April 16, 2012
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Boeing to launch super secure Android phone
You know what we’ve always wondered? Why doesn’t Boeing just hurry up and release a phone? Joking aside, this is really happening. The news comes via National Defense Magazine which reports that the airplane manufacturer is developing an Android handset which will have strong security credentials. Currently dubbed “the Boeing phone” we hope the firm puts more thought into its aircraft than its project codenames. Before you start folding out your green, however, be warned that despite running Google’s popular OS, and being a cellular device, the price point is still likely to be more jumbo jet than paper plane, with a Boeing exec pointing out that competitor offerings typically float around the $15-20,000 mark. He goes on to point out that it won’t cost as much as this, but will still likely be out of our reach back here in coach. No word on any sort of specification at the minute, but if you fancy yourself as a high-flyer (or more likely, you work in defense) keep an eye out for this landing later on this year. Now, what if Samsung made a plane..?
April 16, 2012
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Samsung to unveil Galaxy S III on May 3rd
After months of speculation and a countless barrage of likely fake “leaked” images of the handset, the Samsung Galaxy S III will finally have its coming out party. Invites to yet another Samsung Unpacked event have been sent out to press outlets, and no words are minced. We are beckoned to “come and meet the next Galaxy” on May 3rd in London. For those wanting to follow along at home the event will be live-streamed via Facebook
First expected to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress, Samsung later decided to forego a press event of any type in favor of hosting their own closer to the retail availability of the Galaxy S III. Whether or not the early May date is any indicator that we will be able to pick up the latest Samsung flagship device in just a few weeks is unknown, but the month has long been rumored to house the release date of the phone.
Does Samsung have another international hit on their hands? Rumor point to all sorts of goodies from a quad-core Exynos processor to a 720p Super AMOLED Plus display, enough to make any smartphone enthusiast drool. It’s time to get excited, boys and girls.
April 12, 2012
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Rogers to release the HTC One X April 20th?
Rogers and HTC are getting ready to launch the HTC One X – a dual-core Android 4.0 device that will be “Canada’s first LTE smartphone with Beats Audio Integration.” Pre-ordering for the One X went live last week and it’s been revealed that it’ll cost $169.99 on a 3-year. All that’s known is that the One X is “coming soon” – speculation about a possible release date was hinted at on the pre-order page as it listed an end date of April 30th, 2012.
Rogers usually releases devices on either a Tuesday or Thursday. The 30th would be a Monday. According to sources and the above internal doc, we’ve been tipped that the One X is scheduled to launch on April 20th. The doc above also shows Rogers current Xbox 360 promo, along with the Nokia Lumia 900. Now, you’ll see the Lumia shows the launch date of April 9th, this is the day thatRogers went live for online orders (the official press release went out the next day). So April 20th could happen, which would simply be amazing.
April 12, 2012
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Sony’s latest Android SmartWatch
Sony has a new Android smart watch hitting shelves across the US today. The aptly names Sony SmartWatch picks up where the LiveView left off, enabling two-way communication with an Android smartphone via Bluetooth to allow users to access messages and notifications, control phone functions, and utilize wrist-sized apps. You’ll find close to 60 of these applications, including Facebook and Google Maps, available at launch.
The SmartWatch is priced at $150 and new wristbands can be purchased separately for $20 in a selection of colors. The app used to interface with an Android phone can be downloaded for free from Google Play. It also comes pre-installed on most Sony Android devices.
Filed under: News
Tags: android, smartwatch, sony
April 12, 2012
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Instagram now available for Android devices
After 18 months of waiting, users of Android phones and tablets can finally crash the Instagram party. On Tuesday the fast-growing, photo-sharing network for the iPhone and iPad finally launched an app for Android devices. The free application works with Android version 2.2 and higher and is available for download at Google Play, Google’s new online store for digital media.
September 15, 2011
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Google designing Android for Intel chips
Intel, which dominates the PC market but has struggled to break into smartphones, is getting a hand from Google.
Upcoming versions of Android, the No. 1 smartphone operating system from Google, will be compatible with Intel processors, the companies announced at Intel’s developer conference on Tuesday.
August 13, 2011
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Is starting a thread in broadcast receiver a good idea?
Usually, the purpose of using thread is to perform a heavy task in the background without interrupting any UI activity. In addition, the onReceive() is running on UI thread so any long time operation may cause ANR (application not responding). Thus, most developers may think of using a thread in the onReceive() to perform long time operation to avoid the ANR issue. However, using a thread in onReceive() may not be a good idea neither.
Filed under: Android Coding Example
August 6, 2011
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“Angry Birds” aims for 1 billion fans
Players have slingshotted more than 100 billion virtual birds in the game’s many versions, more birds than actually exist on the planet.
That’s according to Peter Vesterbacka, chief of Rovio, the Finnish developer behind the blockbuster game. Speaking on a panel Thursday at Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech conference, Vesterbacka said the game has surpassed 300 million downloads and has set its sights on becoming the first entertainment franchise with 1 billion fans worldwide.
To reach that goal, the game’s makers are expanding way beyond their pig-pulverizing core product, which has been a top app for iPhones, iPads and Android devices for more than a year. “Angry Birds” toys and stuffed birds have been hot sellers, and a board game hit stores this spring.
August 6, 2011
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Should I be worry about malware in Android?
As Android devices get more popular (today comScore reports Android phones comprise 40% of the U.S. smartphone market), they’re becoming a more attractive target for cybercriminals. If you use an Android smartphone, you are now 2.5 times more likely to encounter malware (malicious software) than you were six months ago.
This isn’t just about apps. This year, 30% of Android users are likely to encounter a Web-based threat such as phishing scams, “drive by downloads” and browser exploits.
This is according to a new threat report from Lookout Mobile Security. Obviously, Lookout is selling mobile-security tools. However, individual and collective mobile security risks are real.
Whether you opt to pay for mobile security, use a free service or manage it yourself, you should be aware of the risks and use basic mobile safety skills.
Cybercriminals aren’t simply targeting Android devices more often, they’re also getting sneakier about it.
August 6, 2011
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Android has nearly 50% of global smartphone market
Google Android captured 48% of the smartphone market in Q2 of 2011, hitting an all-time high, according to a report by market research firm Canalys.
The platform has been making big strides during the past year, overtaking Symbian in Q4 of 2010 to become the top smartphone platform, representing a 32.9% market share at that time.
Smartphone adoption continues to grow rapidly across the world, reaching a total of 107.7 million units shipped in Q2 of 2011, a 73% year-on-year growth.