Articles

Nvidia touts Mimosa X Android ICS smartphone

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:07:42 +0000

ZTE Mimosa X is Fully Packing NVIDIA Tegra and Android 4.0

Nvidia and ZTE are talking up the new Tegra 2-powered Mimosa X Android smartphone, which is targeted at the mainstream handset market.

"The ZTE Mimosa X is exciting for a few reasons," explained Nvidia rep Michael Rayfield.
"The Mimosa X marks the first time Nvidia technology powers all the major processors in a single smartphone, and also the first time a premium mobile computing experience is coming to the mainstream smartphone market."

Mimosa's Tegra 2 mobile processor boasts dual cores along with a GeForce GPU, while the integrated (low-power) Icera 450 modem supports HSPA+ with baseband and RF processors.

The smartphone features a five megapixel front camera, an integrated gyroscope, 4 GB of storage (expandable up to 32GB), and runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), which looks pretty sweet on the Mimosa's big 4.3-inch qHD display.

The DLNA capable Mimosa X also promises a superb multimedia experience, with record/playback HD video capabilities, support for A2DP, Dolby sound and dual microphones.

The smartphone is set to launch sometime in Q2 2012, and as noted above, is aimed at the mainstream market, which means the Mimosa X should be relatively affordable. Of course, the real question here is how well the battery will perform, a factor which ultimately may make or break the handset in the hyper-competitive mobile market.

Source : Mobile Magazine

Protect Your Android Smartphone: 5 Free Apps To...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:58:26 +0000

5 Free Android Apps To Keep Your Smartphone Safe From Viruses And Malware

There's been much controversy over mobile OS security, especially where Android is concerned. With 47% of the smartphone market in Q4 of 2011, according to ABI Research, it's no wonder that Android is getting attention.

Its openness fuels adoption by smartphone manufacturers and wireless carriers, aids in mobile innovation, and helps bring more free apps. But some, like those who develop security apps, think its openness also makes it an easier target for malware writers and cybercriminals.

Android malware growth
Depending on where you go, you'll find varying stats on the amount of Android malware we've seen thus far. This is complicated by the fact that most of the information available about malware comes from security vendors, who obviously have a pony in the anti-malware race.

One thing they all agree on is that the amount of malware targeting Android has been growing. For instance, a report from Trend Micro (PDF) includes a chart that shows a large spike in the amount of total Android malware in 2011. Meanwhile, according to NQ Mobile , cases of malware increased from 4,781 cases in 2009 to 10,369 cases in 2010 and 22,600 cases in 2011. And according to Lookout, the likelihood of Americans encountering Android malware went from 1% in the beginning of 2011 to 4% by year's end.

But the vendors don't always agree. For example, at the end of January, Symantec announced that 13 apps in the Android Market contained malware. Other security vendors disagreed; Symantec later backtracked and said that the code it thought was malware was really from an aggressive ad network.

Meanwhile, Google has reported a 40% decrease in the number of potentially malicious downloads from the Android Market from the first to the second half of 2011. (Of course, Google is only accounting for the official Android Market, while the security vendors also scan third-party app markets and websites from around the world.)

In addition, Google recently announced an internal malware scanner called Bouncer that scans apps submitted to the Android Market. And if something does slip by Bouncer, Google can remove the Market listings for malware apps and even remotely remove them from devices.

Android malware in the wild
However, all these varying statistics and countermeasures don't mean that there isn't bad stuff out there. For example, in the spring of 2011, Lookout identified a Trojan app called GGTracker that was distributed via malicious websites that mirrored the Android Market. Once downloaded it could sign the victim up to premium SMS subscription services without their permission, charging the user's wireless carrier account. And the DroidDream Trojan, discovered in March 2011, was found in more than 50 apps in the Android Market. It could gain root access to Android, steal data and install more malicious apps.

What follows are reviews of five free anti-malware apps for Android devices: Avast Free Mobile Security, AVG Mobilation Anti-Virus Free, Lookout Mobile Security, Norton Mobile Security Lite and NQ Mobile Security. I've reviewed each of these apps based on what features it has available and how well the interface works. Most also offer for-pay versions that have additional functionality, which I've noted where it exists.

And many of them (in free and/or paid versions) don't only scan for malware and offer preventative measures, but provide anti-theft features as well -- such as alarms that can be triggered remotely (to call attention to the thief) or the ability to lock and/or wipe the device.

If you're reluctant to use a security app, perhaps it would help if you think of it as the equivalent of chicken soup: It can't hurt -- and could possibly keep help keep away any nasty infections that may be lurking about.

How to secure your Android device
Here are some things you can do to dramatically reduce the risk of malware infections on your Android phone:

Use the official Android Market instead of third-party app stores or websites, especially now that Bouncer is used to monitor for malware. If you want to help ensure that you only install apps from Android Market, you can turn off the ability to install apps from unknown sources in by going to Settings and then to the Security menu (in Android 4.0 or later) or the Applications menu (in earlier versions of Android).

Research apps before downloading: Check the publisher and app reviews.
Pay attention to app permissions during the installation and check the market listing or developer for an explanation of any suspicious permissions.

Install an antivirus/security app.
Be wary of phishing scams and malware via the Web browser or SMS messages.

Be cautious if you root your device and keep an eye out for the Superuser prompts that are displayed when an app requests root permissions. Rooting allows you to use some powerful apps and even enhanced security functionality, but at the same time increases potential damage from infections.

To protect your Android device against local attacks -- a thief or snooper -- enable lock screen security (or, if you're one of the lucky few who already have Ice Cream Sandwich, you can test out the new Face Unlock feature.)

Finally, to prevent any malicious apps from sending messages to a number that will automatically charge your account, see if your wireless carrier can block the ability to sign up for premium SMS subscriptions.

Avast Free Mobile Security
Avast Software
Price: Free

The Avast Free Mobile Security app includes anti-malware and anti-theft features, along with browsing protection that prompts you if you visit a malicious website. A privacy advisor helps you identify any installed apps that use permissions which could be potentially dangerous, while an application manager lets you manage running apps.

SMS and call filtering is also included, which lets you block incoming messages and calls and outgoing calls based on times and contacts you select. The app lacks any backup functionality, but a firewall and enhanced anti-theft features are provided for rooted devices.

In addition to automatically scanning apps you install, Avast can do full scans of all your installed apps on the phone and on the SD card. You can do this manually or specify days and times to have it done automatically.

By default, Avast will appear on the notification bar and menu, showing its status and offering a shortcut to open it. The main app screen is straightforward, listing shortcuts for each feature and the settings. Though there are many more settings and preferences compared to other security apps, the developers did a fairly good job keeping the interface user-friendly.

The first time you open Avast, it prompts you to set up the anti-theft feature. A neat touch: You can define a custom name for the separate anti-theft app -- ideally something inconspicuous that won't alert thieves to its presence. Additionally, the app is password-protected, and the shortcut can be hidden from the app tray. For rooted devices, it can even store the anti-theft app and settings in a way that survives hard resets of your device.

Avast's anti-theft functionality provides remote locating, a remote alarm with the ability to use custom audio, remote locking with a custom message (for example, "Return this smartphone to...") and remote wiping. You can set it to automatically lock and have the siren go off if the SIM card is changed or when you mark it as lost by sending it an SMS message.

Avast can even disable access to the Android program manager and phone settings, prevent USB debugging, and force the data connection on in order to remotely back up your data.

Currently, if you want to use the remote anti-theft and remote control features, you must send SMS commands to your device. Avast provides feedback via SMS replies as well -- for example, it will provide a link to a Google map after locating the device.

Avast has other useful features. You can have your phone call a given number remotely, forward SMS messages and call logs, retrieve contacts, and even pass raw data to any other app. However, in order to access these remote features you must send SMS messages from another phone; it would be much more user-friendly if there were a Web-based interface. Avast says one will be added in the first quarter of 2012.

Some of the features -- such as any that require SMS -- require 3G support and so won't work on Wi-Fi-only Android tablets. Avast says better tablet support is also expected in early 2012.

Bottom line
Avast offers some great underlying functionality, like hiding the anti-theft component and providing enhanced uninstall protection for rooted devices. But you'll have to wait for the Web interface for remote features, and look elsewhere for backup features.

AVG Mobilation Anti-Virus Free
AVG Mobilation
Price: Free
Other versions: Anti-Virus Pro ($1.99) adds an app locker, app backup and support; Anti-Virus Pro for Tablets ($1.99) is optimized for tablets.

AVG Mobilation Anti-Virus Free offers free protection for both phones and tablets against malware and browsing protection to prompt you when visiting a malicious website. It also includes SMS/text messaging protection that scans messages to ensure they're safe; various remote tools, including device locating, alarms, locking and wiping, and scanning. There is a malware scanner that analyzes data files as well as apps, a task killer, a tune-up utility to help save battery usage and storage space, and a personal data wiper to clear cache.

An app locker that password protects individual apps and an app backup tool are also offered as a 13-day trial. The Pro version (which costs a one-time $1.99 fee) unlocks the trials and adds a spam and scam feature; there is also a version available for tablets.

Anti-Virus automatically scans apps you install and lets you run full scans on demand or automatically on a daily or weekly basis, but oddly doesn't let you specify the days or time. It does, however, also scan for potentially insecure settings along with malicious content and media.

Though the app runs in the background, it doesn't appear on the notification bar or menu until it detects an issue. Once you open the app, the main screen can be a bit confusing -- it doesn't contain status info or shortcuts to the main features like most other security apps do. You tap the screen to run a scan or press the device's Menu button to access shortcuts.

AVG provides a website to use the remote functions. Though it's possible to access it via smartphones and other small mobile devices, the site is optimized for desktop/laptop access. It allows you to initiate remote locating on a Google map, initiate an alarm and remotely lock your device with a custom message; you can also set an unlock password, wipe the device, and remotely start scanning for malware. You won't find your phone's number on the site, but it does detect SIM card changes and will send automated email alerts to you when a card switch is detected.

Bottom line
Despite a confusing user interface, AVG Mobilation Anti-Virus Free is a fairly solid security app offering all the popular features for free. If you want the premium edition (for more features or the tablet app) you can get it with just a small one-time payment.

Lookout Mobile Security
Lookout
Price: Free
Other versions: Lookout Mobile Security for the iPhone (free); Lookout Premium for Android ($2.99/mo. or $29.99/yr.) adds phishing protection; backup for photos and call history, data transfer to a new phone, remote wipe/lock, support.

Lookout Mobile Security offers free malware protection, contacts backup, and remote locating and alarm for both phones and tablets. Upgrading to the premium account ($2.99/month or $29.99/year) adds browser protection, an app privacy manager, backup of images and call history, and remote locking and wiping.

In addition to automatically scanning apps you install and update, malware protection includes full scans of the installed apps; the SD card, however, isn't scanned. You can set Lookout to do these full scans on a daily or weekly basis and optionally specify the day and time. The backup functionality also lets you specify when to perform daily or weekly backups of your contacts to Lookout's servers; if you're a premium user, you can back up your pictures and call history as well.

By default, Lookout appears on the notification bar and menu, displaying its status and offering a quick way to open it. The app's interface is simple and straightforward. The main screen shows the status of each feature. Though you can click on the Security or Backup icons to see the most recent activity, the app doesn't give you any thorough activity logs. To configure the app settings, you tap the Menu and Settings icons.

Lookout lets you access the status of your Lookout features and get a full activity history on its website; you can also initiate backups and restores, access the remote recovery tools (such as locating, locking and wiping), and enable or disable each feature. There's also a mobile version of the site that offers the same features.

You can find the approximate location of your device on a Google map and see the phone number currently configured on your phone (so you will know if someone replaces your SIM card). However, the remote locking feature doesn't provide a way to display a custom message on the device like some other security apps do.

Bottom line
Lookout provides a useful security app for both Android phones and tablets, along with a user-friendly website. It doesn't offer as many features as some security apps, but what it does provide is solid. It offers remote locking and wiping, but only if you use the premium service.

Norton Mobile Security Lite
Symantec
Price: Free
Other versions: Norton Mobile Security ($29.99/yr.) adds anti-theft and anti-loss features, phishing protection, call and text blocking.
Norton Mobile Security Lite provides free malware protection and remote locking. The premium service ($29.99/year) adds browser protection and call and text blocking, along with remote locating, a remote alarm, remote camera control to take snapshots and remote wiping. There is a tablet version ($29.99/yr.) coming (the date hasn't been announced) that will support the remote anti-theft functionality for Wi-Fi-only devices as well.

In addition to performing malware scans on app downloads and updates, you can run app and SD card scans on demand or schedule scans daily, weekly or monthly. Though Norton checks for virus database updates weekly by default, it can be changed to daily (or monthly).

By default you won't see an icon in the notification bar or menu unless the app detects a security issue, but you can enable it so you always know your security status.

Norton Mobile Security Lite has a very simple and straightforward interface. Unless you purchase the premium service, there are only two main shortcuts accessible on the main screen of the app: one for the anti-theft and another for anti-malware. But hitting the device's Menu button gives you a few more shortcuts, such as to view the activity log or access the update or notification settings.

The remote functions for the free version can be initiated only via SMS commands. The premium service offers a plug-in for the app that in turn lets you perform remote functions on your device using a Web browser. The free version lacks any SIM card protection or remote change notifications.

Bottom line
The free version of this app is the most basic of the five I reviewed. Norton Mobile Security doesn't offer as much as other free apps; you get much more if you sign up for the premium service, which comes at a recurring cost. That premium service does offer remote camera control, but most of its other features are available in other free apps.

NQ Mobile Security
NQ Mobile
Price: Free
Other versions: NQ Mobile Security Premium ($7.99/3 mos., $12.99/6 mos., $19.99/1 yr.) adds remote security features, anti-eavesdropping, financial data protection

NQ Mobile Security provides free anti-malware and browser protection, a firewall, cross-platform contact backup, and remote locating via Google Maps. It also offers a free privacy advisor that analyzes apps and their permissions, a traffic monitor that tracks data usage, and an app optimizer and manager.

SIM card change notifications are provided with the free version and can be set up to send to a specified mobile number -- say, of a friend. The premium service ($7.99 for 3 months, $12.99 for 6 months or $19.99 for 1 year) adds automatic virus updates and a remote alarm, along with remote locking and wiping. It also adds a malware scanner designed to scan banking apps, and anti-eavesdropping protection to help prevent phone tapping by any malicious apps.

Although the app installs on both phones and tablets, some features such as the remote functions won't work on tablets without SMS capability.

In addition to auto-scanning apps for malware when you download them, you can run full scans on apps manually (SD card files not included) or schedule a scan for every 7 or 15 days. Contacts can also be backed up manually (or automatically when you're connected via Wi-Fi).

The NQ icon sits on the notification bar and menu; it displays your status and data usage, and lets you quickly open the app. Once you open the app, you'll find a user-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface. The main screen displays your security status and shortcuts to each of the core features. Tapping the device's Menu key lets you access the settings, logs and other shortcuts.

The remote functions can be initiated via the Web or via SMS commands. The website lets you manage backed up contacts and view your security logs and status. It also offers a calendar feature that can sync across your devices and Google/Outlook calendar. Unfortunately, though, the site's interface isn't optimized for mobile access.

(Note: According to the website, NQ Mobile is the international brand of NetQin Mobile, and as a result, some parts of the app, help pages, etc. may carry the NetQin branding.)

Bottom line
Given that the free version of this app doesn't provide automatic virus updates or a remote alarm, locking or wiping, I would only recommend using the premium version, which comes at a recurring cost. Additionally, the premium version adds just two extra features (financial security and anti-eavesdropping) that other free apps don't usually provide.

Conclusions
Though there's certainly Android malware out there, your chances of becoming infected are still very low at the moment -- but they're even slimmer if you install an anti-malware app.

Incidentally, since failing batteries are the bane of many smartphone users, you might be wondering about the resource consumption of these security apps. During testing, all five of the apps consumed about the same amount of RAM on average when idle: 9.5MB to 11.5MB. And if you're concerned about how much space the app will take up, AVG had the lowest (0.71MB), followed by Avast and Lookout (both 1.81MB), Norton (3.83MB) and NQ (4.73MB).

If you're looking for a free security app, most of these have something to offer. AVG has a lot of features and an unbeatable price if you want to upgrade, but the app could use a facelift. Lookout doesn't offer as many features, but provides solid functionality and service.

NQ includes cross-platform backup support, but lacks free automatic virus updates, and while it provides free device locating, there's no alarm, which most of the others offer. Norton is the most basic free security app of the five, allowing only free remote locking in addition to its anti-malware features.

I was most impressed with Avast Mobile Security. Though it doesn't offer a Web interface or full tablet support, the free app includes some very useful features not found elsewhere, such as better uninstall protection, and is a must-have for rooted devices.

How To Run Your Android Smartphone Without Google

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:27:18 +0000

Does Android really allow for a smartphone experience where you don't share with Google?

Say what you will about Google, which is moving toward a new model of privacy and coming under lots of scrutiny over their iPhone, but they offer at least a novel concept of freedom: a smartphone platform they built, but which doesn’t necessarily require their own apps to run. It’s not easy, and you might actually have to slightly endanger your phone to get there, but there exists an Android phone that doesn’t give Google personal data, ad revenue, or anything else.

So, how, exactly, do you trick Google into giving you the foundation without allowing them to look through any windows? Here’s how to set up an almost entirely non-Google-powered Android, in practice:

Don’t sign in during setup or enable backups

When you first turn on your phone, or after you perform a “factory reset” on it, you’ll be asked to sign in with a Google account. Don’t do it, and look for the “Skip” option. Your phone can run without a Google account, and you can add other accounts to fill out your contacts and calendar and the like--Microsoft Exchange, Facebook, Twitter, and more. Also skip the options to send feedback about your usage, back up your settings to Google, and so on. Skip just about everything.

Hide or remove Google apps

1) This is the trickiest part of the whole Bizarro-Droid process. You have two options, as I see it: Root your phone and remove Google apps: If you truly wanted to wipe your slate clean of Google’s Gmail, Calendar, Maps, and other offerings, you’d need to give yourself deep access to the phone’s internals, referred to as “rooting.” The complexity of rooting varies phone to phone, but once it’s done, you can disable Google’s built-in apps, along with the stuff your carrier and manufacturer jammed on there. Or you can install an entirely new OS, like CyanogenMod, which won't install with Google Apps unless you want it to.

2) Hide Google’s apps with an alternate launcher: The part of your phone that shows app icons, widgets, and contains your app list? That’s actually an app itself, and you can replace it. Two prime candidates are Go Launcher EX and LauncherPro--my preference is LauncherPro. Install either one, then tap your phone’s Home button, and you’ll see a choice of using either your default launcher or that app. Both apps allow you to hide apps from the app tray, as well as change app icons to remove any Google-y stylings.

Get alternate apps

An alternate application exists for just about every Google application offered, or installed by default, on Android phones. Some are great, some are workable, and some will make you realize the value of Google’s free-for-everyone approach. Here’s my short list of potential swap-outs:

(Note: Using the Android Market requires signing in with a Google account. That’s just unavoidable. There are work-arounds, like finding the .apk files for these apps around the web, or looking for them in Amazon’s Appstore for Android, but you could also create a Google account just for this purpose alone. It’s up to you.)

Gmail -> Yahoo Mail (or IMAP email): It works just fine if you’ve got a Yahoo Mail account, and Yahoo’s web-based interface isn’t too bad, either. Otherwise, you can use the stock “Email” app, or something better like K-9 Mail to retrieve your Gmail or personal email through the IMAP protocol, and never see advertisements.
Maps -> MapQuest: Mapquest is rather good, really, and it’s formed an interesting alliance with OpenStreetMap, which can offer deeper, community-provided results and directions. Plus it has voice-narrated turn-by-turn directions, and it also can cache the area around you for offline look-ups.
Browser -> Firefox or Opera: If you’re a desktop user of either Opera or Firefox, you’ll find their mobile apps quite nice, and easy to sync up with. If not, install both, and see which one fits you best.
Search -> Bing: Sadly, you can’t replace the default search engine assigned to your Android phone, even with rooting (unless I’ve missed something). But you can choose to replace the Google search app icon with Bing, replace the voice search default with Bing, and take the extra half-step to tap the “Search with Bing” option whenever you tap the search button or click the search widget.
Calendar -> Exchange setup (or something web-based): This is actually the stumper. Most of the calendar apps in the Android Market are just re-styled interfaces for Google’s own Calendar service. So you can either hook up to your work Exchange server, or perhaps find a good web-based calendar service you can bookmark on your home screen.
YouTube -> Web-based YouTube: I like Vimeo, but many videos are only on YouTube. So, using your alternate browser, and without signing in, simply head to YouTube’s mobile web version and view your videos there. The web version, actually, is often better, and certainly better looking.

Is It Worth The Trouble?

In the end, you’ll probably decide that you like the convenience of Google’s offerings on your Android powered smartphone. That is, after all, their mission and purpose. But you don’t have to give Google every bit of data about your mobile life, so spreading it around a few different apps can lend some piece of mind about your digital life, if that’s a concern for you. Android is, if not entirely, dictionary-strict “open,” at least rather permissive.

Inside Blackberry PlayBook’s Android App Support

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:12:41 +0000

BlackBerry PlayBook gets built-in Android apps

RIM’s PlayBook tablet has finally taken off its training wheels – and it’s PlayBook OS 2.0‘s newfound Android abilities that are coming in for the most attention. The updated platform supports select Android apps, and efforts have been underway for some time figuring out which of the popular titles for Google’s platform will also play nicely on RIM’s tablet.

There’s a work-in-progress testing report here, which lists around 800 Android apps that have been pitted against the PlayBook having been sideloaded manually. Not all of them work, mind, and even those that do often have some partial issues, often to do with connectivity or general stability.

Still, there’s a fair number of apps that are functioning, and we’re guessing more developers will jump on board now OS 2.0 is in the wild. RIM also made a big show of handing out free PlayBook units to coders willing to submit modified Android apps for inclusion in BlackBerry App World, and the first batch of those showed up earlier today.

The PlayBook OS 2.0 became available for download Tuesday, filling in many of the key features that were missing when the seven-inch tablet was released by RIM. The company announced in January that the new upgrade was on the way for February. At that time, it got positive reviews and some analysts said the upgrade would make the device more competitive.

Source: Everything Mobile

Android 5.0 Jelly Bean coming to "WebTop...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:04:09 +0000

Android 5.0 Jelly Bean Brings Native Lapdock Capabilities for Full Desktop Apps

The latest version of Google's operating system is reportedly going to play nice with Motorola's "WebTop" platform.

If you don't know what that is, perhaps you've heard of the Motorola Atrix phone. It allows users to dock the phone into a special laptop attachment, and the phone essentially becomes the motherboard for the laptop.

The phone-powered laptop uses a proprietary Motorola interface, which it has called WebTop, but it may opt to use the Jelly Bean interface for the future of these laptop-enabled smartphones. We still don't know much about Jelly Bean, also known as Android 5.0, but it may be coming out sooner than expected, even though there have been problems with the Android 4.0 rollout process.

Both the Nexus S phone and the Transformer Prime tablet issued upgrades, only to have users complain that their device started freezing or crashing uncontrollably. As a result, manufacturers have become increasingly tepid about their ICS rollout plans.

Motorola announced this week that it would not be updating most of its devices until the second quarter of 2012. And now, Digitimes is reporting that according to overseas component suppliers, Android 5.0, known as Jelly Bean, is already making its way into discussions.

The site reports that Jelly Bean may make its debut in the second quarter of 2012 as well, completely overshadowing the Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade process.

Interestingly, though, Digitimes notes that Android 5.0 has its eye on tablets as well as potentially notebook and netbook computers. Google wants to make a splash in the market where both Microsoft and Apple are capturing a lot of attention with their respective operating system updates this year.

Source : DigiTimes

Canoical announces Ubuntu for Android

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:48:37 +0000

Canoical announces Ubuntu for Android

What you see in the picture above is full blown Ubuntu running on an Android phone. Not VNC'd Ubuntu, real, full blown, native Ubuntu supported by Canoical. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, announced that it's bringing the full Ubuntu experience to multi-core Android phones in the same way that Motorola has attempted to extend its hardware to a more traditional computing experience with Webtop. The idea is simple yet brilliant, Android already runs on the Linux kernel (with some modifications that are being merged into the mainline Linux Kernel) so the marriage of the two OS's is seamless.

Ubuntu on Android will offer full Chromium and Thunderbird apps. VLC. The Ubuntu Music Player. If it's on Ubuntu, it can be on your phone. You will also be able to launch your Android apps within that desktop experience. Same goes for contacts. Or your network settings. Or your notifications. It's Android within an Ubuntu experience. And it's pretty sweet.

Hardware requirements are straightforward and fall in line with most high end phones on the market; dual-core with at least a 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. You'll need 2GB of storage free as well, plus USB host mode and HDMI out, plus video acceleration.

The Ubunutu announcement is targeting OEMs ~~but I am sure that we will see this happen on existing phones in no time~~ and it is unknown if it will be open sourced. If you would like to read the full release or have a gander at the website hit the link.'

I have reached out to Canoical for some more information, specifically if they will be open sourcing this and if it will be made available to modders/ROM makers to bake this into existing custom Android

Geofuzzy

HTC Sensation Receives Android 4.0 Port

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:39:04 +0000

Heads up HTC Sensation owners, we know that if you’re living in Europe, there is a good chance that you will be receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich ahead of everyone else. However for those who might have missed that opportunity or simply can’t wait for the official update, the good news is that your device will be receiving an Android 4.0 port, courtesy of the HTC Endeavor/One X.

Oddly enough despite the HTC Endeavor/One X not yet being officially announced or confirmed, the hardworking Android developer community have managed to take the leaked RUU and port it over onto the HTC Sensation, which we’re guessing is port method that some of you guys might prefer as opposed to other Android 4.0 ROMs, such as CyanogenMod 9.

So far it looks like the major functions are up and running, like mobile network, data, SMS, WiFi, sound, HWA, and GPS, so if you wanted to run this port as your daily driver, we don’t foresee any problems. However if you want more from your HTC Sensation, such as Bluetooth connectivity, video playback, YouTube and camera functionality, you’d be out of luck.

For more information or to grap the port, you can find it here on Rootwiki Forum

Source : Rootzwiki

Sprint’s Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch Gets Video C...

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:32:46 +0000

Android users with Sprint’s version of Samsung Galaxy S II, aka Epic 4G Touch, can finally take and make Skype video calls. In order to do so, you’ll have to grab the latest version of the Android app, which also updates calling interface and adds “improved quality” — we guess they refer to calls, though you can never tell.

That said, I'm not quite sure why Sprint’s version of the popular smartphone was not included in the original list of devices supporting video calls and as far as I can tell, we have the built-in WiMAX radio to blame for that. My guess is that somehow prevented the capability.

Anyway, that’s about all there is to say about Skype version 2.7.0.907. It remains to be a free download and you can get it from a link below. Or in likely case that you already have it installed on your smartphone and/or tablet, update it from the Android Market.

Skype 2.7 For Android

Sorce : Skype; Android Market

Google Chrome Leaders Promise Android Upgrades

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:24:23 +0000

Google Chrome leader Sundar Pichai promises the Android version will improve "by leaps and bounds" and says the browser will make Google money directly.

When Google introduced Chrome in September 2008, people laughed at the bare-bones browser--no extensions, no bookmarks, no Mac version, and who needs yet another browser anyway?

Nobody's laughing now.

Under the leadership of Senior Vice President Sundar Pichai, though, Chrome dramatically extended its reach. One in five people use Chrome, according to Net Applications. Google uses the browser to push its technology agenda, even when its ideas are unpopular with colleagues in the Web standards world. Chrome is the foundation of the Chrome OS operating system, Google just released Chrome for Android, and under Chief Executive Larry Page, Chrome is one of ten Google divisions. The Chrome Web Store lets people spend money on Web apps. And reflecting the prominence the browser has inside the company, Chrome ads appear on billboards, in subway stations, on TV.

Long gone are the days when merely encouraging browser innovation was a sufficient goal. Chrome has become one of Google's most important brands and a gateway to its services.

And there are more plans afoot--including improvements to Chrome for Android and making more money directly from Chrome.

"Given that it's a beta product and only available on ICS [Ice Cream Sandwich, aka Android 4.0, which has only barely penetrated the market], we're really happy where it is. I think most people haven't experienced it on tablets. They will discover a lot of good things there as well. We've received positive feedback, and the feature requests are pretty minor. We are going to continue releasing Chrome for Android at a pretty healthy pace. In a year from now, we're going to take leaps and bounds." said Pichai.

When asked what people liked and disliked about Google's Browser, Pichai noted "People generally find it fast. They generally love sync [in which Chrome on a personal computer works shares settings with the Android version]. The tab stack [which lets people switch among browser tabs] people call out and say is visually slick.

For areas for improvement, people want an ability to see the desktop version of sites. That's a common request. Second is full screen. Both fully make sense. We just want to do them correctly and well.
Third, there have been some questions about Flash [Adobe Systems' browser plug-in]. Following their road map, they clearly said they'll not support Flash for mobile in the future. They're investing a lot in HTML5. I don't expect that to be a major issue, but we will address full-screen and the ability to see desktop versions [of Web sites]. And we'll definitely bring it to many countries."

The Google exec didn't offer a timeline for upgrades. Considering that many experts believe that the Mobile Browser will result in a nice income for Google, I'm sure we will see updates come rather quickly, & more than likely we will see it supported by Android versions other than ICS.

Source : Google; CNET

Swype Upgraded for Android 4.0 ICS

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:05:40 +0000

Swype Now Works With Android 4.0, Dragon Go Software

Gesture input software maker Swype now supports Google's Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" operating system and has been integrated with Nuance Communications' Dragon Go! Android application.

Swype makes a third party predictive text application that allows users to "write" words on Android smartphones' virtual keyboards by swiping their fingers from letter to letter rather than tapping the virtual keys. The startup was acquired by speech recognition software maker Nuance for $102.5 million.

Ice Cream Sandwich made its debut with Samsung Galaxy Nexus in November last year but, Swype wasn't ready for ICS at that particular moment. But, now users can download the new version from Swype's site as it is still not available on the Android market. Users who download the updated version of Swype would be on a Beta track for the ICS.

Besides ICS update, the company also claimed that they have incorporated downloadable languages for the tablet computers and also add-ons with its DragonGo feature. Also there are improvements on accuracy made by the company.

Swype said on Nuance's blog that users of the Swype beta app should receive the upgrade to version v3.26.92.38303 over the air.

U.S. users can tap the "Dragon" key to use the Dragon dictations software, and press and hold the Dragon key to launch Dragon Go, the Android mobile app that lets users access and search Websites and apps by speaking into their phone.

Websites that are voice-enabled by Go include AccuWeather, Ask.com, Bing, Dictionary.com, ESPN, Facebook, Fandango, Last.fm, LiveNation, Milo.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Rotten Tomatoes, Spotify, Twitter, Wikipedia, Wolfram|Alpha, Yelp, YouTube, and many others.

Swype said the upgrade also boasts better prediction accuracy in several languages, along with bug fixes that impinged the app's advanced language modeling and language dictionaries. Swype also said it re-enabled the emoticon key in SMS apps.

Swype warned that beta users may come across a few "hard-to-find bugs" in the update.

You won't find Swype on the Android Market, but you can DOWNLOAD HERE.

Google and Android set to Make a Big Splash at...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:24:32 +0000

Google and Android will make a memorable appearance at Mobile World Congress 2012 that's set to take place in Barcelona, Spain.

Thanks to a teaser countdown that recently appeared on Android.com, there should be no more speculation on whether or not the software giant will make its presence felt that this year's MWC.
Now what exactly will be unveiled at the event still is not clear. That is still open to rumors and speculation.

However, Samsung has stated that it will not be holding any kind of press event during MWC, even though one of the devices expected to make its way to the event if the 10.1-inch version of the Samsung Galaxy Note.

This version of the Galaxy Note nearly doubles the size of the original which measures in at 5.3-inches as far as displays go. This new one is probably being created to be a competitor with the iPad 3 that is expected to launch in March of this year with an unveiling in the coming weeks.

HTC is also expected to make a huge debut at this year's MWC by unveiling its quad-core powered One X smartphone. The handset maker seems to be beating other companies to the punch such as Apple, LG and Samsung by being the first to release quad-core device.

The iPhone 5, iPad 3 and Samsung Galaxy S3 are all rumored to be including quad-core processors.
It was originally believed that the Samsung Galaxy S3 would debut at MWC, but that device ended up getting pushed back to sometime around the summer.

Samsung hopes to make the unveiling of the Galaxy S3 and actual release closer together since the Galaxy S2 did not drop in some areas until six months after its initial unveiling.

The Samsung Galaxy S2 was unveiled by the smartphone maker at last year's Mobile World Congress.

In the comments section below, tell us what you are most excited to see come out of this years MWC.

The Virus in Your Pocket: The Android Malware Boom

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:31:46 +0000

Android Malware Grew 3,000 Percent in 2011

Android has become the top smartphone operating system and now, sure enough, here come the bad guys. As hackers target mobile devices, Google’s software is being hit hard.

Malware that specifically targeted mobile operating systems increased in 2011 as smartphones became more popular with enterprise users, as well as consumers. These cyber-criminals also developed affection for the Google Android OS, which saw the biggest jump in malware during the past 12 months, according to a new report from Juniper Networks.

Malware targeting the Android mobile operating system grew by a whopping 3,325 percent in the last seven months of 2011, according to the 2011 Mobile Threat Report, which Juniper released Feb. 15. Android malware accounted for about 46.7 percent of unique malware samples that targeted mobile platforms, followed by 41 percent for Java Mobile Edition.

Overall, mobile malware more than doubled in 2011, growing by 155 percent across all platforms, which included Apple's iOS, Research In Motion's BlackBerry and Symbian. New malware samples targeting Java Mobile Edition increased by a little less than 50 percent in 2011. Java ME is popularly used on Symbian and Windows Mobile devices.

Juniper saw a "significant increase in the amount of mobile malware, its sophistication, as well as new nimble social-engineering-based attacks," said Daniel Hoffman, chief mobile security evangelist at Juniper Networks.

The Mobile Threat Center at Juniper Networks examined more than 793,631 applications and 28,472 unique malware samples to compile the report. Despite the eye-popping growth numbers, the total number for mobile malware remains minuscule, compared with malware targeting traditional computers.
The explosion in Android malware is a direct result of the platform's diverse and open marketplace where developers are free to post their apps as well as growing market share, according to Juniper. Google's market share in the mobile space, at 46.9 percent, is statistically the same as the proportion of Android malware detected by Juniper.

"Hackers are incented to target Android, because there are simply more Android devices as compared to the competition," said Hoffman.

Google's "Bouncer" service has been scanning apps in the Android Malware and removing offenders toward the second half of the year to make it harder for scammers to upload malicious apps. Bouncer will "certainly help" reduce infection rates from downloads on the official market of known threats, said Hoffman.

Apple is slightly more secure due to its screening policies and closed marketplace, but iOS users have their own set of mobile security challenges, according to the report. Jailbreaking remains common and users with iOS devices are vulnerable to malicious jailbreaking services that infect the device during the rooting process.

Mobile devices are just as vulnerable to browser-based attacks triggered when a user navigates to a malicious Website as computers. There are fewer choices available for iOS users when it comes to security products to protect them from these kinds of threats.

"This lack of software protection and a competitive security market leave users with little protection if malware were ever to make it through Apple's application-vetting process," the report found.
In fact, there are several examples of developers slipping apps past Apple's screeners last year. The most prominent example was when Apple researcher Charlie Miller got a seemingly innocuous app approved for the App Store, and then was able to use the app to remotely execute code on devices.
Malicious apps and scams targeting mobile users have become more sophisticated and many rely on social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading and installing, Juniper found.

"Industrious hackers" moved from proof-of-concept samples to developing profitable malware, according to the report. Mobile malware can be classified into two different groups, Short Message Service (SMS) Trojans and spyware. Spyware was the most common form, accounting for about 63 percent of malware. Spyware on mobile devices generally goes after GPS data, text messages, contacts and browser activity and transmits it to a third-party.

SMS Trojans, accounting for 46 percent of malware, trick users into agreeing to send premium SMS messages to attackers. As they generally run in the background, users are usually unaware these messages are being sent until they see the charges on their bills.

Scammers often piggyback SMS Trojans onto "fake installers," which are apps that trick users into paying for them even though they may be legitimately available for free.

These fake installers create a "low barrier to entry" for cyber-criminals interested in mobile scams but lacking the technical skills, according to the report. Application stores are the prime delivery mechanism for infected apps, and it's far easier to turn around these types of apps rather than those targeting actual vulnerabilities.

Source : CNET

How to sign digital documents on Android

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:16:28 +0000

We all deal with digital documents on a regular basis, but what happens when you get one you need to sign?

Digital document service provider, SignNow, recently released free mobile apps for Android devices. The apps allow you to import Word documents, PDFs, or photos, sign them, then send them back--no printing, no wasted paper, and no fuss.

Here's how to sign digital documents with SignNow:

Download and install the Android or iOS version of the SignNow app onto your mobile device.
Launch SignNow and tap the document icon to open a document.
Choose to import a document from e-mail, Dropbox, or take a photo of a document. In this tutorial, we'll choose Open Sample. You can also open an attachment directly from your e-mail app and choose to open it with SignNow.
Once you have the document open, navigate to the line(s) you need to sign. You can zoom in on sections by using pinch-to-zoom. After you've located the sections to sign, tap the Signature button.
Sign your name on the Draw Signature screen, then tap the OK button.
Tap the area of the document where you need to place the signature, then drag it around until it's precisely where you want it. Use the zoom bar to shrink or enlarge the size of the signature. Hit OK then Done to continue.
Choose whether to e-mail your signed document now or save it to your device.

That's it. Now you can conveniently sign digital documents from anywhere, freeing you from the shackles of a printer and scanner. Note: the iOS version of the app is integrated with SignNow's online service, but the Android version lacks this integration, for now.

Android Apps Are Collecting Information On Your...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:03:50 +0000

Apple, Android apps are collecting information about your kids. Know what they have?

What data is being gathered about your kids from the Apple and Android apps they use and who can access it?

It’s hard to tell, according to a report from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

The staff report surveyed 400 kid-focused apps in the Apple App store and Android Market for whether the apps connected to social media, displayed ads or had options for parental controls, and whether the data collection was disclosed.

The report concludes that app stores and developers need to do more to inform parents about what data is being collected from their children, how it is being shared, or who will have access to it.

Apps can gather a great deal of user information automatically including the user’s precise geolocation, phone number, list of contacts, call logs, unique identifiers, and other information stored on the device, says the report titled Mobile Apps for Kids: Privacy disclosures are disappointing.

“Companies that operate in the mobile marketplace provide great benefits, but they must step up to the plate and provide easily accessible, basic information, so that parents can make informed decisions about the apps their kids use,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz in a statement. “Right now, it is almost impossible to figure out which apps collect data and what they do with it. The kids app ecosystem needs to wake up, and we want to work collaboratively with industry to help ensure parents have the information they need.”

App usage has exploded since 2008, when there were only about 600 available apps. Now Apple’s store has 500,000 and Android’s Market has 380,000.

The report recommends that app developers disclose whether the app connects with social media, and whether it contains ads. App stores also need to find a way to display information about the app’s data collection and privacy policy.

Apple changed its own app privacy policy earlier this week following a furor over social network service app Path, and other apps including Twitter, accessing user address book information without user knowledge.

“Apps that collect or transmit a user's contact data without their prior permission are in violation of our guidelines,” Apple claimed in a statement Feb. 15.

“We’re working to make this even better for our customers, and as we have done with location services, any app wishing to access contact data will require explicit user approval in a future software release.”

Source : Tech Bits Chronicle; IPN News Wire

Acer Iconia Tablet Gets Android 4.0 Update

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:57:54 +0000

Acer is upgrading all of its Iconia Tab tablets to Google's latest Android 4.0 OS, with updates due to be completed by the end of April, the company said on Friday.

The initial updates to Android 4.0 will be pushed over the air to A200 models with 10-inch screens in the U.S., and will be completed over the next week. Upgrades for the 10-inch Iconia Tab A500 and 7-inch Iconia Tab A100 will be delivered by the end of April in the U.S.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on when updates would be delivered worldwide. Acer's A-series tablets currently run on Android 3.0, which is code-named Honeycomb.

The new OS features improvements that make tablet navigation and usage easier, according to a statement from Acer. The Iconia Tabs will have an improved user interface and users will find it easier to manage applications and folders, Acer said.

There also will be an improved Web browser and better multitasking features, Acer said. An application called Acer Ring will make it easier for users to access key tablet applications and also users to easily take and post pictures or write status updates on social networks.

The new OS also has some features related to NFC (Near Field Communication), which makes it easier to share data between mobile devices. However, Acer's tablets do not yet have NFC hardware to take advantage of the feature.

In the future Acer will offer tablet users AcerCloud, where images, video and documents could be stored online for free through a service hosted by the company. The service would be offered on PCs, tablets and smartphones.

Source : IDG News

HTC announces more devices for ICS updates...Th...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:45:38 +0000

HTC announces more devices for ICS updates...The Thunderbolt is one of them

HTC took to their blog today to announce some more ICS update news and the Thunderbolt, the first 4G LTE phone, made the cut along with the Rhyme and the Incredible 2. It is good to see HTC doing their best to keep users (customers) informed and update as many phones as they can, even ones that did not sell well (Rhyme). Now lets see how quick they can make it happen. I have a feeling HTC will be beating Motorola by far. A note to all the blogs giving Motorola credit for updating the XOOM to ICS please stop it, Google provided that update not Motorola.

Geofuzzy

Source: HTC

New Survey Shows Android In Clear Lead

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:37:40 +0000

The first Android handset only appeared in 2008.

But Android didn’t have it all its own way. In the last quarter of last year, Apple sales surged, adding 18 million units, taking sales for the quarter to 35.5 million, pushing its market share to 23.8% for the quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2010, Apple had commanded some 15.8%.

“It has been a blow-out quarter for Apple because of the delayed purchases of the [iPhone] 4S,” said Gartner analyst Roberta Cozza. But she sounded a note of caution. “We are not expecting the same level of performance in the next quarter. We expect sales will decline.”

The bumper-quarter results pushed Apple into the top slot for smartphone makers for 2011, with 89.2 million units, just ahead of Samsung with 87.1 million.

For all mobile phones, Nokia remained the world’s largest manufacturer in 2011, with 422 million units, accounting for 23.8% of the market. That represents a contraction from 28.9% for 2010.

Ms. Cozza said the figures painted a story of mixed fortunes. Nokia’s share of the market continues to contract, but while its new Windows Phone range, the Lumia, hasn’t stormed the market, the Finnish company has moved 1.3 million units since Lumia’s introduction in November. Other ranges, such as the series 40 and the new Asha range, had done well, she said.

“Nokia has shown its traditional strength in emerging markets; some of the new Asha devices have done well,” Ms. Cozza said. However, she pointed to a cannibalization of Nokia’s own range. “Some customers who would have gone to Symbian have gone instead to the Asha products,” she said.

She suggested that the Asha range would do well in some European markets, notably Spain and Italy.

The Finnish giant continues to be squeezed in both directions. It faces significant challenges in the smartphone market from Android and Apple, and in its heartland, the continuing threat from Chinese makers such as Huawei and ZTE.

Still, Ms. Cozza was bullish on the company’s long-term future. “I think Nokia could have a turnaround,” she said. “We are pretty positive that Windows Phone will be a top-three operating system by 2015.”

To achieve that, she said Nokia needed to focus on the mid-tier smartphone market.

Her prediction that Windows Phone will pass BlackBerry was also to do with BlackBerry’s continuing problems. “The new platform has been delayed and I am not sure that the change of management has been as drastic as it needs to be.”

She highlighted Research in Motion’s dependence on its highly popular BBM service, especially amongst teenagers, but suggested they were a very volatile market and could quickly abandon the platform if a rival were established.

Source : TechBiz.org

Android 5.0 'Jelly Bean' Here By Summer?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:20:39 +0000

Next version of Android might target tablets and netbooks more than smartphones.

Taiwan's Digitimes is at it again, and this time, the publication says it knows when Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) will launch.

The online publication says it has talked to Taiwan-based supply chain vendors who claim Google is planning to launch Android 5.0 at some point in the second quarter. The operating system will be optimized for tablets, Digitimes' sources say.

However, it is Digitimes' claim that vendors will be able to add Android 5.0 to a Windows 8-based tablet or notebook, allowing users to switch between the operating systems without a reboot, that's getting the most attention.

Android is designed for smartphones and tablets, and Google's Chrome OS mostly handles the company's notebook strategy. Why Google would want to see Android running on notebooks--alongside Windows 8, no less--is unknown.

Google could be looking at Android 5.0 Jelly Bean as a way to resurrect its notebook/netbook ambitions. Google already has a netbook OS, called Chrome, but it has failed to really grab any share. It is available in a handful of inexpensive netbooks from manufacturers such as Samsung.

It is worth noting, however, that the hardware requirements for Windows 8 would prevent users from installing a second OS on ARM-based PCs due to a locked Secure Boot system. What's not known is if Microsoft's manufacturing partners would have permission to ignore that when designing machines.
What's interesting is that no mention of smartphones is made with respect to Android 5.0. Google specifically designed Android 4.0 to combine the best features of Android 3.2 with Android 2.3 and create a master platform that works equally well on smartphones and tablets. So far, only one Android 4.0 smartphone is available, though Android 4.0 tablets are expected to arrive soon. Android 4.0 has barely had a chance to get a foothold in the market.

The timing is also a bit curious. This year, Google pushed its I/O developers conference back by six weeks, to the end of June rather than the middle of May. Does Google need this extra six weeks to finish work on products that will be announced at I/O?
I guess we'll find out in June.

Android 2012 Forecast

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:08:51 +0000

POSITIVES

Android has grown rapidly into the world's most popular smartphone platform due in large part to its open source nature. Current Analysis analyst Avi Greengart noted that, since Android can be modified by licensees, Android has the widest array of hardware options, ranging from low-end, sub-$100 phones from the likes of Huawei and ZTE all the way through phones like the LG Spectrum with 720p HD displays. The platform is also rapidly becoming as much of a priority for developers as iOS, and the 400,000 apps in the Android Market attest to the platform's reach and popularity (even though roughly two-thirds of the apps in the Market are free). One of the key benefits to end-users remains their ability to customize their Android experience as they see fit, giving them greater power and flexibility to define their mobile experience.

NEGATIVES

There are some chinks that are starting to show in Android's armor. In the early days of Android, carriers grasped the platform as a way to differentiate themselves, especially if they didn't have the iPhone. However, as the number of Android licensees grows, with each attempting to outdo each other, it's becoming more and more difficult for licensees to stand out and make a profit--as recent results from HTC, Motorola and Sony Ericsson demonstrate. The only real successes seem to be at the high end of the market (Samsung) and the low end (Huawei and ZTE). "For the middle part of Android, if they don't make something happen soon it's going to be a bifurcated market," said ABI Research analyst Michael Morgan.

Additionally, even though Android's tablet market share is growing, it has not been nearly as successful there as it has in the smartphone market. "There has been no champion carrier in the tablet as there has been in the smartphone space with Verizon, which continues to aggressively promote Android," noted NPD Group analyst Ross Rubin.

Finally, the continued threat of fragmentation looms over Android. A recent report indicates fragmentation may not be as big a threat as some have made it out to be--mobile app analytics firm Localytics states that 73 percent of all apps leveraging its analytics solution run Android 2.3, or. Gingerbread. Another 23 percent of user sessions run some flavor of Android 2.2, or Froyo, meaning that developers targeting both OS builds can achieve 96 percent compatibility across the Android ecosystem. But developers will still have to take into account different Android screen sizes and hardware options, as well as new OS iterations from Google. Motorola's Christy Wyatt recently pointed to hardware differentiation on chipsets, radio bands and other factors as a key cause for the slow nature of Android software updates.

CHALLENGES

There are several key challenges facing Android this year. One will be how Motorola is integrated into Google. The EU and the Department of Justice just approved Google's $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola. The company has insisted that it will not give Motorola special treatment among licensees. But some see problems anyway. "How do you compete with your licensees?" Greengart said. "No one has ever done that successfully."

Morgan said he doesn't think the Motorola integration will be a challenge, noting that Google gains nothing from locking out its licensees. The key challenge in his view is helping licensees in the middle of the market compete, perhaps by creating a more unified content ecosystem for the platform. But companies such as HTC and Sony appear to be going in the opposite direction with their own offerings.

Another challenge facing Android is the threat of burdensome royalty payments on patents. Microsoft has already staked out a solid position as an apparent owner of patents critical to Android, and Apple could emerge in a similar position if it is successful in the courtroom. But Google is hoping its purchase of Motorola will blunt Android from such attacks. It remains to be seen whether that strategy will be successful.

Amazon MP3 Android app updated, optimized for t...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:49:04 +0000

The Amazon MP3 app, which allows users to play their own music as well as that purchased and stored on the Amazon Cloud, has gotten an update to Version 2.4. This new update adds a new, darker color scheme, more prominent Shuffle and Play All buttons, and an optimized layout for tablets. On Android 4.0, you'll also get support for controls on the lock screen. US users will be getting personalized recommendations in the store as well.

The update, which was released today, has received generally positive responses for the UI and Ice Cream Sandwich controls, although a few people have mentioned some lag on the new app or other bugs. You can check out the full release notes, along with screenshots of the app, at the market link below.

Android Market Link