There is plenty of fuss and excitement over Android 2.2 Froyo, mostly because Google is just taking so long to come out with updates for all the non-Nexus One smart phones. Just recently, an update for Android Froyo for the Samsung Galaxy S smart phone was leaked.
From the looks of it, the firmware update is authentic –it is the real deal from Samsung and Google. But this is a leaked copy, not one that has been released for consumer use. As such, this current update is still unstable and could cause undocumented changes to a mobile phone. Some believe that this is just a prototype update that Samsung’s developers are using to test the OS for the handset.
Samsung i9000 Galaxy S owners would be able to download and use the update. However, this version is not officially sanctioned and as a warning, users should not use this update unless they are certain that they are willing to take the risk. Also, this version of the Android Froyo is still incomplete. It apparently lacks Flash player support. Several who have already used the OS have reported that aside from a few missing features, the system seems stable enough.
Even if this is a pre-release version of the Android Froyo some of the upgrade functions already work –most notably, the speed boost in the Android smart phone’s performance. According to the initial announcements regarding Froyo, it will update the Kernel Memory Management settings for the OS and will make interface navigation about 2 to 3 times faster. Those who already tested this update have confirmed the speed boost, though it will naturally slow down once several apps are running at once.
Anyway, we still recommend that Samsung Galaxy S users take the time to wait for the release of the official version. With this test type already leaked, then the official one might not be too far behind.
Archive for July, 2010
Unstable Froyo Update for Galaxy S Leaked
Friday, July 30th, 2010RIM to Officially Announce 9800 Slider
Friday, July 30th, 2010
There’s a conference coming up this August 3 and it looks like RIM will be taking the day to announce the upcoming BlackBerry 9800 Slider smart phone. The handset has been surfacing a lot recently online with rumors and more importantly, leaked images that detailed the latest gadget from the same phone maker that started mobile email addiction.
Without a doubt, the BlackBerry 9800 Slider’s form factor is a little different when compared to other previous BB devices, but the use of a larger touch screen is certainly a big improvement. However, while we have no doubts about the quality and efficiency of the keyboards that are used BlackBerry handsets, it would have been nice if this was a landscape slider than a portrait style one.
The 3.2 inch TFT touch screen on the 9800 Slider is a very important addition: because it makes the new BlackBerry OS 6 much easier to use. From the initial videos and demonstrations of the new operating system for RIM, the OS 6 focuses a lot on touch based controls. This was done to bring the BB handsets up to par with the latest operating systems used in the latest smart phones.
While BB’s position in the mobile industry is pretty stable, the growing numbers of devices that sport physical, slide out, QWERTY keyboards are growing steadily. It can be argued that RIM made keyboards are superior, but the bottom line is that the company is slowly losing its foothold as the dominating influence in physical keyboards.
Since the keyboard has already been almost perfected and little to no further improvements can be made in that aspect; RIM is now focusing on other features that the BlackBerry OS was never strong with. The focus for OS 6 is multimedia, which means that better file support has been added and new navigation controls for playback as well.
Research Shows Market Share Growth for Android OS
Friday, July 30th, 2010
GfK, a major retail research company in the UK has stated that the Android mobile platform has managed to climb from a market share of just 3% last year to a much larger 13% this year. Market share was not the only number that went climbing fast, according to the research firm, the volume of actual handset sales has increased by a full 350%.
This is big feat for the Android operating system, despite the fact that it is already one of the most used operating systems among smart phones (it is reportedly the OS used in the largest number of devices), but it has also managed to become a constant favorite among users.
Retail store employees have stated that customers would specifically look and ask for Android smart phones by name –showing that these buyer have come to store with the intention of buying and Android smart phone and knowing full well what an operating system is (as opposed to Nokia devices running Symbian, as the devices’ target market are not too keen on what OS is being used).
Even the Apple iPhone OS (now known as the Apple iOS), is going to have trouble dealing with the growing fame of Google’s Android. After all, most buyers of the iPhone are after the handset itself, not because of the iPhone OS. It is believed that an iPhone shaped device that has an Android operating system should do quite well –and while one of Samsung‘s high end Android smart phones (the Galaxy S) fits the bill, the handset lacks Apple’s iBrand to make it work.
In any case, fans of the Google Android operating system would be happy to know that the latest version of the open source mobile platform (version 2.2 Froyo) is expected to be released for other mobile phones (aside from the Google Nexus One) in a matter of weeks.
Just Announced: HTC Hero Android Update Available
Thursday, July 29th, 2010According to reports, an update for the HTC Hero has just been made available: the Android 2.1 Éclair.
Version 2.1 is not the latest in the series, but it is pretty close. And with the 2.2 Froyo updates slowly being developed for a series of roll outs for various smart phones, it is a great time for the Hero to finally get updated.
This much anticipated update has sadly arrived a little too late for some of Orange mobile’s HTC Hero users. Several are confirmed to have switched networks due to the fact that the Android update that was supposed to arrive by January got delayed by a full seven months. Several Hero users are reported to have opted to install a hacked 2.1 Éclair update since it seemed that an actual update might never arrive for the handset.
The issue here, aside from the fact that Google and mobile phone makers take a long time getting their act together when it comes to delivering OS updates. Sure, there is a little bonus for some companies who get timed exclusivity on the updates, but on a more general note, Google needs to be more transparent with their actual progress and plans.
Had Google let it known earlier that the Hero patch was well underway, then some of the users might have opted to wait it out. The same goes for many other handsets –most Android owners have no clue as to when an update will be made available. While it is impossible for Google to create OS updates for all instantly, they could at least let the market know which devices are still going to get an eventual update, and which mobile phones are stuck with an older version of the OS.
Among the devices still awaiting Android updates are the Sony Ericsson smart phones: the XPERIA X10, X10 Mini and the X10 Mini Pro.
Apple iPhone 4: Coming this Friday on 3 UK
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Virtual mobile network operator 3 UK has confirmed that the Apple iPhone 4 is indeed coming to their network and that the smart phone will be ready for release on Friday.
The big launch is going to see 3 UK stores opening early and plenty of people queuing up for the device. However, 3’s representatives have announced that interested buyers should call ahead in order to schedule an appointment that would allow them to reserve a handset in advance. There is no official statement from Apple or 3 UK regarding how many stocks will be available in the stores so it is important for people to book in advance as queuing up will not ensure that buyers will receive an iPhone 4.
Considering how much issues the iPhone 4’s antenna has, it is surprising how the demand for the product has not gone down. According to reports, Apple’s stocks have taken a dip after the issue of the antenna problem got out of hand and that despite the large demand for the iPhone 4, Apple needs to consider changing their production methods.
A couple of weeks back, the Cupertino based company held an emergency conference with Steve Jobs at the helm of the event. According to Jobs, the antenna issue is something that affects all mobile phones and that this is not just a problem for Apple, but for the entire industry as well. However, it has to be noted that the average smart phone will lose about 10% to 30% of signal strength when the antenna comes into contact with human touch. The iPhone 4 however, loses a solid 90% due to the way that the antenna and the handset were designed.
Apple has since stated that they will be giving out free bumper cases for iPhone 4 owners. The bumper case will prevent the antenna from being accidentally touched during phone operation.
Waiting for Nokia’s C6 Handset
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
The Nokia C6 smart phone has been on our radars for quite some time now, and all that we are waiting for is the release of the handset in the next few days. While a specific launch date would be nice, Nokia has yet to make the final confirmation.
In any case, we already do know that T-Mobile and Vodafone UK are going to be offering the handset on various tariff plans and deals, but expect to get a really cheap offer for the device. Also, the device is rumored to be tagged with a SIM-free price of £289 –which is quite reasonable for the handset. Carphone Warehouse is also expected to be offering the handset when it finally comes out.
There is nothing really unique or special about the C6, but it is very practical. And it is that element that the makes this Nokia made Symbian smart phone a device worth owning. The controls are all simple. Even with the resistive touch screen, navigating the phone’s menus and features only takes a short while.
Speaking of controls, the phone does skimp out a little with the display, but it does compensate with a slide out, physical, QWERTY keyboard. The four row button layout is both comfortable and familiar for many users. There is a bit of thumb stretching to be done on the keyboard’s right side, but aside from that little quirk, using this handset is a breeze.
The 3.2 inch TFT resistive touch screen is a little on the low side when it comes to accuracy and responsiveness, but at least the graphic quality is decent. The phone’s 360 x 640 pixels of resolution is just enough for most users, and the 16 million color capacity means that images and videos are rendered in excellent visual quality.
Android Devices: Hot New Commodity
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010There is no doubt that Google is indeed one of the most influential companies of this generation. But more than just refining the search engine technology and offering the world all sorts of web based services such as Maps, Earth, Mail and more, Google also has plenty of influence in the mobile phone industry.
Thanks to the Android operating system, Google has become one of the most respected companies in the mobile phone industry. The open source mobile platform has served as a basis and standard for many new operating systems –especially other platforms that are also based on the Linux OS.
But more than the OS itself, the Android has also garnered a reputation among smart phone users everywhere. It is considered to be one of the most reliable, stable and efficient platforms available, with a wide range of applications that provide both practical and entertainment to users.
According to reports, consumers now actively seek out specific Android devices –proving that the OS is indeed a major selling point for most users. The recent dip in available stocks for the HTC Desire proves that the early hype about the HTC smart phone (along with the HTC Legend) is actually true. Samsung, on the other hand is directly pitting the Android Samsung i9000 Galaxy S directly against the Apple iPhone 4 (with a rather subtle, yet successfully meaningful ad).
Sales reports show that the number of Android devices sold this year has gone over thrice the volume it sold last 2009. It is said that one out of every ten contracts signed has consumers asking for Android devices over other mobile phones.
With an already impressive lineup of available devices, it is not surprising that the Android OS is one of the best available in the market. And by the end of the year, we will see how Google’s platform holds up against the Microsoft Windows Phone 7 OS as well.
S-LCD Technology: Taking Over AMOLED
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Smart phones need excellent display technology, this is what pushed LCD and LED displays to farther and newer limits. Manufacturers have been pushing the resolutions to be finer, the colors to be richer and the lights to be brighter with each new generation of display technology.
Occasionally, there are some breakthroughs that truly make a lasting impression. Take Samsung’s AMOLED technology for example; this display has become a new standard for high end smart phones. It was only later surpassed by the super AMOLED screen –also by Samsung, which was able to rival even the Apple Retina display.
But as with most technology, these products have their limitations and for AMOLED technology, manufacturing the displays in massive quantities fast is simply not cutting it when it comes to meeting market demand. And so two of the largest names in display technology have come together to bring us one amazing new technology: S-LCD.
The new display technology is a joint effort between Sony and Samsung. The two companies are considered to be the top brands in HDTVs and it is not surprising that they are able to develop a new screen technology for mobile handsets.
The S-LCD is reported to have larger viewing angles, better contrast, and also even less power consumption than before. In terms of overall performance the S-LCD is able to deliver graphic qualities that equal or even surpass that of the AMOLED screen (in some ways, S-LCD improves on AMOLED the way AMOLED improved on regular LCD/LED displays).
It has been reported that two smart phones will be the first to try out the new S-LCD technology. HTC’s Desire and the Google Nexus One (both Android smart phones) will be using the new S-LCD screens. No word yet on when the technology will be released, but many expect it come out by the end of August.
Apple Antenna Issue: German Testers Investigate
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010It is never a good thing to hear that the antenna issue is a challenge to the entire mobile phone industry. After all, avoiding the problem has never really been a good idea in the first place. But that is exactly what Apple is trying to do with their most recent statements regarding the iPhone 4 and its’ faulty antenna. However, these reasoning and arguments can only go so far, other mobile phone makers have given their reactions, and even consumer groups are taking an active role.
Take the German group, Stiftung Warentest. They recently took an Apple iPhone 4 and put it through heavy testing in order to determine what the problem truly is. According to the results, the Apple iPhone 4’s antenna is truly faulty –to a point that no other antenna has been designed that bad.
We all know that blocking, touching or interfering in any way with an antenna will affect signal strength. For mobile phones, this usually achieves a negative effect (with some radios, human contact might actually be a signal boost), and the entire industry is already aware of the situation. This is why most phones are designed with antennas that are out of the way, unlikely to be touched, and most importantly, does not lose much signal strength.
On an average, about 10 to 20% of signal strength can be lost if the device’s antenna is touched. For the Apple iPhone 4 however, the slightest contact with human skin will cause the device to drop about 90% of signal strength –enough to kill any network connection with a strength that is not at full signal.
One major factor here is that on an average, signal strength is anywhere from 70% to 90% in most urban areas, which means that even in these high signal areas, iPhone 4 smart phones will be completely useless unless fingers are kept away from the antenna.
RIM News Update: Onyx 9780 in Images, Bold 9700 in Apple Sham
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Manufacturer Research in Motion’s BlackBerry series of mobile phones has always managed to capture the interest and attention of many people in the industry. From their wholly dedicated business model handsets to the more made-for-everyone devices, each BlackBerry model has been created and designed with the interest and needs of users in mind.
It is surprising how Cupertino based Apple has managed to bring in RIM’s BlackBerry Bold 9700 smart phone to the recently held emergency conference to discuss the antenna problems that have been plaguing the iPhone 4.
According to Steve Jobs, all mobile phone antennas will lose signals when touched by human skin, and that devices such as the Bold 9700 are no different. This remark quickly drew the attention of the co-founders of BlackBerry, who immediately released a public statement countering Apple’s allegations.
More importantly, they stressed the fact that BlackBerry handsets do not need to be used with a casing in order to work properly –as is the problem with the iPhone 4. Other mobile phone manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola, LG and Nokia have expressed similar statements as well.
In other BlackBerry related updates, the BB Onyx 9780 has just been leaked in a close up image that reveals how the new smart phone looks like. Keeping in tune with the original BlackBerry form factor, the device has a 2.44 inch TFT display on top and a physical QWERTY keyboard on portrait orientation below. The slight curves and 4 row lay-out will prove to be familiar and reassuring for many existing BlackBerry users.
The device has been revealed to be using the new BlackBerry OS 6, which is supposed to be geared towards multimedia playback more than anything. While the device will certainly prove to be a superior messaging and texting handset, it will also have a better user interface when it comes to handling media files such as music and videos.