Android and Me |
- Next Android version will be codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich
- New version of Google TV to be shown at Google I/O
- Speculation – There’s a good reason Google Video wasn’t released to Market
- RIM is bringing secure enterprise solution to Android
- Oh snap! Developers: Win a Qualcomm Dual Core Snapdragon MDP MSM8660, plus 30% off to Uplinq 2011
- Samsung launches Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0
| Next Android version will be codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich Posted: 02 May 2011 04:01 PM PDT Oopsie. A Googler has confirmed that the next version of Android will be called Ice Cream Sandwich. Romain Guy — a Google developer working on Android — confirmed the name yesterday when leaving a comment in the Android Issue Tracker.
Yep, that pretty much confirms the name right there. Unfortunately, knowing the codename doesn’t tell us anything about which number it’ll be or the new features it’ll have. There are two very possible version numbers for Ice Cream Sandwich, one being 3.1 and the other 2.4. We’ll probably know which one is it seven days from now.
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| New version of Google TV to be shown at Google I/O Posted: 02 May 2011 03:08 PM PDT Everybody knows — including Google — Google TV devices are not flying off the shelves. In fact, last week we found out that Logitech’s Revue is not selling very well. Google must be very much aware of the issue, because according to an article on BusinessInsider, Google will announce a new version of Google TV at the company’s I/O conference next week. The new update will focus on three main areas:
While Google TV needs a lot of work around performance and user experience, I’m much more excited about the notion of being able to download third-apps to my TV. We have yet to see what developers are able to come up with when they get their hands on certain information like our TV schedule and watching habits. Likewise, it’ll be interesting to see how apps like Gmail and Google Voice take a whole new life on your TV. We better start getting used to taking calls and tweeting from our TVs — that’s where we seem to be heading.
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| Speculation – There’s a good reason Google Video wasn’t released to Market Posted: 02 May 2011 12:15 PM PDT Late last week, Google dropped quite a surprise on us. Android 2.3.4 has begun its roll-out to Google’s Nexus S phone, and with it comes a feature that Android users have been clamoring for since before its release on Android 3.0; native video chatting in Google’s Talk app. Right after the announcement, Android 2.3.4 was released to AOSP and the modders and hackers answered the question that had been on the minds of many. Why hadn’t Google just released the app to the Market so everyone could have it? Well now you can grab it for yourself on XDA if you’ve just gotta have it and don’t have a Nexus S. It seems to me, however, that Google had to have a reason for waiting for limiting Google Talk to Android 2.3.4 devices. After all, it’s not like this is the norm. When any other Google app is updated, it’s available in the Market. In the past, Google has only limited features to a specific version of the OS when there were OS level optimizations to ensure that the features would work correctly. Since this is not specifically mobile-on-mobile chatting, and in fact allows your phone to communicate with Android 3.0 devices as well as any computer running Google Talk with Video, it makes sense that things like battery optimization, data usage, and processor optimization (which are all things this app will need to run smoothly) would not be included in the app itself. It’s likely that with the most powerful phones on the market, the difference will be negligible to some. Frankly, if video chat wasn’t smoother on, say, a G2X than it was on the Nexus S, I would be upset. For the best performance, I would advise users to either wait for their respective device to get the 2.3.4 update, or grab CyanogenMod once it’s functional. Grabbing just the app and installing it on your phone, however, seems to me like you would be inviting in a subpar experience. *I would like to point out that these opinions are completely speculative and are the result of conversations had with developers. I am not a developer, and I do not have any evidence to support this opinion. If you have evidence either to support or to the contrary, please feel free to share it!
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| RIM is bringing secure enterprise solution to Android Posted: 02 May 2011 09:19 AM PDT Though Blackberry devices served their purpose during their time, lately they are losing all of their clientele to Android and iOS. Within the consumer world, this is mostly due to the user interface and aesthetics, but there are reasons why the business world is still mostly sticking with Blackberry. It is common knowledge that Research in Motion (RIM) pretty much controls the business enterprise market when it comes to cellphones, mostly due to the security that they provide as well as the messaging and e-mail capabilities. This morning, RIM has announced that they will be providing Android and iOS devices with the same device management services that they offer for Blackberry smartphones, which is made possible due to their recent purchase of ubitexx. This would basically give Android phones most of the security and benefits that keep companies hooked to Blackberry. If you have been dying to get your hands on an Android (or iOS) device but your work requires you to have a Blackberry device, that may change very soon, my friend. It appears as though RIM is realizing that their Blackberry devices are not selling as much as they would like (aside from the business enterprise market). While I am not a business or sales expert, it seems to me like RIM is realizing that their money comes from their services and not their devices. Blackberry is already losing customers to the competition, and expanding their great enterprise services to other platforms might very well be a smarter choice than trying to compete against the younger and stronger operating systems. With RIM opening its doors to Android and iOS, it will be interesting to see how the smartphone sales look when companies start allowing the use of non-Blackberry smartphones. You can check out the official press release below for more detailed information on RIM’s move. We would like to know how this will affect everyone, so please share your comments and opinions with us below. What do you think will be happening to Blackberry/RIM? Are you looking forward to maybe switching to Android now that your job may allow you to? Is this move good or bad for Android? Sound off below. Show Press Release RIM Announces Multi-Platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution for Smartphones and Tablets Device Management Solution to Provide Security, Management, and Control of BlackBerry Devices, Plus Secure Management for Other Mobile Devices Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM, TSX: RIM) is announcing today plans for a multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution for managing and securing mobile devices for enterprises and government organizations. The solution will make available the market-leading management, security and controls of BlackBerry® Enterprise Server and BlackBerry® Enterprise Server Express for BlackBerry® devices plus, through RIM's pending acquisition of ubitexx (creator of the ubi-Suite device management solution), the solution is expected to incorporate secure device management for Android and iOS based devices and tablets, all managed from a single web-based console. "The multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is designed to address a growing market and respond to requests from enterprise customers who want a secure multi-platform device management solution from a company that already delivers the gold standard for enterprise mobility," said Peter Devenyi, Vice President, Communications Platform Group at Research In Motion. "We recognize the opportunity to continue leading in the enterprise market by providing customers with a common platform to help simplify the management of a variety of mobile devices." The single web-based console is being designed to provide IT administrators with a simple and efficient way to distribute software and manage policies, inventory, security and services for BlackBerry devices, as well as other mobile devices. IT administrators will be able to manage devices over-the-air, including activating devices, distributing software and applications, locking or wiping devices, enforcing and resetting device passwords, setting IT policies, and managing optional mobile applications for end users. Certain features are expected to remain exclusive to BlackBerry devices because such capabilities are built into the design of a device's operating system. Examples include RIM's industry-leading push technology, network and data usage efficiency, behind-the-firewall access to enterprise applications and systems, and many of the over 550 IT policies available through BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The recently-released BlackBerry® BalanceTM technology (see separate press release issued today), which supports the use of a single smartphone for both work and personal purposes without compromising the Overall, as is largely understood in the enterprise market today, organizations can expect a range of security, manageability and controls depending on different device platform capabilities, with some devices further limited by the design of their operating system. The multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution will be comprised of optional architectural components based on the configuration of an organization's mobile deployment and their operational needs. Optional components will include BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express for BlackBerry devices, and a separate, secure device management server for Android and iOS devices (based on the foundation of ubi-Suite from ubitexx). It will be possible to deploy multiple components in a virtualized environment on a single server. The multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is planned for general availability later this year. About Research In Motion (RIM)
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| Oh snap! Developers: Win a Qualcomm Dual Core Snapdragon MDP MSM8660, plus 30% off to Uplinq 2011 Posted: 02 May 2011 08:36 AM PDT A couple of days ago I received a shipment that just may qualify as the coolest thing to show up at my doorstep since I started running this site. The only downside to my awesome delivery is that I’m supposed to pass it along to one of you. My loss is definitely your gain as now one of you has a chance at winning a brand-spanking new Qualcomm Dual Core Snapdragon MDP MSM8660. For the uninitiated, the MDP is a developer smartphone based on the MSM8660 chipset from Qualcomm. Its got a custom dual core 1.5 GHz CPU powering a 3.8″ WVGA screen with an Adreno 220 GPU and a 13 megapixel camera. Whaaaaaat? Yeah. For real, check out the video and data sheet blurb below:
Contest rules: For developers onlyAs you might have noticed, this isn’t your average phone. This thing is aimed squarely at a working developer. The device has WiFi support but there is no cellular connectivity. Brand new, the MDP costs $1350. We want to make sure this kit lands in the hand of a working developer or studio, so entries are limited folks with the following qualifications:
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post explaining what you’d use the MDP for. Would you use it to improve you existing application? To build a new super app? Leave a comment below and make sure to use a valid email so we can contact the winner. We’ll be verifying the winning comment (which will be drawn at random) to make sure the winner is a working developer. Only one entry per contestant. We’ll draw and announce a winner this Wednesday (5/4/11). If you’re not a developer, this contest is not for you, but don’t fret! We’ve got plenty of awesome reader contests coming up soon. Just use this as an opportunity to go say thanks to your favorite dev and tell him about this contest then maybe you can be the awesome one for a while. Uplinq 2011 Conference, 30% off
In addition to the free MDP, Qualcomm was nice enough to send along a discount code for registration to Uplinq 2011. Using the code AND123 will score you 30% off registration to the conference, which is being held in San Diego on Jun 1-2. Angie and I were lucky enough to score a couple press passes and will be on hand to witness all the new mobile hotness. In conclusion, for the skimmers: we’re giving away an MDP to a developer, we’re attending Uplinq in San Diego on June 1-2, you can get it on all the action.
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| Samsung launches Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 Posted: 02 May 2011 07:49 AM PDT Smartphones have majorly changed the way we deal with daily matters and these devices have even become a necessity for many of us, but there are those that simply don’t need such a strong phone and would prefer a WiFi-only device to use as a PDA/multimedia device. Finding a good "phoneless smartphone" is not an easy task right now, unless one goes for the Apple iPod Touch, of course. Last January at CES, Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy Player, finally bringing a worthy competitor to the iPod (more specifically, the iPod Touch). At last, Samsung has officially launched the Sasung Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 devices, which are the equivalent versions of the Galaxy players outside of the U.S. The "4.0" and "5.0" represent the two display sizes (in inches) available on the Galaxy Player. But aside from the beautiful displays (which Samsung is usually very successful at), these devices are supposed to provide the same level of performance as the Galaxy S smartphone series (just like the iPod Touch brings almost the same performance and usability as the iPhone 4). Like Galaxy S smartphones, this WiFi-only device carries a 1GHz single-core processor, which is capable of delivering great results, but let Samsung tell us what this device will be capable of:
Now that these multimedia devices are officially starting to spread, it should not be long until they reach the U.S. For now, let’s sit tight and stay tuned for upcoming details about the Samsung Galaxy Players. In the meantime check out the press release and images below, and let us know what you think of these new devices. Are you glad to see a good competitor to the iPod Touch? Planning on getting one of the Galaxy Players? If you are one of our international readers, are you grabbing a Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 and/or 5.0? Gallery           Show Press Release SEOUL–(Korea Newswire) — Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading provider of Smart Mobile Devices, today launched GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and a fresh addition to its smart player portfolio, the GALAXY S WiFi 5.0. Each featuring 4" and 5" screen-sizes and delivering the powerful application experiences as the original GALAXY S, the two versions give users an unrivalled entertainment experience through a clear display, a swift 1GHz processor and the Android™ 2.2 "Froyo" platform. The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 will be first available in Russia and will be gradually rolled out in other countries. The GALAXY S WiFi 5.0 will be first available in Switzerland. "With the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 we're delivering a rich, immersive experience for multimedia enthusiasts." said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business. "A large, high-quality screen, a world of fun and useful applications and great communications services make this a powerhouse device at an affordable price. The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 will deliver all the rich smartphone experiences of the GALAXY S smartphone. With video communications via VoIP services and rich video and music entertainment with multi-codec support, the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 will keep you constantly entertained. Stunning Performance, Powerful Features Key Features of the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 include: - Display: The clear display makes web surfing and multimedia viewing a joy. Keep your lifestyle mobile – enjoy movies, your favourite TV shows, photos and web-browsing anywhere. Samsung's latest mDNIe image engine technology ensures that video and images look stunning. - Android™ 2.2 "Froyo": The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 feature the Froyo operating system, with a possibility to upgrade to 2.3 Gingerbread. - Application Customization: With access to over 150,000 apps available on Android Market™, the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 are fully customizable smart devices. Integrated GPS support further expands the capabilities of the device, letting you benefit from Google's map services and directory applications. - Google Mobile Services: Enjoy premium Google™ services such as Gmail™, Google Talk™ and YouTube™. Utilize voice recognition technology to search with Google faster than ever on the Internet. Stay plugged into the world with premier Google applications. - Samsung Social Hub: Your entire social life in your hand. Simultaneously post messages and pictures on Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter using Samsung's Social Hub. The integrated address book provides the ultimate command & control station for the most popular SNS services. Synchronize your personal calendar with friends, family, and the latest events. - VoIP Voice & Video Calls: The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 utilize cost-effective video and voice communications services. The Qik application allows video chat which can be shared over social network services. - HD Video & Images: A camera lets you shoot and share your life, capturing high-quality video or still images. The Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 support DivX HD, allowing high-definition video playback; Support for various codec standards including MPEG4, H264, DivX, XviD, WMV codecs ensures you can enjoy huge catalogues of content from all over the web. - Audio excellence: The Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 "Smart Player" put entertainment at its core, designed to deliver the best possible audio and video experience. Samsung SoundAlive™ technology provides unrivalled sound quality, with deeper bass and greater tone articulation. - Enhanced Memory Capability: Packed with generous 8/16 GB memory, plus mircoSD slot and powered by a powerful 1GHz for an industry leading performance, the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 are equipped to handle any user demand. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
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