Cloud storage startup Dropbox will provide a generous 50GB of free storage to new owners of the just-announced Samsung Galaxy S III Android smartphone.
The move mimics Dropbox’s prior decision to team up with HTC to give owners of the HTC One X 25GB of free storage. But in this case, Samsung Galaxy S III owners are getting double the space. It’s also comparable to Box’s offer of 50GB free storage to any compatible Android device in a limited promotion, except Box targets businesses while Dropbox is mostly targeting consumers.
S III owners who take advantage of Dropbox’s promotion will get the free 50GB storage for two years, which is often how long many smartphone owners keep a phone before upgrading because of carriers’ two-year contracts.
The Galaxy S III smartphone will begin arriving in stores May 29.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Friday, 04 May 2012
SAMSUNG GALAXY SIII 4.8-INCH
After whipping up an iPhone-like buzz for its Galaxy S series, Samsung today finally unveiled its latest entry in the series, the Galaxy S III.
As expected, the phone is an absolute monster, with a huge 4.8-inch screen sporting a 720p resolution. Larger than last year’s Galaxy S II, but smaller than Samsung’s tablet/smartphone hybrid the Galaxy Note, the new flagship device will differentiate itself with eye tracking capabilities, dubbed Smart Stay. The Galaxy S III’s 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera monitors your eyes to know when you’re looking at it, which keeps it from going to sleep from inactivity.
“It sees us,” a Samsung representative said (somewhat creepily) at the device’s London launch event today. The company showed how the phone’s personal assistant software, S Voice, will function similarly to Apple’s Siri virtual assistant.
“The S III is more like a good friend who listens intently and responds quickly,” the rep said. Of course, the fact that Samsung failed to give its assistant app a human-like name is telling. With the iPhone 4S, you talk to Siri. With the Galaxy S III, you talk to S Voice.
Spec-wise, the Galaxy S III features an 8-megapixel rear camera with burst and best-shot modes (similar to HTC’s One series), a huge 2,1000 mAh battery (necessary for that massive screen), NFC, and Bluetooth 4.0. It weighs only 133 grams and is 8.6 millimeters thick. A 3G HSPA+ version of the phone will launch at the end of the month, while a 4G LTE version is coming later this summer. The launch will begin in Europe, followed by Asia, Africa, and Latin America (be prepared to wait for a while, North Amerca).
One interesting feature, dubbed Direct Call, shows the kind of thoughtful design Samsung is going for with the new phone. If you’re texting someone, you can simply hold the phone up to your ear to make a phone call to that number.
The Galaxy S III’s S Beam sharing will allow you to throw movies and music to other phones. S Beam combines NFC technology with Wi-Fi Direct, so you only have to tap another Galaxy S III to share content with it. It can also send content to TVs, as well as make the TVs mirror what’s on your phone’s screen.
It also comes with an attempt at a more naturalistic look and feel.
“For the design and UI of the S III, we tried to recreate the curves of nature,” a Samsung rep said at the event. Samsung also announced a donation to the World Wildlife Fund (I guess that’s one way to give back, after totally ripping off Mother Nature’s design IP). It sports a new version of Samsung’s Android UI tweaks, “TouchWiz Nature UX,” which adds soothing nature sounds. The phone will be available in Marble White or Pebble Blue.
In a bid to improve multitasking on Android, the Galaxy S III has a “Pop up play” feature, which looks like picture-in-picture. It lets you do two things at once, something that wasn’t as feasible with smaller screen sizes.
Gushing about the camera, a Samsung rep said, “this one raises the bar.” The Galaxy S III’s shooter sports zero shutter lag, which means you’ll snap exactly what you see on-screen. The camera app launches in just 990 milliseconds. It has a backside illumination sensor, video stabilization, and can capture still photos while recording video (again, like HTC’s recent crop).
The company is planning pop-up stores to give “thousands” of customers the ability to play with the Galaxy S III.
Friday, 06 April 2012
FRIENDCASTER FOR FACEBOOK UPDATED WITH NEW UI, THEMES AND REAL TIME NOTIFICATIONS!
WE NOW SHARING PREMIUM OR PAID APPS!
Hi All
As from today we will be sharing paid OR premium apps from play.google.com so stay tuned and enjoy.
Sharing is Carrying .
As from today we will be sharing paid OR premium apps from play.google.com so stay tuned and enjoy.
Sharing is Carrying .
Saturday, 24 March 2012
This is the Galaxy S III
The Galaxy S III will use a 12 megapixel camera and a 4.7” Super Amoled HD screen (resolution 720 x 1280)
The screen is ultimate sharp with 313 pixels a inch.
The Galaxy S III will have a 1.5 ghz quad-core processor on board.
The phone size: 131,3 x 63,7 x 8 mm
Other specifications: Codename: GT-I9300
- Size: 131,3 x 63,7 x 8 mm
- Weight 125 grams
- 4.8” Super Amoled HD (313 pixels a inch.) (resolution 720 x 1280)
- 12 megapixel camera with LED
- 1.3 megapixel front camera
- 1.5 GHZ quad-core processor.
- Bluetooth 4.0
- NFC
- Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
- MicroUSB 2.0
- HDMI
- Battery 1750 mAh
- 32GB intern
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Update Galaxy Note to XXLC1, Latest Gingerbread Android 2.3.6 Firmware
If you want to update your Note go here
Theandroidsoul
Theandroidsoul
Monday, 19 March 2012
What is special about the new iPad?
Samsung started a fight agianst Apple about the new iPad.
See below…. Click to view
See below…. Click to view
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Galaxy SIII Spec Updated: Exynos 4412 quadcore processor.
The processor will be built on a 32 nm process, which will be responsible for the increased power efficiency, compared to Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor (which is 40 nm), which will be its direct competitor. Besides being more power efficient, the Exynos 4412 will also have around 26 percent better performance than the Tegra 3 processors. The graphics performance will also be a lot better apparently, though no exact figures were given, so we’ll have to wait and see just how much better the graphics performance will be. The Tegra 3 processor is a powerhouse in itself, so the news that the Exynos will be even faster makes the wait even more exciting.
Other already known and rumored specs of the Galaxy S3 include a 4.8″ HD Super AMOLED Plus screen, a ceramic back for a premium finish (instead of the plastic that Samsung has been using on all their phones till now), and Ice Cream Sandwich with on-screen virtual buttons powering the software. Oh, and not to mention a thin 7 mm profile that should make it one of the thinnest yet powerful devices ever.
There’s still no news on when the Galaxy S3 will be announced, though it’s certainly a possibility that the 2012 Olympic games will be the venue where Samsung announces it. Of course, all we can do is wait and hope that the announcement comes as soon as possible, and also hope that it’s available for purchase soon after (which is what Samsung is aiming for i.e not too much delay between the announcement and availability).
Source Sammobile
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Live Big , Live 120GIGs BIG with 8ta
8ta.com is the way forward, get your Live Big Live 120 Gigs Data Bundles.
The Xperia Sola
The freshly announced Sony Xperia Sola is definitely trying to be a forward-thinking phone. Sony’s packed it full of fun technology like NFC-enabled Xperia SmartTags, a (relatively small, yet actually perfectly proportioned) 3.7-inch Reality Display with a Sony Mobile Bravia Engine, 3D surround sound audio tech, and access to the new Sony Entertainment Network. Oh, and we can’t forget that whole “floating touch” thing.
The idea is that you hover your finger above the screen, “so it acts like a moving cursor” without ever having to actually touch the screen. Then you can highlight and tap links to load the page. I’m not exactly sure about the potential of this, nor the need, but we’ll just wait and see.
The newest Xperia will come in white, red and black color flavors in Q2, and while it’ll ship with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, Sony says it should see ICS by summer. We have no word yet on pricing.
Friday, 09 March 2012
Google Play Store APK Version 3.4.7 Updated
Download link here GPS v3.4.7
if you don't know how to install this click here for Guidance
Wednesday, 07 March 2012
Download Google Play Store APK 3.4.6
Hey there, we know how much you crave the newest verison of the android market app, now know as the Google Play Store App.
Google has already started updating android market on some devices to Google Play Store, but those who can’t wait the OTA update, well, here’s the next best — an APK file of the Google Play Store v3.4.6 (last version of android market was 3.4.4, btw).
How to Install the Google Play Store App 3.4.6
Installing the update manually is simple. You don’t need root, adb or anything, just download and transfer the APK file from above to your phone’s SD Card and use a file manager to browse to it and install. (Don’t forget select the “Unknown sources” check box under applications settings.)
For the newbies, here’s a detailed step by step guide:
- Download the APK file of new Google Play Store App from the above.
- If you downloaded it on PC, transfer it to phone.
- You’ll need a file manager to browse through SD Card. If you don’t have one already, use this file manager (install for free from your current market app, which will soon be Google Play Store (Shop) App.
- Enable “Unknown sources” under Settings » Applications, so that you can install applications from SD Card. If you are on Ice Cream Sandwich, Android 4.0, find it under Settings » Security.
- Open file manager app and go to directly where you transferred the apk file in Step 2.
- Find and tap on the file to begin installation procedure and it will be installed in a minute.
- That’s it.
We think there aren’t any major changes in the Google Play Store v3.4.6, from the earlier Android Market v3.4.4, except for that change in app’s version in settings.
Download APK File of Google Play Books, Google Play Music and Google Play Movies
And here we are, the APK files of latest Google Play apps – Google Play Books, Google Play Music and Google Play Movies — have already been leaked on the internet.
It’s particularly useful for those who cannot install them from the Google Play Store (android market, formerly). You can download these APK files and try installing them on your android phone. Btw, we don’t know the requirements of these apps right now, like whether these are ICS specific or not.
Download and try these apps out and let us know if it works out for you:
Saturday, 03 March 2012
Download XXJVP for Galaxy S GT i9000 – Android 2.3.4 ROM with latest version of Gingerbread
Samsung’s software team continues to impress us. First, they brought the Gingerbread update pretty soon and now they look set to update their Galaxy S phone with the latest version of Android for phone, Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) they have up to 2.3.6, in this post we only going to show you how to upgrade to 2.3.4. This feels so special because we Galaxy S owners has really hard time (read: very long time) getting the Android 2.2 Froyo update on our SGS which had launched with Android 2.1 Éclair.
But that’s past.
Now, we have the latest version of Android available to us. And even if it’s not launched by Samsung to your area, you can download the Android 2.3.4 ROM from link below and install it following the instructions set given below. Thanks Ficeto, who brought the news to us!
Important: Make sure Samsung Kies is installed on your computer for USB drivers.
This guide is applicable only for Samsung’s Galaxy S international version (i9000).
WARNING: The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt if you don’t know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to you or your device, we won’t be held liable. You only will be responsible — you’ve been warned. Okay!
Pre-installation thoughts:
Backup your Apps and important data — bookmarks, contacts, SMS, APNs (internet settings), etc.
How to Install Android 2.3.4 Firmware on Galaxy S GT i9000 (international version):
1. Download the Android 2.3.4 Firmware – XXJVP. Filename: XXJVP-234.ZIP. Size: 247.03 MB. Click here to download
2. Extract the downloaded file XXJVP-234.ZIP to get these 4 files:
1. CODE_I9000XXJVP_CL264642_REV03_user_low_ship.tar.md5
2. GT-I9000-CSC-MULTI-OXAJVP.tar.md5
3. MODEM_I9000XXJVP_REV_00_CL1019177.tar.md5
4. s1_odin_20100512.pit
3. Download Odin3 v1.7.zip click here Download link. Extract the zip file to get Odin3 v1.7.exe.
4. Disconnect your phone if it’s connected to PC. Switch Off your phone. Wait for vibration to confirm complete switch off.
5. Now, put it in Download Mode — press and hold these keys together: Volume_DOWN+Home+Power.
6. Open Odin (from step 3). Connect your phone to PC now. You should get the message “Added! ” under the Odin’s message box.
7. Important, tick the ‘Re-Partition’ checkbox while also keeping ‘Auto Reboot’ & ‘F. Reset Time’ checkboxes ticked. All the 3 checkboxes will be ticked.
8. In Odin, place these files (check out the screenshot given at the top for help):
1. In the PDA box, select this file (from step 2.1) CODE_I9000XXJVP_CL264642_REV03_user_low_ship.tar.md5
2. In the Phone box, select this file (from step 2.3) — MODEM_I9000XXJVP_REV_00_CL1019177.tar.md5
3. In the CSC box, select this file (from step 2.2) — GT-I9000-CSC-MULTI-OXAJVP.tar.md5
4. In the PIT box, select this file (from step 2.4) — s1_odin_20100512.pit
9. Double check everything said in step 7 and 8 above. Your Odin’s window should look real similar to the image at the very top — which is my Odin’s screen while I flashed the XXJVP on my super Galaxy S.
10. Now, hit the START button to let the process begin. When process at Odin finishes your phone will automatically reboot. You can unplug the cable now.
When your phone has restarted, you are on the XXJVP Android 2.3.4 Firmware on your phone. Congrats!
Check your phone’s version here: Press Options -> Settings -> Scroll down and select About Phone Scroll down and check your version.
Source: Theandroidsoul
Friday, 02 March 2012
Galaxy Note 10.1 does make a compelling statement as a tablet
Based on Samsung’s demo at MWC, and reports from people who were present, the Galaxy Note 10.1 does make a compelling statement as a tablet, with some really cool features, especially those that revolve around the the much improved S-pen support and pre-installed apps that bring out your creative side. Given Samsung’s penchant for cutting Edge devices in the high-end Galaxy series, it looks like it has another sales scorcher in the pipeline. Have a look at the goodies this baby comes with:
- Android 4.0 ( Ice Cream Sandwich) with TouchWiz / L!ve Panel UX UI
- 8.9 mm thickness /583 gms
- Weight: 583 gms
- WXGA 1280 x 800 HD resolution
- Processor: 1.4 GHz Dual-core (other details still unavailable)
- System memory: 1 GB RAM
- Battery Capacity: 7000 mAh
- S-Pen optimized input
- GSM / UMTS/ HSDPA+ / HSUPA/ EDGE/ GPRS
- Pre-installed Adobe Ideas and Adobe Photoshop (S-Pen optimized)
- AGPS, Glonass
- Bluetooth: 3.0
- Dual Camera with 720p video capability @ 30 FPS
- and all of the other stuff that a high end Samsung Android device usually comes with
Power-Packed HTC One S
It also features Beats audio, and the same camera hardware, 8 MP Main & 1.3 MP FFC as it’s big brother – the One X. And of course, it will ship with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and HTC Sense 4.0. Like the One X, the One S will also feature the special Image chip which allows for taking better photos. While it will be launched globally, the One S is expected to also hit the US Markets via T-Mobile soon.
HTC One S Features
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC Sense 4.0
- 4.3″ SuperAMOLED display – 540 x 960
- Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon dual-core chip/ 1.5 GHz Krait
- Beats Audio
- 1 GB RAM
- Adreno 225 GPU
- Dual Camera -8 MP Main with AutoFocus and LEDFlash ; 1.3 MP FFC; 1080p video recording
- 16 GB internal storage
- WiFi, HSDPA, DLNA,
- 7.8 mm thickness (impressive again, for such a feature packed phone)
- 1650 mAh battery (again, we wonder why HTC does not include higher capacity batteries with a power device)
HTC One X
The One X includes Beats Audio, not only in HTCs music app, but across all audio functionality. And of course, it will ship with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich along with the much awaited HTC Sense 4.0 overlay. HTC seems to have paid a lot of attention this time in the looks department, and seem to have a winner on their hands.
HTC One X Features
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC Sense 4.0
- 4.7″ SuperIPS LCD2 display – 1280 x 720 covered with Corning Glass
- Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core chip @ 1,5 GHz
- 1 GB RAM
- ULP GE Force GPU
- Dual Camera -8 MP Main with AutoFocus and LEDFlash ; 1.3 MP FFC; 1080p video recording
- 32 GB internal storage
- WiFi, HSDPA, DLNA, Bluetooth 3.0
- 9.3 mm thickness (impressive for such a feature packed phone)
- 1800 mAh battery (again, we wonder why HTC does not include higher capacity batteries with a power device)
Thursday, 01 March 2012
The Sony Xperia P
The Xperia P comes in a sleek, aluminum uni-body design, packing a 4″ LED backlit display with qHD 540 x 960 res , and powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor. The device also features Sony’s proprietary WhiteMagic technology, which adds an additional layer of white pixels to the regular RGB layout of the LCD to enhance the brightness, contrast and daylight visibility levels. Like the Xperia S, this one would also ship with Android 2.3.5, but will receive a bump to Android 4,0 in due course.
Sony Xperia P features
- Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread with Timescape
- 4″ LED backlit qHD display – 540 x 960
- Sony WhiteMagic Technology
- STE-U8500 dual-core 1 GHz
- DB8500 GPU
- 16 GB internal storage
- 1 GB RAM
- 8 MP Camera with LED Flash and auto-focus | 1080p video capture @ 30fps
- HSDPA, HSUPA, WiFi b/g/n, DLNA
- Sony Mobile Bravia Engine
- WiFi, HSDPA, DLNA, Bluetooth
- 1305 mAh battery
Sony Xperia U
The Xperia U will also ship with Android 2.3.5,and the Timescape UI, like the S & P, but Sony has planned an upgrade to Android 4.0 in the future. The handset also features Xloud sound processing technoloy, which is a proprietary 3d surround sound technology by Sony. The Xperia U also comes with the transparent bar design as does the S & P. But in this case, the bottom part of the bar automatically changes colors to match the content of your screen. Plus, you can also swap the cap on the bottom with a different colored one, and customize the look of the Xperia U as per your mood.
Sony Xperia U Features
- Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread with Timescape
- 3.5″ LED backlit display – 480 x 854
- STE-U8500 dual-core 1 GHz
- DB8500 GPU
- 4 GB internal storage
- 512 MB RAM
- 5 MP Camera with LED Flash and auto-focus | 720p video capture @ 30fps
- HSDPA, HSUPA, WiFi b/g/n, DLNA
- Sony Mobile Bravia Engine
- Xlound Sound Processing technology
- WiFi, HSDPA, DLNA, Bluetooth
- 1320 mAh battery
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Twitter Brings Advertising to Mobile
Twitter is bringing more of its Promoted Products to its apps for Android, iPhone and the mobile web.
The short-messaging service announced Tuesday that it has updated its iPhone and Android apps to display Promoted Accounts.
Promoted Tweets in the timeline (pictured) will be introduced “in the coming weeks,” Twitter said in a blog post. Some of those Promoted Tweets may appear at the top of users’ timelines from brand they already follow, the company added by way of warning.
Twitter was careful to note that as users scroll down their timelines, Promoted Tweets will flow with them. Users complained loudly when Twitter rolled out the “Quick Bar” — more commonly referred to as the “dickbar” — last March. The bar hovered at the top of screens as users scrolled, prominently displaying a rotating list of trends, including those paid for by sponsors. The Quick Bar was removed within a month of its release. The new version of Promoted Tweets for mobile appears to be Twitter’s more user-friendly compromise.
Advertising accounts for the bulk of Twitter’s revenues. The company generated $139.5 million in ad sales in 2011, according to estimates from eMarketer. Ad revenues are expected to grow 86.3% to $259.9 million this year.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Huawei first 10-inch quad-core tablet MediaPad 10 FHD
No question about it this is coming to South Africa, Huawei, the Chinese handset maker, has announced a 10 inch tablet powered by a quad core processor, at the Mobile World Congress 2012. Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD, has a Huawei 1.5 GHz quad core processor, Google Android 4.0 OS and a 10 inch IPS high definition display screen.
Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei Device. "We have created the Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD to excel in all of the entertainment capabilities including speed, power, web browsing, high definition display and audio, and we have packaged it all in a compact and portable body."
The tablet runs a Huawei proprietary 1.5 GHz K3 quad core processor with embedded graphics processor. This Huawei processor is also making its debut with this tablet.
Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD enables high speed wireless access of up to 84 Mbps HSPA+, while at the same time supporting a number of network standards including LTE.
Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD will be available globally April this year.
Samsung To Kill Text Massages With ChatON Messaging Client
Samsung is quietly killing text messages. The company’s cross-platform messaging app launched last October on the Android Market and then came to the App Store in January. But Samsung is looking to replace text messaging on more than just Android and iOS devices. It wants to kill text messages dead and just released a web version of the messaging client that should work on most feature phones and computers.
This wide-scale launch has been in the pipeline the whole time. Samsung made it very clear when it announced ChatON that it will be a cross-platform service. Now, with the web app, the crusade is seemingly complete. ChatON users can easily communicate using either their platform’s app or just a web browser. Accounts are linked, so no matter what device you’re rocking, you’ll be available. See ya later, text messages!
ChatON supports a variety of features. On feature phones, the service allows for text, images, calendar appointment and contact sharing. But on smartphones, users have a few extra options, such as the ability to comment on each other’s profiles, send multimedia messages that combine text and audio, and view their own “Interaction Rank,” which displays how active they are on the ChatOn network.
The new web-based app allows users to group chat, have 1:1 conversations, and supports attachments, emoticons and more.
Carriers are reportedly losing major revenue from services like ChatON that use a data connection rather than traditional messaging rates. Plus, while text messages are essentially locked into a 2003-ish feature set, apps like Samsung’s ChatOn and Apple’s Messages are free to roll out innovative features to users anytime. I say good riddance. Death to SMS and it’s crazy cost
Source: Techcrunch
Something to talk about, something to have, something beautiful!
I was browsing Android Market i came across this beautiful Nova Launcher Free and Prime cost only ZAR30.40, pity is available for Android ICS 4.0 and up. I know most of South Africans are still running Gingerbread version 2.3.3, if you want your Smart phone updated to the latest version of Gingerbread, keep on reading our articles, we are here to help you experience smart phones without limits.
What to expect on this version of Nova Launcher Prime.
Features include:
Custom Grid
Configure the rows and columns to fit all your app and widget needs.
Scrollable Dock
Keep all your favorite apps on the dock, with up to 7 icons per page and up to 3 pages.
Scroll Effects
Enjoy eye candy when scrolling your desktop and drawer. Effects include Cube and Cardstack and more for Prime users.
Infinite Scroll
Never be far from your favorite page, loop through your desktop continuously.
Folder Icons
You can chose a background, preview style or even replace the whole icon.
Backup/Restore
Export your settings and layout before a wipe to quickly get back up and running.
Nova Launcher Prime Features (Paid version)
Gestures
Quickly start Nova Actions or Apps from gestures on the desktop, such as pinching, swiping or two-finger swiping.
Hide Apps
Keep a clutter free drawer by hidding never used apps.
Dock Swipes
Get more use out of your dock apps by setting swipe-actions
Amazing stuff right here!!!
Get it here for free Android Market
Monday, 27 February 2012
MWC: 1.5GHz, 4.8-inch 1080p Display, The Samsung Galaxy S III?
A 2MP resides in the front bezel while an 8MP is embedded around back. BGR doesn’t state the target carrier(s) but the phone will rock a 4G LTE radio. An unconfirmed rendering is pictured up top.
The case is reportedly made out of ceramic, which in a world of plastic and aluminum, is a fun change of pace. Ceramic feels great to the touch, can be very durable and since it’s comprised of mostly baked mud, it’s better for the environment. Plus, with ceramic, Apple can’t claim Samsung copied any of its products.I give it 9/10 rating. what do you think?
MWC: The GNote 10.1 takes things a big further by throwing in a more traditional desktop experience.
Spec-wise, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is running on a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, has an 800x1280 resolution and options for 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage space. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and is powered by a 7,000 mAh battery. stay tuned more to come.
The only official Microsoft mobile app for Hotmail is updated and now support ICS.
Key features include:
- With push email get messages on your phone without delay
- Synced calendar and contacts
- View your folders in Hotmail, including sub folders
- Send pictures from your phone using Hotmail
- Supports multiple Hotmail accounts
- Send, receive and view attachments
Donwload it from android market: Hotmail app
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Canonical Announces Ubuntu for Android
Canonical’s Ubuntu TV, unveiled earlier this year, was the first in a series of announcements about “Ubuntu on devices”. The next device in Canonical’s multi-screen strategy for world domination is being unveiled next week at Mobile World Congress 2012, and it’s an Android-powered smartphone. It’s not entirely what you might think, though.
This is not an Ubuntu app running atop Android. Nor is it an all-Ubuntu device running an Android emulator. Rather, Ubuntu for Android it the full Ubuntu desktop running side-by-side with Android on a shared kernel that provides context appropriate access to all your content. When out and about, the phone operates as any other Android-powered phone; but when you slip the device into a dock connected to a monitor, keyboard and mouse you get the familiar Ubuntu desktop experience.
I admit that I think this is pretty novel. It’s not an Asus Transformer trying to play both sides of the smartphone / laptop experience with a single OS. Instead, it’s something completely new that’s trying to leverage the right interface and experience for the right context. It’s a phone in most senses, but only activates the Ubuntu desktop when connected to peripherals that benefit from them.
What’s this good for? I asked Jane Silber, Canonical’s CEO, that question. The most immediate use case is enterprise users: people who carry a smartphone and a laptop. Ubuntu for Android would allow many mobile professionals to reduce to a single device. Average users would benefit from this convergence, too. According to Silber this allows “the right experience on the right form factor.”
What are the benefits of this Android/Ubuntu hybrid? Data consolidation, for one. You don’t need to duplicate your address book, or even synchronize it: whether you’re looking for a number to call from the Android phone app, or looking for an email from the Ubuntu email app, both programs are interrogating the same single address book. The same holds true for documents, media, and any other content stored on the device.
Another neat trick: if you connect your Ubuntu for Android device to a television via HDMI you don’t get the Ubuntu desktop: you get the Ubuntu TV interface. You can browse media on your phone or access online content as you would with any Ubuntu TV appliance.
Ultimately, says Silber, this hybrid approach reduces the mental “context shifts” required by using multiple independent devices. When your Ubuntu for Android device is docked and you’re composing emails, you can still send and receive texts and phone calls — and, indeed, access and launch all the Android apps on your phone — meaning that you don’t need to move away from your laptop to pick up and use your phone. You simply mouse over to the incoming call indicator and select the action you desire: take the call, hang up, whatever. Efficiency, for the win!
When I asked Silber how long it would be until they kick Android to the curb and release an all-Ubuntu phone, she simply said “We’re not going to be announcing that at MWC 2012.”
As with the Ubuntu TV, Canonical won’t be unveiling a completed product ready for purchase next week. They’re showcasing the technology they’ve developed and are looking for hardware partners.
Samsung Galaxy Beam official, with Gingerbread and 15 lumen pico projector
Samsung is putting out press releases this evening, and to start with we have the all new Galaxy Beam. The Beam runs Gingerbread on a dual-core 1GHz CPU, a 4-inch WVGA screen, 8GB internal storage and a 15 lumen pico projector that will crank out an HD image up to 50-inches wide. It's worth noting the official product specifications list the Beam as having 6GB of RAM, but we're sure that's simply a typo. We'll verify with Samsung while we're talking to them in Barcelona. Hit the jump for the press release.
Samsung’s projector smartphone offers unforgettable shared experience for playing multimedia content anytime, anywhere
Barcelona – February 26, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today introduced Samsung GALAXY Beam, the projector smartphone that allows users to display and share multimedia content anywhere on a large luminous projector screen.
GALAXY Beam lets users spontaneously share photos, videos or other digital media with family or friends by beaming content stored on the device directly onto walls, ceilings or improvised flat surfaces, so that everyone can share the fun without the need to huddle around smartphone or pad-sized screens. GALAXY Beam’s ultra-bright 15 lumens projector allows users to freely share life’s memorable moments instantly and in crisp clarity, even in outdoor environments.
“GALAXY Beam provides mobile freedom, enabling a unique shared experience around digital content for everyone—anywhere and instantly—from a smartphone as slim and portable as any on the market,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.
“GALAXY Beam is a device borne out of Samsung’s insight and innovation, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to providing extraordinary experiences for consumers with products that let them express and fulfill themselves.”
Video clips, maps, business information, games - a whole range of multimedia content can be beamed instantly by GALAXY Beam on a crisp, high-definition projection up to 50’’ wide. The device features a projector-dedicated application which makes it easy to select content and activate projection in a few simple steps.
Add a dose of ambience or entertainment to a friends’ gathering by transforming any household room or outdoor deck into an instant mini home-theater, projecting full-screen video clips on a ceiling or wall for common sharing, at the touch of a button. Or capture your favorite holiday moments using the GALAXY Beam’s 5MP camera, then display a full photo slideshow to family members on a dining room wall while playing accompanying music straight from the device, so that everyone shares the experience.
For young users who depend on constant, immediate socializing of digital content and entertainment, GALAXY Beam introduces a new way of sharing. It becomes much more than a phone—a handy digital tool, deployable anywhere, which can add visual entertainment to a simple street gathering, set the mood for a small party, or simply turn life’s moments into something personally and immediately sharable. With GALAXY Beam, a birthday or anniversary party can be enlivened in seconds by sharing YouTube or Hulu music videos straight onto a ceiling or door. Likewise, students can collectively share videos or study-work in any dormitory room or student lounge, turning group study into a whole new interactive experience right from a desk table or from the palm of their hands. GALAXY Beam is also ideal for action-packed interactive gaming: Users can upload their own games or choose from over 1,000 games available via Game Hub, Samsung’s dedicated virtual gaming store, then project games to co-players or observers to turn gaming into an unbeatably interactive, shared experience. Additionally, GALAXY Beam is convenient tool for mid-sized business workers. An estate agent can beam images of candidate properties to customers as they tour them; or an architect can display draft concepts or designs to co-workers on the spot at a building site or public location.
Despite featuring a full built-in projector, the GALAXY Beam does not compromise on style or portability, measuring just 12.5mm thick and featuring an elegant, ergonomic design. It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread which is powered by an impressive 1.0GHz dual-core processor, ensuring great versatility and a highly responsive user interface. An impressive 8GB of internal memory allows ample multimedia storage without compromises, and a powerful 2000 mAh battery ensures greater display power and content freedom.
The GALAXY Beam is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com.
Samsung announces Ice Cream Sandwich powered Galaxy Tab 2 in a 10.1 version
Samsung has announced the Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) this evening, to go along with it's 7-inch sibling.
The Tab 2 (10.1) has a 1280x800 display, a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and runs Ice Cream Sandwich. Unlike it's predecessor, it also comes with a slot for an external SDcard. Coming in both 16GB and 32GB versions, in both a wifi and HSPA+ 21 configuration.
TouchWiz is also on board, as is a healthy 7,000mAh battery. No word on pricing, but Samsung says this one will go on sale this March in the UK.
Source: Samsung
Samsung's new GALAXY Tab 2 series offers optimal multimedia experiences in life
Samsung introduces its first line-up of tablets for 2012 with the launch of the GALAXY Tab 2 series, expanding the choice of tablets to customers. The GALAXY Tab 2 series includes a 7" version and a 10.1" version. Starting from UK, the GALAXY Tab 2 series will be launched in global market from March.
The GALAXY Tab 2 series is available in 3G and WiFi versions, as well as in 7" and 10.1" variants. Light and portable, the GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) is the ideal personal on-the-go device; while the larger GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) is well-suited for home and family use.
Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) Product Specifications
- Network: HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
- Processor: 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
- Display: 7" WSVGA(1024x600) PLS TFT
- OS: Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich)
- Camera: Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera
- Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call
- Video Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8
- Video Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM
- Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps
- Audio codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG
- Music Player with SoundAlive
- 3.5mm Ear Jack
- Value-added Features
- Samsung TouchWiz/ Samsung L!ve Panel
- Samsung Apps
- Samsung Hub - Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
- Samsung Hub Widget - Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
- Samsung S Suggest (App recommendation service)
- Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
- Samsung AllShare Play
- Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air
- GoogleTM Mobile Services - Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™, Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋
- Polaris document editor
- A-GPS, Glonass
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth technology v 3.0
- USB 2.0 Host
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
- Sensor: Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light, Proximity( Available on 3G version only)
- Memory: 8/16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB)
- Dimension: 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm, 345g
- Battery: Standard battery, Li-ion 4,000mAh
＊ Availability and launching time of the services may differ by region.
＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) Product Specifications
- Network: HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
- Processor: 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
- Display: 10.1" WXGA(1280x800) PLS TFT
- OS: Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich)
- Camera: Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call
- Video codec: MPEG4, H.264. H.263, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8
- Video format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM
- Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps
- Audio codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG
- Music Player with SoundAlive
- 3.5mm Ear Jack
- Value-added Features
- Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel
- Samsung Apps
- Samsung Hub - Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
- Samsung Hub Widget - Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
- Samsung S Suggest (App recommendation service)
- Samsung ChatON mobile communication servicea
- Samsung AllShare Play
- Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air
- GoogleTM Mobile Services - Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™, Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋
- Polaris document editor
- A-GPS, Glonass
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth technology v 3.0
- USB 2.0 Host
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
- Sensor: Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light
- Memory: 16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB)
- Dimension: 256.6 x 175.3 x 9.7 mm , 588g
- Battery: Standard battery, Li-ion 7,000 mAh
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