Android and Me |
- Twitter overhauls its mobile web client; we’re very impressed
- Samsung Hercules coming later this year to T-Mobile carrying a 1.2 Ghz dual-core CPU
- NVIDIA CEO: Android will beat the iPad in under 3 years, ten OEMs are already working on Tegra 3 devices
- Samsung is bringing the Exhibit 4G and Gravity Touch 2 to T-Mobile on June 8
- Verizon Xperia Play gets official price and release date
- T-Mobile wants to kill feature phones, will give you money to dump yours
- New rate plans coming to T-Mobile customers on May 22
- Pre-order your HTC EVO 3D at RadioShack today
| Twitter overhauls its mobile web client; we’re very impressed Posted: 17 May 2011 04:33 PM PDT If you had any doubt that HTML5 is the future, Twitter just went ahead and cleared those doubts for you. The company is currently rolling out a new version of its mobile web client — and we’re liking what we’re seeing. At first sight, you’ll have a hard time telling the web app apart from its native cousins. There’s a reason for that, the web app looks just like the iOS app, but with the navigation bar at the top and not the bottom. The new app is not only prettier but also much quicker, as Twitter explains: The app is fast – you can quickly scroll through your timeline, move between tabs and compose Tweets. It's rich – it takes advantage of capabilities that high-end device browsers offer, such as touch gestures and a large screen. And it's simple – it's easy-to-use and has the features you'd expect from a Twitter application, including your timeline, @mentions, messages that you can read in conversation view, search, trending topics, lists, and more.Carolyn PennerTwitter Additionally, you’ll be able to see inline media — like images — right from your tweet stream. Twitter also says that the new app makes extensive use of HTML5 and other modern technologies, and was built from the ground up for touchscreen devices. This is music to our ears, since the previous app was not very finger-friendly and more times than not I’d tap the wrong button. The new app is currently available to small a percentage of Android and iOS users, but Twitter expects all mobile users to have access to the new version over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, keep refreshing twitter.com on your Android phone like the rest of us. Gallery 
       |
| Samsung Hercules coming later this year to T-Mobile carrying a 1.2 Ghz dual-core CPU Posted: 17 May 2011 03:30 PM PDT The gods have answered our prayers, in the form of the Samsung Hercules. According to This Is My Next (aka all the guys that worked at Engadget), this Android superphone should make its way to T-Mobile later this year. Built to compete with HTC’s Sensation 4G, the Hercules will pack some quite impressive features. Some of them are:
I know people with less capable PCs than this phone — that’s Moore’s Law for you. Interestingly enough, the Hercules will carry an NFC chip. As you might remember, there are at least 12 Android phones coming out this year with NFC support — this seems to be one of them. This Is My Next expects the device to be released in Q4, since T-Mobile hasn’t even put this titan-like phone through the testing phase yet. Of course, a Q4 release means that the phone will have to compete with other Android phones powered by Tegra 3. All of the sudden, the Hercules doesn’t seem to be that invincible. While the Samsung Hercules it’s a very impressive device right now, that will surely change in the next 4 months. If I were Samsung and T-Mobile, I’d hurry up and release this phone as soon as possible.
     |
| Posted: 17 May 2011 01:00 PM PDT At the Reuters Global Technology Summit this morning, CEO and co-founder of NVIDIA Jen-Hsun Huang, went on the offensive against Android’s competitors. Jen-Hsun predicted that Android tablets will surpass the iPad in about 30 months from now — or 2 and a half years. Huang believes that Android tablets will follow the same trajectory that Android phones did, which overtook the iPhone in just 2 years. In Huang’s own words: The Android phone took only two and a half years to achieve the momentum that we're talking about. I would expect the same thing on Honeycomb tabletsJen-Hsun HuangCEO of NVIDIA NVIDIA’s CEO is certain that future versions of Android will allow the platform to beat the iPad. This is similar to what happened with Android phones. The platform got off to a slow start with the T-Mobile G1, and then came the Motorola Droid powered by a much better Android 2.0, and the rest it’s history. Although there are some differences between the tablet and phone market, we have to agree with Huang. Android for tablets will improve with time, once it’s rock solid, manufacturers will take the platform and run with it. At another point during his talk, Huang didn’t waste the opportunity to tease us about the company’s upcoming mobile quad-core chip: Tegra 3. According to Huang, the company is already working with phone manufacturers to bring Tegra 3 to market. Specifically, he said: It's got to be at least 10. We have five major phone companies and we have five major PC (manufacturers)Jen-Hsun HuangCEO of NVIDIA Who are those “five major phone companies”? I have no idea, but if I was a betting man I’d say Motorola, Samsung, and LG are on that list. It sure feels like we’re reliving the early days of Android. Honeycomb feels unfinished just like Android 1.0, the Motorola Xoom like the G1 is not flying off the shelves, and we have an incredibly fast chip coming in the near future — back then it was Qualcomm’s Snapdragon.
     |
| Samsung is bringing the Exhibit 4G and Gravity Touch 2 to T-Mobile on June 8 Posted: 17 May 2011 09:52 AM PDT Today it’s a T-Mobile kind of day here at Android and Me. With new plans, and a new Trade-In Program already uncovered, all that’s left is new phones. Well, we have that too, it looks like Samsung will be bringing two new Android phones to Magenta on June 8. First, the Samsung Exhibit 4G will be available for $325 off-contract and will be targeted at the mid-range section of the market, packing the following specs:
Then there’s the Samsung GT2 or Gravity Touch 2. With a $225 off-contract price, this phone is aimed at the low-end section of the market, and it’ll replace the Gravity Touch. The original Gravity Touch is one of the many QWERTY messaging phones that are being replaced by low-end Android phones — and we couldn’t be more happy about that. The GT2 will feature the following specs:
While not the most impressive Android devices ever, these phones are meant for the general consumer and not us Android enthusiasts. The GT2, especially, joins the LG Optimus One as an Android phone that’ll appeal to many people looking for an affordable smartphone experience. Gallery 
     |
| Verizon Xperia Play gets official price and release date Posted: 17 May 2011 09:18 AM PDT The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play has been rumored around since around August, last year. We have heard it being called the PSP Phone, PlayStation Phone, Zeus Z1, only to finally become the Xperia Play. This Gaming optimized Android smartphone definitely has its background, and many of you will be happy to know that this long, very long wait is about to be over. Verizon has finally announced that the Xperia Play will be available in stores on May 26, for $199.99 on a two-year contract. For those that prefer having things well prepared and ready, pre-orders will also be available as of May 19, which is this Thursday.
As promised, more than 50 PlayStation Suite game titles will be available at launch. The wide variety of games, along with the device’s slide-out gamepad controller, makes this about the best gaming device in the market. Though many gamers out there would love to have this device, it simply is not for everyone. Just by loooking at the device, its size is definitely about the most noticeable aspect, which is due to the gamepad. If games are not that important, there are definitely other options that could better fit your needs. Many of you would prefer something thinner, or a keyboard instead of the controller, among other factors. There you go, guys! The “PlayStation Phone” is finally here! Check out the press release, and Taylor’s article for more details about the Xperia Play. Who is planning to purchase this gaming phone? Do you think it is worth your time and money? If not, which device do you think will be your next? Show Press ReleaseVerizon Wireless and Sony Ericsson Take Mobile Gaming to the Next Level With the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY The World’s First PlayStation® Certified Smartphone Combines PlayStation®-Quality Gaming Experience with the Latest Android Smartphone Technology BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Take conference calls, send emails and win football’s biggest game, all on one device. The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, for Verizon Wireless, redefines mobile gaming by combining all the features customers expect from a fully-featured smartphone with the ultimate gaming experience. Powered by Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will come pre-loaded with seven game titles, including Madden NFL 11 (EA Sports), Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior (Digital Legends), Asphalt 6: Adrenaline (Gameloft), The Sims 3 (EA), Star Battalion (Gameloft), Crash Bandicoot (Sony PlayStation) and Tetris. Customers can expand their video game library with more than 50 game titles available at launch for download via V CAST Apps. Customers easily become gamers with the slide out game pad revealing a directional keypad, dual analog touch joystick, two shoulder buttons and the four iconic PlayStation® symbol keys: circle, X, square and triangle. Additional Features: 1 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® II processor with Adreno 205 GPU Pricing and Availability: The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning May 19 and in stores on May 26 for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Game Developers: The gaming experience can only get better as additional games are being created. Developers have the flexibility to focus on content and not worry about binary file sizes when submitting apps to V CAST Apps. Developers can visit http://developer.verizon.com/play for additional information about game development for the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY.
     |
| T-Mobile wants to kill feature phones, will give you money to dump yours Posted: 17 May 2011 08:55 AM PDT Apparently, T-Mobile also thinks that it’s “totally not cool” that you have an old Nokia flip phone while your friends are packing Droids. Worry not, Magenta has your back. The carrier will gladly pay you to trade in your feature phone for a brand new Android smartphone. How much will the carrier pay you? It depends on the model and condition of the phone, but T-Mobile is willing to pay you as much as $300. You can then use this money to pay for your next T-Mobile pocket-sized life companion. Those of you not on T-Mobile can also take advantage of the carrier’s Trade-In Program. Just bring your feature phone to any T-Mobile retail store and a representative will give you an estimate. After that, you’ll get a voucher, shipping label and bubble pack mailer so you can ship your old phone to T-Mobile. Finally, you’ll get a check from the carrier that you can use towards a brand new Android phone. Before you rush out the door with your old, broken, busted flip phone, keep in mind that phones need to be in working condition, have a working display, and be free of liquid damage or corrosion. This is an excellent opportunity for those people that still have feature phones to join the rest of us on the “smart” side of the fence. Even if you don’t use a feature phone anymore, that old flip phone that you have on your drawer could help you get a pretty good discount on that myTouch 4G you’ve been eyeing for months. If you do take advantage of this deal, we’d love to hear which phone did you trade in and for how much. UPDATE: T-Mobile will also let you trade in any smartphone that you have from another carrier — like the iPhone 4 or Sprint’s EVO 4G. Click here to get started. Show Press ReleaseT-Mobile USA Launches Trade-In Program for Used Handsets T-Mobile Trade-In program enables customers to save on new device purchase whether opting for the latest messaging device or trading up to one of the fastest smartphones running on America's Largest 4G Network BELLEVUE, Wash. — May 17, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today introduced a retail Trade-In program, aimed at giving customers a cost-effective way to purchase a new phone and upgrade to America's Largest 4G Network. T-Mobile's Trade-In program provides customers with the ability to trade existing mobile devices for money that could be used toward the purchase of a new handset — including any new smartphone running on T-Mobile is dedicated to making the latest wireless devices and mobile Internet services more affordable to more people. Through the Trade-In program, customers can offset the cost of a new phone purchase by up to $300 with the trade in of their old device. Even devices from other wireless carriers are eligible as long as they meet the minimum criteria, i.e., being fully functional, having an intact and working display, and being free of liquid damage or corrosion. Customers can take advantage of the Trade-In program at any T-Mobile retail store. In partnership with The Wireless Source (TWS), a leader in consumer electronics collection programs, a trained T-Mobile representative will determine the trade-in value of each device and a check for the quoted amount will be given to the customer via a mail-in rebate process. Customers receive a voucher, shipping label and bubble pack mailer and simply ship the old phone to TWS at their convenience. They will then be sent a check from TWS in the amount of the quote once the device is received in good working condition. "T-Mobile is committed to providing the latest, most innovative and affordable technology to new and existing customers," said Ami Silverman, senior vice president of sales, T-Mobile USA. "If device purchases can be made even more affordable through the value offset of T-Mobile's Trade-In program, we want customers to have that option. We encourage them to take advantage of it so they can stay connected no matter what their budget, current device or mobile provider." Customers have the ability to check the estimated value of their device before going to a T-Mobile retail store and learning more about the T-Mobile Trade-In program at http://www.mytradeins.com/.
     |
| New rate plans coming to T-Mobile customers on May 22 Posted: 17 May 2011 08:02 AM PDT If you’re about to sign a new contract with T-Mobile, don’t do it. The wireless carrier will be doing a complete overhaul of its rate plans on May 22, and they’re generally good news for consumers. The new plans start off from 500, 1000, and unlimited minutes, with the option of adding text and 200MB, 2GB, 5GB, 10GB data plans. The new Individual Plans are as follows:
On the Family Plans side things look quite similarly, just a lot more expensive:
Adding a line to your Family Plan will cost you: $10 for Shared or 500 minutes, and $30 for unlimited. Overall, we’re glad that T-Mobile is making some changes for the better — despite the imminent acquisition by Ma Bell. On the other hand, I get depressed every time I take a look at the pricing situation that we have here on the U.S. Most smartphone users nowadays spend most of the time on the Internet, not calling or texting. So why is it that wireless carrier still want to jam those calling and texting plans down our throats? If I just want to get a smartphone so I can check Facebook and IM with my friends, why do I have to pay an extra $49.99 for features that I never use like calling or texting. Where’s your $30/month data-only plan, T-Mobile? Then there’s that “Truly Unlimited” tagline that T-Mobile is showing everywhere. I’ve got some news for you, T-Mobile, 2GB a month is not even close to unlimited. It does have a limit, it says it right there: “2GB”. In fact, we can’t even use those 2GB as we wish. As we found out yesterday, if you want to video chat with Google Talk on T-Mobile you better be on Wi-Fi, or better yet, get the Nexus S 4G from Sprint. Now how about changing “Truly Unlimited” to “It’s just 2GB a month, and you better use it to just check your email.” That looks much more honest. Whoa, I just noticed I’ve gone into a full-on rant in the middle of some some good news article. In summary, T-Mobile customers will soon get some slightly better deals. Don’t expect any significant improvements however, it’s just lipstick on a very ugly pig. Gallery  
     |
| Pre-order your HTC EVO 3D at RadioShack today Posted: 17 May 2011 07:07 AM PDT Since its announcement at CTIA, the HTC EVO 3D has been one of the most anticipated devices of the year. Of course, the idea of a 3D smartphone was very new when the EVO 3D was brought out of the dark, which made this smartphone highly desireable. 3D capability aside, the HTC EVO 3D still carries some stunning specs and it seems like it will create the same hype (if not more) as its predecessor, the beloved EVO 4G. Key Features:
Sprint and HTC announced this groundbreaking device to become available for Sprint customers this summer. Well, guess what? RadioShack has you covered already, allowing you to pre-order this bad boy starting today. According to Engadget’s leaked document, this device is only available for pre-order if you purchase a $50 RadioShack gift card. Though a strange way to handle a pre-order, the $50 gift card reserves your spot on the pre-order list, and acts as $50 deposit toward the price of the phone when it launches. Another important detail is that the EVO 3D’s pre-order availability will not be advertised. It seems like RadioShack is forced to make this move “ninja style,” since information about the device can not be made public yet (Not to mention the fact that we don’t even have a specific release date yet). Basically, there will be no ads about this and no Radio Shack representative will offer it to you unless you ask them first. What do you guys say? Are you planning on signing up for this? Let us where you stand in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates on the EVO 3D as well as all your Android related news.
     |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Android and Me To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment