Google News

[onthecouchagain]

More evidence of Google/Dish providing own LTE service eventually?

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Nexus-4-teardown-shows-hepta-band-LTE-chip_id36746

Maybe?

 

[onthecouchagain]

It's more and more likely going to happen, but there are still hurdles a plenty:

http://9to5google.com/2012/11/21/fc...-proposal-delays-force-dish-to-seek-partners/

A chairman of the Federal Communications Commission just publicly backed Dish Network’s proposal to create a wireless service, according to a new report by the Washington Post.

While the FCC still needs to vote on the proposal before the end of the year, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski supports the plan, which requires approval from the agency’s four other commissioners, because it would help increase competition in a wireless market currently dominated by AT&T and Verizon.

Dish Network said the regulatory body has apparently set limits on how it can use the wireless spectrum, however. The agency’s proposal, for instance, requires Dish to use lower power levels to reduce potential interference with neighboring airwaves. Dish said the requirement—which direct competitor Sprint Nextel supported— would limit its network and slow upload speeds.

 

[Switchback666]

I actually been thinking for a while now to ditch regular plan and just go with a data sim and use skype.

 

[yly3]

Great ! Now CIA can directly spy on people cost-free !




* disclaimer : no paranoia intended, just sick of seeing internet dependency rising so high since 2009. Thank you

 

[onthecouchagain]

Holiday deals from the Play Store:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...f-holiday-sales-from-the-play-store-updating/

Apps

Productivity

Clipper Plus – $1.23 from ~$1.99 (added 12/23 at 6:43pm PST)
DocumentsToGo Full Version Key – $8.95 from $14.95
Dropsync PRO Key – $3.99 from ~$4.50
Glowfly+ – $0.99 from $1.39 (added 12/23 at 6:28pm PST)
Jump Desktop – $1.99 from $9.99
Money Tab – $0.99 from $1.99 (added 12/23 at 6:55pm PST)
OfficeSuite Pro 6+ – $0.99 from $14.99
ReNotify+ – $0.99 from ~$1.99 (added 12/23 at 9:02pm PST)

Navigation/Maps

CoPilot Live Premium AUS+NZ – $23.99 from $37.99
CoPilot Live Premium UK+IRE – $16.99 from $27.15
Field Compass Plus – $0.99 from $1.99
GPS Test Plus – $0.99 from $1.99
Locus Pro – $4.35 from ~$8.00
MapsWithMe Pro – $1.99 from $4.99
NAVIGON USA&CAN – $44.44 from $59.95
NAVIGON Europe – $44.44 from $59.95

System Tools/Customization

AIDE Premium Key – $2.49 from $9.99
Android Pro Widgets License Key – $1.33 from ~$1.50 (added 12/23 at 7:05pm PST)
Battery Monitor Widget Pro – $1.99 from ~$3.99 (added 12/23 at 6:43pm PST)
Beautiful Battery Disc Premium – $0.99 from $1.59
FPS Meter – $0.99 from $1.99 (added 12/23 at 7:10pm PST)
Gauge Battery Widget Pro – $0.99 from $1.49
HD Widgets – $0.99 from $1.99 (added 12/23 at 10:15pm PST)
Hide Bottom Bar – $1.30 from $2.99
ROM Toolbox Pro – $2.99 from $4.99
Smart Keyboard PRO – $1.31 from ~$2.50 – Valid till Christmas (added 12/23 at 9:02pm PST)
SwiftKey 3 – $1.99 from $3.99
SwiftKey 3 Tablet – $1.99 from ~$4
SymbolsKeyboard & TextArt Pro – $0.99 from $1.50
Thumb Keyboard – $1.29 from ~$2.50
Ulysse Speedometer Pro – $1.35 from ~$2.80
Social/Communication
Facedroid – $0.99 from $2.49
IM+ Pro – $0.99 from $4.99

Media

Astro Player Unlocked – $2.58 from ~$5.00
Moon+ Reader Pro – $2.49 from $4.99
ProCapture – camera + panorama – $2.99 from $3.99
ProPanorama – $0.99 from $1.99
SketchBook Mobile – $0.99 from $1.99
SketchBook Pro for Tablets – $2.99 from $4.99

Everything Else

AccuWeather Platinum – $0.99 from $2.99
AVG Antivirus Security Pro – $6.99 from $9.99
Glovius – $0.99 from $9.99 (added 12/23 at 6:35pm PST)
LilyPad popup/floating chat – $0.99 from $1.99 (added 12/23 at 10:15pm PST)
Loud Crow Interactive Apps – Up to 60% off (added 12/23 6:18pm PST)
MoreQuicklyDock – $1.20 from ~$2 (added 12/23 at 9:10pm PST)
mSecure Password Manager – $4.99 from $9.99
Jotter (for Galaxy Note) – $1.99 from $3.99
RoByte Remote for Roku – $0.99 from $2.99 (added 12/23 at 9:10pm PST)
Root Call Blocker Pro – $3.09 from $6.99 (added 12/23 6:18pm PST)
Tablified Market HD – $1.99 from $3.99 (added 12/23 at 10:15pm PST)

Games

9mm – $0.99 from $6.99
The Adventures of Tin Tin – $0.99 from $6.99
Alchemy Premium – $0.99 from $2.99
The Amazing Spider Man – $0.99 from $6.99
Angry Birds Space HD – $0.99 from $2.99 (added 12/23 at 9:58pm PST)
Another World – $0.99 from $2.49
Avengers Initiative – $0.99 from $4.99
BackStab – $0.99 from $6.99
Blazing Star – $0.99 from $2.99
Call of Duty Black Ops: Zombies – $2.99 from $6.99
Chaos Rings – $3.99 from $12.99
Chaos Rings Omega – $3.99 from $12.99
Chrono Trigger – $6.99 from $9.99
Contract Killer 2 (50% off melee weapons)
Crystal Defenders – $3.99 from ~$7.50
Cut the Rope HD – $0.99 from $1.99
The Dark Knight Rises – $0.99 from $6.99
Dead Space (North America, Rest of World) – $0.99 from $4.99
Dragon Slayer (75% off all Glu credits) (added 12/23 6:18pm PST)
Dungeon Raid – $0.99 from ~$3
Enborn X – $0.99 from $1.99 (added 12/23 at 7:00pm PST)
FieldRunners HD – $0.99 from $2.99 (added 12/23 at 9:58pm PST)
Final Fantasy – $4.99 from $6.99
Frontline Commando (75% off Armor 1500)
The Game of Life – $0.99 from $4.99
Gangstar Rio: City of Saints – $0.99 from $6.99
Grand Theft Auto III – $0.99 from $4.99
Great Big War Game – $0.99 from $2.99
Jelly Defense – $0.99 from $2.99
Jet Set Radio – $1.99 from $4.99
Knights of Pen and Paper – $0.99 from $1.99
Max Payne Mobile – $0.99 from $2.99
Mini Motor Racing – $0.99 from $1.99
Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus – $0.99 from $6.99
Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation – $0.99 from $6.99
MYFC Manager 2013 – $1.00 from $2.00
Need for Speed Most Wanted (North America, Rest of World) – $0.99 from $6.99
Neuroshima Hex – $0.99 from ~$3.00
N.O.V.A. 2 – $0.99 from $6.99
N.O.V.A. 3 – $0.99 from $6.99
Order and Chaos – $0.99 from $5.99
Plants vs. Zombies (North America, Rest of World) – $0.99 from $2.99
Puddle THD – $2.49 from ~$5.00
Raiden Legacy – $2.99 from ~$5.00 (added 12/23 at 9:58pm PST)
R-Type – $0.99 from ~$2 (added 12/23 at 9:58pm PST)
Sonic 4 Episode I – $0.99 from $6.99
Sonic 4 Episode II – $0.99 from $6.99
Sonic CD – $0.99 from $4.99
Slot Machine – $0.99 from $1.99
TETRIS – $0.99 from $2.99
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 (North America, Rest of World) – $2.99 from $4.99
Total War Battles – $1.99 from $4.99
TurboFly HD – $0.99 from ~$1.99 (added 12/23 at 7:39pm PST)
Twisted Lands Shadow Town – $0.99 from $1.99
Waking Mars – $1.99 from $4.99
Wild Blood – $0.99 from $6.99
Zombie Driver THD – $1.75 from $6.99

 

[steviewhy]

Holiday deals from the Play Store:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...f-holiday-sales-from-the-play-store-updating/

Thanks for that, I would have missed it.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Bumping this thread so there's a place to talk about general google news.

Google says they'll continue making nexus device along with their google edition smartphones. Awesome.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/30/4379936/google-will-keep-making-nexus-hardware-says-sundar-pichai

The htc one google edition just became official too. Cheaper than the s4 google edition and in what is arguably a better package. You still get beats audio too. Apparently very limited supply so htc can test the waters first. I hope it, and the s4 version, both sell well. This is great news for android overall.

No longer can people complain about lack of updates or fragmentation. If those things are that important to you, you now have multiple options at multiple price points with various hardware designs (screen sizes, physical or on screen or capacitive buttons, plastic or glass or metal, etc) and advantages (dual speakers vs better camera, etc). All of them stock with immediate updates from google.

Amazing stuff.

 

[Switchback666]

Interesting move in the Android world, you guys think LG and SE will follow the trend ?

What about Google's own nexus devices, unless they continue the nexus 4 price point i think the 'Google edition' phones will eat the nexus line.

 

[mattopotamus]

Bumping this thread so there's a place to talk about general google news.

Google says they'll continue making nexus device along with their google edition smartphones. Awesome.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/30/4379936/google-will-keep-making-nexus-hardware-says-sundar-pichai

The htc one google edition just became official too. Cheaper than the s4 google edition and in what is arguably a better package. You still get beats audio too. Apparently very limited supply so htc can test the waters first. I hope it, and the s4 version, both sell well. This is great news for android overall.

No longer can people complain about lack of updates or fragmentation. If those things are that important to you, you now have multiple options at multiple price points with various hardware designs (screen sizes, physical or on screen or capacitive buttons, plastic or glass or metal, etc) and advantages (dual speakers vs better camera, etc). All of them stock with immediate updates from google.

Amazing stuff.

That news about the HTC google edition is thread worthy.

 

[strausd]

No longer can people complain about lack of updates or fragmentation.

Both of these will continue to be a problem until Google Edition phones are the only options, which I am sure we can both agree will never happen.

Plus, Google Edition phones aren't even offered on carrier websites or carrier stores, which are where most people buy their Android smartphones.

Not to be a negative nancy, but yes, people can still complain about the lack of updates and the fragmentation associated with Android. There are just now two additional options that make this a non issue. But the phones making this a non issue are still just that, only options.

 

[Switchback666]

Well official Google music app with all-access is finally coming across all iOS devices

 

[onthecouchagain]

Both of these will continue to be a problem until Google Edition phones are the only options, which I am sure we can both agree will never happen.

Plus, Google Edition phones aren't even offered on carrier websites or carrier stores, which are where most people buy their Android smartphones.

Not to be a negative nancy, but yes, people can still complain about the lack of updates and the fragmentation associated with Android. There are just now two additional options that make this a non issue. But the phones making this a non issue are still just that, only options.

Yes if you want to be that technical then people can still complain about fragmentation and lack of updates. For anyone who cares enough to know or worry about those issues, they can easily avoid it now and still have flagship hardware as I said in the rest of my post. Frankly I don't know how else you could battle fragmentation and still maintain google's android business model and philosophy.

----------

Interesting move in the Android world, you guys think LG and SE will follow the trend ?

What about Google's own nexus devices, unless they continue the nexus 4 price point i think the 'Google edition' phones will eat the nexus line.

LG has said they are not interested in a Google edition of their flagship. Shame.

The nexus line will continue according to Google. I can't imagine the nexus line suddenly getting expensive again. But who knows.

 

[onthecouchagain]

"Three Google Edition Phones Coming" http://www.androidauthority.com/google-edition-x-phone-223196/

Apparently, the third one is the Xperia Z.

This whole Google Edition thing is only getting better and better. Each year, a Google Edition of each flagship from Android manufacturers.

 

[JaySoul]

"Three Google Edition Phones Coming" http://www.androidauthority.com/google-edition-x-phone-223196/

Apparently, the third one is the Xperia Z.

This whole Google Edition thing is only getting better and better. Each year, a Google Edition of each flagship from Android manufacturers.

I think Google is trying to bring about a more unified Android experience. This is only the beginning, give it 3 years and I'm sure "stock Android" will be the majority.

 

[maxosx]

Don't forget Google currently offers free calling and free texting via Google Voice, and really cheap international calls too. Amazing service.

So true. I've been using it for some time now. It's just another example of Googles excellent services. They've done a tremendous job of creating truly innovative products.

----------

"Three Google Edition Phones Coming" http://www.androidauthority.com/google-edition-x-phone-223196/

Apparently, the third one is the Xperia Z.

This whole Google Edition thing is only getting better and better. Each year, a Google Edition of each flagship from Android manufacturers.

Google is the only company that's currently creating truly exciting products. They are miles ahead of any other company in the tech sector.

 

[TheHateMachine]

"Three Google Edition Phones Coming" http://www.androidauthority.com/google-edition-x-phone-223196/

Apparently, the third one is the Xperia Z.

This whole Google Edition thing is only getting better and better. Each year, a Google Edition of each flagship from Android manufacturers.

Remember when people said that the new Google Experience S4 would just create more fragmentation?

 

[Tarzanman]

Remember when people said that the new Google Experience S4 would just create more fragmentation?

People only started complaining about fragmentation after Steve Jobs said it.

Its a bit of a straw man. Any OS that has updates and revisions (like iOS) will have programs that are not backward compatible.

Core apps and the vast majority of Google Play apps work on every device that satisfies the hardware and OS version requirements. Widespread availability of stock software and developer hardware (the Nexus line) means that consumers and developers alike have a baseline reference if they want to guarantee compatibility.... and in most cases they do not have to drop $600 or sign a 2 year contract to have access to it.

I can buy a Nexus phone and both tablets new for just under $1000. That same money will only get you 2 apple mobile devices.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Part of me really wishes Google did this sooner, but regardless, I'm really excited about this all.

When it comes time to get a new phone next year, it's going to be fun on the bun!

Imagine flagship google editions of Galaxy S5, and 2014 versions of the One, Xperia, Phone X, and maybe even LG will get in on the fun.

Gon be kuh-razy.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Apple beginning to lose at their own game?

Samsung and other competitors have outgrown Apple in the premium market

http://www.androidauthority.com/apple-premium-market-stats-230080/

For smartphones $400 dollars and above... "Apple’s market share in the segment has dropped from 73 percent in May 2012, to 38 percent in May this year."

I hope Apple's gearing up some iPhone options for 2014. Even better if it's for 2013.

 

[dkersten]

That tells us a few things, assuming their data is correct. The first is that Apple has really fallen behind in the cell phone space. With iOS being stagnant for awhile, I think more everyday people have given Android a shot, mostly Samsung. Because of Samsung's very aggressive advertising (showing off both their products but even more growing their brand name) more people are at least aware of Samsung as a mobile phone company. Judging by the study, many of these people have even jumped ship to Android, particularly Samsung.

It also tells us that HTC is not dead yet, and perhaps even on the rise again. If they can continue to offer premium hardware, such as the One, and let Sense evolve even more, I expect them to gain more marketshare. I would really like to see them up their marketing more to recreate a name for themselves like Samsung has done.

Finally, I expect for Apple to regain some of their lost marketshare with the release of their next phone. They could really recapture the market if they bring us something new to the table.* If they just show up with a 5S and expect iOS 7 to keep them relevant for another year, they will most likely regain some marketshare initially at launch but then find themselves even further behind around this time in 2014.

*I would love to see a range of iPhone 6 models. Give us a 4 inch phone and a 4.6-5.0 inch phone. After todays possible gestures in settings leak, I think Apple may be looking to get rid of the home button (may never come to market, but I can dream right?). They could fit a 4in screen on the size of the 4/4S and a 4.6-5.0 screen on a slightly bigger phone than the iPhone 5. If they get rid of the home button though I am not sure where Apple would put a fingerprint sensor.

Anyways, the next year will bring about more competition as ever as Apple and Samsung battle it out and other companies (HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola, and Sony) try to stay relevant/survive. Just my take and I'm really excited to see what comes to market.

 

[onthecouchagain]

That tells us a few things, assuming their data is correct. The first is that Apple has really fallen behind in the cell phone space. With iOS being stagnant for awhile, I think more everyday people have given Android a shot, mostly Samsung. Because of Samsung's very aggressive advertising (showing off both their products but even more growing their brand name) more people are at least aware of Samsung as a mobile phone company. Judging by the study, many of these people have even jumped ship to Android, particularly Samsung.

It also tells us that HTC is not dead yet, and perhaps even on the rise again. If they can continue to offer premium hardware, such as the One, and let Sense evolve even more, I expect them to gain more marketshare. I would really like to see them up their marketing more to recreate a name for themselves like Samsung has done.

Finally, I expect for Apple to regain some of their lost marketshare with the release of their next phone. They could really recapture the market if they bring us something new to the table.* If they just show up with a 5S and expect iOS 7 to keep them relevant for another year, they will most likely regain some marketshare initially at launch but then find themselves even further behind around this time in 2014.

*I would love to see a range of iPhone 6 models. Give us a 4 inch phone and a 4.6-5.0 inch phone. After todays possible gestures in settings leak, I think Apple may be looking to get rid of the home button (may never come to market, but I can dream right?). They could fit a 4in screen on the size of the 4/4S and a 4.6-5.0 screen on a slightly bigger phone than the iPhone 5. If they get rid of the home button though I am not sure where Apple would put a fingerprint sensor.

Anyways, the next year will bring about more competition as ever as Apple and Samsung battle it out and other companies (HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola, and Sony) try to stay relevant/survive. Just my take and I'm really excited to see what comes to market.

I share your dream.

Regarding HTC: http://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-...the-U.S.-and-it-hasnt-hit-Verizon-yet_id44212

So that's good news for them.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Chrome and Chrome Beta update. Gestures makes a lot more sense now. I dig it. Among other upgrades.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...tion-improved-search-by-image-webgl-and-more/

----------

Hangouts recently got updated too. Sweet.

----------

Oh wow. They finally brought the double-tap with a finger to zoom in/out feature that's in Maps to Chrome. About time.

Slammin'!

 

[Savor]

I was actually just ruminating on the thought of Google having their own carrier. It seems that all carriers sort of impede on Google's "Don't be evil" campaign. I personally think they ought to start making all their own hardware, as well.

Same here.

Looking back, I think Google is probably my fav company in the world right now. They are NOT perfect. No company is. Many of their projects dont always pan out. They gather alot of our information but so does Facebook. But I simply dig alot of Google's services.

Actually Google Voice has provided me with free texting for a few years. And using the Talkatone, free calls to my parents in the U.S. before I ever used Viber. I also love how Google does with competitive prices $200 for a Nexus tablet and $300-350 for a high spec Nexus smartphone?

I do hope Google does get more into the hardware and start branding themselves. I thought the ChromePixel is pretty sweet but just way too expensive. Hopefully the next gen can be offered far less! And we have Google Glass to look forward to.

The only knock on producing tangible products is people will eventually complain abt it if it fails. Look at the fiasco with the Nexus One. HTC and Google were reflecting the blame to each other. But if that were the next steps for Google, so be it. Would love to have a Google branded phone and laptop all manufactured from Google themselves. Not Asus or Samsung or Motorola or whoever. Control the complete software and hardware experience as seamlessly as Apple but with far greater flexibility and less restrictions than the guys from Cupertino. Their software is starting to become first-rate and many of their free online services is a daily norm for people.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Another neat trick to Chrome Beta. Enabling a new look for the 'new tab' page. I dig it.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...t-new-tab-page-ui-in-chrome-beta-for-android/

 

[otismotive77]

why havent we seen any google carrier till now? i was really excited about it.