Ultrabooks are popping up everywhere these days, and as the market becomes increasingly saturated, the one-time "wow" factor has given way to more sober assessment. The Samsung Series 5 Ultra NP530U3B-A02 ($1,099 list) is the latest to enter this crowded arena. It has plenty going for it, from its good looks to its fine display to its comfortably ergonomic keyboard and touchpad. But in terms of performance, it falls short of comparable systems in its class, and given the amount of money users are expected to shell out for it, they could do better.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
EXCLUSIVE-Apple, Samsung chiefs disagree on patent values-source
(Reuters) - Apple Inc AAPl.O Chief Executive Tim Cook and top Samsung Electronic Co Ltd (005930.KS) executives disagreed last week on the value of each other's patents at a settlement conference ahead of a high profile U.S. trial, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Apple and Samsung, the world's largest consumer electronics corporations, are waging legal war in several countries, accusing each other of patent violations as they vie for supremacy in the fast-growing market for mobile devices.
The trial is scheduled to begin July 30 in a San Jose, Calif. federal court. Cook participated in mediation with Samsung's Vice Chairman Choi Gee-sung and mobile chief Shin Jong-Kyun last Monday in the San Francisco area to see if the two sides could resolve the dispute, several separate sources said.
Apple and Samsung, the world's largest consumer electronics corporations, are waging legal war in several countries, accusing each other of patent violations as they vie for supremacy in the fast-growing market for mobile devices.
The trial is scheduled to begin July 30 in a San Jose, Calif. federal court. Cook participated in mediation with Samsung's Vice Chairman Choi Gee-sung and mobile chief Shin Jong-Kyun last Monday in the San Francisco area to see if the two sides could resolve the dispute, several separate sources said.
Samsung ships 10 million Galaxy S III units
The smartphone race is on. Just two months after launching the Galaxy S III, Samsung announced that it appears to have shipped 10 million Galaxy S III units.
In an interview with Korea’s Yonhap News, Samsung’s president of information technology and mobile communication said that it appears that the phone has sold an average of around 190,000 units per day since its May 29 international release. The sales figures are in line with the estimate that Shin gave Reuters in June — that the phone would sell 10 million units by the end of July.
Samsung, you may remember, recently surpassed Apple as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, according to a survey from Reuters.
It’s true that 10 million of just one phone model is small compared to the sales of the iPhone 4S last quarter, when Apple announced that the smartphone had sold 35.1 million units.
In an interview with Korea’s Yonhap News, Samsung’s president of information technology and mobile communication said that it appears that the phone has sold an average of around 190,000 units per day since its May 29 international release. The sales figures are in line with the estimate that Shin gave Reuters in June — that the phone would sell 10 million units by the end of July.
Samsung, you may remember, recently surpassed Apple as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, according to a survey from Reuters.
It’s true that 10 million of just one phone model is small compared to the sales of the iPhone 4S last quarter, when Apple announced that the smartphone had sold 35.1 million units.
Apple v Samsung dispute 'ridiculous': judge
Samsung sued Apple claiming the maker of iPhones is infringing three patents covering data transmission over the 3G wireless spectrum. The suit was in response to Apple's claim that Samsung stole its design ideas for computer tablets and phones.
A trial scheduled to run for three months began yesterday before Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett.
Apple refused to pay a license fee for the technology that allows phones to conduct multiple tasks including taking calls while uploading photos to the internet, Samsung's lawyer Neil Young said at the start of the trial. Apple was willing to pay and Samsung refused, the Cupertino, California-based company's lawyer Stephen Burley said.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/apple-v-samsung-dispute-ridiculous-judge-20120724-22liy.html#ixzz21WZcX2RA
Facebook triples its lobbying spending from last year
Google and Facebook upped their lobbying to record levels in the second quarter of the year, public records show.
Facebook spent $960,000 in lobbying from April to June of this year, up from $320,000 during the second quarter of 2011. The company spent $650,000 in the first quarter of 2012, records show.
Google, meanwhile, spent $3.9 million in the second quarter, a notable drop from the record $5 million the search company spent in the first quarter. But the $3.9 million is an increase over the same period last year, when the company spent just over $2 million on lobbying.
Facebook’s record spending on lobbying signals that the newly public company is expanding its footprint in Washington as it faces scrutiny on privacy issues. The site lobbied in the last quarter on issues such as privacy and protecting children's privacy online, online piracy, cybersecurity, market structure and IPO issues.
Facebook spent $960,000 in lobbying from April to June of this year, up from $320,000 during the second quarter of 2011. The company spent $650,000 in the first quarter of 2012, records show.
Google, meanwhile, spent $3.9 million in the second quarter, a notable drop from the record $5 million the search company spent in the first quarter. But the $3.9 million is an increase over the same period last year, when the company spent just over $2 million on lobbying.
Facebook’s record spending on lobbying signals that the newly public company is expanding its footprint in Washington as it faces scrutiny on privacy issues. The site lobbied in the last quarter on issues such as privacy and protecting children's privacy online, online piracy, cybersecurity, market structure and IPO issues.
Facebook triples lobbying budget from last year, eyes White House
Facebook tripled its lobbying efforts in the second quarter of the year, spending nearly $1 million to influence Congress, the Federal Trade Commission and White House on their positions regarding online privacy and child safety protection. That’s also up from $650,000 in the first quarter.
The company is still spending far less than chief competitor Google, which spent nearly $4 million in lobbying during the same period. And the company has a lobbying budget a fraction of the size of telecom heavyweights such as AT&T and Verizon.
But a few things stand out about the social media powerhouse.
The company is still spending far less than chief competitor Google, which spent nearly $4 million in lobbying during the same period. And the company has a lobbying budget a fraction of the size of telecom heavyweights such as AT&T and Verizon.
But a few things stand out about the social media powerhouse.
Why Apple, Facebook quarterly results matter most to investors
NEW YORK: The trend of better-than-expected earnings will be put to the test this week when investors hope Apple can exceed already high expectations and Facebook reports its first quarterly earnings.
Apple accounts for a significant proportion of the overall earnings of Standard & Poor's 500 components. S&P 500 earnings are expected to show a rise of 5.7 percent in the second quarter from a year ago. Excluding the maker of the iPad, the rise is 4.8 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.
Apple accounts for a significant proportion of the overall earnings of Standard & Poor's 500 components. S&P 500 earnings are expected to show a rise of 5.7 percent in the second quarter from a year ago. Excluding the maker of the iPad, the rise is 4.8 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.
CORRECTED-Facebook alumni line up $28 million for workplace app Asana
(Reuters) - Asana, a Silicon Valley start-up, has lined up $28 million in a financing round led by PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and his Founders Fund, the company said.
The funding round values the workplace-collaboration company at $280 million, a person familiar with the matter said.
"This investment allows us to attract the best and brightest designers and engineers," said Asana co-founder Justin Rosenstein, who said that in turn would help the company build on its goal of making interaction among its client-companies' employees easier.
Asana launched the free version last year of its company management software that makes it easier to collaborate on projects. It introduced a paid, premium service earlier this year. It declined to give revenue figures, but said "hundreds" of customers had upgraded to the premium version.
The funding round values the workplace-collaboration company at $280 million, a person familiar with the matter said.
"This investment allows us to attract the best and brightest designers and engineers," said Asana co-founder Justin Rosenstein, who said that in turn would help the company build on its goal of making interaction among its client-companies' employees easier.
Asana launched the free version last year of its company management software that makes it easier to collaborate on projects. It introduced a paid, premium service earlier this year. It declined to give revenue figures, but said "hundreds" of customers had upgraded to the premium version.
Facebook to Share Its Revenue Status
Facebook Inc. hits a new milestone this Thursday: its first earnings report as a public company.
There is a lot on the line for the Menlo Park, Calif., social network, especially after the company's disappointing initial public offering in May and continued questions over its online advertising business and mobile strategies. Wall Street will be looking closely at the company's earnings report to see if Facebook can answer those concerns.
A Facebook spokeswoman declined to comment.
Front and center will be how Facebook does revenue-wise, amid concerns that the pace of the company's sales growth is easing. In the first ...
There is a lot on the line for the Menlo Park, Calif., social network, especially after the company's disappointing initial public offering in May and continued questions over its online advertising business and mobile strategies. Wall Street will be looking closely at the company's earnings report to see if Facebook can answer those concerns.
A Facebook spokeswoman declined to comment.
Front and center will be how Facebook does revenue-wise, amid concerns that the pace of the company's sales growth is easing. In the first ...
Officer's Facebook post sparks uproar
WILMINGTON, Del. -- A few days after the Fourth of July, a police officer here logged onto his Facebook account and offered some advice to his 1,346 friends.
"A word to the wise never get drunk and trip off of meds and call a cop a 'N' results broken jaw and criminal charges……WPD for life," wrote Officer Anthony Easterling, who is black.
After initially saying the post would only concern him if somebody filed a complaint, police Chief Michael Szczerba reversed course this past week and called for the department's Office of Professional Standards to review the online message.
Szczerba declined to comment further and said he had no information about what prompted Easterling's post. Other city officials also declined to comment about whether the post was appropriate, citing a lack of knowledge about what inspired it.
"A word to the wise never get drunk and trip off of meds and call a cop a 'N' results broken jaw and criminal charges……WPD for life," wrote Officer Anthony Easterling, who is black.
After initially saying the post would only concern him if somebody filed a complaint, police Chief Michael Szczerba reversed course this past week and called for the department's Office of Professional Standards to review the online message.
Szczerba declined to comment further and said he had no information about what prompted Easterling's post. Other city officials also declined to comment about whether the post was appropriate, citing a lack of knowledge about what inspired it.
iPhone 101: Switching sound off (or down)
You can get some volume management by plugging in a pair of headphones; that mutes the main speaker but also redirects your primary output to the headphones. When placed on your desk, you still may hear tiny bits of sound from the ear pieces. Having headphones connected does not affect the sounds from system alarms or incoming phone calls -- those still hit the main speaker.
The mute switch on the side of the iPhone will generally cut off all outward ringing, audio alerts and other noisy bits, with one notable and newsworthy exception: alarms that have been set will still be played audibly, regardless of the mute switch position. Most consider this a reasonable and long-standing UX compromise by cellphone makers (if not, the alarms would be critically unreliable; many people would simply forget to unmute their phones at night before bed), but there are plenty of dissenters.
New iPhone plug? There's an adapter for that, says report
Citing the same sources that gave it the hint about a smaller, pill-shaped adapter earlier this year, iMore says Apple will have an adapter ready to go with the launch its next iPhone that lets the new plug work with the existing 30-pin accessories.
As iMore points out, Apple offered a similar adapter with the introduction of its newer MagSafe power technology last month. The newer plug model was made thinner to follow design cues from the company's updated notebook line. That adapter, which Apple sells for $9.99, is currently included as a free pack-in in the company's 27-inch Thunderbolt Display.
Alleged New iPhone Connector: Both Blessing and Burden
Speculation about Apple's next iPhone is piling up ahead of an expected fall launch.
The latest unconfirmed story, from Reuters, claims that the next iPhone will use a 19-pin dock connector, which would be smaller than the 30-pin connector in all current iOS devices. The smaller dock connector will make room for a headphone jack on the bottom of the iPhone, Reuters' two "sources familiar with the matter" said.
This isn't the first talk of a smaller dock connector in the next iPhone. Earlier this year, iMore reported that Apple was working on a "micro dock" for future devices, with a possible debut in the iPhone 5. The latest report follows a familiar pattern for iPhone rumors, in which larger publications confirm stories that have been circulating among smaller blogs for months.
If Apple plans to ditch the 30-pin dock connector, it'll be both a blessing and a burden for accessory makers and consumers. Companies that make speakers, chargers, and other accessories will have a chance to sell newly-designed products; but because older iPhone models will presumably remain on sale, those companies will have to keep supporting 30-pin dock accessories for years to come.
The latest unconfirmed story, from Reuters, claims that the next iPhone will use a 19-pin dock connector, which would be smaller than the 30-pin connector in all current iOS devices. The smaller dock connector will make room for a headphone jack on the bottom of the iPhone, Reuters' two "sources familiar with the matter" said.
This isn't the first talk of a smaller dock connector in the next iPhone. Earlier this year, iMore reported that Apple was working on a "micro dock" for future devices, with a possible debut in the iPhone 5. The latest report follows a familiar pattern for iPhone rumors, in which larger publications confirm stories that have been circulating among smaller blogs for months.
If Apple plans to ditch the 30-pin dock connector, it'll be both a blessing and a burden for accessory makers and consumers. Companies that make speakers, chargers, and other accessories will have a chance to sell newly-designed products; but because older iPhone models will presumably remain on sale, those companies will have to keep supporting 30-pin dock accessories for years to come.
Understanding Google Analytics
The magic of Google
Will there be any urge to go on if you keep writing tests without results and without understanding your strengths and weaknesses? It would be a similar story if you have a website and are not able to understand how you can improve and where you should concentrate or not know if anyone is even visiting your site? The urge is killed and your website becomes redundant. It is here that google analytics comes to extend a helping hand.
Sorav Jain of Echovme adds "Google Analytics is a must if you own a website or a blog, increase traffic to the site and learn the source details as well. Analytics help us know which content is working well and which is not, which keywords bring more visitors and which does not- both on our blog & site. Sandeep Komaravelly, Vice President, Marketing at Snapdeal says "we use various tools to measure traffic, source, the time taken for a site to load, the pages where people spend most amount of time, the time of day when they browse through our website, what they purchase and so on. We use the data gathered when drafting mailers and updates to clients, customizing the content".
Will there be any urge to go on if you keep writing tests without results and without understanding your strengths and weaknesses? It would be a similar story if you have a website and are not able to understand how you can improve and where you should concentrate or not know if anyone is even visiting your site? The urge is killed and your website becomes redundant. It is here that google analytics comes to extend a helping hand.
Sorav Jain of Echovme adds "Google Analytics is a must if you own a website or a blog, increase traffic to the site and learn the source details as well. Analytics help us know which content is working well and which is not, which keywords bring more visitors and which does not- both on our blog & site. Sandeep Komaravelly, Vice President, Marketing at Snapdeal says "we use various tools to measure traffic, source, the time taken for a site to load, the pages where people spend most amount of time, the time of day when they browse through our website, what they purchase and so on. We use the data gathered when drafting mailers and updates to clients, customizing the content".
Why is Google picking a fight with the mafia?
Google Ideas' two-day conference on how to best use technology to fight criminal networks was a forum for tough, anti-mafia rhetoric, but competing interests and few concrete proposals make the proposed geek-government-activist partnership more difficult than advertised.
If there was doubt about Google's resolve in fighting what it calls "Illicit Networks," some of it was washed away with a few words from Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt on day one of the conference: "At the end of the day, there really are bad people, and you have to go in and arrest them and kill them."
If there was doubt about Google's resolve in fighting what it calls "Illicit Networks," some of it was washed away with a few words from Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt on day one of the conference: "At the end of the day, there really are bad people, and you have to go in and arrest them and kill them."
Google Evidence Arms Argentine Groups Against Andes Mines
Argentine environmentalists won their first court ruling against gold mining in the Andes based on Google Earth images of glaciers, which they say creates a precedent for injunctions against other projects.
Osisko Mining Corp. (OSK), a Canadian company, was ordered to halt its gold exploration project in La Rioja province on July 18 after Judge Daniel Flores ruled thatGoogle Inc. (GOOG) (GOOG)’s digital satellite images showed four glaciers in the area.
“Google Earth clearly shows that there are glaciers in the area and thus I ruled to halt any kind of mining activity,” Flores said in a telephone interview from La Rioja city. “I granted the injunction without hearing arguments from Osisko or the government of La Rioja because thanks to the Google images I found veracity in the claims.”
Osisko Mining Corp. (OSK), a Canadian company, was ordered to halt its gold exploration project in La Rioja province on July 18 after Judge Daniel Flores ruled thatGoogle Inc. (GOOG) (GOOG)’s digital satellite images showed four glaciers in the area.
“Google Earth clearly shows that there are glaciers in the area and thus I ruled to halt any kind of mining activity,” Flores said in a telephone interview from La Rioja city. “I granted the injunction without hearing arguments from Osisko or the government of La Rioja because thanks to the Google images I found veracity in the claims.”
Google Sends Out Notifications For Links They Ignore
On Friday, we reported that Google began sending out anew batch of link warning notifications. What we found out later was that these were not penalty notifications, but rather just a heads up from Google that Google is ignoring some links that are pointing to your web site.
Matt Cutts posted the update on his Google+ page saying that these notifications can be ignored. Ignored! Yes, ignored!
How can manual notifications be ignored when Google has told us that manual notifications are penalties and should not be ignored? Well, they did.
Google's intentions were golden. They wanted to be more transparent, tell you they are ignoring links but when it came down to the implementation, they simply messed up.
Matt Cutts posted the update on his Google+ page saying that these notifications can be ignored. Ignored! Yes, ignored!
How can manual notifications be ignored when Google has told us that manual notifications are penalties and should not be ignored? Well, they did.
Google's intentions were golden. They wanted to be more transparent, tell you they are ignoring links but when it came down to the implementation, they simply messed up.
Google's Nexus 7: Android tablets have the same old problems
And you know what? I was right.
Also Read: Why Ice Cream Sandwich Won't be Able to Save Android Tablets
Since that article was written, sales of Android tablets in Q1 of in 2012 were abysmal when compared to Apple's iPad.
As of May 2012, market research firm NPD reported that the iPad had approximately 62% of the tablet market, with Samsung running at a distant second place at 7.5% and Amazon's Kindle Fire at about 4%.
So why has Android been doing so badly?
My original article noted that Android was rife with many stability and performance issues.
Facebook, Google Pick up Talent From Small Startups
Following a trend some have dubbed "acqu-hiring", both Facebook and Google said Friday they are taking over startups more for their talented staff than their products and services.
Acrylic Software, an app developer for iOS devices and the Mac, said that the staff of the company was moving from its studio in Vancouver, Canada, to San Francisco to join the Facebook design team there.
The company's products and services have not been acquired by Facebook, and while there are no plans for further development on them, its products will continue to remain available for download and purchase in their current form, founder Dustin MacDonald said in a blog post.
Simply put, there's an opportunity at Facebook to have a big impact in many people's lives, he added.
Facebook could not be immediately reached for comment on the deal.
Acrylic Software, an app developer for iOS devices and the Mac, said that the staff of the company was moving from its studio in Vancouver, Canada, to San Francisco to join the Facebook design team there.
The company's products and services have not been acquired by Facebook, and while there are no plans for further development on them, its products will continue to remain available for download and purchase in their current form, founder Dustin MacDonald said in a blog post.
Simply put, there's an opportunity at Facebook to have a big impact in many people's lives, he added.
Facebook could not be immediately reached for comment on the deal.
Google facing force of aggressive E.U. regulators
BRUSSELS — Europe may be a financial disaster and a faded military force, but in at least one arena it has emerged as champ: Regulators here are challenging the power of America’s technology titans. And they are winning.
Google is most squarely in the crosshairs as its officials negotiate furiously in hopes of avoiding a $4 billion fine and a formal ruling that it has abused its dominance in the search market to hurt rivals across a range of industries. A deal could be days away.
Facebook, Apple and Microsoft also have faced serious scrutiny from European regulators in the past year. And even if Google succeeds in settling the sprawling antitrust case here, it is facing investigations into its new privacy policy and its Android operating system for phones and tablets.
Google is most squarely in the crosshairs as its officials negotiate furiously in hopes of avoiding a $4 billion fine and a formal ruling that it has abused its dominance in the search market to hurt rivals across a range of industries. A deal could be days away.
Facebook, Apple and Microsoft also have faced serious scrutiny from European regulators in the past year. And even if Google succeeds in settling the sprawling antitrust case here, it is facing investigations into its new privacy policy and its Android operating system for phones and tablets.
Google's 16GB Nexus 7 Disappears from Play Store
Google’s $250 16GB Nexus 7 tablet disappeared from Google’s online Play store over the weekend due to overwhelming demand, according to an online report. A message on Google Play advises tablet shoppers to sign up for e-mail alerts to learn when the tablet is back in stock.
Google has not said why the 16GB Nexus 7 is no longer for sale, but anonymous sources “close to Google” told the Guardian that the search giant “seriously underestimated” demand.
Google appears to have been dealing with limited supplies of 16GB Nexus 7 devices for some time. The company recently answered concerns about when customers will get their new Google tablets by publishing a rough timetable for delivery. All 16GB devices ordered through the end of July 11 were supposed ship by July 20, and Google says remaining orders will be shipped by Friday, July 27.
Google has not said why the 16GB Nexus 7 is no longer for sale, but anonymous sources “close to Google” told the Guardian that the search giant “seriously underestimated” demand.
Google appears to have been dealing with limited supplies of 16GB Nexus 7 devices for some time. The company recently answered concerns about when customers will get their new Google tablets by publishing a rough timetable for delivery. All 16GB devices ordered through the end of July 11 were supposed ship by July 20, and Google says remaining orders will be shipped by Friday, July 27.
Samsung Galaxy S III may get Android Jelly Bean in August
According to the publication, company is also prepping the update for its popular Galaxy S II smartphone and the initial tests have been successful. S II currently runs on Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean would be the second major update for the smartphone, as it was released with Gingerbread on-board.
Samsung is yet to officially announce any device names that will get Jelly Bean update, but Samsung Galaxy S III is certainly a no-brainer.
SamMobile also speculates that Galaxy Note owners might also get and get the Jelly Bean update, as company plans to upgrade all the high-end devices.
Samsung sacrificed Qualcomm truce for Apple war
Samsung signed an agreement with Qualcomm not to sue the chip maker or its customers for using Samsung's 3G patents, but this agreement was called off when Apple took Samsung to court over the Galaxy Tab, Samsung admitted in the Australian Federal Court this morning.
The Federal Court today commenced the long-awaited case between Apple and Samsung over alleged patent infringements by the two companies. The court began hearing Samsung's counter-claim against Apple — that the company infringed on three standards-essential 3G patents held by Samsung in the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPad 2.
Samsung counsel Neil Young today admitted that Qualcomm, which supplies chips to Apple, had an agreement with Samsung whereby the Korean tech giant would not sue Qualcomm or its customers for infringement on 3G patents. According to court documents, this agreement was first made back in 1993.
The Federal Court today commenced the long-awaited case between Apple and Samsung over alleged patent infringements by the two companies. The court began hearing Samsung's counter-claim against Apple — that the company infringed on three standards-essential 3G patents held by Samsung in the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPad 2.
Samsung counsel Neil Young today admitted that Qualcomm, which supplies chips to Apple, had an agreement with Samsung whereby the Korean tech giant would not sue Qualcomm or its customers for infringement on 3G patents. According to court documents, this agreement was first made back in 1993.
Samsung Tocco Lite 2 review
Fancy phones that can do pretty much everything except make you a cup of tea aren’t what everyone wants. Some people just want a mobile that can make the odd phone call and send a text, and occasionally do something a little more fancy like check out a website or play some music. For such people the iPhone is a handset that’s woefully over specified, and overpriced.
Android might have something to offer at the lower end of the price range, but if you really want to pay very little for a phone then you are into the territory occupied by the Samsung Tocco Lite 2, available for £59.99 on PAYG from Orange.
What’s interesting about the Tocco Lite 2 is that while it is not an Android handset it has been designed to look like one, both on the outside and the inside. Specifically, Samsung has tried to make the Tocco Lite 2 mimic the look of the old Samsung flagship Galaxy S 2.
Read more: http://www.itproportal.com/hardware/phones/reviews/samsung-tocco-lite-2-review/#ixzz21WPt4xoV
Android might have something to offer at the lower end of the price range, but if you really want to pay very little for a phone then you are into the territory occupied by the Samsung Tocco Lite 2, available for £59.99 on PAYG from Orange.
What’s interesting about the Tocco Lite 2 is that while it is not an Android handset it has been designed to look like one, both on the outside and the inside. Specifically, Samsung has tried to make the Tocco Lite 2 mimic the look of the old Samsung flagship Galaxy S 2.
Read more: http://www.itproportal.com/hardware/phones/reviews/samsung-tocco-lite-2-review/#ixzz21WPt4xoV
Samsung invites fans to share the olympic spirit
Samsung Electronics, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has kicked off a major marketing campaign across platforms to unite fans and provide them an opportunity to share the Olympic spirit.
The campaign is designed to inspire and excite the fans to feel the passion of the games and support their favourite players as they prepare to bring home glory.
Samsung India is the Official Sponsor of the Indian team to the London 2012 Olympic Games and is also supporting eight Indian sportsmen and women through its Samsung Olympic Ratna program.
The company has also kicked off a digital campaign to rally support for the Indian Olympic team. As part of its endeavour to make this year’s Olympics one that everyone can truly be part off, Samsung has set up a special page on Facebook with a ‘Fans Speak’ application that allows fans to send their best wishes to the Indian team members.
The campaign is designed to inspire and excite the fans to feel the passion of the games and support their favourite players as they prepare to bring home glory.
Samsung India is the Official Sponsor of the Indian team to the London 2012 Olympic Games and is also supporting eight Indian sportsmen and women through its Samsung Olympic Ratna program.
The company has also kicked off a digital campaign to rally support for the Indian Olympic team. As part of its endeavour to make this year’s Olympics one that everyone can truly be part off, Samsung has set up a special page on Facebook with a ‘Fans Speak’ application that allows fans to send their best wishes to the Indian team members.
Sprint Samsung Galaxy Reverb Specs Revealed via Twitter Read more at http://thedroidguy.com/2012/07/sprint-samsung-galaxy-reverb-specs-revealed-via-twitter/#xlEcmh7gEgxbKhz2.99
Samsung Galaxy Reverb with model number SPH-M950 has recently been revealed, albeit unofficially, via Twitter and it is believed to be heading straight to the U.S. carrier Sprint. A photo was posted on EV Leaks’ account together with a few specifications; however, the account responsible for such leak seemed to have been brought down for some reason. But many tech and mobile bloggers were fast enough to be able to capture a screenshot of the leak (refer to the image below).
Read more at http://thedroidguy.com/2012/07/sprint-samsung-galaxy-reverb-specs-revealed-via-twitter/#xlEcmh7gEgxbKhz2.99
Read more at http://thedroidguy.com/2012/07/sprint-samsung-galaxy-reverb-specs-revealed-via-twitter/#xlEcmh7gEgxbKhz2.99
App comparison: iPad vs. Nexus 7 -- no clear winner
Quite a few apps are now available for both the iPad and Android tablets but they are quite different on the two platforms. The 8 apps are shown in screen shots, first on the iPad followed immediately by one taken on the Nexus 7.
Read more
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Europe’s Square, iZettle, Is Coming To Android, Testing First On Samsung Devices In Sweden
iZettle’s service is currently testing on Samsung Galaxy S II, SIII and Galaxy Note devices, and comes just one month after the company announced $31.4 million in Series B funding as well as the launch of an API that lets third-party developers embed the iZettle payments service into their own apps.
Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean review
Pros:
Google Now works incredibly well, People helps organise contacts, Currents is a great service that streamlines your daily news reading, plus all the same ICS features.
Cons:
Google Music doesn't currently work in the UK.
Google's latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system launched alongside the company's Nexus 7 tablet.
As noted in our review, the Nexus 7 is debatably the first tablet to bring a truly compelling Android offer to the UK market, boasting amazing technical specifications for as little as £159.
boxPAY to Showcase Smart TV and Android In-App Payments with Subscription Billing at Casual Connect Conference
SEATTLE, July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- With Smart TV apps quickly gaining popularity and continued strong growth of the Android mobile platform worldwide, publishers and developers are looking for new ways to monetize content. But online registration and credit card number entry requirements can deter potential customers. boxPAY, a mobile payment provider that serves web merchants, game developers and e-businesses worldwide, enables in-app and subscription payments with a new Smart TV mobile payment service and the most comprehensive Android SDK for in-app mobile payments available. boxPAY allows consumers to charge app and subscription purchases to their mobile phone account quickly and easily, with no registration or credit card numbers needed.
Samsung Galaxy S III Sales Hit 10 Million
If there were any doubts that Samsung's Galaxy S III is the hottest smartphone in the Android world, the latest sales figures for the handset should put those doubts to rest.
In the just two months, the Samsung smartphone has broken the 10 million mark in global sales, according to the company.
It took the unit's predecessor, the Galaxy S II, five months to reach that sales plateau.
The sales numbers were revealed Sunday by president of Samsung's information technology and mobile communication division Shin Jong-kyun in an interview with the Yonhap News Agency.
In the just two months, the Samsung smartphone has broken the 10 million mark in global sales, according to the company.
It took the unit's predecessor, the Galaxy S II, five months to reach that sales plateau.
The sales numbers were revealed Sunday by president of Samsung's information technology and mobile communication division Shin Jong-kyun in an interview with the Yonhap News Agency.
Android app helps the visually impaired
Toronto - Whether it is getting off a bus or reading a menu, a new app aims to make life easier for the blind or visually impaired.
Called Georgie, the app for Android devices enables people with little or no sight to accomplish daily activities that could be difficult for them.
"The great thing that attracted me to [creating the app] was this notion of gaining confidence, and also having reassurance that you could press a button and get help if you were lost," said Roger Wilson-Hinds, co-founder of Screenreader, a non-profit based in Peterborough, England, that developed the app.
Users navigate the app's features by passing their fingers over various options which are read aloud. Lingering on a particular option produces a beep, indicating that the option has been selected.
Called Georgie, the app for Android devices enables people with little or no sight to accomplish daily activities that could be difficult for them.
"The great thing that attracted me to [creating the app] was this notion of gaining confidence, and also having reassurance that you could press a button and get help if you were lost," said Roger Wilson-Hinds, co-founder of Screenreader, a non-profit based in Peterborough, England, that developed the app.
Users navigate the app's features by passing their fingers over various options which are read aloud. Lingering on a particular option produces a beep, indicating that the option has been selected.
Developer says piracy forced Dead Trigger Android game to go free
With 400m activated devices and another 1m added every day, Androidis on a roll. So why are many games developers still wary of porting their iOS titles to Google's platform? Piracy is a key reason.
Developer Madfinger Games is the latest company to fuel the debate, after changing its Dead Trigger game from paid to free on the Google Play Store. The zombie-themed first-person shooter launched earlier in July for $0.99.
"Regarding price drop. HERE is our statement. The main reason: piracy rate on Android devices, that was unbelievably high," the companyposted on its official Dead Trigger Facebook page, comparing the game to its previous title Shadowgun.
"At first we intend to make this game available for as many people as possible - that's why it was for as little as buck. - It was much less than 8$ for SHADOWGUN but on the other hand we didn't dare to provide it for free, since we hadn't got XP with free-to-play format so far. - However, even for one buck, the piracy rate is soooo giant, that we finally decided to provide DEAD TRIGGER for free."
Developer Madfinger Games is the latest company to fuel the debate, after changing its Dead Trigger game from paid to free on the Google Play Store. The zombie-themed first-person shooter launched earlier in July for $0.99.
"Regarding price drop. HERE is our statement. The main reason: piracy rate on Android devices, that was unbelievably high," the companyposted on its official Dead Trigger Facebook page, comparing the game to its previous title Shadowgun.
"At first we intend to make this game available for as many people as possible - that's why it was for as little as buck. - It was much less than 8$ for SHADOWGUN but on the other hand we didn't dare to provide it for free, since we hadn't got XP with free-to-play format so far. - However, even for one buck, the piracy rate is soooo giant, that we finally decided to provide DEAD TRIGGER for free."
Google Buys Email App Creator Sparrow
Google has purchased Sparrow, creator or the popular e-mail client for Mac and iPhone. Acquisitions like this one are important to businesses large and small. For the firm doing the acquiring, it offers the opportunity to bring new talent and capabilities into the company and perhaps new customers and a new business model too. For the company being acquired, it offers the opportunity for greater resources, support, and investment when growing a product or service. Still, some former customers are less than happy. Here’s how the Sparrow acquisition breaks down.
Read more: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SmallBusinessTrends/~3/y7EtKcnrgTM/google-buys-email-app-creator-sparrow.html#ixzz21WTJ1nIt
Read more: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SmallBusinessTrends/~3/y7EtKcnrgTM/google-buys-email-app-creator-sparrow.html#ixzz21WTJ1nIt
Google and Apple file for appeal after Judge Posner ruled out the patent case last month
Google and Apple have filed appeals on the dismissal of their patent infringement case by U.S. Circuit Judge Richard Posner, of the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois. The Judge clearly ruled out the case filing on the basis that both companies are trying to pointlessly drag a dispute on violation of some copyrights.
Both tech giants failed to report exact damages that either of them had incurred on the respective copyright violations.
He clear-cut said that, “the cost of patenting and the cost of resolving disputes that may arise when competitors have patents are a social waste.”
The patent war has been fierce in the recent years and technology world is best example to quote in this regard of ruthless demeanor. However, many experts are of the opinion that Judge Posner’s despising attitude might bring about a change in the US Patent system.
Both tech giants failed to report exact damages that either of them had incurred on the respective copyright violations.
He clear-cut said that, “the cost of patenting and the cost of resolving disputes that may arise when competitors have patents are a social waste.”
The patent war has been fierce in the recent years and technology world is best example to quote in this regard of ruthless demeanor. However, many experts are of the opinion that Judge Posner’s despising attitude might bring about a change in the US Patent system.
Why DOES Google lobby so much?
Special report Last month we reported how Google was astroturfing British politics by chivvying "citizen groups" to show spontaneous support for policies that benefit Google. Here's another example.
Google sponsored a "mentoring" event for tech startups, called the "Campus Grand National" last Monday. For US readers, the Grand National is a frantic steeplechase held in April during which horses die – so it's quite an appropriate metaphor. Campus is the name of the Google-owned and operated office complex it sublets to webtastique startups.
Budding internet wannabes who attended the Web 3.0 Grand National could benefit from "networking and pitching opportunities", advice from the government's trade promotion agency UKTI, and a session titled "Google mentor speed-dating [sic] hosted by Google". But there was something else on the agenda. At 11.30am a session by Coadec – "the Coalition for a Digital Economy" – asked: "What are the big challenges facing startups from outside the UK and what policies should we be telling Parliament they need to change?"
Google sponsored a "mentoring" event for tech startups, called the "Campus Grand National" last Monday. For US readers, the Grand National is a frantic steeplechase held in April during which horses die – so it's quite an appropriate metaphor. Campus is the name of the Google-owned and operated office complex it sublets to webtastique startups.
Budding internet wannabes who attended the Web 3.0 Grand National could benefit from "networking and pitching opportunities", advice from the government's trade promotion agency UKTI, and a session titled "Google mentor speed-dating [sic] hosted by Google". But there was something else on the agenda. At 11.30am a session by Coadec – "the Coalition for a Digital Economy" – asked: "What are the big challenges facing startups from outside the UK and what policies should we be telling Parliament they need to change?"
Google Stops New Orders for 16GB Nexus 7 Due to High Demand
It looks like Google has underestimated the demand for its new Nexus 7 tablet. It has already reportedly sold out of stocks of the 16GB version, which costs £199.
If you want to buy a Google Nexus 7 online now, the only option provided on the Google Play store is to "sign up" for an email telling you when it’s back in stock.
The 8GB version is still available, for £159. It may have been that Google anticipated more customers would go for this cheaper edition.
However, like the iPad, the built-in storage for Google’s 7-inch tablet cannot be expanded.
Savvy early adopters have clearly seen that the bigger capacity model is the one to get and that the £40 price difference is no impediment.
If you want to buy a Google Nexus 7 online now, the only option provided on the Google Play store is to "sign up" for an email telling you when it’s back in stock.
The 8GB version is still available, for £159. It may have been that Google anticipated more customers would go for this cheaper edition.
However, like the iPad, the built-in storage for Google’s 7-inch tablet cannot be expanded.
Savvy early adopters have clearly seen that the bigger capacity model is the one to get and that the £40 price difference is no impediment.
How Google Compute Engine hopes to sidestep AWS failures
Google hopes its cloud will have greater redundancy and reliability than that provided by Amazon Web Services, thanks to some of the secretive technology the cloud sits on.
Craig McLuckie, product manager for Google Compute Engine, explained to me last week that Google has "worked very hard to make sure we're not subject to those types of [Amazon] situations", referring to the severe AWS failure that happened last month.
Craig McLuckie, product manager for Google Compute Engine, explained to me last week that Google has "worked very hard to make sure we're not subject to those types of [Amazon] situations", referring to the severe AWS failure that happened last month.
Google facing force of aggressive E.U. regulators
BRUSSELS — Europe may be a financial disaster and a faded military force, but in at least one arena it has emerged as champ: Regulators here are challenging the power of America’s technology titans. And they are winning.
Google is most squarely in the crosshairs as its officials negotiate furiously in hopes of avoiding a $4 billion fine and a formal ruling that it has abused its dominance in the search market to hurt rivals across a range of industries. A deal could be days away.
Facebook, Apple and Microsoft also have faced serious scrutiny from European regulators in the past year. And even if Google succeeds in settling the sprawling antitrust case here, it is facing investigations into its new privacy policy and its Android operating system for phones and tablets.
Google is most squarely in the crosshairs as its officials negotiate furiously in hopes of avoiding a $4 billion fine and a formal ruling that it has abused its dominance in the search market to hurt rivals across a range of industries. A deal could be days away.
Facebook, Apple and Microsoft also have faced serious scrutiny from European regulators in the past year. And even if Google succeeds in settling the sprawling antitrust case here, it is facing investigations into its new privacy policy and its Android operating system for phones and tablets.
Facebook's revenue to be under spotlight
According to a poll by Thomson Reuters, Facebook is expected to report revenues of $1.1 billion in the second quarter.
Facebook went public on May 18, with the stock originally priced at $38. On the first day of its trading, the stock closed at $38.23 after going as high as $45. However, Facebook stock has lost steam sincethen, closing at $28.76 on Friday, down 24 per cent from the IPO price.
Seven in damage control over Facebook post
The Seven Network has apologised for deleting scathing criticism from a grieving mother that was posted on the Sydney newsroom's Facebook page.
Linda Goldspink-Lord posted a message criticising a Seven reporter and film crew for their handling of a quad bike accident in which her 13-year-old daughter died about two weeks ago at Kembla Grange.
She wrote that a Seven reporter entered her property and a helicopter flew overhead while her daughter Molly was still on the ground.
Ms Goldspink-Lord wrote that she has suffered "pain and harassment" because the footage was posted on Seven's website before she could inform relatives or friends of the accident.
Linda Goldspink-Lord posted a message criticising a Seven reporter and film crew for their handling of a quad bike accident in which her 13-year-old daughter died about two weeks ago at Kembla Grange.
She wrote that a Seven reporter entered her property and a helicopter flew overhead while her daughter Molly was still on the ground.
Ms Goldspink-Lord wrote that she has suffered "pain and harassment" because the footage was posted on Seven's website before she could inform relatives or friends of the accident.
Objectionable content going viral on Facebook
Misuse of social networking sites in terms of publishing objectionable content and using it as a tool for spreading hatred is nothing new.
Making the argument for the monitoring of the social networking sites stronger, another campaign was floated on Facebook, recently.
A picture showing hundreds of dead bodies lying amidst Buddhist monks with a caption ‘The body of Muslims slaughte(re)d by Buddhist’ is the latest on the list.
These photos were floated in the background of sectarian violence in the Rakhine state in Myanmar, in which several Rohingya Muslims were killed.
Actually this gruesome picture is no way related to the violence in Myanmar.
It was taken in 2010 after an earthquake in Tibet where monks are engaged in rescue operations.
Making the argument for the monitoring of the social networking sites stronger, another campaign was floated on Facebook, recently.
A picture showing hundreds of dead bodies lying amidst Buddhist monks with a caption ‘The body of Muslims slaughte(re)d by Buddhist’ is the latest on the list.
These photos were floated in the background of sectarian violence in the Rakhine state in Myanmar, in which several Rohingya Muslims were killed.
Actually this gruesome picture is no way related to the violence in Myanmar.
It was taken in 2010 after an earthquake in Tibet where monks are engaged in rescue operations.
Facebook spent $960,000 on lobbying activities in April-June
NEW YORK: Facebook, which went public in May, tripled the amount spent on lobbying activities to nearly $ 1 million in three months ended June 2012.
The social networking giant shelled out $ 960,000 on lobbying in April-June this year, against just $ 320,000 in the year-ago period, according to lobbying disclosure reports with the US Senate.
Facebook lobbied with lawmakers on several issues such as cybersecurity, employment, privacy, taxes, IPO, advertising and copyright.
During the quarter, Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook entered the capital market in an aim to raise about $ 18 billion through its initial public offering (IPO).
Although, Facebook's long-awaited stock market debut on May 18, did not live up to expectation as its shares have been trading near $ 28 level, which is much below its issue price of $ 38 apiece.
The social networking giant shelled out $ 960,000 on lobbying in April-June this year, against just $ 320,000 in the year-ago period, according to lobbying disclosure reports with the US Senate.
Facebook lobbied with lawmakers on several issues such as cybersecurity, employment, privacy, taxes, IPO, advertising and copyright.
During the quarter, Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook entered the capital market in an aim to raise about $ 18 billion through its initial public offering (IPO).
Although, Facebook's long-awaited stock market debut on May 18, did not live up to expectation as its shares have been trading near $ 28 level, which is much below its issue price of $ 38 apiece.
Facebook: Send Christian Bale to Aurora
A Facebook campaign urging Christian Bale to visit Aurora, Colo. and its shooting victims has gained a lot of media attention and support.
Bale, who plays Batman in "The Dark Knight Rises," was asked by Emily Sanchez on Facebook in the wake of a shooting that killed 12 at a midnight showing of the film at a local movie theater last Friday. From the Chicago Sun-Times:
“All those kids in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds at the Batman massacre could use a visit from their hero,” wrote Sanchez. “I propose we [as in all of Facebook] should make enough noise asking Christian Bale to visit these kids in the hospital dressed in the real Batman outfit. They need to know Heroes can be real too, not just the bad guys."
Source: Facebook: Send Christian Bale to Aurora | NBC 7 San Diego
Bale, who plays Batman in "The Dark Knight Rises," was asked by Emily Sanchez on Facebook in the wake of a shooting that killed 12 at a midnight showing of the film at a local movie theater last Friday. From the Chicago Sun-Times:
“All those kids in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds at the Batman massacre could use a visit from their hero,” wrote Sanchez. “I propose we [as in all of Facebook] should make enough noise asking Christian Bale to visit these kids in the hospital dressed in the real Batman outfit. They need to know Heroes can be real too, not just the bad guys."
Source: Facebook: Send Christian Bale to Aurora | NBC 7 San Diego
Facebook Earnings Call Offers Shot At Rebuilding Image
Facebook Inc. (FB) this week is getting its first crack as a public company to allay the growth concerns that have made it the second-worst performing U.S. technology initial public offering of 2012.
The shares have tumbled 24 percent since Facebook, the largest social-networking service, held a May 17 IPO marred by technical glitches and signs that its price was set too high. Executives, probably including Chief Financial Officer David Ebersman and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, will hold a conference call July 26 to discuss second-quarter results.
“This call is really critical for this company,” said Paul Argenti, aprofessor at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business in Hanover, New Hampshire. “This is going to be an opportunity for them to really make a difference in terms of their investor relations strategy and set the record straight. They need to gain that momentum back and the exuberance that they lost as a result of the IPO.”
The shares have tumbled 24 percent since Facebook, the largest social-networking service, held a May 17 IPO marred by technical glitches and signs that its price was set too high. Executives, probably including Chief Financial Officer David Ebersman and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, will hold a conference call July 26 to discuss second-quarter results.
“This call is really critical for this company,” said Paul Argenti, aprofessor at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business in Hanover, New Hampshire. “This is going to be an opportunity for them to really make a difference in terms of their investor relations strategy and set the record straight. They need to gain that momentum back and the exuberance that they lost as a result of the IPO.”
Is Nasdaq's Facebook compensation plan enough?
NEW YORK: Nasdaq OMX Group's plan to pay a total of $62 million to firms that lost money due to Facebook's botched market debut may fall short of appeasing Wall Street market makers, which would have to sign off on their right to take legal action against the exchange in order to collect.
"I have a hard time believing that they will just settle for that," said consultant Chris Nagy, who thinks "that it's not going to be enough at this point in time."
Market makers, which facilitate trades for brokers and ensure liquidity, lost upward of $200 million in the $16 billion IPO on May 18, as technical glitches on Nasdaq's systems delayed the offering, and then left many investors in the dark for more than two hours as to whether their orders had gone through.
The all-cash reimbursement plan, which Nasdaq filed with regulators late Friday, is $22 million more than originally proposed in June.
"I have a hard time believing that they will just settle for that," said consultant Chris Nagy, who thinks "that it's not going to be enough at this point in time."
Market makers, which facilitate trades for brokers and ensure liquidity, lost upward of $200 million in the $16 billion IPO on May 18, as technical glitches on Nasdaq's systems delayed the offering, and then left many investors in the dark for more than two hours as to whether their orders had gone through.
The all-cash reimbursement plan, which Nasdaq filed with regulators late Friday, is $22 million more than originally proposed in June.
Bitdefender: thousands of apps grabbing iPhone data
Tens of thousands of iPhone apps could be a threat to user privacy, according to security firm Bitdefender - harvesting location information and sending it back to base unencrypted.
The claim follows Apple removing from the App Store a Bitdefender tool called Clueful that monitored how apps treat user privacy, what information is harvested, and how it's handled.
In response to the apparently unexeplained removal, Bitdender posted some details collected by the privacy tool, with data collected for more than 60,000 apps.
According to the company, the data showed that 42.5% do not encrypt users’ personal data, even when sending it over public Wi-Fi. The company also said 41% of the apps accessed the location data of a phone, while one in five sniffed information from the address book.
Read more: Bitdefender: thousands of apps grabbing iPhone data | Security | News | PC Pro http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/security/375985/bitdefender-thousands-of-apps-grabbing-iphone-data#ixzz21WPjDyvd
The claim follows Apple removing from the App Store a Bitdefender tool called Clueful that monitored how apps treat user privacy, what information is harvested, and how it's handled.
In response to the apparently unexeplained removal, Bitdender posted some details collected by the privacy tool, with data collected for more than 60,000 apps.
According to the company, the data showed that 42.5% do not encrypt users’ personal data, even when sending it over public Wi-Fi. The company also said 41% of the apps accessed the location data of a phone, while one in five sniffed information from the address book.
Read more: Bitdefender: thousands of apps grabbing iPhone data | Security | News | PC Pro http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/security/375985/bitdefender-thousands-of-apps-grabbing-iphone-data#ixzz21WPjDyvd
iPhone 5 production begins in Shanghai, says report
The Taiwan-based manufacturer has begun production of a new version of the iPhone at its factory in Shanghai, according to Digitimes, citing "industry sources in Taiwan."
This follows a week-earlier report claiming basically the same thing -- though that report did not specify the manufacturer.
That earlier report did get specific about the phone itself, however, saying the back of the new iPhone has both glass and aluminum. By comparison, the iPhone 4S sports glass coverings on the front and back.
Apple iPhone 5 connector to make accessories obsolete
The iPhone 5, Apple's next generation iPhone expected to go on sale around October, will come with a 19-pin connector port at the bottom instead of the proprietary 30-pin port "to make room for the earphone moving to the bottom", the sources said.
It would mean the new phone would not connect with the myriad of accessories such as speakers and power chargers that form part of the ecosystem around iPods, iPads and iPhones, without an adaptor.
The redesign may annoy owners, but accessories manufacturers are preparing for a sales boom, according to analysts.
"It represents an opportunity for accessory vendors," said Pete Cunningham, London-based analyst at technology research firm Canalys.
"The iPhone connector has been a standard for a long time now and I would expect the same to be true for a new connector, should Apple change it as expected."
It would mean the new phone would not connect with the myriad of accessories such as speakers and power chargers that form part of the ecosystem around iPods, iPads and iPhones, without an adaptor.
The redesign may annoy owners, but accessories manufacturers are preparing for a sales boom, according to analysts.
"It represents an opportunity for accessory vendors," said Pete Cunningham, London-based analyst at technology research firm Canalys.
"The iPhone connector has been a standard for a long time now and I would expect the same to be true for a new connector, should Apple change it as expected."
ZTE announces the first Android 4.1 Jelly Bean smartphone
CHINESE PHONE MAKER ZTE has announced the world's first Android 4.1 Jelly Bean smartphone, the bizarrely named ZTE N88OE.
Set to launch exclusively in ZTE's home country, the phone will be the first handset running Google's latest Android 4.1 operating system and will come with a 1GHz Qualcomm processor and a 4in 480x800 resolution touchscreen.
Measuring 10.4mm thick, the phone also features 4GB of internal storage expandable to 32GB, a 3.2MP rear-facing camera, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and a 1650mAh battery.
"ZTE has an excellent relationship with Google and this, combined with our extensive R&D capabilities and our experience of customising devices for partners around the world, means we are able to bring new technologies to market very quickly," said Kan Yulun, VP and CTO of the Handset Division at ZTE.
The Inquirer (http://s.tt/1iIy0)
Set to launch exclusively in ZTE's home country, the phone will be the first handset running Google's latest Android 4.1 operating system and will come with a 1GHz Qualcomm processor and a 4in 480x800 resolution touchscreen.
Measuring 10.4mm thick, the phone also features 4GB of internal storage expandable to 32GB, a 3.2MP rear-facing camera, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and a 1650mAh battery.
"ZTE has an excellent relationship with Google and this, combined with our extensive R&D capabilities and our experience of customising devices for partners around the world, means we are able to bring new technologies to market very quickly," said Kan Yulun, VP and CTO of the Handset Division at ZTE.
The Inquirer (http://s.tt/1iIy0)EU antitrust probe may force Google to change Android
A European Commission antitrust probe into Google might result in the search giant having to make changes to its Android platform, according to a new report from the Financial Times.
The two sides, led by EU competition commissioner Joaquín Almunia, have been negotiating for weeks, but if a deal is not reached, Google could face a multi-billion dollar fine, the newspaper said.
The case dates back to November 2010, when the commission announced that it opened an antitrust investigation into Google over allegations that the company had abused its dominant position in online search. Since then, the EU has "conducted a large-scale market investigation," Almunia said in May. At that point, the commissioner asked that Google change the way it displays its search results and alter the agreements it has with advertisers, among other things.
Read more: http://www.itproportal.com/2012/07/23/eu-antitrust-probe-may-force-google-to-change-android/#ixzz21WVOuiZt
The two sides, led by EU competition commissioner Joaquín Almunia, have been negotiating for weeks, but if a deal is not reached, Google could face a multi-billion dollar fine, the newspaper said.
The case dates back to November 2010, when the commission announced that it opened an antitrust investigation into Google over allegations that the company had abused its dominant position in online search. Since then, the EU has "conducted a large-scale market investigation," Almunia said in May. At that point, the commissioner asked that Google change the way it displays its search results and alter the agreements it has with advertisers, among other things.
Read more: http://www.itproportal.com/2012/07/23/eu-antitrust-probe-may-force-google-to-change-android/#ixzz21WVOuiZt
HTC devices confirmed for Android ICS, Desire HD misses out
It is now official that the HTC Desire HD is not getting the ICS update, but we do have a list of Android devices that will get the Android Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade.
If you visit the HTC Blog you will notice the site is down, they must be either updating its website or it could be getting so much attention its servers cannot handle the mass flow. At first it looked promising for the Desire HD to receive the Ice Cream update, but this has been squashed after HTC’s official device upgrade list.
HTC have now removed the Desire HD from its list, the ones that are going to get the software update includes: Droid Incredible 2, Amaze 4G, EVO 3D, EVO Design 4G, Incredible S, Sensation, the HTC Sensation XL, Sensation 4G and XE, as well as the Raider, Rezound, Rhyme, Thunderbolt and Vivid.
The above phones are expected to receive ICS by the end of August, this will be great for those that have any of the Android handsets above because Android Ice Cream Sandwich will give you a better multitasking menu, widgets, face unlock, major redesigns for core apps just like Gmail, a smoother experience, and much more.
If you visit the HTC Blog you will notice the site is down, they must be either updating its website or it could be getting so much attention its servers cannot handle the mass flow. At first it looked promising for the Desire HD to receive the Ice Cream update, but this has been squashed after HTC’s official device upgrade list.
HTC have now removed the Desire HD from its list, the ones that are going to get the software update includes: Droid Incredible 2, Amaze 4G, EVO 3D, EVO Design 4G, Incredible S, Sensation, the HTC Sensation XL, Sensation 4G and XE, as well as the Raider, Rezound, Rhyme, Thunderbolt and Vivid.
The above phones are expected to receive ICS by the end of August, this will be great for those that have any of the Android handsets above because Android Ice Cream Sandwich will give you a better multitasking menu, widgets, face unlock, major redesigns for core apps just like Gmail, a smoother experience, and much more.
Samsung Galaxy S3 hits 10 million sales mark early
Samsung's chief executive predicted last month that sales of the Galaxy S3 would hit 10 million by the end of July and the smartphone appears to have passed that milestone a little early.
Shin Jong-kyun, the president of Samsung's information technology and mobile communication division, told reporters that the Android-powered smartphone surpassed the 10 million sales mark but did not reveal specific sales figures, according to the Yonhap news agency. That translates to about 190,000 Galaxy S3 devices sold every day for the past two months.
Samsung's flagship handset, which is available through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, is one of the most sought-after smartphones on the market. Last month, Sprint announced that "overwhelming demand" had forced the carrier to delay the handset's June 21 launch.
Shin Jong-kyun, the president of Samsung's information technology and mobile communication division, told reporters that the Android-powered smartphone surpassed the 10 million sales mark but did not reveal specific sales figures, according to the Yonhap news agency. That translates to about 190,000 Galaxy S3 devices sold every day for the past two months.
Samsung's flagship handset, which is available through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, is one of the most sought-after smartphones on the market. Last month, Sprint announced that "overwhelming demand" had forced the carrier to delay the handset's June 21 launch.
The Nexus 7 will drastically change the way I buy mobile phones
I knew that I'd like the Nexus 7. As others on ZDNet have pointed out, this may finally be the 7-inch tablet that reminds people there is more to geek life than a 10-inch iPad. And given a choice between Android and iOS, no matter how much I like my New iPad, I'll pick Android, particularly its 4.x incarnations. What I didn't realize was how much I'd like it or how much I'd start ignoring my so-called "superphone".
My past 2 phones have been top-of-the-line Verizon Android "superphones". At least for the first 10 minutes until something fancier came out. Bigger screens, faster processors, and ridiculous price tags were the name of the game. Beginning with the HTC Incredible, I was more likely to reach for my phone than any laptop or tablet, including the New iPad. Despite crappy battery life, my Droid Razr was always in my pocket, always at hand; the iPad was usually nearby, but the 4.3-inch screen on the Razr was good enough for most tasks. Why reach for something else?
My past 2 phones have been top-of-the-line Verizon Android "superphones". At least for the first 10 minutes until something fancier came out. Bigger screens, faster processors, and ridiculous price tags were the name of the game. Beginning with the HTC Incredible, I was more likely to reach for my phone than any laptop or tablet, including the New iPad. Despite crappy battery life, my Droid Razr was always in my pocket, always at hand; the iPad was usually nearby, but the 4.3-inch screen on the Razr was good enough for most tasks. Why reach for something else?
Why iPhone 3GS is a better buy than Rs. 10K Android smartphones
The iPhone 3GS is a pretty capable phone, even if it may feel two, soon to be three, generations old. The hardware specs are in line with what most current-generation Android smartphones at the price point offer, though some do beat the 3GS on RAM and camera megapixel count.
The best part about the iPhone 3GS is that it will run the latest version of iOS the day iOS 6 releases. Contrast that with the scenario in the Android world, where even smartphones costing Rs. 30,000 or more had to wait for months before they got Android 4.0. And just as some of them were finally getting ready to receive Ice Cream Sandwich, Google went ahead and released Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The wait begins all over again.
It's true that iOS 5 on iPhone 3GS feels a little bit sluggish. However reports indicate that Apple has made performance improvements in iOS 6 and it actually runs faster on iPhone 3GS than iOS 5.
Intel Not Porting Google's Android for Clover Trail Tablets
Intel isn't actively porting Android to work on tablets based on the upcoming Atom chip code-named Clover Trail, which is purpose built for Microsoft's Windows 8, according to a source familiar with the company's plans.
Initial tablets using Clover Trail will launch later this year, and will coincide with the release of Microsoft's Windows 8, which is also expected later this year. Intel has said 20 Clover Trail tablet designs are in the works, and the companies launching tablets will include Acer.
Intel has worked closely with Microsoft to tune tablets with Clover Trail chips for Windows 8 OS, which has a touch user interface. A handful of Clover Trail tablets have been shown running Windows 8, but none have been shown running Android.
Initial tablets using Clover Trail will launch later this year, and will coincide with the release of Microsoft's Windows 8, which is also expected later this year. Intel has said 20 Clover Trail tablet designs are in the works, and the companies launching tablets will include Acer.
Intel has worked closely with Microsoft to tune tablets with Clover Trail chips for Windows 8 OS, which has a touch user interface. A handful of Clover Trail tablets have been shown running Windows 8, but none have been shown running Android.
Renault-Nissan renews commitment to Korea
In his surprise visit to Korea last week, Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, expressed his commitment to reviving the ailing Korean unit Renault Samsung Motors.
Ghosn, who is also chairman of Nissan Motor, unveiled a 170 billion won (S$ 187 million) investment plan in the production of Nissan vehicles at Renault Samsung Motors' Busan plant during a news conference held in Seoul on Friday.
"We were just napping," he said of Renault Samsung's recent sluggish performance in car sales. "But now a wakeup call is ringing loudly that raises a need for us to improve competitiveness significantly."
Under his rescue plan, RSM will produce 80,000 next-generation Nissan Rogue crossover sport-utility vehicles at its factory in the southern port city of Busan starting in 2014.
The Rogue vehicles produced in Busan will be shipped mostly to North America, taking advantage of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement and a more favorable exchange rate here than in Japan.
Ghosn, who is also chairman of Nissan Motor, unveiled a 170 billion won (S$ 187 million) investment plan in the production of Nissan vehicles at Renault Samsung Motors' Busan plant during a news conference held in Seoul on Friday.
"We were just napping," he said of Renault Samsung's recent sluggish performance in car sales. "But now a wakeup call is ringing loudly that raises a need for us to improve competitiveness significantly."
Under his rescue plan, RSM will produce 80,000 next-generation Nissan Rogue crossover sport-utility vehicles at its factory in the southern port city of Busan starting in 2014.
The Rogue vehicles produced in Busan will be shipped mostly to North America, taking advantage of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement and a more favorable exchange rate here than in Japan.
Samsung kills Qualcomm ceasefire to attack Apple
The fall-out from Apple and Samsung‘s escalating in-court spats includes the destruction of a gentleman’s agreement between Samsung and chip rival Qualcomm over 3G patents, new documents have confirmed. The 18 year long pact had seen Samsung promise not to sue Qualcomm or its customers over use of 3G patents; however, Samsung dissolved the agreement in April 2011, so that it could use those 3G patents in the ongoing IP war with Apple.
Qualcomm was notified that the deal- which had been first inked in 1993 – was terminated when Apple first filed against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab slate in the US, ZDNet reports from Australian courts. ”There was an agreement between Samsung and Qualcomm. That agreement was not a licence agreement” Samsung’s counsel confirmed. “It contains a contractual provision that Samsung would not sue Qualcomm or customers of Qualcomm who apply [the 3G patents].”
Qualcomm was notified that the deal- which had been first inked in 1993 – was terminated when Apple first filed against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab slate in the US, ZDNet reports from Australian courts. ”There was an agreement between Samsung and Qualcomm. That agreement was not a licence agreement” Samsung’s counsel confirmed. “It contains a contractual provision that Samsung would not sue Qualcomm or customers of Qualcomm who apply [the 3G patents].”
Samsung, Apple dispute 'ridiculous', judge says
Samsung Electronics and Apple's patent dispute over wireless transmission technology is “ridiculous” and might be best settled in mediation, the judge overseeing the case in Australia said.
Samsung sued Apple claiming the maker of iPhones is infringing three patents covering data transmission over the 3G wireless spectrum. The suit was in response to Apple’s claim that Samsung stole its design ideas for computer tablets and phones. A trial scheduled to run for three months began today before Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett.
Apple refused to pay a license fee for the technology that allows phones to conduct multiple tasks including taking calls while uploading photos to the Internet, Samsung’s lawyer Neil Young said at the start of the trial. Apple was willing to pay and Samsung refused, the Cupertino, California-based company’s lawyer Stephen Burley said.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/world-business/samsung-apple-dispute-ridiculous-judge-says-20120723-22jnq.html#ixzz21WSouql3
Samsung sued Apple claiming the maker of iPhones is infringing three patents covering data transmission over the 3G wireless spectrum. The suit was in response to Apple’s claim that Samsung stole its design ideas for computer tablets and phones. A trial scheduled to run for three months began today before Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett.
Apple refused to pay a license fee for the technology that allows phones to conduct multiple tasks including taking calls while uploading photos to the Internet, Samsung’s lawyer Neil Young said at the start of the trial. Apple was willing to pay and Samsung refused, the Cupertino, California-based company’s lawyer Stephen Burley said.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/world-business/samsung-apple-dispute-ridiculous-judge-says-20120723-22jnq.html#ixzz21WSouql3
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