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Android Phone Fans (12 unread)

March 11, 2010
8:04
MOTO BING: Microsoft Seeking Android Coup (Worse Than We Thought?)

Burning the midnight oil at about 2am I saw the huge news that Motorola Android Phones would feature Bing and wrote up a lengthy article exploring what the move would mean for Google, Android and consumers. I didn’t realize it would be this bad…

While we knew the Motorola/Microsoft partnership would be aimed at countries where Google isn’t the primary search engine or isn’t operating at all (China?) we explained the door was left open for a much more broad and sweeping integration. Motorola has just issued a Press Release essentially verifying that it WILL be much more broad and sweeping than I thought it would be even a few hours ago – just check out the first paragraph:

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill., March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced a global alliance with Microsoft Corp. (NYSE: MSFT) to deploy Bing services on Motorola devices powered by Android. This new offering, launching in China on smartphones in Q1, will provide consumers a choice when using search and map functions on their Android-based devices.

It’s that phrase “Global Alliance” that worries me. It’s an intentional use of the word global that clearly states it isn’t just China, it isn’t just a region – this baby could be implemented EVERYWHERE. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they just omit a geographic descriptor altogether and just explain it would be launching in China?

I’m holding out hope that this isn’t some exclusive partnership to be extended on the majority of Motorola Android Phones. If this IS the case… it would be a major coup in a continually developing story. In my original article, which goes further into depth with my concerns, I feature a poll that asks if you would prefer Google, Bing or Yahoo services on your Android Phone. I’m interested to see the results so make sure you go and vote.

Here is the entire press release:

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill., March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced a global alliance with Microsoft Corp. (NYSE: MSFT) to deploy Bing services on Motorola devices powered by Android. This new offering, launching in China on smartphones in Q1, will provide consumers a choice when using search and map functions on their Android-based devices.

With this collaboration, consumers will enjoy a pre-loaded Bing bookmark on their mobile browser and an enhanced search widget with Bing integration. By enabling users to customize their devices and select their own Search provider, Motorola, with help from Microsoft, is expanding the capabilities and range of services currently offered in the marketplace and opening the doors for increased personalization.

“We believe that consumer choice is one of the most critical components to ensuring a rich and seamless client experience,” said Christy Wyatt, corporate vice president of software and services, Motorola Mobile Devices. “Motorola and Microsoft have enjoyed a longstanding collaboration and the addition of Bing services to our Android-based smartphones in China is another important step in empowering our end-users.”

“Mobile devices continue to be a critical place for customers to access location-based services such as local search and mapping,” said Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of the Online Services Division at Microsoft. “We are pleased to expand our long-standing relationship with Motorola to bring powerful Bing location-based services to Motorola’s innovative new mobile devices, providing consumers with more choice and flexibility in mobile search.”

Search and Maps capabilities through Microsoft will initially be available in China, starting in Q1 2010, through either pre-load or over-the-air updates for devices already in market.

I can’t wait to hear what the stakeholders have to say about this one – it’s going to be awhile before the dust settles if you ask me.
8:29
Fox Mobile Group: Who Wants To Buy It?

The Financial Times is reporting that News Corporation, owners of the FOX Network, are considering the sale of their mobile division – FOX Mobile Group. It consists of properties such as Jamba/Jamster which provide consumers with content such as ringtones, wallpapers and more. Sound archaic? It is… and that’s exactly why News Corporation wants to divest:

The second banker said that although the sector has grown, the dynamics have changed, making it a more challenging market than when News Corp acquired it. “App stores are taking all the value,” he said. For this reason, it would be difficult for News Corp to achieve the same valuation it bought Jamster for, he said.

The business may have declined recently due to difficulty with leveraging MySpace to drive traffic to Jamster, the executive added. When News Corp purchased Jamster, it believed it could cut costs by eliminating marketing spend, and integrate the mobile content company with MySpace. Now that MySpace is seeing sluggish growth, Jamster may be as well, he said.

jRather than give up on a $381 million dollar investment why not try to alter the DNA of the Mobile Group to be more focused on these new industry dynamics? Clearly they’ve done a good job taking MySpace to Android – why not “mobilize” their other properties and bring them into this next generation of interactivity? It seems like the company is letting everything but MySpace go as they recently sold both Photobucket and Rotten Tomatoes and are working on an “undisclosed project” for MySpace after firing the CEO in February. Why not leverage these properties WITH MySpace?

Potential suitors have been rumored to include a wide range of companies from carrier like Vodafone, Telefonica and Telecom Italia to other mobile media companies like Zed, Buongiorno, Dada, and Flycell. Taking an aging asset and bringing it into the new age is one thing – purchasing a business that is collecting dust is another. I can’t see this being a very good buy for any of these companies unless they’ve got a very specific plan to fold in the current business.

On the other hand, MocoNews reported that last year Fox Mobile Group was attempting to launch a Hulu-like service for mobile phones and if there was anything noteworthy in this department, why couldn’t a company like Hulu itself express interest? Maybe because 9-months ago they claimed it would “debut in the coming months” and it still isn’t anywhere to be seen.

I’m thinking that News Corporation sees MySpace as their biggest opportunity and wants to drop everything else to focus on righting the aircraft before it crashes into Mt. Facebook. Do you see the assets of Fox Mobile Group fitting in anywhere in particular (with another company)? Play CEO for a minute and tell us what you would do.
9:15
Waze Launches Traffic App In Germany and France

Our friends at Waze have come a long way since we first helped promote their alpha application back in May 2009. The app now has more than 50,000 downloads and has been helping commuters and road warriors dodge traffic, avoid speed traps, and navigate in real-time for almost a year. The app was formerly only available in the United States but today they announced its availability in both Germany and France.

Much like when it first launched in the United States, the German and French apps have some brushing up to do before they’re fully functional. Up until now Waze was using their app and user input to completely identify roads in these countries but have since merged their own findings with a complete database of roads from a 3rd party source. Users will still be able to contribute but this should greatly improve the accuracy and ability of the app for German and French users.

Starting today, French and German users will find that most roads will be marked with plenty of ‘road munching’ dots – GPS points that, when driven over, set the road’s direction, helping to increase map quality and navigability, while providing them with tons of extra points. The process of validation is incredibly quick – within just a couple of weeks, these maps will be fully navigable and highly accurate. We’ll also be adding candy and cupcake ‘road goodies’ – small icons worth 3 and 5 bonus points, respectively – to the map in areas where the system needs validation.

…And don’t forget the best part: waze’ll be distributing VIRTUAL TREASURE CHESTS (!) on the roads that, when driven over, have the potential to reward users with an Amazon gift card – so French and German wazers, get out there and find ‘em!

The treasure chest integration is great, but I’m hoping Waze doesn’t show the same treasure chests to every user – if Waze gains mass popularity it could cause some serious accidents itself! But hey, at least you would have Waze and know to avoid those accidents. There have been some pretty cool Waze success stories that make we want to give it another whirl – do you use Waze?

[Via Waze]
9:30
Android 2.1 on ODROID Developer Edition

The ODROID Android Gaming device has SO much potential, it’s a shame that nothing has reached the public beyond the Developer’s Edition. If you don’t remember ODROID it’s a PSP lookalike with (oddly) 3 D-Pads and HDMI video out that allows you to connect your device to a big TV for extra intense gaming. We kind of forgot about ODROID but with the new 3D Gaming features of the Android NDK added to the obvious fact that the HardKernel are keeping their ODROID up to date has us optimistic.

And by up to date I mean they’ve got it working on Android 2.1:

The description of the above video claims the ODROID will be available in early March. Well… we’re here in early March but I’m guessing this launch will also be a Developer Edition device. I’m eager for SOMEONE to come out with an HDMI-out capable Android that is built with gaming in mind – whether it be ODROID or something else. Hey Sony… whaddaya say you take a ride on the wild side and make a Playstation Phone based on Android?

THAT would be the day…
9:59
Speed Test: Opera Mini 5 vs. Stock Android Browser
Earlier today Opera announced the launch of Mini 5 Beta for Android that brought new features and an improved experiece to your mobile browsing. What I felt and said was the best characteristic of Opera Mini 5 was the way it handles page rendering – it compresses them on their own servers and sends that optimized version to your phone, greatly reducing load times. Engadget did a quick test comparing the typical Android browser to Opera Mini 5 when loading Engadget on the Motorola Droid. Unfortunately they didn’t allow embedding so you’ll have to watch here if you’re so inclined.

Spoiler alert: Opera Mini 5 CRUSHED the native Android browser in load time.
- Android Browser: 42-seconds
- Opera Mini 5 Beta: 27-seconds
Not only that but Opera Mini 5 loads the full page of content immediately, then taking additional time to fill in the cached pictures. It isn’t ONLY about speed but speed is of huge importance and Opera does that very well in the latest version of their Mini browser for Android.

[Via Engadget]
10:11
Motorola i1 Getting Opera Browser By Default, 5MP Camera

We recently learned the Motorola Opus One would be named the Motorola i1 and head to Sprint Nextel and Boost Mobile as the first Push-To-Talk Android Phone. There are a couple new details about the i1 that you should know about.

First of all, since December 2009 the device was rumored to have a 3MP camera. That’s wrong says Engadget’s tipster – it’ll be a 5MP. Rejoice. Secondly, it’ll come pre-loaded with Opera Mini as the default browser – both timely and welcome news considering what else has happened in the Android world today.

So… PTT iDEN fans… who of hands who is happy about the i1!

Hey that looks cool

i1!
10:14
Vodafone UK Discontinue HTC Magic

Unfortunate news for some in the UK: Vodafone has decided to drop the HTC Magic from it’s range of Android devices, leaving only the HTC Tattoo for now.

A moderator from the Vodafone eForum said:

I just wanted to pop on and say the Magic hasn’t officially been discontinued yet, but is coming towards the end of its life with us.

To be completely honest, I don’t remember a single phone in the last few years that’s been sold for more than 12 months. Mobile technology changes so rapidly that we’re constantly releasing new devices, and realistically older ones sell less well when the newer ones come out. The HTC Magic is one of the longest running devices in our entire range, in fact I think only the Nokia 5800 has been on sale longer.

Though Voda will no longer sell the handset they have an awesome range of Android handsets due to be added to the Android Line-up including the Sony Ericsson X10, the Nexus One and the HTC Legend!

[Via Vodafone eForum]
11:03
Google Admob Deal Might Get Blocked
We haven’t heard a peep about the monumental acquisition of Admob by Google that would give the search/mobile giant unprecedented market share in the mobile ad space. Or should we say “hopeful aquisition”? According to Bloomberg the chances that the deal is completed are ominious.

Bloomberg says US Regulators are “seeking sworn declarations from Google competitors and advertisers as part of their probe of the Internet company’s bid to buy AdMob, indicating the government may challenge the deal.”

After purchasing AdMob for $750 million dollars, the Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Google will have an unfair advantage and decrease competition in the mobile advertising market. There are a couple recent events Google can mention that should easily prove their points and allow them to prevail:
- Look at what AT&T did with the Backflip
- Look at what Motorola and Microsoft are doing with Bing
Seems like plenty of competition to me – and that’s on an operating system which GOOGLE created which is probably a key element of the opposition. To be honest, I understand why the government wants to prevent monopolies but seriously – especially in the highly evolving world of technology you should be irreversibly convinced before the FTC takes action. Company’s spend their entire lives trying to go from being the little guy to creating some leverage and opportunities from their success and momentum. Once they get to a certain point they are so successful that you say WAIT – you’re not allowed to continue attempting to be successful?

The crazy thing about the mobile industry in general is that there is SO much room for innovation. A company with incredibly innovative ideas, good implementation and great timing could dethrone Google under the right circumstances. They are the same types of circumstances which helped Google dethrone their competitors. When MySpace reached its peak did anyone think Facebook would come along, swoop up its users and lead the way within a matter of years? Not at all.

Don’t get me wrong, if Google becomes a mobile monopoly then I’m all for creating some buffers to allow for healthy competition. But right now the mobile advertising industry is in its infancy… it is MUCH too early to decide if Google is reducing competition. Not only that, Google is the primary innovator in the mobile space right now – again, during its infancy. Do you really want to suffocate innovation because you think that maybe, at some point in the future, Google will have so much power that the competition doesn’t stand a fighting chance even in the perfect situation?

Let the Google AdMob deal go through and addres this issue when and if it actually becomes a problem.

[Image via IntoMobile]
13:13
Nexus One/Two Sales Predictions Soften For 2010/2011

The Nexus One had an outstanding amount of hype prior to its release – and rightfully so – but sales of Google’s first phone in their new distribution channel haven’t taken off and analysts are noticing. Goldman Sachs has slashed their original estimates of 3.5 million units in 2010 to a paltry 1 million. Even worse, if/when the company launches the Nexus Two and markets it more aggressively both on and offline, they’re only predicting annual sales of 2 million handsets:

We previously estimated that Google might sell 3.5 mn Nexus One units in 2010. Initial data-points were disappointing, possibly due to limited marketing and customer service challenges. Flurry estimated (based on mobile traffic) that Google sold 20,000 in the first week, and 80,000 in the first month, both annualizing to 1.0 mn. We forecast that Google sells 1.0 mn Nexus One units in FY2010, benefiting from US carriers other than T-Mobile, and non-US carriers such as Vodafone, promoting the device too, but suffering from limited marketing activity. We assume that Google rolls out a second Nexus handset, markets it more aggressively, and makes it available offline, and therefore forecast that Google sells 2 mn handsets per year in 2011 and future years. — Goldman Sachs

You could easily say that this isn’t about generating handset sales but instead establishing a new distribution model and if you did, you might be right. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that the pre-announcement hype and post-launch sales haven’t been playing in the same ballpark.

And then you have what Andy Rubin would say – that the company hoped to sell 150,000 units and would consider that a success. Was he just being modest in hopes of crushing those estimates? Perhaps. But clearly the company hasn’t pushed the Nexus One to its limits. They even ran a SuperBowl spot solely to promote Google Search, a product that the entire universe knows about, while allowing the Nexus One to live on in offline ambiguity.

As for the Nexus Two and predicted sales? I think it totally depends on how hard Google decides to push the device, if their new “distribution model” gains a bit more focus, and whether or not they get more carriers on board. Right now they only have T-Mobile USA committed to offering the Nexus One through their site although both Verizon and Vodafone committed on launch day – still no offerings from them. And of course you’ve also got branded versions of the Nexus One, dubbed HTC Desire (with some improvements), hitting select markets.

Let’s face it though – 1 million handsets isn’t bad for what by all accounts seems more like a “test” than anything else. And if Google continues to “test” with the Nexus Two I would consider 2 million a success as well. But if they ever decide to kick things into a higher gear, I think that 2 million could not only easily be beaten in 2011 but probably doubled and beyond.
13:43
HTC Tattoo Getting Android 2.1

This should be a relief to not only HTC Tattoo users but also the general lower-end Android handset owners: the HTC Tattoo is getting an upgrade to Android 2.1. According to French Android website Frandroid, HTC has confirmed the upgrade:

Kindly note we understand that now that a phone running Android OS 2.1 is available that you are excited to get an update for your Tattoo. We are still working hard to building Sense for this new version but we expect to have the upgrade finished and ready to go soon. Please understand that it takes time to customize any Android version to ensure you have the intuitive experience Sense provides, and we hope you can be patient for just a little while longer.

The HTC Tattoo is one of the lower powered Android Phones, bringing a 2.8-inch screen, QVGA resolution and 528 MHz processor. The concern for handsets like the G1/Dream and other budget Androids is that their processors and specs aren’t strong enough to power the bulk/heft of Android 2.1’s robust features. If this development is indeed true, it should bring hope to owners of other devices as well.
14:07
Android Apps For Web Developers
Are you a web developing Android lover? Then chances are you’ve scoured the market for some apps that can increase your productivity or provide tools for managing your websites on the go. Mashable made a quick list of 5 Free Android Apps for Web Developers that is pretty handy – thought I’d pass it along:
I’d definitely like to try out AndFTP (screenie below) and I know there are a bunch of apps out there that alert you when your sites are down.

Any web developers out there want to share their favorites?
17:44
Rumor Mill: Vodafone’s own 845 Budget Android Phone?

Rumour has it on the interwebz that Vodafone are creating their very own budget phone for around €150 (approx. £130) and it should be released before the summer in May.

The rumour seems to have started from Dutch website Allaboutphones.nl where they say the phone will pack the latest Android OS 2.1 (can I call it the latest?), a resistive 2.8″ QVGA screen, a 3.2 mega pixel camera and of course Wi-Fi, bluetooth, 3G, aGPS & an accelerometer as standard.

If this is true it seems to follow in the foot steps of T-mobile with their budget phones – the T-mobile Pulse and the Pulse Mini. Being this cheap maybe we’ll see this available on pay-as-you-go? If correct, it would also go with Vodafone’s current commitment to stocking the latest Android handsets and publishing apps on the Market to go with their new 360 service which integrates social networking and contacts.

In fact, the other week there was an app published by Vodafone which said “this is a test, do not download”…… so what do you? Egging me On? Psshhh – I downloaded it! It seems to have been some sort of Vodafone maps/navigator. Maybe this will come pre-loaded too – who knows?

Vodafone is yet to make a solid announcement though it seems to be referred to as the “Vodafone 845″, the name could change around launch though.

Looks like we’ll have to wait and see!

[Via Allaboutphones.nl]

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Android Phone Fans (12 unread)