8.14.2012

Nexus 5

A new Nexus Phone -   successor to galaxy nexus.
A higher spec nexus Tablet -   stepped up from the nexus 7
Google TV -   android box for your tv
Google Project Glass -   augmented reality glasses
The Nexus Q -   streaming music player

Could these be the 5 nexus devices to celebrate android's 5 birthday on the 5 of November?
The date is also said to coincided with the launch of android version 5 "key lime pie"

Will it be 5 nexus phones or a combination of phones and tablets?

3 months to go, anything could happen...

What are your thoughts?


1.12.2012

Google Launches Android Classes to Bolster App Development

Google Launches Android Classes to Bolster App Development:

Professor Android, I presume? Photo courtesy of Google


In today’s mobile platform wars, it’s not the size of your smartphone that matters — it’s the number of apps you’ve got, and how well they work.


Google knows this much is true. On Thursday evening, the company launched Android Training classes, an effort to boost its app developer base in both breadth and quality.


“Each class explains the steps required to solve a problem, or implement a feature, with plenty of code snippets and sample code for you to use within your own apps,” wrote Android developer relations tech lead Reto Meier in a company blog post.


Admittedly, it’s more of a Phoenix U than an MIT. Currently, all of the “lessons” are available online via Android’s Developer web site, with separate sections devoted to the nuanced challenges developers face when coding for the OS.


There are, however, more targeted categories for different types of developers and app strategies, including sections like “Developing for Enterprise,” and tutorials focused on ad-based monetization strategies for apps.


In a technical sense, these classes are especially important considering some of the Android-specific issues that programmers must deal with. Case in point: the wide variety of screen sizes that results from providing the OS to dozens of hardware manufacturers for use on all manner of devices.


What’s more, Google needs to beef up its app catalog in general. Currently, the Android ecosystem includes some 250,000 apps, and that’s about 250,000 fewer than what Apple boasts in its App Store. It’s an uphill battle, considering Apple’s app momentum doesn’t show signs of slowing.


This isn’t the first time Google has taken to schooling developers. In August, the company hosted a series of workshops focused specifically on creating tablet-optimized apps. Dubbed Android Developer Labs (or ADLs), the aim was to boost the piddling number of Android tablet apps available in the Market, while simultaneously teaching developers tricks to improve app quality. The sessions were initially infrequent, with a handful occurring in the U.S., as well as an Indian session.


Of course, not all of Android’s app problems can be fixed with better software development. Google has recently made headway in improving the Android Market itself, as the company launched a major interface overhaul in May and another in July for mobile devices.


Developer relations lead Meier says that this is a small step in the department’s overall plans, and we should expect a greater offering of courses and tutorials over the coming months.

Polaroid Android

Polaroid ‘Smart Camera’ Runs Android:

"It's not a camera phone. It's a 'smart camera', m'kay?


The inevitability of this camera doesn’t make it any less surprising: Polaroid is set to launch a “smart” camera running Android, and with Wi-Fi inside. The camera–which looks a lot like a cellphone with a big lens attached–will pack a 16MP sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens and a touch-screen display.


It’s a very smart move from Polaroid, a company which has been flailing around for a purpose since film died. The cellphone camera is in many ways the spiritual successor to the iconic instant photos, so why not get in on the action? Phones might not have the image quality of the best compacts, but you can share and edit your photos right there, something cameras have been unable to do. Until now.


You can of course load on any camera app you like (apart from the iPhone-only Instagram), but Polaroid seems to have put some effort into its own camera app. 18 scene modes are joined by smile and face detection, geo-tagging, editing and automatically organized photo albums.


And because the SC1630 Smart Camera runs Wi-Fi and not 3G, you won’t be forced to sign up for yet another data plan. It’s a lot like an iPod Touch with a good camera.


I’m very interested in this. I’m permanently on the cusp of buying an iPhone just for the camera, even though I almost never make calls and carry my 3G iPad with me everywhere. If Instagram ever gets around to making an Android app, then I’ll probably jump at this camera instead.


The Smart Camera will launch in 2012, price yet to be decided."

from Gadget Lab

Polaroid Announces the SC1630 Smart Camera Powered by Android [Polaroid]

5.11.2011

Google Unveils Brilliant Android-Controlled LED Light Bulb

"

google, lighting science group, android bulb, led bulb, energy-efficient lighting, led lightbulb, android smart bulb, google lightbulb


Today Google flipped the switch on a remarkable new LED bulb that can be controlled by any Android device using the company’s new open-source wireless networking protocol. The search giant worked with Lighting Science Group to develop the omnidirectional 60-watt equivalent bulb, which can be dimmed or brightened on the fly by an Android-equipped smart phone, tablet, or laptop. The smart bulb is the perfect test bed for Google’s new protocol, which stands to open the door to a new wave of energy-efficient home systems."


via Google Unveils Brilliant Android-Controlled LED Light Bulb

5.05.2011

multitouch test : Acer iconia honeycomb tab


The display was able to recognise 10 points at a time. Using Super Paint app here multiple lines are drawn simultaneously. I found the response time could have been a bit quicker. The line falls behind the point of touch, I think this can be a simple way to compare the performance of tablets.


1.11.2011

Android3: Honeycomb Tablet U.I.


Phandroid's " in depth look at what's new in the latest version of Android, Honeycomb, direct from Verizon's 2011 CES keynote presentation."


The walk-through explains some of the user-interface specific for this tablet version of android. For a start no hardware buttons are required such as back and menu etc. giving flexibility for any key configuration.  The software therefore functions in any orientation and reduces the dependence on manufacturers to provide the experience, a shortcoming in the Galaxy S.
Honeycomb develops the widgets allowing most things to be done without even opening an app. These include viewing the latest YouTube hits, checking email, viewing your calendar or selecting a bookmark from your favourites list, all on the home screens.
A Honeycomb homescreen


The look of honeycomb is "futuristic but familiar". Appearing as a 3D interface, controlled by gestures where details "res-in when you need it and de-res when you don't". Personalisation and of the device is easier with the use of a customisation view.
Honeycomb customisation view

The customisation view displays your five home screens as well as providing a pallet where you can preview all of your widgets, app shortcuts, wallpapers and more. These are simply dragged to the desired position.


Also demonstrated was a new look YouTube and the new vector based Google Maps with 3D buildings you can tilt and pan around. Honeycomb versions of browser with tabs "as nature intended" and Gmail app which improve the clarity and control of data we sift through daily. 




images thanks to Droid X Plaza

12.19.2010

Notion Ink Adam Demo

First video footage of the Notion Ink Adam, Android Tablet in action.

In the demo a USB drive and a wireless mouse are both plugged in to USB ports on either side of the tablet.

A major factor of the software interface appears to be the 'Panel Engine' which displays all apps side by side in a stream similar to cover flow in iTunes. However Adam can output this through HDMI.

'Launcher' which is similar to androids launcher combined with recent tasks and a search panel, is a hidden dock wich when activated reveals the ribbon of recent apps.
Various hardware buttons are demonstrated including 'quick tab'.
Copy and paste which integrates with a notes app is shown appearing as acrop field from any view.
The canvas app is shown finger painting and "supports layers" image editing and auto saves .
The "bonus mystery feature" is still not revealed and the back of the device is never shown (hiding the rear touch pad no doubt)
More specifications
Official site

TEXT IN THE VIDEO READS
"notionink 
adam 
DEMO

To re-produce a real world scenario for a heavy user, we have kept these applications and their panels open:
EMail Client (mail'd), Browser, Navigation App, Canvas Application, Calendar, Calculator, Office Suoite (PDF file 6.5MB), Sniffer (File browser with Internal Memory, Pen Drive and SD Card Data indexed) and E-book reader. Later we added Weather App and a few tads in the browser.

This is not the same with other devices that run or display only one app at a time.

Pen Drive
Swivel Camera
Panel Engine

Select any panel to view
Tap to get a panel in focus
Calendar Panel Selected
Swipe Across to browse

Launcher
The Launcher conveniently arranges recently opened app panels at the beginning of the list. Clicking on these icons will bring the app in the panel system to the focus.
Tap outside to hide the launcher ribbon

Ebook reader

Tap to change the panel in focus, in this case to Sniffer
Accessing data in the USB

Launcher

Maps and Navigation
Eden comes with on device Vector Maps. (included only from Honeycomb on Android devices)

Press Home Key to access Panel System

When you reach the end of the content, it stretches let us know we reached the end of the panel list.

When you open an application without a panel, Eden seeks your permission to open the application in the full screen mode.

PDF viewer
Multi touch support for zoom in and zoom out.

Press Menu Key to access Panel Specific function

Full SCreen Browser

Hot Plug Support for wireless devices, in this case it's a mouse.
Full computing experience with peripherals.

Multi-touch Drag-up to access quick menu.
Crop and copy functions which integrates with Notes App
Content is automatically "arranged"

Canvas App
You can paint or edit images.
Canvas support multiple photo-effects, and layers
Your art-work is automatically saved.

Noticing the Android 2.3 UI framework?

Calculator
When you tap on the result, it gets copied to the clipboard

Let's launch the Full Screen Browser
You can quickly add a tab or open a closed one"

Left edge inserted with USB drive
Bottom edge
Right edge



11.30.2010

VISIMAX MINI PROJECTOR ACTION


VISIMAX ultra mobile LED projector as seen in the unboxing

more info at miniprojector.com.au

VISIMAX MINI LED PROJECTOR -unboxing


VISIMAX ultra mobile LED projector

Australian product

Resolution VGA (640x480)
Brightness 15 lumens
Contrast Ratio 200:1
Focus Manual
Image Size 12" ~ 60"
Throw Distance 30" @ 1.2m
Light Source LED
Function

Video NTSC/PAL/SECAM
PC SVGA 60Hz
Speaker 0.3W (Mono)
Input/Output

Earphone Stereo
Composite Video RCA x 1
PC D-Sub 15 Pin x 1
Other

AC Adaptor 90 ~240V 50/60hZ
Battery 30 minutes
Dimensions 27(w)x58(D)x90(H)mm
Weight 120g"

stats from miniprojector.com.au

11.23.2010

Notion Ink Adam

Notion Ink's web page has finally come online. A long awaited but still not realised product the 'adam' tablet is one step closer. The new site details its specifications (see below) and shows images of the expected final design.
Effectivly it's: 
10.1" 1024 x 600 display with Optional Pixel Qi
1GHz nVidia Tegra 250 Dual Core Cortex A-9 processor

Mentioned is a Bonus mystery feature which may be the rear touch pad (not found in the tech specs) or is it something else?
Notion Ink Adam release date 10-12-2010 ??

Tech specs

Size+Weight
  • Thickness: ~14 mm
  • Width: 191 mm
  • Length: 269 mm
  • Weight: ~1.6 pounds
System on Chip

  • NVIDIA Tegra 250
  • Dual Core Cortex A-9
  • ULP GPU
Memory+Storage

  • 1GB DDR2 RAM
  • 1GB SLC
  • 8+ GB Flash
  • Micro-SD Card support
Power & Battery
  • Universal Charger
  • 3 cell 24.6Whr battery
 Display
  • 10.1" WSVGA (1024 x 600)
  • Optional Pixel Qi display:
    Transmissive, transflective,
    and reflective modes
  • Multi-touch
  • Matte finish
  • Anti glare coating
  • Scratch resistant
  • Finger print resistant

"On a sidenote: There is a 10001 displayed throughout the page (top right corner). Some think its a binary countdown to the release date.
This way, there would be 17 days left!"

 - a comment found on slashgear's article

Notion Ink’s Adam Tablet Official Website Released by GroundSit





Camera
  • 3.2 MP Auto Focus Swivel
    Camera
Communication
  • WLAN - 802.11 b/g/n
  • Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP
  • WWAN - 3G HSDPA
Audio
  • Stereo loudspeakers
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Built in microphone
Input/Output Ports
  • USB 2.0 Host x 2
  • Mini USB
  • HDMI
  • Micro SD slot
  • SIM Card slot
  • DC connector
Sensors
  • 3-Axis accelerometer
  • Ambient light sensor
  • GPS
  • Digital Compass

Bonus mystery feature ;)


images and specs care of 
notionink's new site
Via Chris Smith's post on androinica

11.14.2010

Telstra t-touch tab

A quick look at an early android tablet. Specs and performance are not impressive but it is good to see something happening.
768MHz processor - 2MP camera - 800x480 7" display.
The devices resistive display only perceived single touch when tested mid November. The hardware is capable of sketchy multi touch either way it is rather debilitating, but can be used with a stylus.





MemoryIncludes 2GB MicroSD card with expandable up to 16GB MicroSD
CPU768MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon
Powered by AndroidYes, Android 2.1 (2.2 being tested) 
Weight500g
BluetoothStereo Bluetooth
Camera2.0 megapixel with video recording and dual camera functionality
Display

Full 7inch Resistive - 800x480 
stats via Telstra  and Android Australia

10.27.2010

2GB for $10 on Vodafone



Here is the best mobile data deal so far. 
2GB for $10 or 6GB for $2 or if you just want a taste 700MB for $4.

Fine print reads 
"All Vodafone services subject to device capabilities & network limitations & availability. Comparable 3G device required to access 3G services. Vodafone offers 2100Mhz devices & 900Mhz devices. Customers with devices that are 2100Mhz compatible but not 900Mhz compatible (includes BlackBerry* devices) will experiance 3G coverage in metro & some regional areas & GPRS (orEdge, where available) coverage in 900MHz areas. High bandwidth applications such as video streaming, video calling, mobile TV, YouTube & full track downloads, only available in Vodafone's 3G Mobile Broardband Zone. Slower speed can be expected outside Vodafone's 3G Mobile Broardband Zone. See www.vodafone.com.au for coverage details. Not all products in catalogue available at all retailers & prices may vary at individual outlets. Offor subject to change & available while stocks last." ..


4= "Offer ends 30.11.10 (unless extended ....... to approved new or updrading customers who connect in store. Must connect for one full bill cycle. Minimum monthly spend is $4 (Classic Pack) $10 (Super Pack) $20 (Ultimate Pack). Recurring monthly access fee charged untill the end of the month it... discontinue the service including data expires after one month. Additional data usage: 12c per MB (min session 50KB). Data for use in Australia on Vodafone's GPRS/3G network. All Vodafone services subject to device capabilities and network limitations and ... Comparable 3G device required to access 3G services. Vodafone offers 2100Mhz devices & 900Mhz devices. Customers with  devices that are 2100Mhz compatible but not 900Mhz compatible  will experience 3G coverage in metro & some  regional areas & GPRS (orEdge, where available) coverage in 900MHz  areas. High bandwidth applications such as video streaming, video  calling, some Vodafone live! services and full track downloads, only available in Vodafone's 3G Mobile Broardband zone. Slower speeds cab be expected outside of Vodafone's 3G Mobile Broardband Zone. See www.vodafone.com.au/coverage for details. Vodafone Pty Limited ABN 76 062 954 554"





The Relative page on the Vodafone site does not mention this deal
Via Vodafone store pamphlet 20/10/2010

10.16.2010

Micro SD Card Memory



Memory Card
SanDisk Micro SDHC - 16GB<br/>Click to view product details
SanDisk Micro SDHC - 32GB  **HUGE!!**<br/>Click to view product detailsSanDisk Micro SD Card -  2GB<br/>Click to view product details
SanDisk Micro SDHC - 32GB $155.95
SanDisk Micro SDHC - 16GB $53.95
SanDisk Micro SDHC - 8GB   $24.95
SanDisk Micro SDHC - 4GB   $13.95
SanDisk Micro  SD    - 2GB   $9.95
At Cheap Chips

SanDisk 32GB Micro SD SDHC MicroSD MicroSDHC Memory Card 32G 32 GB TF *AUSTRALIAN STOCK & WARRANTY* *** IN STOCK SHIP IMMEDIATELY ***
SanDisk Micro SDHC 32GB  $129.95
SanDisk Micro SDHC 16GB  $44.55
SanDisk Micro SDHC 8GB    $19.10
SanDisk Micro SDHC 4GB    $9.40
SanDisk Micro SDHC 2GB    $6.23
• STANDARD POST: $11.75 • EXPRESS POST   : $16.42
At itdevice


here are the best prices I have been able to find for smart phone memory cards in Australia. Let me know if you find any better deals.

9.27.2010

Telstra mobile broardband

 http://www.telstra.com.au
Via the big pond web site you find these deals
SpeedUsage allowanceMonthly price
(min term 12 months)
BigPond® Liberty 6GB BigPond wireless planLiberty 6GB Usage allowance1, 2
Speeds slowed after 6GB3
$79.95
Min cost over 12 mths is $1258.404
 .
BigPond® Liberty 3GB BigPond wireless plan Liberty 3GB Usage allowance1, 2
Speeds slowed after 3GB3
$49.95
Min cost over 12 mths is $898.404
Via Testra site
Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband pricing rates in Australia
Recharge AmountData Rate per MB (charged per KB)Effective allowanceExpiry
$208.9c225MB30 days
$307.5c400MB30 days
$403.9c1GB30 days
$502.4c2GB30 days
$602c3GB30 days
$802c4GB30 days
$1001.6c6GB30 days
$1304.2c3GB90 days
$1503.7c4GB180 days
Or a look to bigpond mobile broardband via the Telstra site
Plan
Help me choose >
Usage allowance3
How much
do I need? >
Plan lengthCost per month with BigPond Wireless
Broadband Multiple
Product Benefit
BigPond Liberty® 400MB plan400MB24 monthsFrom $9.95
BigPond Liberty® 1GB plan1GB24 monthsFrom $19.95
BigPond Liberty® 3GB plan3GB24 monthsFrom $29.95
BigPond Liberty® 6GB plan6GB24 monthsFrom $59.95
BigPond Liberty® 10GB plan10GB24 monthsFrom $99.95
I thought sure the 3GB deal looks sweet but on a closer look..


For Telstra full service fixed phone customers with one other eligible service on a Single Bill7Telstra full service fixed phone customers on a Single BillStand-alone wireless broadband plans
24-month plan

$29.95/mth

After $20 BigPond Wireless
Broadband Multiple
Product Benefit


Min. cost $2157.60*
+ $9.95 delivery cost
*with BigPond Elite™ USB, HomeLine® Plus and a $30 postpaid mobile member plan over 24 months
24-month plan

$39.95/mth

After $10 BigPond Wireless
Broadband Member
Benefit discount


Min. cost $1677.60*
+ $9.95 delivery cost
*with BigPond Elite™ USB and HomeLine® Plus over 24 months
12 or 24 month plan

$49.95/mth





Min. cost $898.40 over 12 months
+ $9.95 delivery cost
Over all the best value is pushing towards $10 per GB. Having longer credit cycles is another way to find value but it looks as tough $130 for 3BG over 90 days hasn't heard of that.
OZDROID