and unique app shopping experience."

Cellular South customers will appreciate the HTC Merge’s seamless integration with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with Amazon Appstore. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.

In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smart phone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p HD video.

Availability

The HTC Merge will be available next month. Pricing for the device has not been set, but will require a two-year service contract and data agreement.

 

Android to Grow to Almost 50% Share as Smartphone Market Doubles by 2015, Says IDC

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 07:14 AM PDT

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International Data Corporation has released their forecast for the worldwide smartphone market into the next year and beyond, and once again things are looking just peachy for Android. The analytics firm is predicting smartphone shipments to rise to 450 million 2011, a gain on 2010′s 303.4 million units shipped. Some of those 450 million handsets are expected to contribute to a 39.5 percent market share for Android by the end of the year as Apple drops to 15.7 percent, BlackBerry falls to 14.9 percent, and Windows Phone 7 begins its rise.

Projecting into 2015, Android is predicted to hold a whopping 45.4 percent of the market as smartphone shipments could double from those we see today. Windows Phone 7 (no doubt with the help of Nokia) may rise to second palce with 20.9 percent, while Apple and RIM make up the third and fourth spot respectively. The report mirrors findings by research firm Ovum, which similarly saw the smartphone market doubling by mid-decade with Android leading the pack.

IDC Forecasts Worldwide Smartphone Market to Grow by Nearly 50% in 2011

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The worldwide smartphone market is expected to grow 49.2% in 2011 as more consumers and enterprise users turn in their feature phones for smartphones with more advanced features. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, smartphone vendors will ship more than 450 million smartphones in 2011 compared to the 303.4 million units shipped in 2010. Moreover, the smartphone market will grow more than four times faster than the overall mobile phone market.

“Overall market growth in 2010 was exceptional,” said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. “Last year’s high market growth was due in part to pent-up demand from a challenging 2009, when many buyers held off on mobile phone purchases. The expected market growth for 2011, while still notable, will taper off somewhat from what we saw in 2010.”

To capture the strong consumer demand for smartphones, manufacturers have unleashed a steady stream of new models and features over the past two years. The battle for mind and market share has also resulted in stiff competition among the smartphone operating systems.

“Android is poised to take over as the leading smartphone operating system in 2011 after racing into the number 2 position in 2010,” said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC’s Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team. “For the vendors who made Android the cornerstone of their smartphone strategies, 2010 was the coming-out party. This year will see a coronation party as these same vendors broaden and deepen their portfolios to reach more customers, particularly first-time smartphone users.”

Nokia’s recent announcement to shift from Symbian to Windows Phone will have significant implications for the smartphone market going forward. “Up until the launch of Windows Phone 7 last year, Microsoft has steadily lost market share while other operating systems have brought forth new and appealing experiences,” added Llamas. “The new alliance brings together Nokia’s hardware capabilities and Windows Phone’s differentiated platform. We expect the first devices to launch in 2012. By 2015, IDC expects Windows Phone to be number 2 operating system worldwide behind Android.”

For more information about IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, please contact Kathy Nagamine at 650-350-6423 or knagamine@idc.com.

About IDC

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide. For more than 47 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

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