2012: War of the Tablets

Starting from January 2012, notebook manufacturers will be putting their resources into making tablets. Non-iPad tablet vendors has started cutting prices in September in an attempt to reduce their overstock inventory and minimize losses, and the decisions are expected to trigger a new price war within the tablet industry, according to sources from notebook players. This year we have witnessed

ASUS next generation of Eee Pad Transformer revealed

The AsiaD in Hong Kong has shed some lights on the next generation Asus Eee Pad Transformer. Jonney Shih, Asus chairman, teased the media with the Transformer Prime, yes – that’s what it will be called. He also affirmed that it'll ship with a quad-core NVIDIA chip, 10-inch display, mini-HDMI port, a 14.5-hour battery, an SD card slot and a top lid that looks precisely like its Zenbook line.

Rumour: Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2 scheduled for November 7th release

There are rumours circulating on the internet stating that Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2 are scheduled for November 7th release date. Asus CEO Jerry Shen had also said that the company is planning to release the tablet before the end of the year, and that looks to be confirmed by UK retailer LambdaTek. LambdaTek has posted a listing for the Transformer 2 on its website as model TF201-1I020A with

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Scratch Test (Try it at your own risk)

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 features a chemically strengthened screen made up of Corning Gorilla Glass that helps protect it from bumps and scratches - keeping your tablet looking bright and new longer. So just how strong is Corning Gorilla Glass? The guy at Asus ROG (Republic of Gamers) is getting bored at what they are doing and try something new. Any of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer

HTC Flyer aren’t flying at all in Malaysia

HTC Flyer is a portable 7-inch tablet with a digital pen that can do more for you than you can imagine. From creating masterpieces with a stroke of a paintbrush, to taking multimedia notes or even signing digital documents, HTC Flyer puts you in control of any situation. With streaming movies at a touch of your finger, HTC Flyer turns any moment into something special. For whatever reason, the

Microsoft's one big opportunity in mobile

The interesting thing is that former CEO Bill Gates (right) saw this opportunity coming over a decade ago. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he often talked about how the future of the PC could be the phone — especially in the developing world — and that a user would place the phone on a desk and it would wirelessly connect to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor and work like a standard computer.

Microsoft could still be the company that brings this innovation to market on a mass scale. In fact, Microsoft leaders should look at what Motorola is doing with its Webtop software running on Android phones like the Motorola Atrix and say to themselves, “This is our territory. We need to own this.”

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/microsofts-one-big-opportunity-in-mobile/8893?tag=mantle_skin;landing

Loudtalks brings Push-To-Talk to Android, Blackberry or Windows Mobile Phone and PC

Loudtalks (beta) is a free cross-platform push-to-talk (PTT) app for Android that turns your device into a walkie-talkie and allows you to talk with others in private or over public channels. Multi-platform support, real-time streaming with high quality voice, contacts availability and text status, multiple public channels for up to 100 users and in-app facility to map a hardware push-to-talk

Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2: The Sequel coming in October 2011?

I haven’t got to know the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101, an Android tablet that employs Asus's netbook expertise, including a keyboard dock that not only makes typing easier - it also doubles the battery life and boosts connectivity. Asus has just confirmed that they are working on a spanking new Transformer tablet – which will aptly be known as the Transformer 2, of course. This news

Android Phones best companion for a Muslim

http://www.masrawy.com/News/Technology/General/2011/july/30/androed.aspx?ref=extraclip

Operating system called "Android", one of the products, "Google", and several programs that provide all users of mobile phones all the information for the month of Ramadan. The studies revealed the growing tendency of the average user to buy a smart phone operating system Android, are among the companies which received its popular company, "Sony Ericsson"; providing the latest software for the holy month, especially as it depends on the operating system "Android", which is characterized by a group Okspiria " Xperia ™ ", which was launched by Sony Ericsson in the first quarter of 2010, as Tovraadd of programs for users during the month of Ramadan, such as the compass qibla" Qibla compass ", which defines the Qibla direction and distance from the Kaaba, also contains prayer times an additional feature. And contains the operating system Android on the "muezzin" Al-Moazin ", which is among the most popular among users, because it contains the Hijri calendar AD depending on the choices appropriate to the user with the ability to recall the dates of prayer and residence, and reminders ablutions before prayer, and adjust the program automatically by the timing of every city around the world. In order to be able to keen on religious practice continuously, there is the "Koran" I Quran, which provides an easy to read the Koran through smart phones, especially those containing large screens to enable users to read in a clear and private agencies "xperia ™" by Sony Ericsson, which enjoy wide-screen size of up to 4.2 inches. Android also provides a program of "Prophet Stories" Oqss prophets, which contains the stories of the Prophets from the Quran and Sunnah and is characterized by Bsrdha chronological order. The user can enjoy and participate Alandroed spirituality of the pilgrims in Ramadan through the Watch Live Makkah 24 Hours, which convey the events of prayers and rituals of Mecca for a moment by moment. It also provides the operating system "Android" through the program "Day and night Azkar", including the prescribed interest to the Muslim day and night such as reciting the morning and evening, waking up, adhkaar sleep, after the prayer, and is characterized by high flexibility in controlling the line and put alerts dates of sunset and sunrise as Local Time. Among the programs contained on the Android "Hisn Al Muslim", which includes more than prayers that a Muslim needs in his daily life, also includes a unique software of its kind to be exchanged by computer "program Subha Rosary," which enables users to complete their prayers tasbeeh without the use of beads traditionally.
 And invented the "Sony Ericsson" unique property characteristic of a mobile Xberaa Download software directly from the site without suffering hardship Alandroed Find all you need to portray an "bar code" of any of the programs to be loaded camera Alxberaa to search them and download them directly to the phone memory. For users who Sicomomen the performance of Umrah this year, which through their smart use of Palmtov mail ETawaf which it provides system Alandroed, which helps in the performance of most of the rituals and provides cruise and dates and kiss, how includes a map of Tsa'daly know the location of the holy places, and help them to communicate with the regiment, which shared rituals.

Five Android smartphones you should avoid buying

http://www.androidapps.com/tech/articles/8942-five-android-smartphones-you-should-avoid-buying

Huawei m835 Ideos

Sometimes you get what you pay for, which is the case with this Metro PCS-branded Android smartphone. While we love the fact that Android phones can now be purchased without a contract for less than $100, the tiny screen size, spotty performance and poor battery life of the Huawei Ideos makes it an inferior device than even most feature phones. The appeal of its compact dimensions (4.1 inches tall and 2.2 inches wide) are overshadowed by a 2.8-inch touchscreen that makes typing and navigating through websites and applications awkward at best. This problem is amplified when you consider that most prospective users of this “starter Android phone” haven’t owned a smartphone before. There are certainly smarter ways to try out an Android.

Samsung Galaxy R in Malaysia?

The Samsung Galaxy R (also known as I9103) is the first handset to walk in the shoes of the Samsung Galaxy S II. A slightly stripped down version of Samsung's flagship, it wears similar looks, packs an equally powerful core and only downgrades the camera to 5 megapixels. Actually, the Galaxy R is the first of many other versions of the S II that we expect to follow – just as was the case with

More Android Applications

Best Android Widgets: 19 Apps With a Personal Touch

http://www.cio.com/article/679939/Best_Android_Widgets_19_Apps_With_a_Personal_Touch

10 Upcoming Android Devices We Just Can't Wait For

http://www.cio.com/article/684698/10_Upcoming_Android_Devices_We_Just_Can_t_Wait_For

Bonnie's 10 favorite Android apps (CNET 100)

http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-19736_7-10008538.html?s=0&o=10008538&tag=mncol%3bpage

Best Free Android Apps

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-android-apps.htm

101 Best Android Apps

http://101bestandroidapps.com/

6 Cool Android Apps to Make Use Of Sensors on Your Phone

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-cool-android-apps-sensors/

Google 600 patents

http://androidappsblog.net/amadeus-consulting-discusses-new-android-market-content-ratings-174?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

http://techcrunch.com/2011/07/14/larry-page-android-patent-problems/

The Google Android Quiz

Google Android is making headway against Apple iPhones and RIM BlackBerries, but how well do you know the open source mobile OS?
http://www.cio.com/article/631730/The_Google_Android_Quiz?page=2#slideshow

Android OS, with its openness, readily developed applications and flexibility has anchored a new wave of mobile devices that are rapidly gaining popularity. Here's a quiz about the operating system, its devices and history to see how well you really know it. Keep score and rank yourself at the end.

The 22 Best Android Apps

http://www.cio.com/article/618013/The_22_Best_Android_Apps_

Thinking Space"mind-mapping" app

Manage your files: Astro File Manager

Handle tasks wisely: The GTasks task 

Manage archives: The powerful AndroZip

Text with panache: Forget the stock SMS utility. Handcent SMS brings customizable texting tools--with iPhone-style speech bubbles--to Android. Free

Entertain a child: With Toddler Lock you can turn your phone into a toy that can keep your little one rapt for hours.

Use gestures to find files: Gesture Search

Find the best Wi-Fi: Want to find the least-crowded Wi-Fi channel? Wifi Analyzer shows a graphical representation of Wi-Fi SSIDs' signal strength, plus which channels are being used. Free

Customize alerts: In Missed Call you can customize your phone's LED light, ringtones, vibrations, and alerts for missed calls, incoming calls, SMS, Bluetooth, and calendar events. Free

Find a lost Android: If you lose your phone,AntiDroidTheft turns on remote GPS tracking so that you can determine its location. You can also trigger the phone's camera to shoot an image that might help you locate the handset. Free

Shine a light: Color Flashlight turns a phone into a bright light with a wide array of hues and strobe patterns. Free

View Flash video now: Thanks to theSkyfire browser, you can play streaming Flash video. 'Nuff said. Free

Browse better: The Dolphin Browser HDWeb browser has tabs, gesture-based navigation, and plug-ins. It's a far more functional browser than the one that came preloaded on your phone. Free

Share Web pages: Bookmarklet plugs into the Android Web browser (or Dolphin HD) and lets you share Web pages with AIM, Bit.ly, Delicious, Digg, Facebook, Twitter, and other services. Free



Make recipes mobile: Through Digital Recipe Sidekick you can browse and import recipes from AllRecipes.com, save recipes to SD Card, e-mail them, edit them, or enter your own. The app will even read recipes to you. Free


Scan bar codes: Barcode Scanner handles bar codes--including 2D QR codes--and lets you look up the associated product or URL for instant price checks and comparison shopping. Free

Convert and calculate: The in-betaConvertMe app is a handy unit converter, currency converter, and tip calculator. It comes with more than 1500 units across more than 65 categories, and it supports 14 languages. Free

Take a measurement: The Smart Measureapp, which uses your phone's camera, measures the height of objects and estimates the distance between your phone and the object. Free

Level it: With Spirit Level Plus, you can use your phone to make sure that pictures hang straight. The app also shows the angle of incline. Free

Track podcasts: With BeyondPod, which integrates with the Android music player, you can discover and manage audio and video podcasts. The premium version adds better controls for updating and managing subscriptions. Free basic version, $7 premium version

Discover cool podcasts: The Listen app helps you search for thousands of audio feeds, stream them, or subscribe to them. It integrates with Google Reader on the desktop, as well. Free



Work smart with photos: Using Picasa Tool Pro you can batch-upload photos, as well as browse and manage your albums, photos, and comments. Free

A Brief History of Android

http://www.cio.com/article/620117/A_Brief_History_of_Android

Although rumors had been swirling for months that Google was preparing to launch a direct challenger to the Apple iPhone, the company instead simply released a Linux-based open-source mobile operating system known as "Android." Because Android was free to use for devices and free to develop applications for, Google hoped it would persuade carriers to be less strict about what applications and content they will allow to run over their wireless networks. The platform was embraced immediately by Sprint (S) and T-Mobile, with Verizon (VZ) and AT&T following soon after.

Just under a year after Android hit the market, HTC came out with the first-ever Android-based device, the T-Mobile G1. The device didn't exactly make an iPhone-sized splash, but it gave the world an example of what Android was capable of doing on a real-life smartphone. And to emphasize Android's potential for application development, Google and T-Mobile invited along some third-party application developers during the G1's unveiling to give demonstrations of their Android applications. To encourage application development for Android, Google announced the year before that it would give $10 million worth in prizes to software development companies to develop innovative and useful applications for the platform.

Android didn't really take off as a mobile device platform until Verizon announced it would support the Motorola Droid as the first Android-based device on its network. With its clever "Droid Does" advertising campaign and its slideout keyboard, Verizon and Google had a hit on their hands as the Droid went on to sell more than 1 million units and become Android's flagship device. Indeed, the "Droid" brand has become so strong that Verizon is using it to brand several other Android-based devices on its network including the HTC Droid Incredible and the Motorola Droid X

People clamoring for a "G-Phone" to call their own got their wish when Google dropped itsNexus One device onto the market. While the device initially garnered a good deal of hype, it soon fell by the wayside as it was eclipsed by more popular devices such as the Droid and the Evo 4G. And although it initially looked as though all four major U.S. wireless carriers would carry the device on their networks, both Sprint and Verizon soon balked and said they would offer alternative Android-based devices on their networks instead. The result was that sales for the Nexus One were a huge disappointment, as it only sold 135,000 units over its first 74 days. In contrast, the Motorola Droid and the original Apple iPhone both sold over a million units over their first 74 days on the market.

HTC's Evo 4G was the first mobile phone to run on Sprint's high-speed mobile WiMAX network. It also was a device that was better suited to showcase Android's potential than the Nexus One was, as it combined high-speed connectivity with a huge 4.3-inch 800 x 400 pixel display screen and a 1GHz processor.

Google's Android platform, like the Apple iPhone before it, has been a hit with consumers but has only recently gotten serious about adding enterprise features. The official launch of the Android 2.2 (a.k.a., "Froyo") platform marked Google's most significant step toward making Android enterprise-friendly yet, however. Among other things, Froyo gave IT administrators the ability to enforce password policies across Android devices and to remotely wipe any Android devices that become lost or compromised. Android 2.2 also supports Exchange Calendars and auto-discovery to make it easier for users to set up and sync Exchange accounts.

Research firm Gartner projects that by the end of 2010 sales of Android devices will exceed those based on the BlackBerry OS and the iPhone OS. This means that only Nokia's Symbian platform, which has also gone completely open source, stands in the way of Android becoming the world's most popular operating system. And Google isn't content to have Android thrive in the mobile phone market either, as the company is reportedly retooling the platform to run specifically for tablet computers as well.

Android OS in 2011: 12 Developments to Keep Apple Nervous

http://www.cio.com/article/654913/Android_OS_in_2011_12_Developments_to_Keep_Apple_Nervous?page=2#slideshow

LG Optimus 2X
LG boasts that its Optimus 2X Android smartphone will be the first to feature a 1GHz dual-core processor from Nvidia (NVDA), called Tegra 2. Arriving in the first quarter of 2011, the Optimus 2X has a 4-inch screen and dual cameras (8 megapixels in the back, 1.3 megapixels in the front); the device can record full HD (1080p) video, which you can then play via the HDMI port. LG hasn't yet provided any word on pricing or U.S. availability.

Acer 4.8-Inch Phone
In February, Acer will push the limits of smartphone screen size with an as yet unnamed phone with a 4.8-inch screen. Acer claims that this phone, which is larger than a normal smartphone but smaller than a tablet, will bring the best of both worlds. The phone's pricing remains a mystery, but when Acer says that the device will have a 1GHz processor, HDMI output, an 8MP camera, and Bluetooth 3.0.

PlayStation Phone


If it emerges, Sony's rumored PlayStation phone will be a hybrid between a portable gaming console and a smartphone. Renderings of the device show it as not the best-looking Android phone. The slide-out PSP controls would be used for games downloaded from a special store exclusive to the phone, all juiced by a 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. The PlayStation phone's availability, pricing, and very existence are unconfirmed.

3D Android Without the Glasses


Following its march into movies and TV sets, 3D is heading for an Android phone near you.Sharp's Galapagos 003SH is incorporates an autostereoscopic 3D display that the company developed itself; with this technology, you won't need 3D glasses to view 3D content. So far the Galapagos 003SH is Japan-bound only, but some models might make their way to U.S. shores as well.

Netflix Streaming


Netflix blames a lack of DRM support on Android for its delayed appearance on the platform. But 2011 will finally bring Netflix streaming to some Android smartphones, as handset manufacturers, carriers, and other service providers develop a standard DRM protection on Google's Android OS. Netflix did not give an exact time frame for Android streaming, however.

VLC for Android


Early 2011 will also see the introduction of the popular VLC media player to the Android platform, enabling you to play most popular video formats on the fly, without any extra video conversion. The developers of the app warned, though, that some specific devices might be unable to run the app because of hardware differences.

Android for Tablets

Android 2.4, also known as Honeycomb, is the upcoming, tablet-oriented version of Google's OS, and Motorola is teasing that it will be the first hardware manufacturer to run the OS on its tablet (pictured). The Motorola device is slated to have an Nvidia dual-core 3D processor, and software buttons will replace all physical buttons. Other rumored specs for the Motorola's tablet include a 5-megapixel camera and Verizon network connectivity. Have a look at some additionalAndroid tablets coming in 2011.

Video Chat and Front-Facing Cameras

Countering Apple's introduction of FaceTime video calling, Google has designed Android 2.3 to make video calling on Android phones a mainstream function. A few Android phones already support video calling, but Android 2.3 has the feature built-in. Coupled with an increasing number of phones that carry front-facing cameras, Android stands a chance of bringing video calling into fashion.

The iPod of the Android Platform

Samsung is working to put Android on a newiPod Touch-like device, dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Player. The device would have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, a storage capacity of up to 32GB, dual cameras, and access to Android Market apps. The company hasn't released details on price and availability.

Race to the Bottom


The Tegra 2 chip from Nvidia will make Android phones faster, but this competingchip from Broadcom (the BCM2157) promises to make 3G Android mobile handsets more affordable--dropping retail prices for some phones as low as $100 (half the price of current top-range Android phones). The maximum specs from this chipset are a 5-megapixel camera with a 500MHz processor, which are average specs for Android smartphones already.

20 Weird and Wacky Products for Android Fans

http://www.cio.com/article/660871/20_Weird_and_Wacky_Products_for_Android_Fans

Android phones and tablets? Those are for fair-weather fans. If you really (really) love Google's (GOOG) open-source mobile operating system, you won't be content with owning the electronic gadgets on which it runs. You'll also need some of the coolest Android swag around, so you can proclaim your Android allegiance to the world.

8 Essential Android Security Apps

http://www.cio.com/article/675084/8_Essential_Android_Security_Apps

While Android is a terrific operating system in many ways, it does pose some real risks for IT departments. Last week's revelation that Google (GOOG) had to remove around 50 malware-infected applications from its Android Market and had activated an Android app kill switch highlighted the downside of the company's "free love" approach to publishing applications where it will let anyone put their app on the market and will only take it down if alerted by a third-party user. The upside of this, of course, is that the market also offers a wide variety of quality security applications that can protect you from malicious apps. Here are eight Android applications that can help IT departments keep a better hold on employees' Android-based devices.

McAfee WaveSecure
Developer: McAfee
Price: Free
McAfee's WaveSecure app doesn't have any of the virus scans or firewall protection that the company is famous for, but it does have some important features such as the ability to remotely lock your phone and to wipe key data from it, the ability to back up and restore wiped data after a device has been secured, and the ability to track and map your device using GPS.

mSecure Password Manager
Developer: MSeven Software
Price: $4.99
This app specializes in encrypting and storing important information and passwords, including bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, e-mail log-in passwords and more. The app utilizes 256-bit Blowfish encryption and has a password protection "hint" feature that asks you questions to help remember passwords. Additionally, the app features an automatic password generator that will help you create strong, secure passwords for new or existing accounts.

AppScan Beta
Developer: Aegislab
Price: Free

While DroidDream Killer is designed to help you deal with malware after it's already been installed, Aegislab's AppScan Beta is designed to stop you from ever downloading it in the first place. The application scans other apps on the Android Market and identifies any spyware or malware they may have on them by flagging them as "suspicious." It can also scan apps for any unwanted advertisements.



Advanced Task Killer
Developer: ReChild
Price: Free


This final application isn't really a security app per se, but it's certainly something IT departments will want people using company smartphones and tablets to have since it will help them save both memory and battery life on their devices. This way fewer people will send you trouble tickets reporting poor device performance because they've unknowingly left "Angry Birds" running for three straight weeks.

Android Apps: 9 Best, Free Social Networking Choices

Modern social networks let you share thoughts, impressions, frustrations, images, lessons learned, favorite restaurants or whatever else may be on your mind at any minute. But you won't always be at a computer when social-sharing inspiration strikes; on the contrary, you'll probably be out and about when you want you want to share with your social connections.

http://www.cio.com/article/677678/Android_Apps_9_Best_Free_Social_Networking_Choices

GetGlue

GetGlue is the latest social network for media buffs of all kinds. Music lovers, film geeks, reality-show gurus, video-gamers and bookworms can all share their latest interests, along with impressions of those interests, with other 'Glue users. And you can quickly view profiles of other like-minded users for media recommendations. GetGlue also employs a unique "ranking system," based on users' check-ins in different categories, to determine a person's sway in an area. And you get digital "stickers" as rewards for certain types of check-ins, which can be redeemed for real stickers that can be used to, well, stick stuff.

Foursquare for Android
Foursquare is the most popular location-based social check-in service, for good reason. More and more mainstream businesses are jumping on the foursquare bandwagon each day, enticing loyal foursquare users to frequent their establishments by offering deals, discounts and even freebies. Foursquare also can help keep track of friends and contacts around you at a given time and notify you of the most popular bars, restaurants, clubs, etc. And you're rewarded for frequent check-ins, or check-ins at specific types of venues, with "badges" that serve as mementos of where you've been, as well as proof of your foursquare prowess.

Gowalla for Android

Not unlike foursquare, Gowalla's location-based social check-in app helps you share the places you go with friends and other contacts. And like foursquare, you collect Gowalla "pins" and rewards based on the types of places where you check-in. A Gowalla "Passport" keeps track of everywhere you've been, logging states and countries you may visit. How do you choose between foursquare and Gowalla? Determine which services is being used by more of your friends...or just use 'em both.

AppBrain App Market for Android

What makes the AppBrain App Market, a mobile software shop for Android, special? It recommends applications based on the apps already installed on your device, along with new or popular apps. And that's not all. The best part about AppBrain is that you can connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts to locate friends and connections who also use AppBrain, and then access lists of your friends' favorite Android applications.