For folks in the U.S. who were fascinated by the Huawei Ascend P1 Android smartphone that was launched last year, now is your first opportunity to get one. Huawei just issued a press release stating their new flagship device is available on Amazon unlocked for just $449.99. Interestingly, even though the press release states a price of $450, when you go to the only Amazon page listing a Huawei P1 product, it shows up at just $399.99 instead. It's possible this is the wrong link, but the specs seem to line up, and we couldn't find another one, so that left an interesting little mystery. Here's the press release and link below,

Huawei’s Ascend P1 Launches in U.S.

Super thin Huawei Ascend P1 comes with 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and Android 4.0 ICS OS

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today announced an unlocked version of the Huawei Ascend P1 is available to U.S. consumers through Amazon.com. The Huawei Ascend P1 comes equipped with 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and is one of the fastest models in class, capable of handling 3D games effectively.

“The Ascend P1 is perfect for consumers looking to get the most out of their device,” said Michael Chuang , Executive Vice President of Huawei Device USA. “Whether it’s for playing games, streaming music and videos, or sharing multimedia in the home or workplace, the Ascend P1 offers unparalleled performance and a truly unique mobile experience.”

The Ascend P1 offers users a movie theatre-quality cinematic experience with its super AMOLED, 4.3 inch screen and 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound System. In addition, at only 7.69 mm thick, the Huawei Ascend P1 is one of the thinnest smartphones on the market. The 64.8 mm frame allows the Ascend P1 to sit comfortably in the user’s palm, giving them the ability to navigate all the phone’s features with a single hand.

The Huawei Ascend P1 is available online at Amazon.com for $449.99.

Source: Amazon - Huawei P1

The little green robot who we affectionately have come to know as Andy, may never have been if a few folks at Google didn’t come to their senses and snap out of it. Dan Morrill, head of developer relations, had to present a slide to an internal team of Google engineers who were tasked with tinkering with the various APIs and an early version of the SDK. He threw together a set of four odd looking robots to attach to the slides, and they quickly became known as “Dandroids.” No, not our fearless leader danDroid here at DF. Mr Morrill said of the endeavor:

See, we were prepping for an internal developer launch (meaning, we were going to ask Googlers to start fooling with the APIs and give us early feedback), and I had no eye candy for the slides we were putting together. Hence these guys.

Thankfully another Googler by the name of Irina Blok came along and fashioned "bugdroid", the cute little green robot. Looking back at these early renditions, it's hard to imagine that the Android of today came from such humble beginning's. So who likes the "Dandroids"?

Source: Google+

This new tablet from Panasonic is truly a niche product. While the premise of the device is appealing, the price leaves it firmly in a market crevice that is only affordable when you absolutely need it. Still, for those who fit that category, the new Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1 may be necessary. This new military-grade spec device will retail for $1,500 dollars, and comes packed with the ruggedness you would expect at that price-point. Here's a slew of specs to illustrate:

• MIL-STD 810G and IP65 compliant (designed to protect it from 4ft drops and temperatures ranging from 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 10 inch display providing a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels
• Fitted with dual cameras offering both 5 and 2 megapixels
• 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
• 1GB of RAM
• Satellite-based GPS and optional 3G connectivity
• A micro HDMI port
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
• Security features like Marvel Trusted Boot and hardware assisted storage encryption
• Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS)

How many of our members can actually find a need for a device like this? Share your thoughts in the thread.

Source: AndroidTablets.net via Geeky-Gadgets

It looks like Amazon is half-way there in their legal fight with Apple. In case you forgot or missed it, in 2011 Apple filed suit against Amazon for both copyright infringement and false advertising when Amazon used the name "Amazon Appstore" to describe their app store. Apple had a problem with Amazon using this name because Apple calls their online retail store, the Apple App Store. See the confusion? Neither did we, and apparently, for at least part of the lawsuit, neither does the judge in the court case. The judge has ruled on part of the lawsuit, and has rejected Apple's claim of false advertising. Here's a quote with the details,

The false advertising claim was one of many tactics Apple was using against Amazon, but likely one of the least effective ones. By rejecting the claim, Amazon was essentially asking the court to focus on the trademark dispute, which is meant to determine if other companies have the right to use the generic term “app store.” In addition to trademark infringement and false advertising, Apple has also made other claims related to dilution and unfair competition.

This rejection only represents a partial summary judgement in the trademark case; the decision regarding trademark infringement has not yet been decided. On this front, Amazon has cited other incidences where former Apple CEO Steve Jobs and current CEO Tim Cook referred to competitors’ stores, calling them “app stores,” during press events and investor calls.

In this ruling, the document explains Amazon’s and Apple’s positions on the false advertising claim as follows:

Amazon argues that summary judgment should be granted as to this claim because Apple has not identified a single false statement that Amazon has made about the nature, characteristics, or quality of the Amazon Appstore for Android (or the Amazon Appstore, which allows viewing and downloading of apps for the Kindle Fire).

Apple essentially alleges that by using the word “Appstore” in the name of Amazon’s store, Amazon implies that its store is affiliated with or sponsored by Apple. Amazon argues that this allegation is nothing more than a garden-variety trademark infringement claim (false designation of origin).

According to the ruling, the court found “no evidence that a consumer who accesses the Amazon Appstore would expect that it would be identical to the Apple APP STORE, particularly given that the Apple APP STORE sells apps solely for Apple devices, while the Amazon Appstore sells apps solely for Android and 8 Kindle devices.”

As you can see, logic and reasoning actually won out in the court system, if at least only partially for now. We are anxiously awaiting the final outcome of the suit. It seems ridiculous that Apple actually thinks their App Store moniker should be included in their trademark, considering how generic this is. Additionally, if you want to get specific, Appstore is different than App Store. Ultimately, the idea that any consumer would be confused by this is ludicrous, but so far it seems like the judge in the case thinks so too.

The fact that this lawsuit is actually taking up the court's time and wasting tax-payer dollars is the most frustrating part, and one could easily argue it is nothing but IP trolling. ... [Read More]

Despite (or perhaps because of) massive success with the Android OS, a new report indicates that Samsung plans to release new smartphone devices in 2013 that use the "Tizen" OS instead of Android. Here's the statement from Samsung, ”We plan to release new, competitive Tizen devices within this year and will keep expanding the lineup depending on market conditions.” Obviously, this doesn't give any specific detail like hardware, timeframe or pricing, but it does show that Samsung is making some interesting moves this year.

At first, glance, one might question why Samsung would even consider competing with itself by offering a separate OS experience from Android. After-all, Android has been a cash-cow for Samsung, generating $4 Billion in profit from Android devices alone last year. Still, the facts show that Android is becoming so dominant it's a bit scary. According to an IDC report, in the last quarter of 2012, three out of every four handsets sold worldwide had the Android OS on-board. Even though Samsung is firmly in the Android camp, it must make them a bit uncomfortable for their mobile success to be so dependent on someone else's product.

If you think deeper, this move by Samsung to offer a competitive alternative is simply them hedging their bets. Samsung's MO has always been to offer a wide variety of devices, never relying on one product to support them. This has been a resounding success for the company, so it makes sense to continue with this overal strategy. Additionally, Samsung has truly built up their own brand recognition with a massive marketing campaign. Dipping their toes into the waters of their own custom OS (although it is jointly developed with Intel) could offer them the potential future opportunity to take on both Apple and Android directly.

Of course, this hinges on how good Tizen is, and how well received it is, but Samsung has nothing to lose if they try it out. This could also give them enough software experience to eventually develop a forked version of Android just like Amazon currently does. The only flaw with this idea is that Samsung does not have the massive pre-established ecosystem that Amazon already developed prior to the launch of the Kindle Fire. Only time will tell if Tizen can become a competitive OS, or simply an also-ran mediocre alternative.

What do you guys think? Could Samsung eventually build their own competitive OS, and would it be good for the consumer if they did?

Source: TechCrunch

The Nexus 10 Tablet from Google (manufactured by Samsung) has been a hot selling product. The device keeps going though cycles where it becomes available and then sells out in the Google Play Store. Whether this is due to high demand or tight supply control is open to debate (although both are likely the culprit). Regardless, the new flagship 10-inch tablet is now back again.

Just to recap, the greatest selling point of this device is it's phenomenal display quality. With a resolution and pixel-density that exceed that of its rival the Apple iPad, the gorgeous display easily trumps its competitors and makes for a compelling tablet experience. When you throw in the affordable price of $399.99 (for the 16GB WiFi Only model), it's no wonder this tablet is selling so well. Here's a quick link below to the Google Play Store in case you were waiting for this to come back in stock.

Source: Google Play Store - Google Nexus 10

Here's an intriguing follow-up story on the 6.1-inch 1080p Huawei Ascend Mate, which we shared rumors about it previously. Although this phone will likely be a limited release in Asian markets, it's interesting to see what bizarre tech is filtering out to other parts of the world. Several pics arrived on the web for us to marvel in wide-eyed wonder at the baffling monstrosity. Supposedly, this device has some pretty beefy specs, which it should since it is housed a truly enormous sized shell. Here's what we heard this time:

• 6.1-Inch 1080p Display
• 1.8GHz HiSilicon K3V3 quad-core processor
• 4,000mAh battery
• Packed in a 9.9mm body with a slight convex curve on the back.
• 2GB of RAM
• 13-megapixel rear camera

Of course, we can really tell if this is something to get excited about or to weep over. Is it a ridiculously oversized phone, or is it simply a slightly miniaturized tablet? You can check out more pics of the device at the source link below to decide for yourself.

Source: PhoneArena

To say that we are excited by the prospects of the OUYA Android gaming console would be an understatement. As soon as we saw this concept on Kickstarter we have been hungry for all of the news on this innovative and enticing new device. However, it looks like the OUYA is likely to have some serious competition for our hard-earned Android gaming dollars. Apparently, the company PlayJam is also working on an Android-based gaming console, and theirs is even smaller than the OUYA.

It's called the GameStick and it literally looks like a USB Flash stick and fits neatly into its own gaming controller providing an integrated experience. From the looks of the device, it will likely debut with a less powerful chip than the OUYA, but that doesn't mean it won't be able to offer an affordable and enjoyable gaming experience. This project is also on Kickstarter. Above is a pic of the device, and below we have a video demo of the prototype followed by a press release and links,

GAMESTICK, THE WORLDS MOST PORTABLE TV GAMES CONSOLE CAMPAIGNS FOR CONSUMER SUPPORT ON KICKSTARTER

Portable Games Console To Bring Affordable Gaming Directly To Your TV Screen

London & San Francisco;January 2nd, 2013; PlayJam,the global platform for casual and social games on Smart TV, launched its Kickstarter campaign today in a bid to bring its dedicated games console - GameStick - to life.

The team behind GameStick hope to accelerate the race to change the face of big screen gaming with the launch of the most portable, affordable, dedicated TV gaming device on the market priced at just $79.

GameStick is a small yet powerful, dedicated games console that plugs directly into a TV's HDMI slot and comes with a fully featured Bluetooth controller - ready to go right out of the box. When on the move, the two combine into a single unit, putting big screen gaming right into the pocket. The device will be compatible with other Bluetooth controllers enabling true multi-player functionality.

"We wanted to create a games console that helped further our overriding mission to bring affordable gaming to the big screen". Says Jasper Smith, CEO PlayJam. "Not only that, we wanted to push the boundaries of what has been achieved up to now bypacking sufficient power into the most portable of devices, enabling users to carry that experience with them wherever they go."

The 30 day Kickstarter campaign launched today with the team at PlayJam looking to raise a minimum of $100,000 to help make GameStick a reality. Supporters of the project can get involved by pledging as little as $10.

"We are currently in a closed Beta phase of development with a working prototype that our guys are using to test some great games. Next comes the final design stage and live testing of both the controller and the games," continues Smith. "We are fortunate to have been able to utilize our existing technology to get us to this point and have preferred manufacturers in place and an existing developer network ready to go. However, to get

... [Read More]

In the past, emulators designed to help you run older Windows games on Android have been lackluster. For the most part, they suffered from weak controls for a number of different reasons, primarily because of the difficulty of translating certain control schemes to a touch-screen. A new beta is being developed called Winulator that seeks to change that. Here's a quote with some of the details,

Yet here comes Winulator – an ambitious project that aims to assist classic games in getting along with touchscreens. In a nutshell, you're provided with a tool that converts Windows executable files into code that Android understands and an application to run that code with.

For now, the only supported game is Caesar III, but StarCraft support is coming along nicely and should be completed soon. In the video above, you can see Starcraft working pretty well on an Android, which is pretty exciting if you want to "wax nostalgic" with some of your old favorite PC games on an Android device. You can download the beta of Winulator free on the Google Play Store.

Source: Winulator and Google Play Store

For those who follow technology trade shows, the big ones are typically CES in January and Mobile World Congress in February. Of course, there are also a smattering of other shows held throughout the year, including Google I/O, IFA and others. Some of those "others" are shows from CTIA and MobileCon. Typically these are smaller shows and don't generate nearly the same buzz and industry attendance as the more well-known ones. Apparently, the folks behind CTIA and MobileCon want to change that perception. They just announced plans to do a team-up combo tech show. This new combined forces event will be called Super Mobile Show (SMS) starting in September of 2014 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Of course, many tech journalists are scratching their head at this move. For the most part, many of the big companies no longer hold huge launch events at these conglomerate trade shows anymore, preferring instead to host their own launch events for larger and more focused coverage of their new products. In fact, with several other big tech events happening every year, and with attendance at these events declining, it seems like this SMS show will be competing for a small amount of attention. However, we will reserve judgement until after it actually happens. Do you guys think we have room for another huge tech show in the year?

Source: AndroidAuthority

The entire staff of Android.Net wish to extend a very Happy New Year to everyone!! May 2013 bring you everything you wish for and more. Happy New Year!!!

Samsung has reached a milestone with its Samsung Galaxy Note 2, but it took some time to get there. The South Korean manufacturer has finally reached one million units sold in it's home country. Some of you may be saying "so what, the Galaxy S3 didn't take nearly as long to hit that mark", but this begs the question as to why it's taken longer to hit the milestone.

Without and access to data or trends we are only left to speculate that size played an important role in this equation. The handset has some spectacular specs and gives the S3 a run for it's money, but the handset just may be too large for most users. Perhaps Korea's smartphone culture is much different in such that they don't feel compelled to jump on the latest and greatest when they are more than happy with their current handset.

One thing is for certain though, consumers across the globe have a very strong affinity towards Samsung's Galaxy line-up.

Via: SammyHub