Korea’s two largest mobile phone makers have certainly made an impact in the industry. Currently, the LG and Samsung both occupy spots in the top three mobile phone manufacturers in the world –coming in second only to Finnish super giant Nokia. It is also pretty well known in the industry that the two are solid supporters of the Google Android operating system as well.
LG’s Optimus series focuses on both the Windows Phone 7 and the Google Android mobile platforms with Samsung’s Galaxy line up of devices are composed of a pure Android line (including the Galaxy Tab touch screen tablet). However, despite their strong backing for the open source platform –and the fact that Samsung has had a direct hand in the development of the Nexus S, the bottom line is that both companies still do not know what to do with the Android Gingerbread update.
This is mostly due to the fact that Google has yet to release specific details on the hardware requirements for the latest version of the platform. LG has already made the mistake of jumping the gun by announcing yesterday that there would be no update for the Optimus One with its 600MHz CPU. The statement has since been retracted and now, LG is still undecided.
The same goes for Samsung. With the Galaxy S already doing so well, they see no reason to back off from a good formula; while they are not against an update, they would like to see first how it would affect the overall performance of the device.
In any case, there is really no need for further concern. The Android update to Gingerbread is still not officially out, and many phones are still waiting for an Android 2.2 Froyo update. Google will certainly be helping out manufacturers make the transition once the update is officially available for download.
Posts Tagged ‘google-android’
Samsung and LG: Still Pondering Gingerbread Update
Friday, December 10th, 2010Google and Apple’s Tablets Go Head to Head
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
Sure, Android already has a major brand tablet to its name, the Samsung Galaxy Tab. And the Apple iOS has been first in the industry with the launch of the iPad. However, to say that the two devices are solid competitors is not all that right. While they are technically rival products, one also has to realize that the tablet industry is relatively young and it is far too early to state that one is more dominant than the other –even sales figures are unreliable since the iPad has had monopoly of the market for quite some time.
So what about the future? Apple has already learned a few useful lessons in the tablet industry thanks to all the consumer feedback it has received with the iPad. If the initial rumors about the upcoming iPad 2 are anything to go by, it shows that Apple has been keen in correcting many of the early issues that it has faced.
The lack of stocks was a big hurdle for Apple –which will no longer be the case as they have now signed a deal with Foxconn to have more than half a million units made by the end of February (two whole months before the expected launch, and the production will still continue afterwards). The presence of a camera on the device is also another hint of consumer influence.
Google has been adamant that previous versions of the Android OS were not designed for tablets –after all, the Google Chrome is the OS that was made for larger display screens. But this has not stopped manufacturers from using the OS in a wide variety of tablets. Andy Rubin has now confirmed that the Android Honeycomb will definitely be made with tablet support in mind.
The new Motorola Android tablet (which looks a lot like the leaked Stingray) showcases the new software. So far, we have seen the new look for the Google Maps app –which was running quite smoothly thanks to the dual core NVIDIA CPU.
Today’s Mobile News Stories
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
Electronics manufacturer ACER has confirmed that their smart phone industry plans are not quite as limited as one would think. While their initial offerings for both of Google’s and Microsoft’s mobile platforms are expected, the company has also confirmed that they are not leaving out other mobile platforms from their devices.
Aymar de Lencquesaing, chief of ACER’s mobile phone unit, stated that they plan to meet the supply demands of the industry –and it seems that is regardless of which mobile platform is needed. Indeed, the MeeGo is still a wildcard factor –being an OS developed by both Nokia and Intel, but there is a lot of promise to it that ACER cannot help but notice.
Of course, the currently confirmed lineup of devices are still limited to WP7 and Android phones, but taking this latest development to heart, it would not be surprising if ACER announces a few new devices coming our way.
Speaking of Windows Phone 7, the Microsoft mobile platform is so far, providing us all with everything that MS has promised. The new user interface and OS engine provides a transition of functions that is so cohesive that Microsoft is practically re-writing the whole book of making operating systems.
The only thing lacking from Microsoft however, is sales. Despite the impressive new platform, the great phones and the overall package, WP7 devices are not selling well. Arguments go as to whether the issue has to do with the Android or the iOS more, but one way or the other, Microsoft has to find a way to better market their platform.
The UK is where the number of smart phone subscribers is highest; it is easy to see why the local networks here are the most competitive than in any other region. Even virtual networks such as 3 UK and Virgin provide users with so many options that people are hard pressed to even find reasons to go on pre-pay.
Androids in Focus: Acer’s New Toys
Thursday, November 25th, 2010
Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Acer may have yet to fully establish their selves in the portable electronics industry, but they are certainly making plenty of great phones and tablets. Despite their already impressive lineup of notebook computers, the strength and profit of the mobile industry is hard to deny.
A new unnamed Acer smart phone has been spotted in several images and from the official data gathered, the device will be sporting a massive touch screen display. At 4.8 inches, the capacitive touch screen is already on the new territory formed originally by the Dell Streak. With a 5 inch touch screen, the device was questioning the size and hardware differences between tablets and mobile phones. With the Acer following this trend of creating large screen mobile devices, it is possible that we might start seeing other phone makers following suit.
Aside from the new handset, Acer also has tablet devices in the works. Initial reports show that two new Android tablets will be coming. The core difference in the two will be the screen size. One will have a much smaller touch screen at 7 inches while the other has a 10.1 inch display instead.
Acer states that the new devices will be making use of a dual core processor, though the CPU speed has yet to be given, we expect these devices to run pretty fast. HD video will also be a supported feature of the system.
For those wondering about the difference between the two sizes, it is because the two tablet sizes are good depending on the function you wish to use them for. The smaller 7 inch device is perfect for people who read eBooks and spend plenty of time reading online content on the web. The larger screened tablet is best suited for those who play plenty of games, and watch lots of videos.
iAds UK Launches, Android Matches iOS and a New BBC BB Theme
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
Users of the Apple iOS in the UK will finally be able to enjoy the iAds system. This may seem odd as generally, not a lot of people will appreciate having more advertisements on their devices. However, the iAds system is so well implemented that the additional content has proved to actually attract more buyers when the iAds has been used in other regions.
LG Display, AB InBev, L’Oréal, Renault, Citi, Evian, Louis Vuitton, Nespresso, Perrier, Unilever, Turkish Airlines and Absolute Radio have all been confirmed as to have signed up for the Apple ad service.
According to a recent study by an advertising network, the Android mobile platform is able to attract as many web browsing users as the Apple iOS. This result has shown that despite the massive number of devices that Apple already has sold, Google is able to match that number. While Apple has enjoyed dominance in the field for a long period, more and more people are slowly learning to appreciate the Android OS.
This is the result of having the open source OS present in a large number of devices has help the Android –as well as the fact that Flash is supported by the platform. Apple’s lack of Flash format support has left that OS unable to satisfy the browsing needs of many users as a large chunk of web content is not viewable without Flash.
Research in Motion is supporting BBC’s special charity day by launching the Children in Need theme for the BlackBerry. The new theme give the OS a colorful new look complete with cute icons and fonts. While this may all seem like childish fun, the real feature here is an additional application that allows users of the handset to easily donate to the Children in Need charity. While users can also opt to phone in a pledge, the app can prove to be easier to access for most.
Steve Wozniak Retcons Dutch Newspaper Interview
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
“Retcon” might not be the most fitting word, but it still certainly applies as Steve Wozniak has decided to deny the translations of his answers in a Dutch media interview. According to the real brains behind the first Macintosh and the Apple company as a whole, he was misquoted in the interview and that he “would never say that the Android is better than iOS”.
At least, he would never say it out loud.
But the fact remains that the interview translation, whether he owns up to it or not, is not really a point of opinion, but a series of actual facts regarding the smart phone industry. The reality is that Apple is starting to take the lower position behind Google as the Android developer is steamrolling its way to the top of the game.
Indeed, the Android smart phones of today are the PCs of the mobile industry. Android is doing what Microsoft achieved with Windows for the computer –create an OS that everyone would like to use and at the same time, attract plenty of third party software developers.
So what did Steve Wozniak really say?
At this point, it is really difficult to know. The nuances of language translations and the subtle implications that each word have can change the way a single sentence can be analyzed and most importantly, understood.
In the end, Wozniak did not officially state what he really said back at the interview. Considering that the man is still heavily associated with Apple (despite not being officially part of the company any longer), it is likely that he would never truly state or even say something that would imply that he feels or thinks that the Android OS is a better OS.
So far, the Dutch newspaper company has yet to make an official statement regarding the matter.
Mobile News: OS Updates and Developments
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
The open source, Linux based MeeGo operating system is not yet out, but it is already receiving a few changes to the system. A recent announcement by AMD has informed the mobile industry that the Linux developer will now be teaming up with both Nokia and Intel as they also join the MeeGo development team.
This latest update brings the upcoming MeeGo operating system as something that is far more than a foray by Nokia and Intel in the platform industry. AMD’s partnership with the two companies could mean that the OS will certainly be something we can all look forward to.
In Android related news, the 2.3 Gingerbread update is already making plenty of Google fans excited though the exact release date has yet to be officially pinned down, some speculations even stated that the OS upgrade would be released as soon as today. Of course, unless Google makes an official decision, it is impossible to make a final date. Naturally, devices under various networks would still have to rely on specific updates for their handset.
Speaking of which, HTC Legend owners under Vodafone UK will be happy to know that the update to version 2.2 Froyo is already underway for the smart phone. This confirms earlier reports that the Legend handset would also be getting a major OS update –the same report also stated that the HTC Wildfire might also get an update of its own.
Lastly, it seems that the iOS 4.2 update will not be available anytime soon. Cupertino based Apple has yet to make an official statement, but initial reports has indicated that the delay is being caused by WiFi issues. Once this error has been fixed, we can all expect to see the new OS upgrade to be released.
Coming Soon: XPERIA X12
Thursday, November 11th, 2010
The X10 was a much anticipated device; in fact, it is the first Android smart phone to be announced running on Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon CPU. While it was certainly first to pop out on radar, the handset did not come out until many months later after the big announcement.
SE has plenty to be happy about regarding the XPERIA X10 handsets. The main X10 served as a crucial benchmark for the specs of upcoming Androids. The X10 Mini provided users with a budget friendly alternative that still delivered a great user experience.
With this in mind, it is not surprising to know that Sony Ericsson is already working on their next Android handset: the XPERIA X12. At the moment, the X12 name is not yet confirmed, but the phone is listed under the Anzu nickname. While it may seem like an odd choice (considering that SE tends to use female names for their prototype devices), it is certainly a phone that we are all curious about.
Initial images of the device are promising; first off, the device is incredibly slim. The side view of the phone makes us wonder how much hardware has actually been fitted into the device. The screen on the other hand is a massive 4.3 inch touch display. It is most definitely using capacitive touch technology, though it has yet to be confirmed if this will be using AMOLED or super LCD technology.
The device will also be offering a lot on the media forefront. The camera is reported to be sporting 12 mega pixel lenses and more importantly, it support HD video playback and recording at 720p; even better is the confirmed mini-HDMI port seen in the leaked images.
As expected, the leaked images showed the handset running Android 2.1 Éclair –the phone will be updated with a much better OS such as the Android 2.3 Gingerbread when it finally comes out.
Google Android Update, Phones to Analyze Samples for STD
Monday, November 8th, 2010
Medical studies has shown that one of the biggest causes for the growth and spread of sexually transmitted diseases stems from many young adults who ignore the symptoms and do not seek treatment –naturally, this would lead to them being used by the disease as vectors.
According to the research, the main cause is due to the lack of initiative and will to visit a doctor for checkup and diagnosis. It is believed that by adapting the process to modern accessible technology, people would be able to provide themselves with a quick, accessible and private early diagnosis. Such a step would be encouraging for those infected to seek professional help.
At this point, the technology to be used is still sketchy, but initial plans include a small container, crucible or chip that would be connected to a mobile phone or a computer. This would then analyze the content, with the computer or mobile phone providing the processing power needed for such a task.
In other news, Google’s Android Gingerbread has once again popped out in new rumors as the latest gossip about the OS is that it will launch on November 11 –which is next week.
The sudden launch will certainly be a surprise for many people, especially those still waiting for a 2.2 Froyo update (or in Sony Ericsson XPERIA owner’s cases, waiting for an even older 2.1 Éclair update).
Still, it is not too hard to conceive the possibility that there will be an OS update launch. Google has already made it clear during the I/O conference that they had pretty good plan and idea about what the OS will be, and that as of the time of the conference, they had already started on the new system. In any case, it is only a few short days away until the eleventh –which means that we will all finally know the truth of this wide spreading rumor.
Will the Android Meet the Same Fate as PCs?
Monday, November 8th, 2010
There is a bit of a general agreement going on about the direction in which Google’s Android operating system is heading and what is in store for everyone in the future. The bottom line: things do not look good for Android handset makers –but as for Google, things will always be looking up.
With the continuous and seemingly non-stop growth the Android OS is currently enjoying right now, it is not too hard to conceive a near immediate future where Android devices are pretty much the staple. And while the OS is shining aplenty with some spotlight hogging high end devices, the fact that it is used in a wide range of devices –for an even wider range
The Android is open source, multi platform and easy to access, it is easy to see why so many people cannot avoid but see the similarities between the PC and an Android smart phone. However, the competition among operating systems for smart phones is not as fierce as the one for the desktop.
The situation is quite different on the mobile front. Fragmentation and many other issues plague the Android smart phone, and the competition for number one is pretty tough –the dividing line between hardware is not as significant as the lack of upgrade options means that a handset will eventually be retired and that users will always have the option to shift to a device that uses another platform.
Standardization issues and lowered Android phone costs that will hurt manufacturers are only conceivable for as long as the Android stays on top, but as long as other developers push their proprietary OS systems (as well as the recent launch of Windows Phone 7) and other open source platforms like the Symbian continue to exist, it will be hard to have an Android saturated future.