Google, Motorola challenging Apple, Samsung with 'X phone'

Google is in the midst of designing a brand new smartphone that is said to "rival" anything coming from mobile giants Apple and Samsung, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In a report on Friday, engineers at now Google-owned Motorola Mobility are developing what is being referred internally to as the "X phone."

Based on information from "people familiar with the matter," Google's strategy for Motorola Mobility appears to revolve around the following points:

The X phone is intended to be a "marquee handset," and it will "stand apart from existing phones."
Motorola is primarily developing mobile phones for Verizon Wireless (mostly for the Droid brand).
Motorola will follow up with new "X tablet" later.

However, the WSJ did also note that the Motorola team is running into some major obstacles before anything can be officially announced -- let alone released.

Here's an example:

For the X phone, an initiative being led by former Google product manager Lior Ron who specialized in mapping, Motorola wanted top-notch features for the phone's camera and photo software, such as better color saturation and the ability to take panoramic shots, two people familiar with the situation said. But some of the features were found to drain battery life or already have been incorporated into popular new devices, such as the iPhone 5 that launched earlier this year, they added.

Motorola also ran into difficulties when it looked into using a bendable screen and materials such as ceramics that would allow the company to make the X Phone more stress resistant, use more colors and mold into different shapes, these people said.

Nevertheless, these moves (if true) are made even more interesting (not to mention complicated) given that Samsung is a major OEM partner within the Android ecosystem. Google has also partnered directly with Samsung on past mobile devices, such as the Galaxy Nexus.

When Google originally made its $12.5 billion bid for Motorola Mobility, there was some skepticism and worry from analysts and manufacturers about how this would affect the OEM partnerships.

Google has tried to downplay any fears, but it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Google is obviously going to direct most of its resources and innovation towards Motorola over other OEM partners -- even one as powerful and important as Samsung.

-zdnet.com

Google’s Android is eating Apple’s lunch

Smartphones and tablets powered by Google’s Android software are devouring the mobile gadget market, eating into Apple’s turf by feeding appetites for innovation and low prices, analysts say.

The Android operating system powered nearly three out of four smartphones shipped worldwide in the recently ended quarter as the mobile platform dominated the market, according to industry trackers at IDC.

Samsung’s Galaxy S3 smartphone is powered by Android.
“Android has been one of the primary growth engines of the smartphone market since it was launched in 2008,” said IDC’s mobile phones research manager Ramon Llamas.

“In every year since then, Android has effectively outpaced the market and taken market share from the competition.”

In tablets, Apple’s market share has fallen to just over 50 per cent from 65 per cent in the second quarter as Android devices gain ground, according to IDC figures.

“Having a lot of people building a lot of things covering a lot of price points with multiple brands in multiple places makes a big difference,” said NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker.

“Variety is strength when it comes to moving units.”

Android smartphones shipments surged to 136 million, topping those in the same three-month period last year by slightly more than 90 per cent, IDC reported.

Samsung’s Galaxy S3 overtook Apple’s iPhone 4S in the third quarter to give the South Korean firm the world’s best-selling smartphone model for the first time ever, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

“The pace of innovation in Android is faster than Apple,” said Gartner vice-president of mobile computing Ken Dulaney. “They are just trying harder; Apple is way behind in that area.”

Android is benefiting from being an “open-source” platform that gadget makers use free of charge and improve as they deem fit, providing Google with insights along the way.

Apple tightly controls its products from the software to the hardware and even the online shop for music, books, games or other content.

“What you get with Android is this incredible feedback loop with developers, equipment makers, customers, and designers,” Dulaney said.

“At Apple, as long as they have a great vision internally it is fine but they don’t have the feedback Android does.”

Having thousands of different Android devices vying for consumers’ cash is a strength when it comes to market share but puts hardware makers into a fiercely competitive arena, Baker noted.

“Other than Samsung, I don’t know if other Android guys are making money,” the analyst said.

Google gives Android away free, but the platform is crafted to make it easy for people to use the California Internet titan’s money-making services such as search and maps, and get content at its online Google Play shop.

Forrester analyst Charles Golvin said that forces powering Android momentum include changing demographics of smartphone buyers.

Early adopters of smartphones focused more on new technology than on price, but the devices have gone mainstream with cost increasingly important to shoppers, according to Golvin.

“People are more inclined towards the Android platform because there is more choice and most of that choice is low price,” Golvin said.

The open nature of Android and the myriad models offered by gadget makers serve as a “double-edged sword,” warned the analyst.

Apple pushes annual updates of iOS mobile operating system out to its devices, while new versions of Android hit more often but must get through hardware makers and telecom services to get onto people’s handsets.

“You have this lengthy chain of intermediaries who are delaying the delivery of that new software and its innovations to existing devices in the market,” Golvin said.

He backed his point by noting that many Android devices in use still run on generations-old versions of the operating system.

Android gadget variety can also make it tough to design accessories or even “apps” that can be used across the array of devices.

For its part, Google has done an excellent job of improving the “ecosystem” of music, films, apps, books and more available for Android-powered devices, according to analysts.

In the red-hot tablet market effectively created by the iPad, strong growth is being seen by Android rivals including Amazon’s popular Kindle Fire and Nook devices from Barnes & Noble, which run custom versions of the software.

Analysts believe that the Google-backed operating system is likely to spread to typically “dumb” gizmos like appliances.

“These platforms are becoming the molecule elements for building all kinds of hybrid devices,” Dulaney said. — AFP-Relaxnews

Amazon : The Unlocked Galaxy S III Mini

The Galaxy S Mini didn’t make a splash hitting U.S. shelves, but the teacup version of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S III has in fact arrived stateside.

Right now, we’ve noticed that Amazon is selling the handset for 409.95 unlocked. That’s actually relatively cheap for an unlocked device, meaning you aren’t tied down to any contracts.

The handset will be compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile’s network, though don’t expect any LTE in your life. A SIM card from either carrier will work just fine, but you’ll be limited to 3G on AT&T’s network and even more limited 3G from T-Mobile, considering they’ve only rolled out HSPA+ on the 1900MHz band recently.

If you recall, the Galaxy S III mini has a 4-inch Super AMOLED 480×800 display, a 1GHz dual-core chip, 1GB of RAM, 8 or 16GB of internal memory, NFC, and a 1,500mAh battery. You’ll also find a 5-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera, along with microSD support for expandable memory.

And best of all, you’ll enjoy Android 4.1 Jelly Bean from day one, which could be the phone’s biggest selling point.

Incidentally, if you choose to go with Amazon, move quick. There are only ten left in stock at the time of publishing. -techcrunch

Samsung Chromebook review

Samsung's Chromebooks have been priced in the $500 range with a build quality a step above what most netbooks have to offer. As you might expect, now that the price has been slashed to $249, it feels slightly cheaper than the last-generation Series 5 550 -- but only slightly. With the exception of the palm rest, which used to be made of inlaid metal, this has the same look and feel as the Chromebook we reviewed earlier this year.

Once again, you're looking at a lightweight machine built from matte gray plastic. The whole thing feels compact, at 2.5 pounds, and because it has a smaller display (11.6 inches versus 12.1) it's significantly lighter than the last Chromebook, which weighed 3.3 pounds. The island-style keyboard is just as comfortable, and the trackpad is similarly large. It was a nice package when it cost $500, but it's really nice now that the MSRP has been lowered to $249. You simply won't find a netbook this nice for that little money.

The new Chromebook is thinner, too, at 0.8 inch thick, but that thinness means Samsung's Chromebook has gone back to not having an Ethernet port. (It was missing from the OG model, but was added in the one that went on sale earlier this year.) The inability to use a wired internet connection could be a problem in computer labs, where Chrome OS devices have proven popular, though we suspect mainstream consumers won't care. Look closely at the edges and you'll also find an SD card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, HDMI output and a 3G SIM slot. As ever, the bottom of the device is sealed, so that you can't easily mess with the battery, storage or RAM.

Given what the Chromebook is -- an inexpensive, ultra-mobile device for people who prefer physical keyboards -- Samsung really can't get away with offering a shoddy typing experience. After all, back when Chromebooks cost $500, they were priced in line with both netbooks and tablets. If the keyboard were uncomfortable, there'd be little reason not to get a cheap PC instead, or use a tablet with either a touchscreen or keyboard case. The typing experience mattered then, and it matters today, even now that the Chromebook is priced less than most netbooks and tablets.

Fortunately, the keyboard is as good here as it ever was, despite the fact that this smaller model has a little less room to fit all those buttons. The individual keys have a pleasantly soft finish, and all of the major buttons (Enter, Backspace, et cetera) are amply sized. As on other Samsung PCs, the keyboard is a bit shallow, but the learning curve shouldn't be too steep: we were typing at a brisk clip minutes after setting it up. Additionally, we appreciate the shortcut keys in the top row, which allow you to refresh pages, switch tabs and page forward or backward with the press of a button.

The best thing about the Chromebook's 11.6-inch, 1,366 x 768 display is the matte finish, which means screen glare won't get in your way the next time you're watching a "Modern Family" marathon on Hulu. Still, a matte finish doesn't necessarily equate to wide viewing angles. Push the display forward and the screen will wash out, making it very difficult to read text or follow along with a movie. The brightness is also lower than it was on earlier Chromebooks: 200 nits compared with 300. Neither of these things should be deal-breakers; you'll just want to futz with the angle before settling in to work with the Chromebook on your lap.

With steep price cuts come trade-offs, and we're not just talking about the build materials. Whereas Samsung's first two Chromebooks ran dual-core Atom and Celeron processors, respectively, this third-gen model moves to a fanless design with an ARM chip -- specifically, a dual-core A15-based Samsung Exynos 5 Dual (5250) SoC. Paired with it are 2GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in flash storage, 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth. In the absence of any quantitative benchmark scores, this is the best way we can describe the performance: it falls somewhere between the original Atom-based Chromebooks and the current Celeron-equipped Series 5 model.

The system didn't have any issues playing back 1080p content in YouTube and Hulu. Still, use it long enough and you'll notice some slight delays in response time, even when you're doing things like opening new tabs. Another problem: Netflix streaming isn't yet supported for this device. A Google spokesperson issued the following statement: "We're working closely with Netflix and support will be coming soon. Once ready, your new Chromebook will be auto-updated with Netflix support." While we don't have any reason to doubt Google is working on it, this will nevertheless be a disappointment to many folks unboxing an early unit. -engadget.com

Samsung Galaxy Note II Will Hit Just For $299?

It’s no secret that all five major U.S. carriers will sell the second-generation Samsung phablet, but they seem to have their very own launch strategies. Thus far, Sprint and AT&T are the only carriers to throw out specific dates, while T-Mobile has merely said the phone will launch this “fall.”

(Though, recent reports seem to confirm a T-Mobile launch as soon as tomorrow.)

As far as pricing goes, there are no surprises here. Just like Sprint’s Galaxy Note II (and presumably every other on-contract version), AT&T will be selling the Samsung Galaxy Note II for $299.99 with a two-year agreement.

In the specs department, nothing has been updated from what we heard at the phone’s announcement at IFA in Berlin. We’re still looking at a 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos proc, 2GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel shooter, and last but not least, a brand new S-Pen stylus thingy.

The display weighs in just a tad larger than its predecessors’, at 5.5 inches of Super AMOLED awesomeness. And of course, this phone will be readily equipped with a 4G LTE radio to take advantage of AT&T’s new LTE network.

According to the release, AT&T is the only carrier dropping the price of the original Galaxy Note from $299 with-contract to $199.

-http://techcrunch.com

Galaxy S3, wait for Android 4.1?

The Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update will wend its way to Galaxy S3 smartphones in the United States in "coming months," Samsung announced in a press release (see below). The specific launch dates will be revealed by each of the carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular.

S3 owners will potentially be able to grab Android 4.1 either over the air or through Samsung's Kies software, which downloads the update to a computer and then syncs it with the smartphone. Each carrier will announce its own update method.

eyond a taste of Jelly Bean, the update will bring new features to Samsung's TouchWiz interface and improvements to the camera.

Users will be able to apply different filters to their still and video shots, combine separate video clips directly through the phone, and take advantage of a low-light mode.

People new to the Galaxy S3 will find an easy mode with home-screen widgets for their favorite apps, contacts, and settings. The update will offer different keyboard options, including the Swype keyboard. And users will be able to block incoming calls and alerts for a specific period of time.

How to Convert Blu-ray Movies to Samsung Galaxy Siii

With the latest version of Android, awhopping 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD screen and a whole suite of Apple-beatingfeatures,Samsung Galaxy Siii has rushed into our sight since itsinvention. No matter its function or its appearance, this Samsung Galaxy Siiiis really one so-called wonderful smart-phone. Its high definition screen makesthe play of videos a true video impact. Then how to play Blu-ray, incardinationof high definition on your Samsung Galaxy Siii?

Samsung Galaxy Siii support videos of MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264/H.263,Blu-ray Disc with m2ts formats cannot be played on it. This Blu-ray Converter can be your best assistant, as it can convert Blu-ray Disc to various formatsto make it compatible with various devices. Moreover, if you are in hope of converting DVD or videos to your Samsung Galaxy Siii, this Blu-ray converter software can also help you. The following is a step way for you to convert Blu-ray Disc to WMV to play it on Samsung Galaxy Siii.

1. Load-Free download Blu-ray Converter from here and you can see such an interfacelike this, and then you can load your Blu-ray Disc to it by click the Loadbutton after you inset the Blu-ray Disc to the blu-ray driver.

2. Edit– You can edit your video with trim, crop, watermark and effect by move slidebar or change the numbers.

3. Format-you need to choose format as WMV from the list of “Samsung” in Profile. Detailedvideo and audio settings are provided by this Blu-ray to WMV Ripper for you toadjust, such as video Encoder, Frame Rate, Resolution, Bitrate and audioEncoder, Channels, Bitrate, Sample Rate, etc. Even more, you can input your ownparameters. The well-customized profile can be saved as"User-Defined" for your later use.

4. Convert– Click the button of “Convert” convert.jpgto convert Blu-ray Disc to your Samsung Galaxy Siii.

After conversion, you can move these filesto your Samsung galaxy with copy-and-paste.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with smarter stylus

The Galaxy Note II tablet runs Android Jelly Bean 4.1 on a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, and its S Pen stylus can now be used for new actions such as bringing up email previews.

The original Note was quite a hit for Samsung, despite its focus on the stylus — a feature that many had written off with the industry switch from resistive to capacitive touchscreens. The new version adds functionality to the stylus, while also boosting other specifications.

The Note II, revealed at the IFA show in Berlin on Wednesday, has a 5.5-inch screen with a new 16:9 aspect ratio, compared with the original Note, which had a 16:10 ratio. The body of the device is marginally thinner than that of its predecessor, at 9.4mm rather than 9.65mm.

The dimensions of the S Pen stylus have also changed. The new S Pen is longer and thicker, and offers a more ergonomic grip, according to Samsung.

One handy feature comes into play when the user pulls out the S Pen during a phone call — this fires up the S Note app. The stylus can also be used to make special gestures on the screen, to do things such as initiating calls and bringing up emails.

Inside, the Note II runs on a 1.6GHz quad-core processor and offers HSPA Plus or 4G connectivity. The battery capacity is 3,100mAh, and storage options run from 16GB to 64GB. The device also has expandable storage via microSD.

The rear camera has an 8-megapixel resolution and the front-facing camera 1.9MP. Users can choose which are their 'best faces' — "the most preferred face or pose of each person from group portrait photos" — and the device has the same Smart Stay feature as the Galaxy S III. This uses the front-facing camera to stop the phone going into standby when someone is using it.

-ZDnet.com

Samsung Galaxy Note II

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss the Galaxy Note II as a bigger Galaxy S III with more RAM and a faster processor but Samsung wants to tell you that there is more to the Galaxy Note II than you think.

This 13-minute video official hands-on video highlights pretty much all the great features in the Galaxy Note II. It presence a pretty convincing case showing that Galaxy Note II is so much more than a bigger screen and better processing power.

Here are some of the cool features that we like are:
Best Faces: Say you’re taking a group shot of your friends; Best Faces takes a burst and lets you choose the best looking faces of each individual in the picture. Once you’ve selected all the best faces, the Galaxy Note II will create a composite of the image with all the best faces you’ve chosen.

Air View: This is a really cool feature as well allowing you to preview document contents, calendar entries and pictures in albums just by hovering the S-Pen over the content that you want to preview. Not just that, Air View works for videos as well allowing you to preview videos just by hovering over a video thumbnail.

Quick Command: Quick Commands are customisable S-Pen gestures that make accessing your most used apps and features quick and easy. You use the S-Pen and draw a customised gesture and the command you want the gesture to do (tweeting for example). Once you’ve completed the gesture, the tweet is ready to go. It really is an amazing feature.

Screen Recorder: Screen Recorder allows you to record your actions and inputs on the screen and share it across. The feature can also record audio so you can annotate while drawing a sketch of a rabbit for example.

New Gallery Features: There are some really nice viewing options in the built-in gallery application of the Note II. Albums are also very easy to create as well.

Judging by the video, the Galaxy Note II is shaping up to be a runaway success for Samsung. Even if you think the 5.5-inche screen is huge you can’t help but to think that Samsung has packed some really innovative features into its latest flagship.

Check out the video and let us know what you think.