Archive for the ‘Google’ Category
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8
Feb
2011
Nexus S coming soon to Vodafone
The original Nexus One set the mark for Android phones, why not? After all it was one that Google monitored from conception to realization from day one and it was more of a mark for all other Android devices to be judged on then being a device that had mass world appeal. That being said, Google followed up last year’s hit with a revision dubbed the Nexus S, one that sports not only 1GHz Hummingbird processors, but support for NFC as well.
While U.S customers have been experiencing the joys of the Nexus S, most of us here in the U.K have been missing out, even though this is a GSM device. That said, we’re hearing that Nexus and Google will be bringing the playground here to the UK in the form of Vodafone.
According to said company’s Group Director of Terminals, Patrick Chomet: “It’s great news that our customers will very soon be able to get Google’s Nexus S direct through our stores. At Vodafone we work closely with our partners across the industry to offer our customers a leading smartphone range that includes the latest innovations in product and user experience.”
Samsung’s DJ Lee who is the Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing Team at the company’s Mobile Communications Division had similar words: “I am very pleased to introduce this amazing mobile experience to Vodafone’s customers. Nexus S integrates Samsung’s best-in-class hardware and technology with Android’s stunning new features and user experiences. Nexus S enables users to enjoy the latest mobile technology and faster multimedia content with an intuitive user experience.”
Of course, no one is going to blame Google, Samsung or Vodafone with their offer, but isn’t it wise to wait just a week more to see what’s up at MWC before jumping ship for a Nexus S?
Source: Vodafone
23
Dec
2010
Google Nexus Set To Go On Sale in UK from Dec 22
The Google Nexus S is slated to be released in UK with the Android 2.3 Ginger Bread OS on December 22. Customers can pre order at selected stores of Carphone Warhouse and Best Buy UK.
Following a decision on price cut, Google Nexus S is now priced at a reasonable £429.95. This is a welcome move on the part of the manufacturer.
First review:
With shifting allegiance from HTC, the Google Nexus S boasts Samsung’s trademark glossy finish. Awarded 4 stars by TechRadar, the Google Nexus S is touted as the best android device in the market today. And quite true to this description the Google Nexus S is equipped with some of the best features like:
- a 4 inch (94 mm) super AMOLED display with 800X480 WVGA resolution
- NFC
- 1GHz processor, 16GB of storage
- a 5 megapixel camera
- a VGA resolution camera in the front for video calls
- color saturated panel with black and crisp edges
- empowered with contour display technology
- limited hardware control with just a power button and volume rocker
- supports quad band GSM/EDGE and triband UMTS/HSPA (900/1700/2100)
However, according to preliminary review, the absence of a micro SD card slot is one negative element of the phone’s design.
Carphone Warhouse and Best Buy UK has reported being positive about sales ever since news of the price slash hit the market. Indeed, both the retailers have cut the market price from £550 to £430 for the SIM free version of course. The contract price is rated at £30 per month with the contract period ranging over two years.
This second Nexus mobile, following on from the Nexus One, is Google’s prime device for Android 2.3’s release. And silence has been maintained on the price slash issue. It is true that the earlier marked price was a bit too high to affect the sales of the device positively. Perhaps, this is what drove Google to release the Nexus S at the revised reduced price.
28
Jul
2010
Google’s Android Sells More Mobile Phones
The smart phone industry has never been focused on operating systems like the way it is now. Currently, the platform war is being fought by three major sides, Google’s Android, RIM’s BlackBerry OS and the Apple iOS. As the end of the year approaches, much is expected from the upcoming Windows Phone 7 OS. The Nokia and Intel made MeeGo OS is not being considered by most critics, but it may add itself to the list if it proves to be surprisingly good.
Anyway, despite the impending challenges ahead for the OS, the Android is a pretty successful mobile platform. This year, the number of handsets running the operating system has sold more than three times the volume that it did last year. And this is more than just a sudden growth in overall smart phone sales; buyers actively seek out specific Android devices, this means that the OS’ sales growth is caused by its actual performance.
Recently, the OS has been updated to version 2.2 Froyo which brings better performance, new features and support for Adobe’s Flash Player 10.1. The update has been released for the Google branded Nexus One and will be released for other mobile phones later on. Google has also announced that the Android 3.0 Gingerbread will also be released later this year.
The current lineup of Android phones provides buyers with quite the array of choices. Of course, Google’s self branded Nexus One deserves to be put in the top of the list. But the HTC Desire and the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 come in at a very close second. Samsung’s i9000 Galaxy S certainly looks promising with its super AMOLED touch screen technology. Aside from the XPERIA, SE also has the X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro which provide Android fans with mid range choices as well.
26
Jul
2010
Android Market is Fragmented, Needs Work
While it is quite true that the Google Android operating system is indeed the most widely used smart phone mobile platform in the world, it is also the most fragmented (not counting the Symbian operating system of course).
The reason for this is due to the fact that so many handsets of different configurations are using the Android OS. Phones that come with varying touch screen sizes, display resolutions, internal memory, RAM, processor speeds and various other hardware configurations run Google’s open source mobile OS. This makes it hard to come up with a new version of the Android that would run on all mobile phones.
Add in the fact that the firmware updates that Google releases are different from operator specific updates that are compatible with users who are under a contract or tariff, and you have a mobile platform that needs some serious reworking.
Looking at this, it shows a bit of a reason as to why the previous Russian rumors about the 3.0 Gingerbread requiring strict hardware standards have popped up: because Google actually needs it. While it would be too much of a requirement for all Android devices to have 4 inch touch screens and 1GHz CPUs (as stated by the rumor), Google does need to set a new bar.
The hard part here is actually declaring some Android devices as incompatible with further updates. Which means that there will be phones stuck with running the older versions of the OS; it’s a big price to pay if Google wants to standardize the platform and help the OS’ market grow.
As it is, users of Android smart phones are taking a big gamble with each app purchase as some apps simply do not work on specific phone models –not Android OS versions. The lack of uniformity in the user experience for Android owners will have to be fixed is Google’s platform is to fully succeed.
2
Jul
2010
Android Gingerbread in New Rumors
While we are all waiting for the release of the new Android Froyo update for the many smart phones running Google’s powerful, open source, operating system –Google has been busy in their labs working on what would be the newest version of the Android OS: version 3.0 Gingerbread.
The name (and version number) has already been announced during the Google I/O conference. But with the expected launch date of “end of 2010” being several months away, the current focus for many is on the 2.2 Froyo –which is still not released for a great majority of handsets. Right now, only the Google Nexus One is able to make use of the update that is available. While it is expected that compatible patches will also be released in the next few weeks, none have yet to be made available.
Anyway, the rumors regarding the new version 3.0 Gingerbread are both impressive and at the same time, a little hard to believe. The source of the rumors has been traced to a Russian tech podcast that states that the new 3.0 version will be made specifically for high end Android devices –while mid to low range handsets will be sticking with version 2.2 Froyo. While such a move would not be surprising (Microsoft is doing the same with Windows Mobile and the upcoming Windows Phone 7), Google is not quite likely to take that route.
Right now, Google’s mobile platform is the most used OS –considering that there are so many handsets that make use of the OS. Pushing version 3.0 to abandon the older OS would mean alienating a large percent of Google’s current users. Also, Google also announced at the I/O conference that they plan to make the Gingerbread something close to a standard version –stable and with minimal compatibility issues so that all devices have a specific benchmark to meet.
1
Jul
2010
What is New with Android Froyo?
So it is the latest Android OS version, but with so much hype about the new Froyo, it is getting hard to figure exactly what is so special about the new version. We already know that the Os update has been released for the Google Nexus One. In the meanwhile, the Desire, Wildfire and Legend (which is HTC’s killer Android trio for this season) and several other handsets such as the Motorola Milestone and the Samsung Galaxy S might have to wait a little while longer for a compatible patch to be released.
With the launch of Adobe’s Flash Player for the Android 2.2 Froyo pre-empting the actual OS itself, many are wondering when the new era of Flash on smart phones will actually start. The players are all in place and all the industry needs now is a massive multi phone update to the new Android version.
Of course, the new OS is going to be bringing users more than just Flash support. In fact, the new Froyo updates have so much to offer that Flash support ends up becoming an extra feature.
The most obvious difference in the new OS is that the interface now has a cute mascot telling you what to do. And unlike Microsoft Office’s annoying paperclip, the Android Robot (a term that would make science fiction fans cringe) actually offers useful advice.
One of our favorite improvements is in the camera user interface. When taking photos, users can now easily adjust the settings, add effects and basically control every element of the shot in order to provide the best image possible (of course, users might want to brush up on the basic theories of shutter speed and aperture to figure out what exposure settings are best under certain light conditions). At the very least, the new UI lets users add in cool effects to photos too.
29
Jun
2010
The Kill Switch: Why Our Gadgets Need It
Smart phon
e technology affords us plenty of things, abstract and otherwise. From information access to simple convenience to pure entertainment, these gadgets are designed and made with the end user in mind. The innovation does not end there, aside from good hardware, manufacturer’s also select great software as well. Together these two elements provide users with the power of smart phone technology.
Of course, things are not always perfect –especially with software. While the occasional errant software issue can fixed with a quick patch or update, there are some apps that actually manage to get past manufacturer’s unique screening processes and would perform tasks that they were not intended for.
The kill switch for apps has been developed in order to combat this issue. While Google has not open declared how the kill switch is actually activated, they have formally announced that the feature does exist and they will use it if it proves necessary.
Basically, a kill switch is a method by which apps can be remotely disabled and even uninstalled or deleted. This is use as a last-resort in order to combat malicious apps or apps with unannounced behaviors.
Some users might feel worried or even unsecure with a kill switch, and while that is a normal reaction, many should know that the technology has been around for quite some time –and Google is not the only company to use it. Even Apple’s Steve Jobs has announced that the iPhone also has a similar feature.
Many articles have stated that Jobs “admitted” having a kill switch, but that is misleading. The man announced it; having a kill switch is not an error that has to be confessed. In fact, it would actually be wrong for manufacturers to not have a kill switch as that would leave their devices openly vulnerable to attacks by malicious applications.
28
Jun
2010
Android Smart Phones Getting Froyo Update
Google has finally released a final build of the Android 2.2 Froyo update and that file is now available for people to download. Many have reported that the update does not appear on their handsets which means that this patch will not work on all Android operating systems. It has been confirmed that users would need to have the FRF50 firmware if they want to get the latest version of the Android.
Initial tests on the new Android 2.2 Froyo shows that Google has been true to their word in terms of the improved performance; the screens shift faster, apps and features load quicker and overall, the phone experience feels a lot smoother. In some ways, the update makes it feel like the CPU itself has been boosted in speed.
Web browsing has also been improved in the case of loading Java faster, however, since some internet connections are really slow, it is hard to see the big improvement –though when the connection is fast and stable and users are viewing pages with plenty of Java script, the performance boost is pretty noticeable.
Tethering and turning the handset into a WiFi hotspot have been confirmed, though these have yet to be tested. The feature has been much in demand among many smart phone owners in order to make full use of many 3G data plans and the inclusion of this to the Android is a welcome addition.
Naturally, the most anticipated feature is the Adobe Flash Player. Fortunately, Android smart phone owners do not need to wait any longer as Adobe has already released the downloadable Flash Player update just two days ago. The software development company was met with surprised and confused reactions from people as the player was only compatible with Android 2.2 and only the Nexus One has the OS at that time. Users of HTC’s Desire handset are expecting an update to Froyo soon.
3
Jun
2010
Android Phone Fragmentation is the Pink Elephant in the Room
Fragmentation in the Android mobile phone platform has been officially deemed an urban myth. Dan Morrill, the Android team’s open source and program compatibility manager, released a written explanation as to why fragmentation is nothing more than a figment of your imagination. In his creative write up, he basically says that the very concept is nonexistent:
“Because it means everything, it actually means nothing, so the term is useless. Stories on ‘fragmentation’ are dramatic and they drive traffic to pundits’ blogs, but they have little to do with reality. ‘Fragmentation’ is a bogeyman, a red herring, a story you tell to frighten junior developers. Yawn.”
Because Android is an open sourced platform, many developers have their hand in making a mark in the little green robot’s market. This means that many different people have also tried to express their experiences with fragmentation in a variety of ways. Having six major versions of the Android platform has made its mark on the industry because basically, people have a hard time keeping up.
Developers have problems making their apps compatible with the platform, manufacturers get questioned about the quality of their devices and users get left out when an app is not compatible with their mobile phone.
Well, Google handles these concerns by restricting the use of the Android name. This is given only to apps which have passed a very stringent list of specs. These apps are deemed to be compatible even to future Android builds.
For those who do not pass the requirements, Google simply blocks or limits the release for compatibility with specific Android devices. From what Morrill said, it seems this fragmentation issue is no bigger than what Android users make it to be. It affects all of us and yet our precious Android devices will still work perfectly fine without full compatibility with every single ‘droid app out there.
27
May
2010
Pac-Man Takes a Bite out of Global Economy and We are Happy
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Namco’s iconic video game character, Pac-Man, Google has decided that their new Google Doodle will be based on the design of the original Pac-Man arcade game.
The Google Doodle is basically the logo of Google in the first page of the search engine, for many years, Google has made the habit of changing the logo design to reflect major events, holidays and other pop culture moments. The Pac-Man commemorative doodle is not only impressive for its true-to-form nostalgic and retro design, but also because people can actually play it.
Instead of the usual “I’m Feeling Lucky” button (to the right of the “Google Search” button), Google has put in an “Insert Coin” button instead. When pressed, this allows the player to play a game of Pac-Man on the doodle. Pressing insert coin twice turns the game into a cooperative mode.
Controlling Pac-Man from the web browser is easy, the first player users the cursor key in order to direct Pac’s movements while a second player will use the W, A, S, D keys (for up, left, down and right, respectively) to control Mrs. Pac-Man (she’s the one with the ribbon).
If you have somehow managed to live anytime during the past thirty years without ever having played Pac-Man, the point of the game is simple; the goal is to consume all the pellets in the stage. Players move Pac-Man around the stage to eat all the pellets while avoiding the ghosts. There are several large super pellets that when eaten, allows Pac-Man to eat ghosts for short amount of time.
It is a simple, fun and addictive game. In fact, it is so addictive that during the game’s presence in the Google main page, an estimated 4.8 million hours were logged in by over 500 million unique users –that translates to around a hundred million GBP in terms of employee hours. The game is now stored in a permanent page in Google’s site.
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