Friday, 2 August 2013

Latest Android distribution numbers show continued growth for Jelly Bean but Gingerbread is still holding on


Google_Distribution_Numbers_August_01_2013
It’s that time of the month again!! This is when we find out how badly Android is fragmented. According to Google, Jelly Bean is on about 40.5% devices, up from 37.9% the previous month. If you look at Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean combined, the total is at 63.1%, up from 61.3% last month.
I know a lot people seem to get excited how great this is, but seriously folks. Ice Cream Sandwich debuted in October of 2011 and Jelly Bean debuted last June 2012. I’m sorry, this is nothing to get excited about. In fact, Gingerbread, which was announced in November 2010, is still on 33.1% of devices.
The good news is that Android device sales continue to rock & roll while Tim Cook keeps arguing about fragmentation. Translation – nobody cares.
source: Google

Thursday, 1 August 2013

Hands on with the Moto X


Moto_X_Green_TA
After many months of speculation and leaks, we finally got our hands on the Moto X. It’s being touted as the phone that Responds To You, is Made For You, and is Designed By You. Motorola and Google really felt that smartphones today are powerful, but unfortunately not all that smart. They set out to create something different and I think they nailed it.
The processor is scaring away the hardcores, but this phone is plenty fast. The x8 mobile computing system may include a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, but it’s so much more. With the included quad-core Adreno 32p GPU, and two additional cores for natural language and contextual processing, the Moto X is going to give you solid performance in not only speed, but battery life. Speaking of battery, it’s has 2,200mAh, which doesn’t sound like much, but it will give you 24 hours of use.
On top of that, you get an amazing camera with Clear Pixel technology and the ability to search, set a reminder, set your alarm, call someone, and open apps, and so much more without every touching the device. It’s time to finally see the Moto X in action. Hit the break to check it out.


Moto X specs finally confirmed at Motorola event in NYC


MotoX
It feels like we’ve been waiting forever, and now we finally know pretty much everything there is to know about the Moto X. All four major carriers will have the Moto X, customization will be a major selling point, and the software enhancements are out of this world. Release is set for late-August/early-September, and will cost $199 for the 16GB version, and $250 for the 32GB version. (Both on-contract.) The 32GB version will only be available online when using the MotoMaker.
Here’s a summary of the specs.
  • 4.7″ HD 720p display
  • 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor
  • Moto X8 Computing System
  • Adreno 320 GPU
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 10MP back-facing camera
  • 2MP front-facing camera
  • 16GB and 32GB storage options
  • Android 4.2.2
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • 2,200mAh battery
  • NFC
  • Weight – 320 grams
Find the complete specs list provided by Motorola after the break. 
Here are the specs that we had confirmed today:
  • Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
  • System Architecture: Motorola X8 Computing System with Snapdragon S4 Pro (1.7 GHz Dual-Core Krait CPU, a quad-core Adreno 320 GPU), a natural language processor, and a contextual computing processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • Weight: 130 grams
  • Dimensions: Width: 65.3 / Height: 129.3 / Curve: 5.6-10.4mm
  • Display: 4.7″ AMOLED (RGB) / HD 720p (720 x 1280) with Active Display / 316 ppi
  • Battery: 2200 mAh
  • Mixed Usage Time: Up to 24 hours
  • Talk Time: Up to 13 hours
  • Bands/Modes: GSM/GPRS/EDGE UMTS/HSPA+ up to 42 Mbps, CDMA/EVDO Rev. A (CDMA model only), 4G LTE
  • Rear Camera-: 10MP Clear Pixel (RGBC)- Quick Capture, LED flash, 1080p HD video, 4X digital zoom, slow motion video, burst mode, auto HDR, panorama, tap to focus
  • Front Camera: 2MP + 1080p HD video
  • Memory: 16 GB standard, 32 GB version available online. 2 years 50 GB storage free on Google Drive (total of 65 GB)
  • Connectivity: 3.5 mm, USB 2.0 HS, Miracast Wireless Display, NFC
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth Version 4.9 LE+EDR
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11a/g/b/n and ac modes with dual band antenna system
  • Audio Playback: AAC, AAC+, AAC+ Enhanced, AMR NB, AMR WB, MIDI, MP3, PCM, WAV, WMA (v2, v7, v8, v9, v10), FLAC, QCELP, EVRC, OCC/Vorbis all enhanced with virtual sound technology
  • Video Playback: 1080p HD Video, H.263, H.264, MPEG4, VC-1, VP8
  • Video Capture: 1080p HD Video, MPEG4, H.264
  • Location Services: aGPS (assisted), AGPS (autonomous), sGPS (simultaneous), Standalone GPS, eCompass, GLONASS
  • Touchless Control Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
  • Base Colors: Woven Black or Woven White (does not include customization colors)

Motorola releases first commercials for new Moto X to YouTube


moto_x_always_ready_video
With the Moto X official announcement complete, Motorola has released a couple videos on YouTube to showcase some of the new features of the device. The first video is titled “Moto X – Always Ready” and demonstrates the touchless, voice activation features of the device, which appears to rely heavily on Google Now. The second video is titled “Moto X – Quick Draw” and highlights some of the camera functions of the Moto X, especially the ability to quickly access the camera with the flick of the wrist.
Both videos also give a little taste of all the customization features available to buyers of the Moto X. Hit the break to view the videos.
Moto X – Always Ready
Moto X – Quick Draw

Moto X officially unveiled


Motorola_X_Logo
Motorola finally made official one of the most buzz generating phones of the summer months, the Moto X. Built in the US, the Moto X will be available in the U.S. through AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and major retailers like Best Buy with a suggested retail price of $199 with a new two-year agreement.
One of the benefits of the Moto X that many have been looking forward to are the customization options. According to Motorola, there will be more than 2,000 possible combinations available to buyers who use the online Moto Maker studio to choose colors, accents, memory, and wallpapers. The Moto X will come equipped with Touchless Control so you can access certain functions via voice and notifications will just appear on the screen as opposed to blinking a light to prompt users for further action.
We will have plenty more, including some hands-on video, coming shortly. You can read the full press release after the break.
Moto X. All Yours.
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Aug. 1, 2013 – People want choice. The choice to design their own phones. The choice to control their phones by voice when their hands are occupied. The choice to have their phones assembled in America.
Moto X offers you that choice. It’s designed by you, responds to you and is made for you by Motorola, a Google company. Once you turn it on, it’s all yours. And every Moto X sold in the USA is assembled right here in the USA.
With the best of Google services baked in, Moto X helps you get everyday tasks done quickly and with less fuss. But it’s also designed to sip battery, not chug it, so it will go all day and into the night.
Responds to You
Moto X is ready when you are. It responds to your voice – no touching necessary. With Touchless Control you can check the weather, get directions, or do just about anything without lifting a finger. Moto X doesn’t guess like other phones do. It knows.
With Active Display, Moto X keeps the information you need to know at your fingertips. Instead of a constantly blinking light, important information quietly appears on the screen. It doesn’t interrupt. You don’t have to wake it up to look at the time or see your messages. Before you know it, that constant itch to check your phone will be gone forever.
Need to capture that perfect moment before it’s gone? All it takes is two quick twists of your wrist and Moto X’s Quick Capture camera is ready to shoot. Touch anywhere on the screen and you’ll get just the shot you want. Its high-quality sensor can capture the darkest scenes or stop motion blur in bright light. You’ll see the difference in every shot.
And all of this is battery-friendly, so Moto X is ready to respond all day long.
Designed by You
Your Moto X is truly yours, because you design it. Through our online studio, Moto Maker, you choose the colors, and decide on the details: front, back, accents, memory, wallpapers, even add a name or a short message. When you’re done, we assemble your Moto X right here in the USA and ship it to you for free in 4 days or less*.
Choose from more than 2,000 possible combinations, with more to come. We’ll be constantly exploring new offerings, such as real wood backs, starting later in the year. Still love the classics? You can choose an eye-catching woven black or woven white model right in the store (see below for more info on availability).
We’re pretty sure you’ll love your Moto X, but if for some reason you don’t, you can redesign or return it within 14 days**, no problem.
Made for You
Moto X has a unique curved back, designed to fit your hand comfortably, along with a 4.7-inch screen that makes it easy to operate with only one hand — when you want to use your hands that is. 
Plus, no one has ever assembled a smartphone in the US before. We think it’s about time. Each Moto X sold in the US is individually assembled in Ft. Worth, Texas. Doing this in the US means you can design a custom phone online and have it delivered right to your doorstep in just a few days.
You Are What You Wear
We’ve partnered with the most innovative brands in the world including SOL REPUBLIC to create an ecosystem of accessories for your Moto X. We call it M4DE Motorola™. These include headphones, speakers, cases, docks and more.
You can even match your headphones to your Moto X. They come in all the same custom colors of the phone, in two different styles. On your ears: SOL Tracks HD headset with a V8 sound engine that has deep base and high quality. In your ears: SOL JAX earbuds with controls for calls and music, plus free ear tips for life.
Where to Get It
Moto X will be available in the US, Canada and Latin America starting in late August/early September.
In the US, woven black and woven white models will be available at AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless and at national retailers including Best Buy stores with a suggested retail price of $199 with a new two-year agreement. Additionally, it will be available on all carriers, including T-Mobile, at Motorola.com.
Visit motorola.com to sign-up for more details about Moto Maker, which will first be available for AT&T users. And, coming soon to Best Buy.
You’ll hear from our carrier partners around the globe regarding exact pricing and availability.
*Subject to parts availability
**California residents will have 30 days to return
About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, owned by Google, creates smartphones, tablets and wireless accessories that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. For more information visit motorola.com/mobility.
Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. All features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. Contact your service provider for details.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Google is a trademark of Google, Inc. All other trademarks the property of their respective owners.  © 2013 Motorola Mobility LLC. All rights reserved.

Blackberry Messenger for Android enters beta-testing stage, screenshots leak


BBM_Android
BBM was originally rumored to hit Android devices by June 27— however, the app looks to be on pace to arrive by the end of the summer, as rumors are coming in reporting that BBM for Android is in beta-testing among a small group of users.
Adam Zeis from Crackberry reported on the matter:
Invitations have gone out for BBM for Android but we’re not sure what the status is with iOS. There were no real details provided with the invites aside from needed at least ICS to run the app … We’ll most likely see more on the actual app very soon now that it’s out in the open so don’t worry too much.
A few images of the app have leaked online which show the new UI— pictures include a sign-in screen, a chats screen, and a menu screen which looks a lot like Blackberry Hub from BB10. Check out the leaked screenshots after the break.
BBM1

BBM2

BBM3
We doubt that this app will gain a lot of traction in the Android world, especially among our readers, but how many of you are looking forward to the arrival of the BBM app?
Via: Android CentralSource: BGR

Sony sales numbers up 30% from last year, ships 9.6 million Xperia units in Q2 2013


XPERIA_Graph
While HTC’s sales number continue to disappoint, Sony’s growth has continued, as the company posted its quarterly results for the three months leading up to June 30th. They recorded a loss in Q2 2012, but this year, things were different, as the company posted a $35 million net profit, shipping 9.6 million Xperia units in the quarter.
Their Mobile Products and Communication division saw a 36% increase in sales, hitting the $3.9 billion mark. Things look to be good for Sony for the short term, at least. We’ll see if they can sustain these numbers throughout this quarter and beyond.
Source: Xperia Blog