Monday, April 25, 2011

Android Community

Android Community

Skype Video for Android ready & waiting on Verizon

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 11:33 AM PDT

Word on the street is that Skype has finished testing it’s Video feature on Android handsets and is waiting for Verizon to distribute. The news came from a support reply to a query by Android user “Dmitri.” The issue is that Verizon controls updating of Skype to phones on their network and as such, users have to had to wait patiently for it. Skype has a partnership with Verizon, so it makes sense that they wouldn’t release it without Verizon’s “check.”

But Verizon may be overly patient to release it until any data vulnerabilities have been ironed out to their liking. As we reported last week, an enterprising hacker could harvest data from a user's device using a rogue app without the user’s knowledge or permission. Skype replied that it did exist and then a week later, removed the vulnerability. So it would seem only a matter of time before users can enjoy video chat over Verizon’s 4G/LTE network.

That would be great news for users of the HTC Thunderbolt, Droid Bionic, Samsung tablet users who want a video chat solution over 4G. A beta version had been leaked a few weeks ago that users could try out, but that was before Skype’s attention was focused on the vulnerabilities. So users would well advised to
wait for the official version if security is more important to them than allowing their friends to see their mug via video. But when Verizon does release the new video Skype update, you can bet 4G users will be happily saying “can you SEE me now?”

[via Droid Life]

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SugarSync for Android automatically backs up images

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 09:21 AM PDT

There’s a new app which will automatically back up images wirelessly when users get near their computer. The app, dubbed SugarSync, automatically backs up any images, documents, and folders to all your computers. In addition, SugarSync backs up to the cloud as well. There’s no connecting, no selecting, and Sugar Sync doesn’t even have to be running resident for it to happen.

The process is called “autosync” and it also works with folders as well. So users can sync documents to and from their PC to the Android. Any work done to documents is then backed up back to the cloud and your PCs. It’s an ideal solution for business travelers looking for a simple sync solution.

Users just set up autosync in the app by pressing the menu button, choosing settings and enabling the autosync options. Users can also customize when and how the autosync happens. So, for instance, a WiFi only option can be made in order to save on data caps and battery life. Or, a time interval can be set to that autosync backs up when you want.

android-post-image Settings-Page-400 SugarSync-Android-App-QR-Code

[via SugarSync Blog]

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Nook color gets new features via software update

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 06:25 AM PDT

It’s common today for tablets to be able to function as eReaders either via a built-in innate capability or via an app that allows the device to hook to a digital bookstore like Amazon or Barnes & Noble’s offering. It's not that common for an eReader to be able to play like it’s a table though. That is exactly what the Nook Color from Barnes & Noble is able to do. The eReader has a color LCD and runs the Android OS opening the possibility for all sorts of cool things.

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The Color has had a software update launched that brings the device up to version 1.2.0. The firmware update adds in some really cool new features that will bring the Nook Color more clearly into the tablet category rather than just an eReader with some cool new tricks. The new firmware adds Nook Apps, Nook Email, and enhanced web experience and more. One of the key things in the update is a Nook Kids area that offers Play titles and enhanced books among other things.

B&N says that the update will start rolling out to users via WiFi starting the week of April 25. That is today if you aren't keeping track. The users don't have to do anything to get the update, it will be offered automatically. If you want to do the update manually, you can do that right now as well. The Nook Apps will bring some cool things, I would bet games would be among the first of the apps offered. I can certainly see people playing angry birds on the Nook color.

[via Barnes & Noble

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Galaxy S II hits Korea with NFC payment system ready to go

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 03:18 AM PDT

In Korea, KT is rolling out a new NFC payment system that will also users of compatible mobile phones to pay for purchases using their smartphones. NFC payments for smart devices are becoming a big deal all around the world and some of the biggest firms in the tech realm are backing NFC payments systems in the US and abroad. In the US Google is pushing hard for NFC and several major credit card companies are also backing NFC plans.

In Korea KT has announced the first NFC payment system that will be available for users. The NFC system will require and app to operate and the app is installed from the factory on Galaxy S II smartphones from Samsung. Not all markets will get the NFC app pre-installed though. I will be the first to admit that the translation form Korean to English is not the best, but it appears that the NFC payment system will support Korean grocery store Lotte Mart and the credit card system the store uses.

The payment system launched by KT is called olleh touch and the app stores the credit card details and the membership card. Apparently, the app will not be offered for download onto other smartphones right away. The users of the NFC system will also get discounts and promotions worth up to 19,000 won over the year. The NFC system in place uses 13.56MHz frequency and will transmit data from about 10cm between the smartphone and the NFC reader.

galaxys2nfc-sg galaxys2-sg

[via KT

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Lenovo Android ThinkTab leaked

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 05:08 PM PDT

Okay, it’s not called that, it’s called the Android ThinkPad Tablet. But don’t you think ThinkTab is more catchy? Regardless of what it’s called, details of the new Lenovo Honeycomb Tablet have been leaked. And Lenovo looks to be catching the Android, and leaving Windows behind.

This is my next scored the scoop, and here’s a few specs to wet your whistle. The ThinkPad Commercial Media Tablet has what’s become the standard NVidia dual core Tegra 2 processor and a 10.1″ WVGA widescreen touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 display. Like the HTC Flyer, it’s going old school with capacitive stylus support, and as mentioned, runs Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Additionally, it has all the usually accouterments including USB 2.0, microUSB, and even a full sized SD card shot.

But what’s really catching everyone’s attention is the optional slide in keyboard dock which transforms this Android tablet into a full fledged notebook. Clearly, Lenovo is looking to the business world for it’s niche market, but with Media in the title, you can bet it’s not going to be all work and no play. It should also make it quite attractive to the non mac college crowd. Look for it in July of 2011 for a price of $499.

[via UnwiredView]

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Amazon promotes Android with app money

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 04:49 PM PDT

Amazon is joining forces with Verizon to offer $25 to spend in the Amazon App Store for Android with the purchase of a Verizon Android Device. The promotion begins tomorrow and will run all week. The offer is valid only on Verizon phones including the HTC Thunderbolt, which Amazon recently dropped to $129.99 with a two year deal. The promotion will certainly drive traffic to it’s new AppStore but will also give a boost to Amazon’s Wireless portal and the Verizon 4G phone which has been cut in price more than once.

Amazon’s AppStore for Android has been rolling along like gangbusters. And although the eCommerce site hasn’t shared overall download figures yet, the fact that they’ve doubled apps to 7,500 since opening points to a brisk and successful launch. It is also launching several new services to augment it’s Android presence including Cloud Player, Amazon’s MP3 music service. Cloud Player differs from Apple iTunes in that users can store their music and other digital content in the Cloud and access it via streaming like their own personal Pandora.

But Amazon is also meeting some stiff resistance from wireless provider AT&T, which has set a policy to block third party app downloads on Android Devices. That makes it difficult for MaBell Android users to shop anywhere but the Android Market. Could this be considered and AntiTrust move? Nobody has really broached that yet, but AT&T is likely concerned about security in light of recent issues with malware piggybacking on existing apps from the Marketplace. However, with strict pricing models and an approval process similar to Apple’s, Amazon’s position is, they’ve got that covered.

[via All Things Digital]

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Skype takes action, removes vulnerabilities

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 03:44 PM PDT

If you’re following the scoreboard, last week we reported that Skype for Android had a vulnerability which allowed a third party to harvest a user’s data without their consent. Skype replied that they were taking action, but didn’t tell us what it was. Now we know. Skype has solved the issue for now by removing the ability of a hacker to do so. And there’s more …

We have had no reported examples of any 3rd party malicious application misusing information from the Skype directory on Android devices and will continue to monitor closely. Please rest assured that we do take your privacy and security very seriously and we sincerely apologize for any concern this issue may have caused.

So Skype assures that at this juncture, there has been no breach to warrant concern. But to be on the safe side, what that means is that Skype is going to put a pair of eyes on the situation to make sure of it. That’s a wise move. And in addition, Skype is adding 3G connectivity to the Skype for Android app worldwide, promising no issues with worldwide calling.

A pretty high bar to set. With most exploits coming from outside the United States, it’ll pretty much be a full time job to not only balance keeping quality high via 3G, but to make sure the bad guys don’t find a way through in the process. Then again, that’s what all companies should be doing. So, it’s just a matter of if it’s important to them. And it look like by the action Skype is taking, that it is.

[via Android Trek]

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T-Mobile LG G2x wait for Gingerbread wont be long

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 02:39 PM PDT

It seems things are about to start looking even better for the popular LG G2x. You can read our full review on the beastly phone here. Now we have some great news, T-Mobile recently tweeted that the wait for gingerbread “wont be long” and that it was “coming soon”. Good news indeed.

There has been a few discussions about possible issues the G2x is facing. We reported about random reboots yesterday, but not all users are having that issue. My G2x has not rebooted once on its own. We also reported about LCD screen bleeding issues. Those might just be extreme cases, and I for one love the G2x.

With recent news of root and even 1-click clockworkmod recovery, the other side of hardware is looking better and better. With T-Mobile announcing Gingerbread 2.3 coming soon, and the CyanogenMod 7 crew working hard to get the G2x on board. Things are moving right along. We are expecting CM7 Nightly builds any time now for the LG dual-core phone. Will you be flashing CM7, or waiting for stock Android 2.3 Gingerbread from T-Mobile and Google?

[via @Tmobile Twitter]

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LG G2x and Optimus 2x get 1 click clockwork recovery

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 02:25 PM PDT

Earlier in the week we told you about the G2x getting 1-click-root and recovery and you can read about that here. The root method is a 1-click program that is as simple as it gets, but the flashing of clockworkmod recovery was a different story. It needed additional files and NvFlash. Now we have ClockworkMod Recovery for the G2x the easy way.

Now available in Rom Manager is a working recovery for both the G2x, and the Optimus 2x as they needed slightly different ones from what I’ve read. No more flashing with NvFlash or any difficult adb commands here. For those that don’t know, Rom Manager is basically the best. It is a UI overlay for things that are scary like flashing a recovery. It does it all for you, and even updates when needed. With a single click.

So for those with a shiny new G2x, go and get Rom Manager from the market, free and Premium available. Then simply click “Flash ClockworkMod Recovery” and the menu will appear like the photo above, and choose your G2x, easy as cake. Only takes but a few seconds. Oh and I took that screenshot using LG’s screenshot feature on the G2x. Now all we need is some Gingerbread, or some CyanogenMod 7. Who wants to bet that CM7 comes first?

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