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Troll app pretends to charge phone with sunlight, fools thousands
Mar 24th
A groundbreaking new Android app is rising in popularity in the Google Play store. It’s called Solar Charger and lets you use the phone’s screen to charge the battery with sunlight.
Yes, of course it’s a fake. The app’s description says so itself, in case your common sense failed you. It’s still a very interesting app, here’s why.
First off, the app’s creator got pissed off at all the people who don’t bother reading the description before downloading an app and then wonder why it doesn’t work. Solar Charger is currently sitting at 1,500 angry one star ratings, but considering it has seen over half a million downloads, the number of angry people is probably much greater.
The app also features a “Hall of shame” and a “Hall of fame”. The first one is a list with all the angry reviews the app got, which can be a very entertaining read. The second one features five-star ratings and humorous content, a lot of them are worth a chuckle too.
And finally, it shows just how many people are vulnerable to scams – if they didn’t read the description, not to mentioned failed to realize than an LCD screen and a photovoltaic cell have nothing in common, they probably didn’t read the app’s permissions either.
A silly soundboard app shouldn’t be requesting access to your contacts and the phone’s internal storage – that would be an instant red flag. But if you just clicked install, then you didn’t notice it and you might have opened yourself up for malicious apps.
Here’s the link for the Solar Charger app – you can show it off to your friends and see how long it takes them to put two and two together. Reading the reviews is quite fun too.
Thanks to Gary Law for the tip!
Angry Birds Space for Android also comes in premium and tablet-optimized versions
Mar 24th
Amidst all the excitement surrounding the launch of Angry Birds Space one important bit of news that got missed out was the fact that Angry Birds Space is the first version of the game on Android that also has a ad-free premium version ($0.99), along with a tablet-optimized ‘HD’ version ($2.99).
When the game got launched, like most people I ended up downloading the free version, thinking that as usual it would be the only version available. Google also advertises only the free version on its Google Play homepage. Moreover, Rovio has named the paid version ‘Angry Birds Space Premium’, instead of just calling it ‘Angry Bird Space’ and calling the free version ‘Angry Birds Space Free’, so when you search for “Angry Birds Space”, you get the free version on top with the premium version somewhere below.
All these issues aside, I’m glad that Rovio has at least decided to offer users the option to go for the premium version instead of having to compulsorily put up with the ads that take up half the screen and consume over 70 percent of your battery. I would also like them to add an option to upgrade to the paid version from within the free app for those who have already played a lot of the levels on the free version and don’t want to start all over again by downloading a new version.
If the premium version of the Angry Birds Space becomes a commercial success, it would make other developers want to make premium version of their apps and put to rest the myth that Android users don’t like paying for their apps.
Gameloft Announces New Games for 2012, In-App Purchases Coming Soon
Mar 24th
Leading game publisher and developer Gameloft has just announced its lineup of games for 2012. In addition, the company confirmed it would integrate in-app purchase option onto its titles.
We have already reported that Gameloft is working with Sony Pictures to launch the “Men in Black 3” mobile game in May. However, it appears that the company plans to release other interesting titles as well.
According to the folks over at DroidGamers, Gameloft will launch the following titles in 2012: The Dark Knight Rises, Ice Age, The Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, My Little Pony, and Littlest Pet Shop.
Most of these games will be released as freemium games with the option to unlock additional content via in-app purchase. For the time being, there’s no telling how many of these new titles will go as freemium.
BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) 6.2.0.24 Available for Download in Beta Zone
Mar 24th
Last week RIM BlackBerry Messenger v6.2.0.15 landed in Beta Zone along with some new features and several improvements meant to make users’ messaging experience much smoother.
It looks like this week BlackBerry fans will be getting new version of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) with even more improvements.
The folks at CrackBerry have just noticed that BlackBerry Messenger 6.2.0.24 has just appears in Beta Zone.
Those who wish to try it out and see how it fairs should know that they will need to register for BlackBerry Beta Zone in order to be able to download and install this beta version of BBM.
As we already mentioned earlier, the new update brings quite a long list of changes, mostly bug fixes who were reported in previous versions.
The following issues have been addressed and will not be present in this version of BBM:
- User is returned to the contact list after sending a voice note via the convenience key if the chat is opened from the Messages application;
- Virtual keyboard does not appear automatically when editing personal message;
- When trying to switch chat from switch chat menu within conversation, user information is partially cutoff;
- Send picture dialog is displayed as a vertical bar for device font size 14.
Aside from the bug fixes above, there are several known issues that will probably be addressed in future updates. It appears that highlighting a BBM contact will display a different contact’s display picture.
Another known issue listed by RIM is the fact that some smiles will remain as text in a message sent to multiperson chat for all participants.
Other known issues present in BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) 6.2.0.24 include:
- Pressing the convenience key while the menu is open in a chat returns the user to the contact list if the chat is opened from the Messages application;
- Scrolling quickly in the inline edit view allows the focus to move out on to the user’s avatar;
- Pressing the Enter key while the focus is on the user’s avatar initiates the inline edit view;
- Send voice note dialog buttons are cut off in landscape mode when the virtual keyboard is displayed.
BlackBerry users who already have a Beta Zone account can get the updated version of BBM and try it out, while those who have yet to register can head over to BlackBerry Beta Zone site.
Nokia to Close Down Money Service in India
Mar 12th
In line with its new global strategy to withdraw from all businesses that are not core to Nokia, the Finnish company announced it would shut down Nokia Money service in India.
Although the Nokia Money was introduced only two years ago, it appears that the mobile financial service did not meet Nokia’s expectations.
The money service was launched in partnership with YES Bank and offers bill payments and money transfers, among others.
The information comes via Indian site The Hindu, which reports that sources close to the matter claim that Nokia plans to close this money service in the following month.
Rumor has it that Nokia Money will continue to be functional for another 3-4 months in order for its subscribers to be able to withdraw their money.
Rumor has it that the Finnish company plans to officially inform Nokia Money subscribers about the closure starting March 15.
Furthermore, The Hindu reports that YES Bank and Union Bank subscribers won’t be affected by this change as both banks expressed their intentions to take over the business.
There are about 100 employees who exclusively work on Nokia Money service, but the Finnish company plans to relocate them to other divisions.
However, this has yet to be confirmed by Nokia in the following days. There’s more to it, as Nokia is also thinking to refund all registration fees paid by subscribers.
As soon as Nokia Money service seizes to exist, the handset maker plans to cancel its license, which was approved two years ago by Reserve Bank of India.
Nokia Money was mostly introduced in emerging markets, such as India, Pakistan, as well as a few African countries. Unfortunately, it appears that Nokia has decided to withdraw from the mobile money business just when the things have started to show great potential.
Panasonic calls Android with two phones in the ELUGA line
Mar 6th
Panasonic named its two new Android handsets ELUGA, an acronym of sorts for “elegant user-oriented gateway,” to symbolize the slim pair of phones that aim to combine both design and function. The electronics manufacturer introduced the ELUGA and ELUGA Power handsets this past week at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, extending the number of Android devices unveiled at the show from the likes of LG, Samsung, HTC, Sony, Viewsonic and Huawei, just to name a few.
While most handset manufacturers claim the phone already combines design and functionality, the features on the ELUGA phones measure up. One standout feature: both phones are both waterproof and dustproof, so you can go about your business and not worry about every little spill near your handset. The phones are compliant with the international standard IP57 water and dustproofing standard. You might not want to take either phone for a swim, but the ELUGA line can withstand up to a depth of one meter (3.28-feet) of water for up to one hour. The phones are also protected up to 75 micrometers of dust for a period of up to eight hours.
o start with design, the D-shape, slim form factor of the ELUGA is designed not to ruin the line of clothes when in your pocket. The backside is curved in such a way that you won’t see the telltale rectangular outline through your jeans. In addition to the D-shape chassis, the 7.8 mm (0.31-in) thickness of the phone makes it even more pocket-friendly. The 4.3-inch 960×540 capacitive OLED QHD display takes up 66 percent of the phone’s body.
The ELUGA uses near-field communication (NFC) technology to conduct contactless payments such as the Google Wallet. Additional wireless functions include “Swipe and Share” features that let users wirelessly “throw” pictures from phone to a TV or cloud service and stream movies from the ELUGA to a TV.
Panasonic built the phone with an 8-megapixel autofocus camera, and 8 GB of integrated memory. A 1 GHz dual-core processor running Android Gingerbread makes it possible to access data and apps quickly. An upgrade to Android Ice Cream Sandwich will be available over the summer.
Power is king with this Panasonic handset. The 1800 mAh battery reaches 50 percent of its charge capacity in roughly half an hour; and 80 percent in 57 minutes. The phone is built using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 dual-core 1.5 GHz processor and runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
The ELUGA Power offers NFC capabilities for contactless payment. The handset has 8 GB of internal memory and supports an additional 32 GB via a Micro SD card slot. The 8-megapixel autofocus rear camera captures 1080p full HD video and includes auto scene recognition and 8x digital zoom. Details were not given on the power of the front-facing camera.
Both the ELUGA and ELUGA Power will be released in Europe in April. The ELUGA is expected to cost between EUR399 and 449 (approx. US$536 – $603), however Panasonic hasn’t announced official pricing.
one2TOUCH foldable full-sized NFC keyboards for smartphones and tablets
Mar 6th
Near-Field Communication (NFC) is generally associated with contactless payment methods such as the mobile wallet. In practice, NFC’s uses include connecting a smartphone to a car and other devices. Now Norway-based one2TOUCH is offering silicone keyboards that connect to smartphones and tablets simply by laying the mobile device on top – no pairing required.
The keyboards feature “Touch & Type” functionality and have a pad that the device can rest on. In the case of one smartphone keyboard, a pad in the center where the phone rests separates left- and right-hand keys. A second model requires the phone to rest along the top edge of the keyboard in order to connect. Once sitting on the keyboard, the phone connects to the keyboard via NFC and is ready to receive input. The silicone keyboard is waterproof, and folds to fit into a bag or pocket.
The design works universally among most smartphones as there is no phone-specific cradle. However it does require a driver to be installed on the mobile device. The company says these will be available for download from the Android Market or the App Store. The Android driver will be available first with a driver for Apple devices released when Apple releases NFC capable devices.
“Many people are using smartphones and tablets in ways that require more than fingertip scrolling, pointing and pressing on the touchscreen. Whether you’re typing notes, social networking, or emailing, both mobile devices and keyboard greatly extend flexibility when it comes to creating content with full screen view,” said Øyvind Holtedahl, CEO for one2TOUCH.
NFC is used for connectivity between the smartphone or device and the keyboard so that once contact is made, the keyboard is connected. The technology doesn’t require pairing, which is necessary for Bluetooth and other personal area network (PAN) standards. While many PAN devices operate up to a certain distance from each other, the one2TOUCH keyboard does require contact.
The larger size of most tablets, relative to a smartphone, offer design opportunities for the keyboard. one2TOUCH is showing a case that unfolds to reveal a keyboard. While there may be some universal cases that address a number of tablets with a certain screen size, model-specific case/keyboard combos will be required.
Currently one2TOUCH has a distribution partner in Japan and is also looking for partners in the U.S. and European markets. Pricing details are not yet available.
The video below from one2TOUCH shows the keyboard in action.
Google Confirms Android 5.0, Might Launch It in Fall
Feb 29th
The next major Android release might become available in late 2012, Mountain View-based Internet giant Google confirmed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Nothing was specifically announced on the matter, but things that we were already expecting have been confirmed.
Hiroshi Lockheimer, vice president of engineering for mobile at Google, told Computerworld that the company was indeed planning to make the next flavor of Android available in 2012, but did not offer a specific release date for it.
“After Android 4 comes 5, and we haven’t announced the timing yet, which we’re still sorting out,” Lockheimer reportedly said. “There’s a lot of engineering work behind it still, and there’s also just the question of how to time it.”
He also noted that Google was working on bringing a new Android release each year, and that small updates would be delivered before that.
If so, it means that Android 5.0 might not be released until fall, but that we will see updates such as Android 4.1 made available before that.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was launched in November, which points at a similar launch timeframe for the next Android release, but changes might occur, it seems.
One thing that appears to be certain, however, is the fact that the next Android release will be called Jelly Bean.
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In fact, Google appears to be already teasing the next version of Android in its booth at MWC 2012. The photo attached to the left, courtesy of The Verge, confirms that.
Recently, Google was rumored to plan the release of Android 5.0 in the second quarter of the year, with optimizations for tablet PCs. A similar rumor emerged in December, claiming that the OS would be dubbed Android 4.1.
Google has yet to make any plans on the upcoming OS flavor official, but it might not be too long before that happens. Keep an eye on this space for more on the matter.
Nokia Launches Nokia Transport on Windows Phone
Feb 29th
Today, Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia announced the availability of a new service and application for devices running under Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system, namely Nokia Transport.
Through it, users will be able to learn more on the public transportation routes, which they could take advantage of in order to reach their destinations.
“With this unique service on your phone, you will always be prepared for what lies ahead. Just enter your destination for a complete door-to-door route,” Nokia explains.
“You’ll see integrated data for travel on foot, or by bus, train, tram, or underground. Let’s say you are starting a new job across town. Nokia Transport will help you learn the best route for your daily commute, showing your journey on a map or as a list of turn-by-turn directions.”
Nokia Transport was designed to put together information from a wide range (700) of leading public transit agencies, including BVG and VBB in Berlin, Rejseplanen in Denmark and DeLijn in Flanders.
Thus, Nokia guarantees that users will benefit from the best-in-industry information on routes, schedules and the like, straight on the smartphone in their hands.
“Check the timetables to see your scheduled departure and arrival times, as well as how long you’ll be en route to your destination. You can even keep an eye on transit disruptions and delays (right now in Berlin and Potsdam, with more coverage on the way),” Nokia notes.
Nokia Transport provides info on transportation in no less than, 512 cities in 46 countries. It is available in 24 languages.
It can be accessed through the web via maps.nokia.com, as well as through the mobile web at m.maps.nokia.com. Owners ofNokia Belle devices can enjoy it via the new Nokia Maps Suite. Today, Nokia Lumia users are also able to give it a try, via the new application released for them.
This is available for download in beta today, and can be found on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
The list of cities & regions the app covers includes:
Atlanta, Auckland, Austin, Baltimore, Barcelona, Berkshire, Berlin & Brandenburg, Boston, Budapest, Chicago, Dallas, Denmark, Denver, Edmonton, Flanders, Halifax, Helsinki, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, London, Miami-Dade county, Minneapolis & Saint Paul, New York City, Philadelphia, Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles, Toronto, Turin, Wellington and Winnipeg.
Samsung Galaxy Ace DUOS Now Available in India
Feb 23rd
Samsung India unveiled the Galaxy Ace DUOS last week, along with Galaxy Y DUOS and Galaxy Y Pro DUOS. However, the handset manufacturer did not reveal the release date of the smartphone.
Today, major retailer Flipkart put the Galaxy Ace DUOS up for sale for only Rs 13,899 (280 USD or 210 EUR), which is about Rs 3,000 (60 USD or 45 EUR) cheaper than the phone’s suggested retail price.
Aside from the fact that Galaxy Ace DUOS features dual-SIM capabilities, Samsung made this compatible with both CDMA and GSM networks.
The smartphone is powered by Google’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform and packs a low-performance 800 MHz single-core processor.
Samsung Galaxy Ace DUOS seems to be the perfect handset for the Indian market, where low prices is the selling point of every device that hits shelves in the country.
In addition, dual-SIM phones are among the most popular in India, which is another reason that would make the Galaxy Ace DUOS a successful device.
Although there’s a very slim chance that the smartphone will get any operating system upgrades, hopefully, Samsung will think of some “lighter” version of Ice Cream Sandwich or some sort of similar package that would make users happy.
Nevertheless, Samsung Galaxy Ace DUOS is a solid device, which measures 112.4 x 59.9 x 12.5 mm and weighs 122g (battery included). The handset sports a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen that supports 320 x 480 pixels resolution and 16 million colors.
There is no word on the amount of memory, but Flipkart confirms the smartphone will be shipped with a free 2 GB memory card in the sale package. However, thanks to the microSD card slot included, users will be able to expand storage up to 32GB.
It is also worth mentioning that the Galaxy Ace DUOS features a 3-megapixel rear camera, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, as well as built-in GPS and Stereo FM radio.
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