Android and Me |
- Is Verizon’s “Droid” branding helping or hurting?
- Sprint announces eco-friendly Android device: Samsung Replenish
- DROID Incredible 2 User Guide hits the web
- Toshiba “ANT” Honeycomb tablets priced and coming soon
- Droid X2 finds itself on camera again flaunting both cores
- Hands on with the Samsung Droid Charge!
| Is Verizon’s “Droid” branding helping or hurting? Posted: 16 Apr 2011 06:20 PM PDT Whether you are aware of it or not, and completely regardless of whether or not you believe it, the Motorola Droid on Verizon Wireless saved Android. More accurately, it saved Andy Rubin, or at least his job, after the G1 underwhelmed and failed to impress many. It’s release, coupled with the release of Android 2.0, launched Android into the foreground of the tech community, encouraging manufacturers, developers, and eventually users to flock to the OS. I can’t help, despite how important a contribution the Droid moniker and device was to “the cause” if it’s still necessary. Android has seen explosive growth since the Droid, and not just on Verizon. Carriers all over the world can lay claim to a sizeable Android army on their networks, yet easily 45% of the time I explain to a new user that I have an Android phone, the response is similar. “Oh, so that’s a Droid phone?” Don’t get me wrong, it was brilliant on behalf of Verizon’s then brand new marketing company to come up with the idea. The “Anti-iPhone” vibe that really took root after that was really something to watch grow. Plus, like it or not, the “Droid Does” campaign carried a fanatical wave of loyalty to all devices. During a recent interview, actor David Della Rocco was heard talking about his “Fender Phone”, a MyTouch Fender edition, lead him into the quote “Fender DOES” during the interview. There’s no arguing it’s effectiveness not just for Verizon, but for the entire Android ecosystem. I am starting to think, however, that it might be time to hang that particular bit of culture up for the betterment of the platform. Over the last couple of months I have seen an incredible increase in Android marketing that includes the little green guy. Sprint, who has consistently used a 3D Andy in their commercials, has been routinely using him as the focal point to their commercials. Sony, during the SuperBowl, stitched thumbs onto him in the basement of some third world city for the Xperia Play. Kyocera and Motorola both have put employees in Android costumes for their device launches, and let’s not forget the Motorola Xoom. The initial activation of a Xoom is simply covered in wireframe Andy iconography. When you hear a Droid commercial, Android is listed as a feature, as though at some point there would be a Droid that isn’t running an Android OS. When you look at the marketing, it’s difficult for consumers to tell that these devices are supposed to be similar. It’s obvious that Verizon has no plans to retire the Droid franchise. In fact, there is quite the wave of Android phones with the Droid brand headed to Big Red, including a first ever Samsung phone. While it’s not entirely a bad thing, especially considering Verizon’s plan to not include Bing on their Droid branded phones, there’s no doubt that there are plenty of consumers who see Android phones and Droid phones as being completely different. Is Verizon the only guilty party here? Of course not. In many ways the same could be said of T-Mobile’s MyTouch line, and at least Verizon doesn’t go as far as to include a special button on their phones. There’s little comparison in terms of popularity between the two brands, as obviously the Droid line has seen a much larger number of activations. It may be that Verizon is simply the biggest kid on the playground when it comes to branding Android, but no matter how fair you think it may be the biggest kid in this case is also getting the most attention. So, is the attention good for Android? In terms of activations, it’s terrific. I am more than sure that Verizon contributes quite a bit to the 350,000 handsets that are activated each day across the world. However, as things start to even out, as the Smartphone market begins to cool down, and it will eventually cool down, it’s lines in the sand like Droid that will blur the landscape for users considering leaving another platform.
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| Sprint announces eco-friendly Android device: Samsung Replenish Posted: 16 Apr 2011 09:30 AM PDT As we keep damaging the world, earth-friendly products are starting to rise up, in an attempt to bring alternatives that will be less harmful to our environment. Yesterday, April 15, Sprint announced the Samsung Replenish, the world’s first "green" Android device. The Replenish will be available as of May 8, for the price of $49.99, which is a big incentive to go green. If the price didn’t convince you, in an attempt to "go green without sacrificing technology," Sprint is waiving the $10 premium data charge for all new and existing customers that purchase our new tree-hugging buddy. Many of you might be wondering how powerful this device is though, and apparently, there are some things you just have to sacrifice for the sake of the planet, because the specs are not very impressive. Samsung Replenish Specifications:
If you don’t need a very strong device though, this is a great option for the earth conscious. With more than 80% of the device made out of recyclable materials, the Samsung Replenish will also be packaged with partially recycled plastics. Software wise, Sprint will offer the Green ID Pack, with a variety of apps and mobile content that allows you to live a "greener" life. There is also an optional solar door charging accessory, which should be good for charging that 1160 mAh battery. If you are an environmentally conscious individual, and want an Android device that supports your way of life, the Samsung Replenish is the way to go! Check out the press release below, and let us know what you think of Sprint’s new green device. Will you be getting it? Show Press Release SAN FRANCISCO & DALLAS (BUSINESS WIRE), April 15, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today unveiled several progressive initiatives building on Sprint's environmental leadership in the wireless industry, including upcoming availability of the stylish Samsung Replenish™ from Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States.1Samsung Replenish, an Android touch QWERTY smartphone enabled with Sprint ID, will be available on May 8 at the affordable price of just $49.99 with a two-year service agreement and new-line activation or eligible upgrade. Sprint is waiving the $10 monthly premium data add-on charge for Samsung Replenish to make it easier for customers to make eco-friendly buying decisions. In addition, the Earth-friendly2Samsung Restore™, first available from Sprint in 2010, will be offered to Virgin Mobile USA customers without an annual contract beginning on April 18. "We want to make it as simple as we can for our customers to go green with a robust selection of products and competitive pricing," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "Samsung Replenish is as green as we could make it with more than 80 percent recyclable materials, housed in partially recycled plastics, energy efficient and built with fewer environmentally sensitive materials. As if this is not enough incentive, we are also lowering the monthly rate for this phone by $10 for new or existing customers so it pays for itself within just five months." With four eco-friendly phones launched to date, Sprint has made available the most green devices and accessories of any U.S. wireless carrier. Marking another U.S. first, an optional solar charging battery cover will be available for Samsung Replenish. The solar battery cover and an Eco-cover made from Naturacell3 will be available for purchase on May 8. Earth-friendly yet Powerful Samsung Replenish, Sprint and Samsung Mobile's first eco-friendly2 Android smartphone boasting access to more than 150,000 apps in Android Market™, is partially built with recycled plastics4 and recyclable packaging5 making it the ideal choice for the environmentally conscious consumer who needs the latest technology. The phone will also be enabled with Sprint ID, which lets customers personalize their device instantly with eco-friendly focused apps and mobile content. "We are excited to expand our portfolio of eco-friendly devices to now include the Samsung Replenish with Sprint, Samsung's first Android-powered eco-friendly phone, and the Samsung Restore with Virgin Mobile," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. "Both the Replenish and Restore offer an impressive feature set with hardware made from recycled materials and eco-centric2 packaging, giving customers the option to have an eco-friendly phone without having to compromise features and functionality." The stylish, full-featured Samsung Replenish includes:
It has the following impressive eco-credentials:
Samsung Replenish requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans. The Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited text, Web and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month – a savings of $39.99 per month vs. Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (pricing excludes surcharges and taxes). As the first green2 device from Virgin Mobile, Samsung Restore will cost just $79.99 (taxes and surcharges excluded) with no annual contract. Virgin Mobile offers Beyond Talk™ unlimited data plans starting at $25 per month. Samsung Restore is a full-featured messaging whiz, offering access to Sprint's 3G Network, a slide-out, four-row QWERTY keyboard, 2MP camera and camcorder, Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology and social networking shortcuts to Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. It boasts a 2.4-inch LCD screen with portrait and landscape orientation, built-in media player and easy navigation with Google Maps and Virgin Navigator. Samsung Restore meets Sprint Eco-Criteria, including reduced environmentally sensitive materials, energy efficiency and use of recycled materials. Sprint also recently announced the availability of the newest Sprint ID pack, the Green ID pack. This ID pack offers Sprint customers using select Android devices, including Samsung Replenish, the opportunity to personalize their phone with an unmatched eco-focused Android experience that provides mobile content to live green, shop green, recycle and more. Sprint's new Green Sprint ID pack provides instant personalization in a single download with apps, widgets and mobile shortcuts on the user's device, and it features apps from eco-conscious favorites such as TreeHugger.com, Earth911.com, Green America and the National Audubon Society. Starting today owners of select Sprint devices, including Samsung Transform™, Samsung Epic™ 4G* and Samsung Galaxy Tab™, can load the Green ID pack onto their device. Samsung Replenish will offer the Green ID pack when it launches on May 8. Like all other Sprint ID packs, the Green ID pack is free to download with Sprint's Everything Data plan. Leading in Sustainability Sprint is committed to helping customers protect the environment. In addition to advancing its sustainable product goals, which include launching iconic "green" devices, Sprint is working to manage the environmental impacts of devices using a full life-cycle view, whether it be working with Underwriter's Laboratory Environment to develop a global green phone standard or enhancing our industry-leading phone recycling efforts. Earlier this month, Sprint and Samsung Mobile provided a $500,000 grant to the Green Education Foundation (GEF) to help launch their K12 "Sustainability Education Teaching Methods" professional development course. It was first made available during the National Association of Elementary School Principles (NAESP) 2011 annual convention and exposition in Tampa, Fla. With the grant, GEF was able to offer the course to each of the thousands of NAESP conference attendees to educate the next generation about environmental sustainability. Sprint's industry-leading role in corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability continues to receive recognition:
Sprint's sustainability website, www.sprint.com/green, details Sprint's green mobile applications and helps customers learn about the company's sustainability initiatives, including online bill pay, wireless recycling programs and acquiring green tips, such as using mobile GPS to calculate the quickest route to save gas. To learn more about Sprint programs that protect the environment, go to www.sprint.com/responsibility or follow @SprintGreenNews on Twitter. The Samsung Mobile Take Back Program™ allows consumers to send in their cell phones to be properly disposed of free of charge. Samsung Mobile supports Samsung's overall Eco-Management 2013 Plan announced in July 2009. The plan details a comprehensive set of sustainability goals to be achieved by Samsung in 2013, which include the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manufacturing and product, the development of eco-friendly product, financial investment in eco-management initiatives, and enhanced green partnerships with suppliers and partners. To find out more information on the Samsung Recycling Direct and Samsung Mobile Take-Back Program please visit, www.samsung.com/recyclingdirect. About Sprint Nextel Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 49.9 million customers at the end of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint. About Samsung Telecommunications America Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of (US) $116.7 billion. Employing approximately 157,700 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of seven independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT- LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
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| DROID Incredible 2 User Guide hits the web Posted: 16 Apr 2011 08:50 AM PDT Just in case you’ve been itching to learn how to use the HTC DROID Incredible 2, we thought we’d let you know that the handset’s complete User Guide is now available. The Incredible 2′s User Guide contains 300 pages of details about the phone and how to use HTC Sense 2.1, the same version of Sense that’s installed on the GSM HTC Incredible S. With the rumored April 28th launch date creeping up on us, we suggest you download the pdf and do some studying. Then again, maybe you guys aren’t really the type to read through a User Guide when you get a new gadget. Either way, the DROID Incredible 2 will be here soon and will offer a great alternative for those who want a good HTC handset without the extra cost and battery drain that comes with the HTC Thunderbolt and its LTE connection. HTC DROID Incredible 2 User Guide
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| Toshiba “ANT” Honeycomb tablets priced and coming soon Posted: 16 Apr 2011 07:47 AM PDT The tablet war is soon to explode, and as affordable tablets keep rolling out, choices for the consumer are becoming very wide. Well, one of those budget-friendly tablets will be the Toshiba Tablet (which is what we have been calling it until now, and even Toshiba itself has), which is now listed at Newegg.com. Toshiba’s device seems to be called the Toshiba "Ant" (funny name, huh?), but it is unknown whether that is the actual name, or it is some sort of short name for "Android Tablet." Toshiba ANT Specifications:
Whether it will be named after our hardworking buddies or not, this device is actually not running low on specs. There will be 3 versions of this tablet (only differentiating in internal storage): the 8 GB version (ANT-100) will cost $449.99, followed by the 16 GB version (ANT-102), which will go for $499.99, and lastly, the 32 GB one (ANT-104), selling for $579.99. Along with tablets like the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer and the Acer Iconia Tab, Toshiba’s ANT is coming to shake things up a bit for the Motorola Xoom, which is a great device, but many complain that it is somewhat overpriced. Strutting these specs, the Toshiba ANT’s price is not bad for a Honeycomb tablet, not bad at all… There is still no word on release date, but now that Newegg has device listed (as "out of stock"), shouldn’t it mean that it is coming soon? If it does go for sell soon, will you consider buying one of these guys?
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| Droid X2 finds itself on camera again flaunting both cores Posted: 16 Apr 2011 12:14 AM PDT We’ve had a few hints here and there that the Droid X2 will be releasing sometime next month, but Verizon and Motorola still have yet to officially acknowledge the existence of it. In light of this neglect the Droid X2 has apparently decided to do a couple indie flicks to build up its street cred. The video we saw previously (it was subsequently pulled) showed the Droid X2 booting up with the dual-core animation that Motorola has used previously with the Xoom and the Atrix 4G. For anyone that was still unconvinced that the Droid X2 would feature the Tegra 2 processor this video which was leaked to TechnoBuffalo should end that speculation. The Droid X2 churns through Quadrant for a score of 2,453 which is a healthy, if not mind boggling score. (Yes scores well beyond that have been posted from single core devices, but they weren’t running a stock ROM.) I will say that this does still slot in below the Droid Bionic which managed to produce a score of 2,646 when I tested it at CES. The Droid X2 finds itself at an odd place in Verizon’s lineup. It has the dual-core processor, qHD screen, and RAM of a high-end 2011 phone and yet it lacks 4G, a front facing camera, 1080p video capture, NFC, or any of the other features we are seeing crop up in this years top contenders. On the other hand if you don’t care about any of those extras then you get a phone with the internal specs to offer up a great core experience and if the leaked pricing charts are correct you won’t be paying the $50-$100 premium that Verizon seems to have settled on for 4G phones. One last possible point of consideration is that this device was running Froyo and it is unknown if that will change prior to launch. Gallery   
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| Hands on with the Samsung Droid Charge! Posted: 15 Apr 2011 09:01 PM PDT LTE is really great if it’s in your area already. Even though the network is not fully populated when compared to WiMAX in it’s infancy, it’s still much much faster, and relatively low latency. It’s a mobile network that routinely puts low end cable and DSL ISP’s to shame in my opinion. The HTC Thunderbolt, the first Verizon LTE device, has seen high consumer adoption primarily because it’s connected to LTE. We know that Verizon has big plans for LTE, and part of those plans are getting handsets out in a hurry. The Thunderbolt and a previously unnamed 4G LTE phone from Samsung has been leaked, touched, and slotted for a “soon” release. We got to spend some time with the next big phone on Verizon Wireless, so take a look! HardwareAs is typical when comparing HTC and Samsung, the Droid Charge is a very different feel in the hand. Samsung’s recent tendency to make everything shiny light plastic has absolutely carried over to this phone. It’s also significantly lighter than the Thunderbolt, which is also expected. The 4.3″ screen is yet another of Samsung’s really incredible screens, now dubbed SAMOLED+ to signify deeper colors and much less power usage. When reviewing the device, we were not in an LTE area, so the battery life was terrific, though not an immediate indicator of good battery life when in LTE land. The phone has an almost badge shape, with a matching badge shaped notch in the battery plate for the 8 megapixel camera and LED flash. When traveling through Android 2.2 with TouchWiz on board, though the model we had was able to return to Stock, it was incredibly fast considering it was running the same Hummingbird processor found in the Galaxy phone line. All in all the experience was really positive. It was fast, light, supports LTE, and seemed to have much better battery life than the Thunderbolt.
UII touched on this slightly already, but in the model we were using, the Droid Charge supported the ability to use the Stock Android 2.2 Launcher. With any amount of luck, this will be a trend for Samsung in the future, as it seems pretty popular. Whether in stock or in TouchWiz you can still take advantage of Samsung’s great widgets for aggregating social data, as well as access to Media Hub. Not much else has changed in the Samsung UI, especially for users who were lucky enough to get Android 2.2 on their Galaxy S device. The Camera app is still highly optimized, and the panorama shot mode has been further tweaked to allow for even better shots with the 8 megapixel camera. The real question regarding the UI will come later, when it’s time for the Charge to go 2.3 or higher. ConclusionStep for step, this seems like a direct competitor with the Thunderbolt, and truthfully the deciding factor here for many people will be of device preference. The Thunderbolt, even without the extended battery, is significantly heavier than the Charge. Plus, there’s quite a few people who prefer the shiny look to the matte look, and both companies seem to have done a pretty good job with their existing phones in terms of keeping the casing from peeling or cracking, so it becomes a personal preference deal at that point. The Charge is a fantastic device in my opinion, and it will lend itself quite well to Verizon Wireless’ arsenal of 4G LTE devices.
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