Thread: All Things Android

It amazes me how many people leave Bluetooth running all the time when they don't need it. And as for Wifi....

Yeah, bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, all battery hogs.

Though I get about 48 hours of normal usage with Wi-Fi turned on most of the time (it automatically switches off wi-fi when a remebered wi-fi spot is not in range, then it will automatically turn on wi-fi and connect.)

Originally Posted by 9999

Yeah, bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, all battery hogs.

Though I get about 48 hours of normal usage with Wi-Fi turned on most of the time (it automatically switches off wi-fi when a remebered wi-fi spot is not in range, then it will automatically turn on wi-fi and connect.)

If it automatically turns on, it means the radio is using power.

^ Yeah I spose I could do it manually, but it doesn't seem to use too much battery and I'm happy with the 48 hours I'm getting. You can buy higher grade batteries than the one I got too. I'm sketchy on the hock SGS batteries you can buy in Thailand for 600 bt or so, but having a spare bettery or two would be handy especially if travelling.

Or use an app to modulate the radios to your own schedule.

Skype for Android now offers 2-way video calls on most handsets

By Edwin Kee - 08/04/2011 04:25 PDT






Don’t you just love software? They’re like languages – living, constantly changing (hopefully for the better) in the way it is used. Well, the same can be said for software as well, and the Skype for Android app is one such example. A new version of it has made an appearance on the Android Market, where it will now boast two-way video calling support not on just a few, but a wide range of Android smartphones which are already on the market – a marked improvement on its predecessor that supported just four models – the Samsung Google Nexus S, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia pro and HTC Desire S.
To put it in a nutshell, if you happen to own any of the following – Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Droid Charge from Verizon, Samsung Galaxy Tab, HTC Desire (2.2), HTC Thunderbolt from Verizon, HTC Sensation, HTC Evo 4G, HTC Evo 3D, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire HD, HTC Flyer, LG Revolution from Verizon (2.2), Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY, Sony Ericsson Xperia ray, Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro, and the Acer A5, then these will play nice with the new update.
Anyone given it a go already?

^ I love how I can use skype on my phone to make calls back home just like normal phone calls. Haven't tried video call yet but do have the front facing camera. Skype has come a long way in the last year or so.

Originally Posted by 9999

^ I love how I can use skype on my phone to make calls back home just like normal phone calls. Haven't tried video call yet but do have the front facing camera. Skype has come a long way in the last year or so.

Be thankful that Microsoft make money out of Android, or they probably wouldn't have bothered.

Facebook Launch Messenger Application On iPhone and Android

By Simon D Thomas on 10th August, 2011 under Facebook for Android, Facebook, Facebook Messenger

Facebook have unveiled a new standalone messenger application which is available for iPhone and Android smartphones.

Messenger clients seem to be a hot-topic at the moment with many being unveiled including the now criticized Blackberry Messenger 6, which seems to have been made a scape-goat for the riots currently taking place across the UK.

Facebook Messenger simplifies the messaging process and enables you to quickly send messages to your friends. When you send a message through the stand-alone messenger application they will be delivered to friends as notifications or texts, meaning they will be read quicker.

The application also integrates your messages with the rest of your content. So your Facebook messenger messages can be viewed alongside your texts, emails and chats in one easy place. Facebook Messenger also supports group chats.

Other neat features of Facebook Messenger include the ability to share your location and the ability to attach photos.

ESPN Goals Android app now free for 2011/12 English Premier League season


The ESPN Goals Android app used a subscription-based model last year, with users asked to pay £3.99 per month for access to “near live” video clips of Premier League goal highlights. This year, however, it’s going to be FREE ALL THE WAY.
EPL match highlights will be online half an hour after the games finish on a Saturday. Here’s the disclaimer about timings:

Goals footage is near-live with goals available shortly after being scored except for footage from matches on Saturday from 3pm, this is due to UEFA restrictions. Footage from these matches is available from approximately 5.15pm Saturday

Here’s what it’ll look like:

Anyone would think we liked football. Check it out on the Android Market here. And here’s a rather brief press release:

ESPN GOALS – FEATURING VIDEO OF ALL BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE GOALS – FOR FREE
DOWNLOAD NOW FOR iPHONE & ANDROID DEVICES
ESPN Goals – the new, enhanced and entirely free essential football app – is NOW AVAILABLE to download for iPhone and Android devices. It will be available for Blackberry, Nokia and Windows Phone 7 devices over the coming days.

ESPN Goals is the first place for fans to see every goal, from every Barclays Premier League match, wherever they are, within just minutes of the action taking place. Fans no longer need to wait to see the action.
The enhanced ESPN Goals app features video clips of all the goals and key match action, match preview videos, weekend video round-ups and ESPN interviews, all in an easy-to-use video-led interface. The app also sends fans “push” notifications alerting them when goals have been scored and new videos are available.
ESPN Goals is available FREE to football fans via all major Smartphone platforms. Click on these links to download: Apple iTunes, Android Market.
For information, go to www.espngoals.com.

Android Ice Cream Sandwich Debuting Ahead of iPhone 5 in October?


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10 August, 2011

iphone 5 google ice cream sandwich android


Search engine giant Google is in a mad rush to deliver the next version of Android codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich before Apple releases iPhone 5.

A source with knowledge of Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich has told Boy Genius Report that the first Ice Cream Sandwich powered devices will start releasing as early as October this year.

The company was earlier expected to launch the platform and devices for it by the end of this year. Ice Cream Sandwich was announced for the first time in the Google I/O conference earlier this year.

Google released Android Honeycomb 3.0 OS for tablet devices in order to stem Apple’s growth in the tablet market. However, the platform failed to make an impact similar to what the Smartphone version of Android had done.

Ice Cream Sandwich, which will be launched for both Smartphones and Tablet devices, will be designed to unify Android Gingerbread with Honeycomb. Developers will be able to use the Android API to deliver similar app experience on both Smartphones and Tablets that will be powered by the new OS.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 5 in either September or October and Google does not want Android owners, at the end of their contracts, to ‘drool’ over iPhone 5, BGR reported.

Read more: Android Ice Cream Sandwich Debuting Ahead of iPhone 5 in October? | ITProPortal.com

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Android codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich

from the MWC 11 keynote

12:31PM Q: "People are confused about different versions." This one's about 2.3, 3.0, and Chrome OS.

A: "Today I'll use the commonly used names. We have OS called gingerbread for phones, we have an OS being previewed now for tablets called Honeycomb. The two of them... you can imagine the follow up will start with an I, be named after dessert, and will combine these two." Occur roughly six months cycle.

Live from Eric Schmidt's MWC 2011 keynote -- Engadget

which means hopefully those who flash their phones will get to enjoy it as soon as it is released

Originally Posted by baldrick

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Android codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich

from the MWC 11 keynote

12:31PM Q: "People are confused about different versions." This one's about 2.3, 3.0, and Chrome OS.

A: "Today I'll use the commonly used names. We have OS called gingerbread for phones, we have an OS being previewed now for tablets called Honeycomb. The two of them... you can imagine the follow up will start with an I, be named after dessert, and will combine these two." Occur roughly six months cycle.

Live from Eric Schmidt's MWC 2011 keynote -- Engadget

which means hopefully those who flash their phones will get to enjoy it as soon as it is released

Depends on the phone I think. I squeezed 2.2 onto my Spica, but I wouldn't even try and get 2.3 running on it.

I just put 2.3.4 stock euro on a couple of s5570 ( galaxy minis ) - they came with froyo

Android Ice Cream Sandwich is leaked

First look photos
By Chris Martin
Fri Aug 12 2011, 11:25



UNOFFICIAL IMAGES of Google's next Android version, 2.4 or maybe 4.0, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), have been leaked on the internet showing the new user interface.
The four images show the upcoming version for smartphones running on a Nexus S handset. The big changes appear to be a new launcher and a revamped notification bar, going by one of the images from Androidpolice.com.
The theme seems to be mostly blue coloured and from Rootzwiki.com, the app tray has an icon with multiple apps in it. ICS will come with Google's Shopper app, which will make use of near field communication (NFC) enabled smartphones.
The Nexus Prime will get the update first, though that isn't expected to happen soon and other devices will follow. Apparently devices that are over a year old will be able to run ICS.
It's not in the pictures but the camera app will gain a panoramic mode and the Gmail app has been re-themed. Both sites are adamant that the source of the photos is authentic and there has been no build editing to create the images.
Well enough talking about it, here are the images to satisfy your Ice Cream Sandwich cravings. µ

Read more: Android ice cream sandwich is leaked- The Inquirer
The Inquirer - Computer hardware news and downloads. Visit the download store today.

Android 4.0: what you need to know

Android 4.0 release date, specs and more rumours

Tablets News

By Gary Marshall
38 minutes ago | Tell us what you think [ 0 comments ]




Android 4.0 is incoming...









We've had Android 2.3 Gingerbread. We've had Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Next up: Ice Cream Sandwich, the next version of Google's Android operating system.
Although it's possible that Ice Cream Sandwich will be given a lower version number, such as Android 2.4, we think the scale of the upgrade makes it more than a mere point release - so our money's on Android 4.0.
No matter what number Google gives it, the next version of Android brings new features, new hardware and new ways to play with your Android kit.
Here's what you need to know.
Android 4.0 release date
Google says the Android 4.0 release date will be around Thanksgiving in the US, which means it should ship just in time for the all-important Christmas shopping binge this year.
Android 4.0 phones
Specs for what could be the Google Nexus 3 have surfaced courtesy of BGR, revealing a handset with a dual-core 1.2GHz or 1.5GHz OMAP 4460 or Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 720p HD display, along with 1080p HD video capture through the 5MP rear-mounted camera.
Huawei is also claiming that its forthcoming handset the Glory, while shipping with Android 2.2, will be upgradeable to Ice Cream Sandwich when the OS becomes available, according to PCMag.com. It's not yet known whether the Glory is headed to the UK, and if it does it's likely to be carrier-branded rather than come sporting the Huawei badge.
Motorola's Xoom tablet successor is reportedly being tested – apparently offering up rather nifty specs that include a quad-core processor Nvidia processor and a much higher resolution screen alongside Android 4.0.
The Android 4.0 OS will be a unified OS
Say goodbye to Gingerbread for phones and Honeycomb for tablets. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich will be a single OS for both kinds of devices, with the user interface adapting to suit whichever form factor you throw at it.
A unified codebase means developers will only need to code their apps once for them to work on Android 4.0 phones and Android 4.0 tablets, and Google will offer a whole bunch of new APIs that developers can use to code apps for every kind of Android 4.0 device.
The Android 4.0 interface will look a lot like Honeycomb
Not a huge surprise, this one: the rather whizzy new interface from Honeycomb will be making its way to Android 4.0 - although as with previous incarnations, device manufacturers and/or network operators can create their own customised UIs too. The Android 4.0 UI will enable you to adjust the size of home screen widgets to better suit your particular preferences.
On 12 August we saw a batch of leaked screenshots of Ice Cream Sandwich.
Android 4.0 specs include USB hosting
The Android Open Accessory programme brings third-party devices into the Android fold, potentially enabling you to connect anything from an Xbox controller or USB mouse for Android games to a heart monitor for fitness apps. Accessories will initially connect via USB, with Bluetooth coming along shortly afterwards.
Android 4.0 features include goodies for phone users
Android 4.0 phone users will get an expanded multitasking tool and a system manager that ensures you don't run out of memory.
Android 4.0 software will track your face
Your Android 4.0 phone or tablet's camera will be doing some potentially nifty facial recognition, tracking the movement of your head and adjusting the on-screen image accordingly to create a pseudo-3D effect.
Google has also demoed videoconferencing that uses the feature to focus the camera on the person you want to look at, which is fine unless you're staring at someone good-looking while talking to somebody who's been hit with the ugly stick.
The Android 4.0 system requirements could be hefty
Leaked details suggest that the Google Nexus 3, Google's reference handset, will have a 1.2 or 1.5GHz processor (although some of the more excited rumours predict a quad-core Kal-El processor), 1GB of RAM, a "monster-sized" display, 1080p video capture and an ultra-thin body. US customers get 4G mobile internet too.
Android 4.0 hardware will be relatively future-proof
Google has persuaded its manufacturing partners to agree that when they make new kit, it'll support the latest Android updates for at least eighteen months, and firms such as Samsung promise that they'll be dishing out upgrades much more quickly than before. The aim is to prevent embarrassing "where's my upgrade?" howls from existing and future Android customers.

Google Buys Motorola Mobility for 12.5 Billion to “Supercharge” Android

August 15th, 2011 by Brian Oliver Bennett, LAPTOP Senior Writer




Google is officially a phone and tablet maker. Google CEO Larry Page has announced the company’s plans to acquire Motorola’s Mobility business for 12.5 billion. This purchase includes Motorola’s cellular handset division plus its line of digital set-top boxes for home entertainment. This is a bold move that not only serves to protect Google and is partners on the patent front, it signals that Google will compete more directly with Apple in the smartphone hardware war.
Software companies partnering or outright buying hardware makers seems to be the trend these days in light of Microsoft’s pledge to work closely with Nokia to create exciting new handsets. But how well will a Google buyout of Motorola work and will Motorola retain much of its independence?

=================

Great way of avoiding gazillions in lawsuits from Motorola, but surely this makes Google a bigger target?

Mind you, it also gives Google more patents to wave around.

Oh, and it might be a big pointer as to who will be making the Nexus 3....

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility
Combination will Supercharge Android, Enhance Competition, and Offer Wonderful User Experiences
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA and LIBERTYVILLE, IL – AUGUST 15, 2011 – Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $40.00 per share in cash, or a total of about $12.5 billion, a premium of 63% to the closing price of Motorola Mobility shares on Friday, August 12, 2011. The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.
Larry Page, CEO of Google, said, “Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.”
Sanjay Jha, CEO of Motorola Mobility, said, “This transaction offers significant value for Motorola Mobility’s stockholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, customers, and partners around the world. We have shared a productive partnership with Google to advance the Android platform, and now through this combination we will be able to do even more to innovate and deliver outstanding mobility solutions across our mobile devices and home businesses.”
Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google, said, “We expect that this combination will enable us to break new ground for the Android ecosystem. However, our vision for Android is unchanged and Google remains firmly committed to Android as an open platform and a vibrant open source community. We will continue to work with all of our valued Android partners to develop and distribute innovative Android-powered devices.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the US, the European Union and other jurisdictions, and the approval of Motorola Mobility’s stockholders. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2011 or early 2012.

^ Fcuking amazing. This time 15 years ago Goggle were up against the likes of Ask Jeeves and now they supply half the universe with info and the like.

You must have missed Apple then..... they have more cash than the US government.

16 August 2011 Last updated at 07:13 GMT Share this page

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Google deal boosts shares in Asian phone makers

The deal comes seven months after Motorola split in two
Shares in Asian makers of Android mobile phones have risen, after Google said it would buy Motorola's handset business for $12.5bn (£7.7bn).
The agreement is expected to give the likes of HTC and Samsung Electronics a greater degree of protection against possible patent disputes.
Shares in Samsung rose more than 4%, while HTC shares were 2% higher on Tuesday.
Google is the primary developer of the Android software for mobile devices.
However, because many companies own related patents, the internet giant is open to being sued by rivals.
Its purchase of Motorola Mobility gives Google ownership of 17,000 mobile patents, with thousands more pending.
That means mobile phone makers that license Android software may now receive more protection against future patent lawsuits.
"We welcome the news of today's acquisition, which demonstrates that Google is deeply committed to defending Android, its partners, and the entire ecosystem," HTC chief executive Peter Chou said in a statement.
Besides HTC and Samsung, other companies that use the software include Sony Ericsson and LG Electronics.
So-called contract equipment manufacturers, which make phones for brands other than its own, also received a boost from the Google deal.
Shares in Taiwan's Foxconn rose by more than 14% while Compal Communications jumped by more than 7%.