New Technology Reviews!.: smartphones

FCC wants GPS connectivity in all phones by 2018

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<img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-90930 aligncenter" height="117" mce_src="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6084/fccgps.jpg" src="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6084/fccgps.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" title="fcc-gps" width="234" />The idea of having a phone which does not have GPS connectivity might be rather mind boggling to some – considering how comfortable we’ve become with our smartphones that have everything but the kitchen sink these days. Well, the FCC has our best interests at heart always, hence their intention to make it compulsory to include GPS connectivity in all phones by the time 2018 rolls around.</div>
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FCC wants GPS connectivity in all phones by 2018

The idea of having a phone which does not have GPS connectivity might be rather mind boggling to some – considering how comfortable we’v...

Samsung Galaxy R Enters the U.S Market

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<img alt="samsung-galaxy-r" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-83770" height="245" mce_src="http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9948/samsunggalaxyr01.jpg" src="http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9948/samsunggalaxyr01.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" title="samsung-galaxy-r--01" width="281" />We have known for some time that the Samsung Galaxy R would be powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip, as it has already been demonstrated in video and widely leaked on the web.  Today, it is officially announced to the U.S market, even if the fine details are still a bit scarce: because it runs with Tegra 2, we pretty much know its capabilities, which should be similar to other Tegra 2 phones. This means 1080p video playback (5Mbps) , 720p recording and great gaming performance.</div>
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Samsung Galaxy R Enters the U.S Market

We have known for some time that the Samsung Galaxy R would be powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip, as it has already been demonstrated in...

Microsoft to add NFC to Windows Phone smartphones

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Hands%20on%20pictures/Samsung/Samsung%20Galaxy%20S2/Samsung_Galaxy_S2_review_22-200-200.jpg"> Microsoft has teased that it is to add NFC compatibility to a future version of its Windows Phone software. Google has already added NFC to Android 2.3 and it looks like Microsoft is following a similar route with its smartphone portfolio. According to Bloomberg, Microsoft will be looking to put the technology – which allows you to make payments with your phone – into the chassis specification for its upcoming Windows Phone handsets. Nokia has already announced that NFC will be in its Symbian handsets this year and Motorola exclusively told TechRadar that it is looking to add the tech to its handsets, even though there is a premium that goes with the implementation of NFC. Samsung has followed suit with the Galaxy S2 and the Wave 578, and has already offered NFC support for its Bada smartphones. NFC implementation There is something of a buzz around NFC technology at the moment. Alongside Microsoft, MasterCard has said it has teamed with digital security firm Gemalto so it can add NFC to SIM cards – the cards are set to be called MasterCard PayPass SIM card. The introduction of NFC into Windows Phone handsets is likely to come in a software update later in the year. Microsoft is currently rolling out its latest update. Called NoDo, it adds features like cut and paste to Windows Phone 7. <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/oW5LT1kYqrI/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A>

Microsoft to add NFC to Windows Phone smartphones

Microsoft has teased that it is to add NFC compatibility to a future version of its Windows Phone software. Google has already added NFC to ...

What to Get for my Android Phone or Tablet: 2010 Holiday Gifts Edition

<a href="http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/androidcommunityuserguide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21398" height="331" src="http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/androidcommunityuserguide1.jpg" title="androidcommunityuserguide1" width="540" /></a> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SO it’s nearing the end of 2010 and you’ve either just got an Android phone for a gift OR you’ve decided to spend that sweet holiday cash on that sweet Google smartphone you’ve had your eye on – what do you do next? I mean, you’ve got it, and you’re looking around on it and you see some pre-installed apps and you’ve maybe seen what they can do, you’ve gone to the Android Market and you’ve glanced around and maybe downloaded a top free app or two… but now what? Let us show you the way with this seasons must-do list. 
 
 
 
 
 
1. PHYSICAL CARE: After you’ve taken a look at your phone, carried it around for a few days, seen how well it fares in your pocket, be sure to take a look over the device to see if it’s got scratches, dings, or any sign of wear. If there ARE signs that the device isn’t going to survive the keys, coins, and other metal objects in your chosen phone carrier (pants, purse, etc,) consider grabbing a case. Especially if this is your first smartphone, you may be unused to protecting your phone beyond the obvious no-dunking-in-water method. If you’ve just invested $100+ in a phone that has our favorite pal Android inside, you’d be smart to toss a few more bucks in just to make sure your lovely will fare well through the new year. 
 
2. ESSENTIAL APPS: Let me right now let you in on the apps I always download very first: Advanced Task Killer, Google Maps, Compass, Google Sky Map, Barcode Scanner, Metal Ball, and QR Droid. All of these apps are TOTALLY FREE. Lets go through them each in a nutshell here: 
 
<ul><li>Advanced Task Killer There is no quicker and easier way for you to close all the applications you’ve got running. You’re probably aware from using your home computer that when you’ve got too many things open at once, things start to run slower. The same thing is true here on your new phone. With Advanced Task killer you’re given a list of the things you’ve got open, all you’ve got to do is select the ones you’re not using and press a button to close them. 
</li>
<li>Google Maps The very best map system in the world if you ask me, constantly updated and working best on your Android-based phone. Why? Because Android IS Google, working in close collaboration on how to best bring you live maps and navigation from your phone. 
</li>
<li>Compass As simple as the title implies, opening this app brings up a live working compass that’ll lead you straight outta the forest. 
</li>
<li>Google Sky Map Open this app and point your phone up to the sky. See all those constellations of stars? They’re actually up there, your phone now acting as a map so you can tell what you’re seeing in the night sky. Coolest feature? Time travel – allowing you to see what was up there hundreds of years ago. 
</li>
<li>Barcode Scanner Use this to scan any barcode from any product you’ve got in front of you to find results (like prices) from different sources. Good use: bring this to a rummage sale to see if the $5 pricetag on that book is actually worth it, or if you’ll be able to get it cheaper online. 
</li>
<li>QR Droid Your one-stop <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code" target="other">QR Code</a> decoder and encoder. If you have no idea what a QR Code is or cant remember a single time you’ve ever seen one, don’t bother downloading this. If you want to be cool and part of the future, feel free! 
</li>
<li>Metal Ball This app is as simple as they come – all it consists of is a metal ball that rolls around on your phone in a box. When it hits the side, it makes your phone shake as if it were real. This app is like a gateway drug, making you want to explore all that’s possible with your phone in the future.</li>
</ul> 
3. ADDITIONAL APPS: After you’ve checked these out, you’ll want to keep downloadin! Where can you get tips on all the sweet new apps as they come out? Why, <a href="http://slashapps.com/" target="other">SlashApps</a> of course! Grab a review, download at your leisure, or join in on the fun and add your own feedback! 
 
4. HELP: As you continue on your Android journey, certainly some questions will pop up in your mind. As they do, you can find a heaping helping of fun right here with us! For all your simple-to-advanced questions, feel free to ask in our Android Community Forums – a friendly place where everyone will greet you with quick answers and handshakes. 
 
5. HACKS: Inevitably, you’ll find yourself wondering if there’s anything you can do thats against the system. What’s possible with this machine that the manufacturer and sales team never intended? For that, there’s a plethora of hacks. Take a look through our hacking archive to see what’s REALLY possible with your handheld device. 
 
6. UPDATES: Finally, of course, there’s always updates as they happen. For all the news and fun tips as they are revealed to the world, on the spot and up to date, stick with us! Android Community is your friendly neighborhood group dedicated to bringing you the latest and most essential Android bits right to your eyeballs.

What to Get for my Android Phone or Tablet: 2010 Holiday Gifts Edition

SO it’s nearing the end of 2010 and you’ve either just got an Android phone for a gift OR you’ve decided to spend that swe...

US Army Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications program putting smartphones in soldiers' hands this February

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1A0N6Mkfi5kGl73tsO4Ay-6vVpCXCd4em87R2SyEbyWWIRx0cKoBKW7CNJqZclpU0IiFr3ugG-fb7wVrIlXnY086SJducPxr3bdEAt3im-zMteq11d_xw62lYNEJp_j-yDVU1Y_q2uo/s1600/101214-droid-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1A0N6Mkfi5kGl73tsO4Ay-6vVpCXCd4em87R2SyEbyWWIRx0cKoBKW7CNJqZclpU0IiFr3ugG-fb7wVrIlXnY086SJducPxr3bdEAt3im-zMteq11d_xw62lYNEJp_j-yDVU1Y_q2uo/s320/101214-droid-01.jpg" width="320"></a></div> 
Earlier this year, DARPA put out RFIs with an eye on developing military apps and an app store for iOS and Android, and now the US Army's Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications (CSDA) program will put handsets, network equipment, and other equipment including tablets, e-readers, and pico projectors into the hands of the First Army Brigade this February.

US Army Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications program putting smartphones in soldiers' hands this February

Earlier this year, DARPA put out RFIs with an eye on developing military apps and an app store for iOS and Android, and now the US Army...

Intel pins hopes on smartphones in 2011

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/images/intel-ceo-paul-otellini-200-200.jpg"> Intel is pinning its hopes on the tablet PC and smartphone markets in 2011, hoping to sell more of its chips to phone and slate computer manufacturers next year. Intel hopes to follow the success of Apple and Google in the mobile and tablet PC markets. Laptops, tablets, smartphones "The consumer (tablet) products will roll out over the first half of next year," Chief Executive Paul Otellini told analysts this week. Otellini outlined that tablet manufacturers including Dell, Asus, Lenovo and Toshiba have agreed to use Intel chips in 35 tablet models in 2011. Intel has been incredibly successful in the netbook market with its Atom chips, yet has so far failed to make considerable business in the fast-growing tablet PC or mobile phone markets. "Intel is moving in the right strategic direction but they still have a long way to go," said Hendi Susanto, an analyst at Gabelli & Company. "They're late into the game. There is no clear visibility on what the products look like." Medfield chips on the way Intel's share of the world semiconductor market fell to 13.8 per cent in 2010 from 14.2 per cent in 2010. Otellini said that Intel's move into the smartphone market was "a marathon, not a sprint," and that Intel's Medfield chip should ship next year and in 2012. "You will see smartphones from premier branded vendors in the second half of 2011 with Intel silicon inside them," said Otellini. Intel has started shipping its Sandy Bridge chips, which should be in new notebooks early in 2011.

Intel pins hopes on smartphones in 2011

Intel is pinning its hopes on the tablet PC and smartphone markets in 2011, hoping to sell more of its chips to phone and slate computer man...

Panasonic to make Android smartphones

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com///classifications/images/Panasonic_DivX_1-200-200.jpg"> Panasonic has announced its intention to re-enter the smartphone market this week, with the first launch of Android-based handsets due in Japan in early 2011. Panasonic isn't exactly known for its phone output outside of Japan, having left the oversees smartphone market in 2006. Panasonic admits that it is "late to the party" but the tech company believes it can make an impact. Playing catch-up In a <a href="">news conference</A>, Osamu Waki, head of the company's mobile communications unit, said: "We misjudged the speed at which smartphones would be taken up in the Japanese market. "With the rapid shift to Android, we want to catch up quickly." Although the launch is initially in Japan for 2011, Panasonic is set to bring Android handsets oversees (including the UK) in 2012. Panasonic currently sells around 5 million phones in Japan. It is aiming to triple its phone sales by 2015.

Panasonic to make Android smartphones

Panasonic has announced its intention to re-enter the smartphone market this week, with the first launch of Android-based handsets due in J...