Android Thoughts.com

Google Files Patent For New Unlock Methods

Craig Horlacher — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://www.patentlyapple.com/patent...id-devices.html

"A new Google patent application that was published by the by the US Patent and Trademark Office earlier this month, reveals that Google will offer Android OEMs new options to unlock future Android devices. One method simply involves using voice recognition while a second method involves a nifty two-icon methodology."

I'll just say I'm not a fan of any of Apple's lawsuits. It's unfortunate that things have gotten to a point where Google needs to patent an idea for a lock screen just to protect themselves. I do love Google's new idea for unlocking. I'm not so sure about the voice based unlock but dragging items to a target sounds very cool to me. It seems like it would give a lot of flexibility while still making it unlikely that you'll do something accidentally.

What do you think of the new unlock screen? Do you like the idea of a voice activated unlock feature?

Go Where No Bird Has Gone Before

Karey Westfall — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:30:00 GMT

http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugge...-154237614.html

"They've conquered smartphones and social networks. Next up for the Angry Birds? The final frontier. We've got the exclusive scoop on the next official game in Rovio's blockbuster, bird-flinging franchise: "Angry Birds Space." The game is due to smash into mobile devices on March 22."

The latest installment of the Angry Birds franchise is launching March 22! It will feature space themed game play complete with planets, zero gravity and, of course, birds - including new birds! Are you excited for the newest Angry Birds game?

Jelly Bean in Q2?

Jon Westfall — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT

http://feeds.arstechnica.com/~r/ars...h-chrome-os.ars

"A report from Taiwanese news publication DigiTimes claims that Google could launch Android 5, codenamed Jelly Bean, in the second quarter of 2012. The report cites unnamed manufacturers in the supply chain."

The next version of Android, Jelly Bean, is rumored to be emerging as early as Q2. This seems a bit earlier to me than ICS was, however perhaps that means that by Christmas more than just a Nexus device will be sporting the new blend!

RCA's USB Wall Charger, Just Plug It In!

Jeff Campbell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

http://www.macworld.com/article/165...l#lsrc.rss_main

"Most modern smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and other gadgets rely on USB-based chargers. Some of these come with their own AC wall adapters, while others include nothing more than a USB cable-meaning you have to plug them into your computer to get them charged."

The nice thing about this thing is that you just plug it into the existing outlet, so it's basically a cover. No need to replace the current outlet so you don't have to worry about shocking yourself silly. And it goes for the small sum of $15.00 USD at Lowes (currently out of stock in my area), or you can get it at Amazon.com for $12.47 USD (currently in stock with both white and almond colored versions).

Attention Smartphone Gamers, This Xappr is for You!

Jeff Campbell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

http://www.imore.com/2012/02/03/xap...-dream-machine/

"Xappr is a gun accessory for your iPhone that'll instantly appeal to everyone from fans of the original Duck Hunt on Ninteno to the latest Halo or Call of Duty FPS shooters."

Awesome concept for smartphone games that are first person shooters. You can preorder yours here, and they are expected to run about $30.00 USD when it is launched this summer. Yes, this is made to use with any smartphone, be it iPhone, Android or Windows Phones.

Google Talks About Android App Security

Craig Horlacher — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:30:00 GMT

http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/20...d-security.html

"The last year has been a phenomenal one for the Android ecosystem. Device activations grew 250% year-on-year, and the total number of app downloads from Android Market topped 11 billion. As the platform continues to grow, we’re focused on bringing you the best new features and innovations - including in security."

I've never had a problem with a bad app doing serious damage. The worst problem I had was an app that was giving me advertisements as notifications. It wasn't hard to find the app and after I removed it the notifications stopped. This blog post explains some of the safeguards that are in place to protect your Android phone. One thing they highlight is the "Bouncer" service that Google developed to scan the Android Market and look for bad apps. It's good to know that however bad this problem is on Android Google is taking it seriously.

Have you ever had a problem on your Android device caused by a virus or malware?

Install Carrier-Blocked Apps from the Android Market

Jon Westfall — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:30:00 GMT

http://www.droid-life.com/2012/02/0...android-market/

"One of our readers discovered yesterday that through a loophole in the Android Market and browser, you could install Google Wallet. After the community got a hold of this method, they quickly realized that this not only works for Wallet, but just about any app that a carrier has blocked from your phone."

If you can't get a certain item in the Market due to a carrier restriction, here's one way around it!

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7: Great Tablet w/Ice Cream Sandwich

Michael Knutson — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 GMT

http://pocketnow.com/android/samsun...-77-wifi-review

"Samsung wants to make an Android tablet for everyone, which is why they have four screen sizes: 7.0", 7.7", 8.9", and 10.1". For many, their 7.0" and 7.7" tablets provide an excellent level of portability while also giving you plenty of screen to warrant a great tablet experience."

A super AMOLED Plus screen with a pixel density of about 196 ppi (iPad 2 is about 131 ppi, for comparison) at 1280x800 makes this tablet a delight to the eyes. Two models are currently shipping: one with wifi and one with wifi and unlocked GSM/UMTS bands. A 4G LTE version is planned for 2012 from Verizon. An unusual (but interesting) feature, the Tab 7.7 has an earpiece, making phone features a possibility, bit it is not yet enabled in the software. Overall, this is a great tablet, but is currently hampered (per the reviewer) by Android 3.2's quirkiness. Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is expected sometime in 2012 Q1. Battery life is outstanding, thanks in part to the Super AMOLED Plus screen's efficiencies. There are currently several resellers, and costs start at $572 for the wifi-only version, or $668 for a version that'll work with an AT&T SIM. With Android 4.x onboard, this may be getting close to the perfect tablet: long battery life, beautiful screen, and fast!

Open Files Off-Line With The New Google Docs

Craig Horlacher — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://lifehacker.com/5881349/googl...-offline-access

"Google has released a pretty useful update for their Android version of Google Docs, providing offline access for your files and a better overall experience for tablet users by providing high-resolution versions of your documents."

This was a much needed update! To not have access to files when you have no network is just dumb. Large collections of media or things you don't need often, maybe that can stay in the cloud, but small text files, documentation, or notes, I want available all the time. It sounds like the synchronization is done well also. I played with it a bit and it's easy enough to save a file locally as shown in the screen shot above. Improving the app for tablet owners was a very smart idea as well. Really, I think that should have been done when the first Xoom was released but better late than never.

HTC UK Planning Less New Phones for 2012

Craig Horlacher — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/News/1...arket_hero.aspx

"HTC UK chief Phil Roberson (pictured) told Mobile the manufacturer will return to a strategy of launching a limited number of high-spec devices this year, with a focus on second quarter releases."

Releasing less phones sounds like a smart move to me. They also said they're not going to focus on tablets. I'm guessing that HTC US will do the same thing.

I think HTC and Motorola are both guilty of releasing far too many phones. The result is OEMs and carriers can't provide the level of support (bug fixes, OS updates, etc.) they should for any of their phones. Hopefully in 2012 we'll see fewer, but more polished, phones from all manufacturers!

Flygrip Will Ease Your One Handed Fears

Jeff Campbell — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:00:00 GMT

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/01/fl...e-handed-usage/

"So you're walking with your iPhone in one hand, and a Starbucks latte in the other, and granted it is possible to use the iPhone in one hand, it could prove to be "fatal" since one hand tends to offer less support compared to two, and we all know that heart wrenching feeling when your brand new gadget slips out of your hand and onto the hard pavement."

Basically very simple, as all this does is attach to the iPhone case or the iPhone itself and you slide your fingers in and can start using your iPhone one handed without fear of dropping it. I can also be attached to the back of your iPad, or any other tablet for that matter. As you can see from the photos, it doesn't have to be an Apple product to work. Three sizes (small, medium and large) depending on the finger size and you can get them for $29.95 USD each from the Flygrip store located here. That seems a bit spendy to me, and I think I would rather just spend that on a better case. What are your thoughts?

Dolphin Unveils Plugins for Skitch and Evernote

Jon Westfall — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehack...ser-for-android

"Android: The Dolphin browser for Android is already our pick for the best web browser for Android, but today it got much more useful. Dolphin users can now download Skitch and Evernote add-ons for their browser that make it easy to jump between the Dolphin browser and the Skitch and Evernote apps for Android."

Dolphin Browser continues to make the mobile browsing experience more useful by bringing popular Desktop plugins to the smaller screen. Dedicated Evernote users like myself will welcome the new plugins to live alongside such essentials as Xmarks and Lastpass!

New App Store for Banned Apps on the Way

Craig Horlacher — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/20/de...d-android-apps/

"An Android developer by the name of Koushik Dutta is building an alternative Android app store which will house the apps that have been banned from Google’s official Android Market. These will include the custom ROMs (customized versions of the Android OS), classic gaming emulators pulled due to copyright complaints, unofficial tethering apps removed at the behest of mobile operators, Visual Voicemail apps, one-click rooting apps, and more."

Koushik Dutta, the developer known for creating ClockworkMod, is creating an app store for things like tethering apps, ROMs, emulators, and whatever else doesn't have a home on any other market. There is no launch date right now but if you check the source you'll see a screen shot of a page for a developer to upload, showing progress has been made.

One thing I love about Android is the app store options you have without having to jump through hoops other than check one box in your settings. It took AT&T a while to get a clue but other than that no carrier has had a problem with alternate app stores. It will be interesting to see how carriers respond once this new app store becomes a reality.

ASUS Transformer Prime: Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) Improvements

Michael Knutson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:30:00 GMT

http://www.businessinsider.com/fina...used-to-2012-1#

"I've been hanging on to the Asus Transformer Prime for the last month for a reason.

Even though the tablet launched a few weeks ago, the real news was that Asus was going to push out a major update to the new version of Google's Android called Ice Cream Sandwich."

Looks like a very good Android tablet has gotten better with Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) - better performance, better multitasking, and the hardware just feels faster. In fact, the author states that swiping between screens is now faster than on the iPad2. Improved browser performance is another advantage, and there is now a control panel "for controlling stuff." Unfortunately, quality tablet apps are still lacking, according to the author, and there appear to be bugs in the ICS update process, and with the tablet's GPS. Despite these improvements, again according to the author, the iPad2 still is ahead in the overall user experience, but this is the best Android tablet to date.

AT&T Raises Data Prices

Craig Horlacher — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://consumerist.com/2012/01/att-...-and-costs.html

According to AT&T's official release, new smart phone customers will have a choice of three new monthly data plans—300MB for $20, $30 for 3GB, and $50 for 5GB, including the ability to share the wireless data connection with other devices.

Sure they're giving you another 1GB for $5 a month but most people don't use more than 1GB a month so the 2GB for $25 was a better option. If they offered a 1GB plan for $10 or even $15 a month that would be great and work for the vast majority of smartphone users. I'm sure that will never happen though. What are your thoughts? How much bandwidth do you use in a typical month?

Google Maps Gets Updated

Jon Westfall — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 GMT

https://market.android.com/details?...droid.apps.maps

"Download the latest release of Google Maps, and never carry a paper map again."

Google Maps has been updated with some nice battery life improvements, improvements to transit navigation, and more! A nice little CES-week gift I suppose, however what I'd really like to see are some heavy duty G+ updates!

Nuance Releases Dragon Go! Voice Command App for Free

Craig Horlacher — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/...gon-go-android/

"Today the company's pressing forward once again by introducing its Dragon Go! app for Google's mobile OS. The app focuses on verbal commands, giving you the ability to ask it to perform internet searches, make dinner reservations, buy movie tickets, play music on services like Pandora and Spotify and the list goes on."

Since Apple released iOS 5 with Siri people are really getting excited about voice commands and dictation. This looks like a very good voice command app to add to the mix of options that are available now for Android. Dragon Dictation has been around for years and I think was considered the best for a long time, it may still be. For that reason alone I'd like to give Dragon Go! a try and see how well it performs. I'm not convinced that voice control is super practical most of the time but it is fast and convenient sometimes. I especially like to use Android dictation for short messages and notes.

Do you use voice control or dictation on your Android device?

ASUS Announces New High-End Tablets

Craig Horlacher — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:30:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/...former-prime-t/

"Flustered with the original Transformer Prime you just purchased? We'd advise you to have a seat. ASUS just took the wraps off an all new Transformer Prime (the TF700T) here at CES, which is presumably designed to rival Acer's newly-announced Iconia Tab A700."

There are tons of new devices being announced at CES right now! How about a new ASUS Transformer Prime TF700T. It's a 10.1" quad-core tablet but with a 1.3GHz Tegra 3 CPU/GPU and a 1920x1200 Super IPS+ display!!! It also just weighs over a pound and will come with Ice Cream Sandwich! It will be compatible with the current tPrime keyboard/battery dock and is due to hit North America next quarter.

If you've been eyeing up the Kindle Fire you may want to consider the ASUS Eee Pad MeMO (ME171). It has a 7" 1280x800 IPS display and a 1.2GHz Qualcomm CPU/GPU along with 1GB of RAM and 16 or 32GB of built in storage. The Eee Pad MeMO will also ship with Ice Cream Sandwich.

Make sure you check the article for all the details on both of these tablets. Does either of these look like what you've been waiting for?

UnlockRoot is your Massive Root Resource

Jon Westfall — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehack...es-in-one-click

"Rooting an Android phone used to be an esoteric practice reserved only for the tech-savvy. Those days are long gone. With Android gaining more world-wide popularity, users of Android devices have also learned the tricks of the trade."

Looking to liberate an Android device? Then check out UnlockRoot - which promises to root dozens of different devices!

Holo Theme Mandatory on ICS Devices with Market

Jon Westfall — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

http://android-developers.blogspot.com/

"Android 4.0 showcases the Holo theme family, further refined since its debut in Android 3.0. But as most developers know, a new system theme for some Android devices isn't a new or uncommon event."

You want the Android Market on your ICS powered phone, Mr. Carrier or Mr. OEM? Then you've gotta include Holo. It doesn't have to be the default, but it has to be an option, like it or not. A slight win for those against bloatware, although I'd prefer Google forcing a screen at initial config asking which skin you want, and telling you how to change it easily.