Friday, April 15, 2011

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans

T-Mobile G-Slate Arriving in Stores, 3D Glasses Included

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 02:09 PM PDT

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With T-Mobile throwing a party for the T-Mobile G-Slate on April 20th, the date is looking pretty likely for the official public launch of the Honeycomb tablet from LG. TMo stores are currently stocking up the device and its accessories in anticipation of the big day. If you recall from the time we have spent with the G-Slate (Optimus Pad), the device features 3D video capture, though it lacks an actual 3D display. Hence the red and blue anaglyph glasses packed with the slate. How retro.

[via TMoNews]

Skype Addresses Privacy Concerns, Already Working on a Fix

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 01:31 PM PDT

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Yesterday, many Android users were shocked to discover that the mobile version of Skype contained some pretty serious security flaws making users’ personal information vulnerable to a simple hack. Skype is making no denials, taking responsibility and admitting that a serious security flaw was coded into the application. The company offered no immediate solution to the problem, but offered that they are “working quickly” on a fix for deployment.

The only other device the company had to offer was to be wary of the third party apps you install for the time being, as it would through this means that a hacker would obtain personal information from within Skype. Now the tough question: would you rather have a secure version of Skype or Skype with video released first?

[via Engadget]

Google Takes a Step Back in Talks with Music Labels, Future of Google Music in Question

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 01:03 PM PDT

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Those holding out hope for Google Music may never get a taste of what the service set out to be. During talks with major record labels solidifying music catalogs for distribution via the proposed digital distribution service, Google has reportedly changed the terms to their music platform mid-negotiations, causing those involved in the dealings to backpedal. One potential outcome? Google might just give up on attempting to establish their own music market and follow in the footsteps of Amazon by establighin their own cloud locker music service. Doing so would retain some sense of the service Google hoped to launch, though it will do little to position them against Apple’s juggernaut iTunes.

Any enhancement to the way music libraries play with Android devices is welcomed, but devout fans will surely miss the opportunity to give the proverbial finger to Apple by purchasing their music straight from Google. There is still a chance Google Music will launch as intended, but it is looking less and less likely each day.

[via BGR]

Nintendo DS Losing Ground to Smartphone Gaming

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 12:29 PM PDT

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If Nintendo wasn’t already afraid of the effects smartphones would have on the handheld gaming market, a new report from Flurry Analytics should have them shaking in their boots. According to the report, the Nintendo DS slipped from a 70 percent share in 2009 down to a 57 percent share in 2010 while the combined forces of Android and iOS grew to make up 34 percent of the handheld gaming market in 2010.

Even with the generally warm reception of the Nintendo 3DS, this new set of data further confirms the threat that smartphone gaming poses to the conventional handheld market. Multi-puprose hardware, cheaper software, and a greater selection of casual titles go directly against the model Nintendo has developed with their proprietary hardware and pricey game cartridges. Nintendo isn’t dumb to the notion, however. The manufacturer has at least acknowledged that companies like Apple could become a greater challenge in the market than traditional rivals like Sony and Microsoft.

[via CNET]

Official: Samsung Replenish Will Save the Earth for $49.99

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 11:58 AM PDT

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Call Captain Planet, the eco-friendly Samsung Replenish has gone official. The phone for friends of the earth isn’t your average Android device. Made from recycled plastic and shipped in Mother Nature-approved packaging, the Replenish features a 2.8-inch touch screen and QWERTY keyboard in a candy bar design. The device meets Sprint’s Eco Criteria for sustainability and energy management and gets an optional solar battery charger, both convenient to our planet and those far from a conventional electrical outlet). The Android 2.2 device gets the exclusive Sprint ID Green Pack filled with information and tools for a more earth-conscious lifestyle.

Not only is the phone friendly on the earth, but it is friendly on the pocket at a mere $49.99 on a new two-line contract. As a special offer, Sprint is waving the $10 premium data fee. The press release is a long one, head over to Sprint’s newsroom to read up on the device and the carrier’s commitment to being green.

[via Sprint]

Amazon Says IGDA’s Complaints Based on Outdated Distribution Terms

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 11:48 AM PDT

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The International Game Developers Association may have spoken out too soon in regards to complaints levied against Amazon and their Android Appstore pricing policies. In a response posted tot he Amazon Appstore Developers Blog, the company pointed out that the IGDA had based their claims on an outdated version of the Appstore developer policy. The terms the IDGA referred to are an abandoned HTML document; the current terms are available as a PDF accessible to developers.

Nonetheless, Amazon has updated the HTML version of their distribution terms to reflect the same policies as the PDF. References to the particular pricing policies the IGDA took issue with have been removed.

[via Androinica]

Google Facing Anti-Trust Investigations Again; This Time in Korea for Lack of Search Options on Android

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 09:48 AM PDT

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Uh-oh. Google’s looking at yet another anti-trust lawsuit. We’ve all been here before so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. There are concerns about their lack of search options in Android. As it stands, there is no easy way for a user to change which search engine they want to use whenever they hit that shiny search button on their phones.

Carriers and OEMs can customize this – we’ve seen Verizon do it with Bing and AT&T do it with Yahoo – but users (at least those not savvy enough to root their devices and customize their search button) can’t take any action. Daum – South Korea’s leading search provider – is the outlet who called for the investigation. Google refuted their claims, of course, what what I outlined above:

"Android is an open platform, and carrier partners are free to decide which applications and services to include on their Android phones," the company said. "But we absolutely do not require carriers or manufacturers to include Google Search on Android-powered devices."

I wouldn’t worry about this one too much, folks. Google’s tried and true in legal battles and I can’t imagine Daum’s complaints would put even a slight dent in Google’s strategy. [via ATD]

Honeycomb Tablets Reportedly Delayed Due to Hesitance By OEMs

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 08:07 AM PDT

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Uh-oh. If this report from DigiTimes is accurate then it would appear that manufacturers are acting hesitant in putting their Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets on the market. They cite the Motorola XOOM’s expected poor sales and a lack of a compelling software ecosystem. (Honeycomb launched with under 20 tablet-specific apps.)

Even ASUS – who was getting on a role with their Transformer marketing campaign – has reportedly delayed it in several regions. If true, I’m neither the least bit surprised nor mad at any of the OEMs. While I believe the Motorola XOOM is a fantastic device, I can’t say I’m confident it has done as well as – say – the iPad and iPad 2. In fact,

I can’t confidently say it’s done “good” or “decent”, in fact. But just as we saw with the phone market, Honeycomb may just need a bit more time before OEMs catch on and before the market – both apps and hardware-wise – really explode.

Samsung DROID Charge Source Code Uploaded by Samsung

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 07:49 AM PDT

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Just hours after the Samsung Fascinate’s Froyo source has been uploaded, it’s been discovered that the DROID Charge’s source code is sitting cozily on Samsung’s open source resource center. Looks like the software’s just about final. With news that training on the device has just started it seems like all the pieces for a late April release are starting to fall into place. Check it out for yourself at Samsung’s website by searching for SCH-i510. [via Talk Android]

Desire HD Gets Sensation ROM Port

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 07:41 AM PDT

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We knew developers would be quick to get the HTC Sensation’s test ROM ported to other HTC phones and it looks like the HTC Desire HD got the honors. Can’t say things are terribly stable at this point (especially considering I don’t have a phone to test it on), but if you want to take your chances then head over to XDA and take a look for yourself. I imagine this is only the first of many.

Samsung DROID Charge Launch Imminent With Beginning of Training

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 07:27 AM PDT

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Looks like Verizon’s bringing their employees up to speed on their second 4G LTE device, the Samsung DROID Charge Verizon has yet to officially name it, but the evidence is too strong to deny that’s what it’ll be called. From what we could tell in multiple hands-on opportunities, this is simply a Samsung Galaxy S with LTE radios inside – and we’re not mad at that at all. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to train so I’m hoping we’ll be able to see this thing launch at the end of this month or early next. [via Droid-Life]

Rogers’ Xperia Play and Arc Now Available for Pre-Order at Best Buy

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 07:04 AM PDT

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The folks at Rogers already confirmed that the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play and Xperia Arc would be coming April 28th after a very accurate rumor and now Best Buy has put the phones up for pre-sale. You can throw $50 down on each and Best Buy will hold one for you whenever they come in. (You’ll have to pay the remainder at that time, of course.) Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Go ahead and get started at their website now. [via Mobile Syrup]

Hanspree: There Are Hardware Requirements for Android 3.0

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 06:50 AM PDT

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A while back, way before the first Honeycomb device was released, it was rumored that the tablet-specific version of Android would require certain specs. A dual-core processor was amongst the most infamous of them, but other things such as minimum resolutions, amounts of RAM and internal storage, and more were rumored to be subject to Google’s terms. Hanspree says that some of this is true, though.

Dan Morrill already debunked the minimum processor one, but they never said anything about the others. According to Hanspree, though, they definitely do require OEMs to include specific components and features. One of those requirements is a 1280×800 resolution display – something we’ve seen in all Honeycomb tablets so far. Another is the addition of front and rear cameras – something else we’ve seen on all Honeycomb tablets so far.

And I’m not saying Dan Morrill lied, but there has to be a reason why all of these devices have Tegra 2 dual-core processors inside outside of popularity, cost and performance. (I should note that HTC did say that their 7 inch Flyer tablet would be upgraded to Honeycomb in the future, but their single-core chip inside those are clocked at 1.5GHz.) [via Pocket-Lint]

LauncherPro Widget Skins Support Goes Into Beta

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 05:30 AM PDT

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Good ol’ Federico Carnales – developer of LauncherPro – has just announced that support for applying custom skins to widgets would eventually make its way to the launcher replacement. He’s already made the beta available and has published Eclipse sample files for skin makers to get their feet wet before he’s ready to release the final version. Head on over to the LauncherPro forums for more details on how you themers can download everything you need and get started making LauncherPro more beautiful than it already is. [Thanks Josh!]

Wordsmith is Today’s Free App of the Day on Amazon [Scrabble Clone]

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 05:16 AM PDT

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Wordsmith – one of several scrabble clones for Android – is now available as a free download on the Android market for the day. It’s normally $2.50 and is not bad for a game that seemingly came out of nowhere way back when. Most folks are writing it off as a Words With Friends copycat, but at least Wordsmith doesn’t force you to deal with ads. (A game-breaking feature for those who root and have an ad-blocker enabled. You know what I mean.) In any case, Wordsmith is worth a quick try so go ahead and grab the download from Amazon.
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