July 30, 2010
No comments »
It seems that Google is looking after the Android community. In the recent months, many developers have aired their complaints and issues with the lack of security in the Android marketplace. Apparently, many are losing their apps to people who share and download content illegally. This means lost revenues for many developers and sadly, this is one of the reasons why a developer would still choose to work for the more restrictive Apple iTunes store despite Google’s more open environment.
Eric Chu of Google’s Android is aware of the issue and has announced that the Android market now has better security for the developers who contribute their works to the mobile platform. They have released a new licensing service, Market browsing enhancements (allowing users to easily access apps made for specific versions of the OS, such as apps for the Android 1.5 Cupcake) and most importantly, a method for the market to assess the license status for every user accessing the system.
While Google has not released any details on how the new licensing system actually works, it has been revealed that the system works in a real time basis –constantly checking users whenever they log into the Android market.
This level of security is pretty much on par with that the Apple iTunes store offers. However it has yet to be seen in action so we will have to reserve our judgment for later.
In other Android smart phone news, it appears that the Android 2.2. Froyo update has been leaked prematurely for the Samsung Galaxy S. Since this is an unofficial release, the update is not yet complete -though it is fully functional. According to Galaxy S owners who have braved the risk of trying out an update to the system firmware, the Froyo update is indeed as fast and efficient as Google claimed it to be.
July 29, 2010
No comments »
Before Apple can truly solve the antenna problems plaguing everyone’s favorite mobile phone unit, there are those who are still on a look out for a practical solution. Sure, the free bumpers are a good deal, but they were deemed to be too bulky and they seemed like they took away something from the iPhone 4’s sleek and clean design. This phenomenon can be likened to the way the Wii’s controller grip issue was solved by a rubber casing that made it look more horrible looking than it actually is.
Thankfully, there are products such as the iPhone 4 sticker pack that is designed to improve the reception problems experienced while still keeping the design snazzy. Sure there were some released in the United States such as the Antenn-aid sticker solution as well as the End Call decals, but it is the first time a sticker pack has been released for the UK.
Dubbed the iBandage, it works similarly to the products mentioned above. It is a product that does not just solve the pesky reception problems experienced by iPhone 4 users, it will also make the unit fashionable. For those who like funky, modern designs, there is one that says “fixed”, delivering witty humor on the side.
For those who do not care to see the product plastered on their sleek iPhone 4 devices, there is also a transparent one that blends in well with the mobile phone. Basically, there are a lot of stickers to choose from that are not even available stateside for the folks over at the UK.
The iBandage is a practical, cost effective way to solve those prevalent reception problems. A 10 pack of the product would cost you just around 4.95 GBP and it includes free shipping within the UK.
July 28, 2010
No comments »
Vodafone has been in quite a standoff with both Orange and T-Mobile in the UK. The mobile network operators have been trying to win over consumers with promotions, smart phone exclusivity deals and superiority in basically every facet and aspect they have as an advantage that is applicable to the mobile phone industry.
One of the things that Vodafone tried out not so long ago was the range of bespoke Vodafone 360 units. Thing is, if you were one of the people who grabbed one of the said handsets, such as the Samsung manufactured M1 and H1 range, and enjoyed using the device then there is very bad news for you.
Those who are looking forward to upgrading their mobile phones with the latest 360 handset will not be able to. Vodafone has given an official announcement that no more bespoke 360 phones will be made and released following their Samsung made units. The company will, instead, focus on the development of their 360 services and will be including their 360 platform on company released handsets. This is a snippet from the official announcement posted by Vodafone:
“From now we will be focusing all efforts on expanding the range of handsets and platforms that support Vodafone 360 and in developing and enhancing the suite of Vodafone 360 services. Consequently there will be no further development of bespoke Vodafone 360 handsets.”
That means that the company’s follow up to the Samsung made H1, the H2, will also consequently cease production. As of now, the company’s 360 service allows people to access contacts on different mobile phone units. It also gives users access to many music files, downloadable video clips as well as mobile games via their 360 shop.
With the halt in bespoke devices, the company will have all the means to focus on delivering noteworthy developments in terms of apps and all the time to improve their services further.
July 26, 2010
No comments »
Acer is taking a solid step in establishing a foothold in the mobile phone industry. This latest product, the Stream smart phone is confirmed to be heading to the UK this coming August 3. Several reviewers have already gotten hold of the handset and the first impressions have started popping up online.
As much as we would want to jump straight to the tech specs of this Android smart phone, it would be unfair to talk about the Stream without discussing how good the handset looks. Compared to other smart phones, the Acer Stream has a very futuristic appeal. The device’s form factor may be basic, but the use of the line contours is arguably the most appealing since the Motorola Milestone (or Motorola DROID in the US). Granted that Motorola has not released an Android smart phone for the high end tech bracket, the Acer Stream seems to have found a place.
The specs of the Stream are actually great, but not that impressive. The specs are indeed high end, but too many Android devices are already filling up the high end market choices. This leaves Asus with plenty of competition. At the same time, nothing will truly show the industry that Asus is up to task other than what is the industry equivalent of a trial by fire.
The 1GHz Snapdragon CPU is tried and tested on many other devices. So users can be assured that this processor is currently the new standard for a good reason: because it beats everything else before it. Apps, features, media, everything will load fast and run smooth on a device using this CPU.
The 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen is similar to the ones used in the HTC Desire and the Google Nexus One. Expect to get excellent response to commands, accurate finger tracking and most importantly, impressive visual quality.
July 23, 2010
No comments »
It is unmistakable, Steve Jobs specified September 30 as the date that they would stop giving out free iPhone 4 cases to buyers and stop refunding people who have already bought a case. This announcement from Apple came at the same time that they said they would be giving out the free cases: during the emergency conference.
Of course, this specific data naming has inevitably led to a whole host of theories and speculations about what Apple might be planning to do by the time October hits. Naturally, with so much fuss and rumors surrounding the situation, we should try making sense out of it all. Here is a quick list of possible scenarios that Apple might have planned for users.
Release of the iPhone 5 in October – as exciting as this may sound like, it is unlikely. The iPhone 4 has just been released and while it is plausible that they could release a second version (more on that), it is improbable that they would skip straight to 5.
An iPhone 4.5 launch (iPhone 4s?) – now here is something that could very well happen; a second version of the smart phone without the antenna issues and improved performance. Of course, Apple would fix the antenna secretly and state that there was never an issue in the first place.
Apple runs out of cases – not really, unless they signed up with a manufacturer that would only make cases until September 30th because Apple would stop paying more beyond that point. Cases are available as long as Apple wants to, and naturally giving them out for free (as well as offering case refunds) is costly –though not as bad as a total recall of all iPhone 4 devices for repair. Maybe someone should remind Apple that once the free cases run out, people will want the antenna on their iPhone 4 handsets fixed.
July 22, 2010
No comments »
The Google Nexus One has been taken off the online store –actually, the entire Google online store has been shut down. It is the same thing either way, as the only product available on Google’s online store is their self branded Android handset.
According to the developers of the world famous search engine, they made the Nexus One for a very specific purpose, and in that regard, the smart phone is a success. But the company has no plans to keep selling the handset indefinitely and has finally decided to pull the plug on the online store.
Of course, the Nexus One is still available through other means. Vodafone UK is still offering the impressive Android smart phone on various plans and tariffs. In the meanwhile developers who were not able to snag a unit earlier this year will still have a change to get the device straight from Google –the developer exclusive channels are going to remain open. This means that the Nexus One will still serve a very important purpose in the development of the Android operating system.
While Google has directly announced that they have no intentions of working on or releasing a Nexus Two smart phone, no one can say if the company will stop working on actual smart phones altogether. As long as the industry’s technology keeps evolving, so will the Android operating system –and Google will eventually have to come up with a technologically superior handset to serve as part of their new developer’s tools.
For those who missed out on the details of the Google phone, this device was actually manufactured by Taiwan based phone maker, HTC. It also shares many similar hardware features with the Desire, an HTC made Android handset. Both devices use a 5 mega pixel camera, a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU and both phones have 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen displays.
July 21, 2010
No comments »
Steve Jobs stated that all iPhone 4 handsets purchased before September 30 will be valid for the casing refund.
For those who missed out on the news, the iPhone 4 has antenna problems. However, instead of dealing with the problem directly, Apple decided to ignore the situation making things worse for everyone. It was not until last Friday night that Apple finally decided that they should be doing something for the users; and declared that they would be giving away free iPhone 4 cases to current owners (and for those who already bought a Bumper, a refund).
While that is interesting and there are plenty of theories about Apple’s decision, what is more interesting is the fact that the refund is only good until the 30th of September. This would mean that by that date, the refund would no longer be needed and the antenna issue would be no more.
This may be because by that period, a new iPhone 4 would already be available –one with no antenna issues. At this point, this is merely a speculation –an observation based on the strange date that Apple has given to the crowd.
Of course, the company would not go out and say it in public: that a fixed iPhone 4 is going to be available soon. After all, if they did that, they would be contradicting everything that they said about the smart phone not having issues in the first place (if it did not have problems, they would not need a fixed version).
Once again: current owners of the Apple iPhone 4 (and new buyers) will have a choice of cases or Bumpers (or so Jobs states) and those who have already purchased one can just ask for a refund instead. It is not much of a solution for those who are willing to bear with the iPhone 4’s antenna issues, but compared to having the device sent back for a full refund, this is the only option available.
July 20, 2010
No comments »
A hard hitting and scathing review of the Windows phone 7 was given out by the InfoWorld. The article was penned directly by Galen Gruman and gave out several reasons why the Windows Phone 7 would certainly not survive. As much as we appreciate the insight, the direct way that the article insisted that Windows Phone 7 should be scrapped would be nothing short of a journalistic tumble. After all, it is never a good idea to predict something that is not certain to happen.
We do agree with some of the key points of the article, like how the idea for the Windows Phone 7 seems to have been inspired by Microsoft’s earlier directions back in 2007 (the birth of the iPhone) and that the public is not used to having new navigational standards (such as bleeding or cut-off effects to imply that there is more content to be seen).
They did not even mention that certain features, such as cut and paste as well as multitasking would only be present in the device in a very limited degree. But if these things alone will be enough to take down Windows Phone 7, they are very much mistaken.
The public has room for one more large scale mobile platform, and Windows Phone 7 fits the bill. Sure, Microsoft is using a closed system, but the same can be said about Apple and the iOS. In fact, one can even say that Apple has more restrictions than Microsoft.
And Microsoft did not change their direction because of Apple’s iPhone, the reason why they did not push through with made for mass market UI’s was that they were concentrating on the business sector.
In any case, it has been reported that Windows Phone 7 and the first devices to use the new OS will be out by September. Which means it will only take a short while before we find out if Gruman’s predictions are on point.
July 19, 2010
No comments »
Microsoft has been lagging behind Google and Apple in terms of their existing operating system. It seems that the mobile industry is looking for a platform that is focused on innovation as well as functionality. The upcoming Windows Phone 7 platform is, no doubt, innovative. In terms of functionality, one of the prominent advantages of both the iOS4 and the Android platforms is surprisingly missing in the Windows Phone 7.
That missing feature happens to be third party application multitasking. Unlike Apple’s iOS4, there is no way to simultaneously use two apps at once. The moment that you launch a new app, the first once is automatically terminated. It is truly a surprise considering the fact that Microsoft is aware of the fact that a lot of consumers are after multitasking, not only in mobile phones, but also in personal computers.
The announcement came from Mr. Yochay Kiriaty of Microsoft. He said that only a single application will be able to run in the foreground and all other background apps will be terminated. Say a game app is open, once the user tries to make a phone call, the game app is automatically close. Even by simply launching a picture browser, your current app will be closed.
“When a user navigates away from your application, either to a chooser like picture chooser, or to a launcher like phone call, Windows Phone operating system terminates your application.”
The only good news is that the last state of a particular app will be restored when the program is launched again. This may work for simple applications but for games and music apps, the lack of a proper third party multitasking is truly a big blow.
Hopefully, Microsoft has some sort of trick up its sleeve to increase the hype for their upcoming platform. After how the Kin duo fared, they really need it.
July 16, 2010
No comments »
Microsoft’s new mobile platform is loaded with plenty of features and capabilities. From being able to run apps and games across different platforms to integrated social networking, there is a lot to look forward to this coming September when the device finally launches.
For those who missed on key discussions during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner conference, here is a one impressive feature that was highlighted: the new Windows Phone Live service. This free service will be accessible for any WP7 user and will allow users to be able to secure their handsets.
To do this, users will need to register the device to a specific online account that will have special remote access privileges to the smart phone. This remote access can enable GPS, make the phone ring, lock it down, or in worst case scenarios, wipe out the memory.
This latest addition (reminiscent of the BlackBerry Protect; which is currently in closed beta testing) is meant to help out users who may have either misplaced their device (in order to retrieve it) or might have their device stolen (in which case, this service can be used to secure the data from being copied or accessed).
The service will also allow users to make routine backups over the air, allowing up to 25GB to be stored online. This creates an instant copy of any smart phone’s data for easy transfer to a new device should circumstances call for it.
According to reports, several new handsets will be ready for the Windows Phone 7 OS when it comes out this coming September or October. First up on the list is the LG Panther which comes with a WVGA capacitive touch screen display, a 1GHz CPU and a slide out QWERTY keyboard. The HTC Mondrian (HTC Gold) and Mozart are also expected to come out this Q4 2010.
