Facebook Phone Looming

July 17th, 2011 by Android Dev

Is there a week that goes by that Facebook doesn’t announce it has somehow found a way to improve and/or expand their ever-growing empire?

They have their own money (Facebook credits), they stream live concerts (Widespread Panic was the litmus test), and they even make deals with the devil (GagaVille cruelly sucked hours of my life!). And that’s just in the past couple of months. Now it seems they are keen to enter the mobile marketplace.

Although you’re probably thinking that Facebook apps have been available for smart phones and tablets for a while now, you haven’t seen nothin’ until you’ve seen the Facebook phone.

Okay, so Facebook has not made their own proprietary hardware (yet). And they haven’t even followed Google in creating a unique OS for wireless carriers (yet). What they have done is hook up with phone manufacturer HTC to launch a phone, aptly named the “Status” (but dubbed the Facebook phone) that will allow users to more fully integrate their mobile experience with the world of their favorite social networking site.

So here’s the deal. Anyone familiar with the HTC Chacha will certainly recognize the handset, which has been repurposed for launch on the AT&T network as the Status. The 2.6 inch touchscreen, 480×320 screen resolution, 5-megapixel camera (including front-facing cam), and 512 megabytes of RAM are nothing new. However, the latest version of this hardware will run on Android’s updated Gingerbread 2.3 OS, complete with the HTC Sense Overlay (so that users seeking the feel of HTC will not be disappointed).

But there’s more. At this point you might be starting to wonder what it is about this product that caused it to be labeled as the Facebook phone – so far there has been no hint of collaboration on either the hardware or software front. But in fact, the user will see a marked difference in their experience when using Facebook via their handset. It starts with a Facebook button on your home page. I know what you’re thinking: all you have to do is download the Facebook app to get that on any other phone. But that’s where you’re wrong. This phone is special.

The Facebook button allows for instant connectivity to your account – just push it and you’re there. No waiting for loading, log-ins, or any other delays. This means instant updates to your status, your wall, your likes, or the locator, along with instant posting of photos, video, music, and more. So it’s faster and easier than other apps, for one thing. But it also has a feature known as contextual awareness.

It’s a little bit Big Brother, but your phone can sense when you’re doing something Facebook related (taking photos, listening to music) and it will prompt you to share with your Facebook friends by illuminating the Facebook button.

Creepy or totally cool? You’ll have to decide on that score. But if you’re a huge fan of Facebook and you spend the majority of your waking hours checking in with friends and doing updates, then perhaps this phone is right up your alley. And it can be yours as soon as July 17th.

Sarah Danielson writes for Free Government Cell Phones where you can browse through various providers, checkout ratings and reviews, and find out more about free cell phone service.

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Insurance Companies on the Android Bandwagon

February 17th, 2011 by Android Dev

It’s interesting to see so many insurance companies starting to come out with Android apps. We know Progressive Insurance have one, Geico allow you to get a quote and pay your bill, and new insurance companies like Policy Expert are sure to be looking at introducing apps as soon as they can to position themselves well for the future.

At last 2011 might be the year that mobile searches online overtake traditional internet searches from a desktop or laptop. What’s to stop Google from running some kind of app search alongside it’s natural search. It makes sense.

Insurance companies and other large brands will have to have an app to offer their customers or potential customers because they will be behind the curve if they don’t.

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Sharp Unveils Android Phones with 3D Capabilities

November 12th, 2010 by Android Dev

As Android phones continue to gain market share over popular smartphones like Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s Blackberry, several new additions to the Android family have been announced. Sharp’s newest Android offering, which carries the model name “Galapagos,” is slated to be released in Japan later this year. The Galapagos comes with a host of different features that have become nearly standard amongst Android phones, including an impressive camera shooting both video and still images. The most impressive aspect of this new
handset is the 3D screen, which Sharp hopes will bring such films and 3D content to smartphone users around the globe.

Though the idea of a 3D phone might conjure up images of consumers texting incessantly on their deviceswhilst wearing a pair of 3D glasses, these new products from Sharp don’t require any glasses. The phone is initially going to be released in two different versions, one of which will incorporate a touchscreen. The other device will sport a full QWERTY keyboard. Both phones are tailored to a design conscious consumer, and come in thirteen different color combinations.

While the arrival of a 3D phone is certain to grab the attention of diehard fans of such technology, analysts are divided on whether more phones will be developed with 3D capabilities. Though 3D content is becoming more widespread than it once was the majority of the film and gaming content developed by independent companies does not utilize 3D technology. This lack of content could prove to be detrimental for such a phone, although the device sports the capability to view such material; not very much of it is easily available at
present.

On the other hand, some feel that the phone could encourage the furthered development of 3D content, in addition to encouraging other manufacturers to begin developing similar phones. In addition to the great camera and 3D-capable screen, the Sharp phones include hard-working processors, GPS, and the latest release of the Android operating system. As Android phones have become more and more advanced, they’ve already begun claiming former users of other popular smartphone devices. With the introduction of 3D Android phones, some feel that phones running the wildly popular OS will finally overtake their competitors.

Sharp has also addressed some of the concerns regarding the lack of available 3D content by signing several partnerships with gaming companies. These developers, which include Namco Bandai and Capcom, will create 3D games that will be available for the device. In fact, Capcom is expected to bundle games with the smartphone when it is released later this year.

As a Japanese company, it makes sense that the initial release of the new Galapagos phone is taking place in Japan. The company has yet to release plans to introduce the state-of-the-art phones in the United States, though many consumers are hoping that such a decision takes place in the months to come. Much of that decision will likely be based on how well these new phones do in the Japanese marketplace.

Sarah Danielson writes for Remote Desktop where you can read over the benefits of remote desktop software and receive a free 30 day trial.

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Android 3.0 to Arrive in January 2011

October 22nd, 2010 by Android Dev

Android 3.0 the latest software update for the popular mobile operating system owned by Google, is reportedly set to launch in January 2011. Phone and tablets running the operating system have experienced an enormous boom within the past years, leaving consumers and developers’ alike hungry for a new release of the Android operating system.

The newest version of the platform, which is code-named “Gingerbread,” is set to upgrade the existing OS in multiple ways, including new video capabilities and rumored features that incorporate Google TV.

The popular operating system is currently being run by mobile phones built by a variety of different companies, including Samsung, Acer, Motorola, and HTC. Furthermore, Android is now one of the most popular operating systems for new tablet devices. Presently, Google has yet to comment on its upcoming Gingerbread release, though the company has confirmed that the release will be occurring within the next few months. Many have speculated that such a release could be announced at the CES 2011 conference, at the beginning of January.

In spite of all the speculation, some of the features of the new version are widely known. One such addition is video chat, which will support the protocols used by Google Talk. Furthermore, the OS will have the ability to receive Google Talk calls over a Wi-Fi connection. Such features directly challenge similar features in the Apple iPhone 4.0, which was released this past summer.

Additional video capabilities in the new generation of devices include the capability to link the mobile phone with Google TV products. The new operating system will reportedly allow users to control such products with their phone, which essentially operates as a remote control. These rich video and chat features are expected to continue the accelerating market share of Android devices.

Beyond the popular features recognized by casual users of Smartphones and tablets running Google’s operating system, the new Android release is expected to incorporate several features that translate into a faster end-user experience. For example, the new software is reported to have enhanced CPU performance, meaning shorter response times for users. In general, the OS is expected to experience a boost in overall speed, and should offer more power in the hardware department.

Regardless of which details of the new operating system ultimately prove to be speculative or true, one thing is certain: Google has effectively built an operating system that is consistently finding new adopters and fans. In fact, since its initial release in 2008, the operating system has found its way into the hands of users across the globe. According to current estimates, Android could potentially be in second place in the race for market share, as early as 2014. Current figures show market share to be constant at just over 16%, though analysts expect that figure to skyrocket more than 50% to 24.6% in the next four years. This surge in market share is attributed to many factors, including the lower price points of devices running on Android, and the presence of the Open Handset Alliance.

Sarah Danielson writes for a discount vouchers website where you can find Comet Discount Codes.

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3 New Android Phones to Hit the Market this Fall

October 17th, 2010 by Android Dev

On Tuesday, AT&T and Motorola announced plans to release three new and improved Smartphone’s based upon Google’s Android software. The prospect of helping Motorola switch to the AT&T provider instead of Verizon has excited many.

The models each have a unique look and are more accessible to a wider audience. Motorola made it their primary focus to be conscientious of price considering their Droid X device currently sells for $200, a steep price for this economy.

The Bravo, the Flipout, and the Flipside all offer an enhanced version of the Android software while still maintaining a savvy look Motorola is known for. AT&T has priced the Flipout at $79.99, starting on October 17 with a two-year service agreement. Exhibiting a flashy twist effect, the square Smartphone features a screen that swivels revealing a QWERTY keyboard underneath.

Although the Flipout stands out in stores, there have been concerns about the reliability of this model. Regardless, this particular phone has already achieved much success in Latin America and Europe. If you are set on buying this versatile phone, you may want to consider switching to AT&T because the Flipout is exclusive only with this provider. This fun and original design contains 600 MHz of power with an ARM cortex-A8 processor, fast enough for anyone on the go.

The Motorola Flipside, which features an impressive slide-out keyboard will cost $99.99. A two- year contract will also be required to purchase this phone. Considered the more practical of the phones, this model contains a touch-screen with a sliding keyboard design that is fast and easy to use. The 320 by 480 screen has a generous trackpad beneath it, allowing smooth navigation throughout the phone. People have compared the design of this phone the Motorola’s Backflip in that the keyboards resemble each other.

The impressive touch-screen phone, the Bravo, is the most expensive of the bunch priced at $129.99. Although this model may not be at the top of it’s game, the phone does feature a 3.7 inch 854 by 480 display and an impressive 800 MHz processor. The design is sleek and easy to hold. Both the Flipside and the Bravo will be available just in time for the holidays, at the end of November.

While all three phones offer a unique cellular experience, the Bravo, Flipout, and Flipside all feature some of the latest technology. Motorola’s MotoBlur has been integrated into Android 2.1 allowing all social networking updates to be organized while providing wipe options. This utilizes server-side technology, which helps sustain battery life and optimizes the Android system. All phones have been upgraded to 3G with Wi-Fi, something many individuals are looking forward to taking advantage of. Each phone contains a three megapixel camera as well as CrystalTalk Plus, a program that enhances voice call quality.

With the addition of three new phones to its repertoire, AT&T is finally expanding the Smartphone family. There is speculation that the iPhone, which is currently exclusively with AT&T will lose this privilege next year to its rival, Verizon Wireless. Teaming up with Motorola will be an investment for both companies and will allow sales to improve.

James Johnson is a writer for PUA Reviews where you can find great tips and advice on dating and the art of seduction.

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