Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Verizon Updates Equipment Guide that Clearly States “Samsung Galaxy Nexus Will Launch to All Channels on December 9th”

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 03:52 PM PST

Who knows whats really going on, but this may be as ‘official’ as we get. Verizon updated their Equipment guide and it clearly shows “the Samsung Galaxy Nexus will launch to all channels on December 9th, 2011.” So there you have it. Short of official word from Big Red I think it’s safe to say it’s a sure thing… I hope, I really do. :-)

Here’s the equipment specs that complete the whole shebang (click to enlarge).

Verizon Not Blocking Google Wallet But View it Differently Than Other Apps

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 03:36 PM PST

Photo Courtesy of Droid Life

It is safe to say that most of us in the Android community were not amused by Verizon potentially blocking the use of Google Wallet on their branded version of the Galaxy Nexus. In a press release Verizon has made it clear that they do not block apps, well, except for tethering apps. The reason that we will not see Google Wallet on the Verizon Nexus seems to be more security and hardware related and is something that they are really not comfortable implementing yet. The press release states:

“Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.

Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.

We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.”

So yes, it appears that Verizon is still talking to Google about this, but Google has made it clear they did not make this decision. As a Google representative told CNET:

 ”Verizon asked us not to include this functionality in the product.”

So it appears that carriers are deciding how these kind of features should be implemented and that there is no official say on when we will see them. What about you, the reader? Does this affect your decision to buy the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon or is this a feature you can live without?

Rockstar Games to Release Grand Theft Auto III in Android Market on December 13th

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 03:19 PM PST

Anybody a fan of Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto? Well you’re in luck! Recently Rockstar announced that they would be brining the series’ third installment, GTA III, to the Android Market next week, December 13th, for $4.99 in celebration of the title’s 10 year anniversary.

Only a few tablets and smartphones will be supported at launch but we should see more additions in the future. Speaking of future, Rockstar games also mentioned the possibility of releasing Vice City and San Andreas in the future, which would be rad as well. Jump past the break for pretty bad-ass looking screen shots and a complete list of supported devices. This game is gonna be fun!

Here is the list of GTA III supported devices:

Tablets:

  • Acer Iconia
  • Asus Eee Pad Transformer
  • Dell Streak 7
  • LG Optimus Pad
  • Motorola Xoom
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1
  • Sony Tablet S
  • Toshiba Thrive

Phones:

  • HTC Rezound
  • LG Optimus 2x
  • Motorola Atrix 4G
  • Motorola Droid X2
  • Motorola Photon 4G
  • Samsung Galaxy R
  • T-Mobile G2x

So there you have it, if you own one of the devices above be sure to hit up the Android Market on the 13th of this month. If your device isn’t on the list there is still hope, we will probably see more additions as time goes on.

gta gta3_android_001 gta3_android_002 gta3_android_003 gta3_aandroid_004

 

 

Contest: Win one of five Dark Knight Andy T-Shirts

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 01:27 PM PST

It’s time for another Talk Android giveaway. Recently the Dark Knight Andy t-shirt was released to the masses and they have given us 5 shirts to give way to our readers. All you have to do is head over to our forum thread and leave a comment on how badly you want to win. You will have until Friday, December 9 at 11:59pm EST. We will pick five random winners and announce them on Saturday, December 10.

Click here to enter

If you would like order one, please visit darknightandy.com

Archos to Update G9 Tablets to Ice Cream Sandwich in Q1 of 2012

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 01:22 PM PST

Looks like we will have another current Android tablet up and running with Android 4.0 sometime in the first quarter of next year. Archos just announced that they will indeed be upgrading their 101 G9 and 80 G9 series of tablets to Google’s latest OS, Ice Cream sandwich. The G9 tablets were launched earlier this year with Android 3.2 Honeycomb on board so a nifty upgrade to 4.0 will be a pleasant treat for those who already purchased the Archos tablets and will make the current price tags of $279 and $349 sound even more enticing. As soon as we have a more precise timeframe we will let you know.

 

 

Best Buy to Start Receiving Galaxy Nexus Stock Today, Mums the Word

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 12:15 PM PST

Well well. It looks like Best Buy is to start receiving Verizon Galaxy Nexus stock today but based on the disclosure seen in the screen shot, you’re not supposed to know that. Now, I wouldn’t go calling or visiting your local Best Buy in hopes of receiving some top secret info. They are going to be pretty tight lipped about this device and I presume you will just have to wait until friday.

Add friends to Facebook via NFC with Add Friend (Facebook)

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:33 AM PST

Near Field Communications (NFC) isn’t all about payments these days. With Ice Cream Sandwich, we have the ability to transfer what game you’re playing to a friend’s phone, but now we can add Facebook friends while on the go.

The theory is when two people meet, they no longer share phone numbers or emails. They simply share names to add each other on Facebook. With Add Friend (Facebook) you can add people you meet to your Facebook account right away, even if you don’t have a data connection. Problem is they have to have NFC on their phone.

It’s as simple as 3 easy steps:

  1. You both open « ADD FRIEND »
  2. Touch the 2 mobiles back-to-back => You arrive on his/her Facebook profile
  3. Tap “Add”
This one might be a little before its time with most phones not having NFC, but it seems cool nonetheless.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Active (Unlocked) now available in the U.S.

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 11:15 AM PST

Recently, Sony Ericsson started selling their phones as unlocked in the U.S. It started with the Xperia ray, then a few weeks ago it was the Xperia arc S and Xperia neo V. Now you can add the Xperia Active to the list.

The Xperia Active for those that are “active.” It comes pre-loaded with personalized sports apps for tracking your workouts and fitness levels.

Specs:

  • Android™ 2.3.4 operating system
  • Scratch-resistant 3" multi-touch screen with wet finger tracking
  • Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
  • 5 megapixel camera with HD video functionality
  • On-screen heart rate/pulse monitoring with ANT+*
  • MSRP $369.99, unlocked
  • Color options: Orange band with black back cover – white extra cover in the kit or White band with black back cover – white extra cover in the kit
Right now it’s priced at $339.99 and listed as “coming soon” on Newegg.com.

Short video and press release after the break

Click here to view the embedded video.

Full press release:

FINALLY, A SMARTPHONE TO KEEP UP WITH THE MOST ADVENTUROUS AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE THE SONY ERICSSON XPERIA™ active NOW AVAILBLE IN THE U.S.

What:                 The Xperia™ active is a water resistant and dust proof Android™ smartphone that uniquely incorporates wet finger tracking to ensure the phone works perfectly, even under the toughest conditions. Rainy hikes, snowy slopes or mud-splattered bike trails? No problem. The Xperia™ active can be kept under three feet of water for 30 minutes, so can certainly handle a bit of rain or snow.

Xperia™ active is also the personal trainer that fits in your pocket. It comes pre-loaded with personalized sports apps that allow you to easily track your workouts and fitness level to help you reach your goals. Whether mountain biking off the grid or running through the city streets, the Xperia™ active lets you set your ideal training route using the built-in GPS, Barometer and Compass. On-screen heart rate and pulse can be monitored in realtime (enabled by ANT+ wireless networking technology), while the iMapMyFitness app can monitor day-to-day performance. And with Facebook inside Xperia™ you can seamlessly and instantly share your progress and experiences with friends, teammates and training partners.

Xperia™ active Key Features and Pricing:

  • ·         Android™ 2.3.4 operating system
  • ·         Scratch-resistant 3" multi-touch screen with wet finger tracking
  • ·         Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
  • ·         5 megapixel camera with HD video functionality
  • ·         On-screen heart rate/pulse monitoring with ANT+*
  • ·         MSRP $369.99, unlocked
  • ·         Color options:   Orange band with black back cover – white extra cover in the kit or White band with black back cover – white extra cover in the kit

The Xperia™ active Gear Kit Includes:

  • ·         One extra exchangeable soft touch back cover in white.
  • ·         Detachable ear hooks for the portable hands-free active headset
  • ·         2GB memory card to save all your adventure experiences
  • ·         Micro USB cable for charging and computer data transfer

Availability:

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ active is now available at Newegg.com and other online retailers.  Please check for additional pricing and availability.

Verizon document shows Galaxy Nexus, DROID 4 release date as Dec 8, but doubtful

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 10:07 AM PST

All these leaks are getting a little ridiculous, don’t you think? I mean who really knows when these sheets were made up or even if they are totally legit. As it is, the white DROID RAZR was not mentioned in today’s press release as being available today, something I think they definitely would have mentioned. We are hearing the 9th for the Galaxy Nexus (and feel fairly confident about that one), but as to the DROID 4, Verizon has a history of putting out press releases at least 1 week before the availability of new DROID devices. Not only that, they usually do a contest through the Twitter account, @droidlanding, which usually takes place during the week before launch so I wouldn’t hold my breath on seeing the DROID 4 or the RAZR this week.

Patent Wars: Even With Victories, Samsung Prepares For More Battles By Setting Aside $200 Million

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 09:16 AM PST

It appears that the tide of victory after victory in the patent war with Samsung is slowing to a halt for Apple. Samsung continues its forward push with a few recent wins up its sleeve. We told you about both the Australian and U.S. victories earlier this week and it appears that the Samsung legal team is optimistic about a victory in Paris as well.

The case will be ruled upon December 8th and they will be ruling on Samsung’s request to completely ban the sales of Apple’s iPhone 4s in France. An unnamed Samsung executive was quoted to say, ”If we win in Paris as well, that's truly a big blow to Apple."

While Koh, the California judge that ruled on the U.S. patent case ruled in Samsung’s favor, she did go on to write that Apple would likely prove infringement by Samsung on one if its tablet patents but Apple hadn’t shown that it was likely to overcome Samsung’s claims to the patents’ validity.

This victory couldn’t come at a better time for the Korean company as the Holiday season is in full swing. The Samsung executive expressed this by saying, “We are ready to aggressively sell the Tabs.” Samsung welcomed the rulings with an official statement that suggested that Apple’s arguments lacked merit. It was written:

"We are confident that we can demonstrate the distinctiveness of Samsung's mobile devices when the case goes to trial next year." 

While this patent war is far from over, it appears that Samsung is holding its own in the battle. Apple will probably make an attempt at appealing the ruling and Samsung knows it. The CEO of Samsung Choi Gee-sung said that they set aside some $200 million for the next year to respond to the ongoing legal battles with Apple. This is a decent chunk of change and it shows that Samsung is ready to go toe to toe with Apple.

So with that, it appears that Samsung is continuing to push forward in the patent wars. I know everyone is getting sick of reading these articles, but these cases are paramount for shaping the way smart phones are designed here in the future. It’s too early to tell who will be the supreme victor in these patent wars but one thing is for sure, Apple’s no longer steam rolling through each victory.

 
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