Google Edges Jelly Bean Closer to Release

Google announced on Monday that the company was releasing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to the open source community, a step that usually indicates the company is getting close to officially shipping the next major release of the mobile operating system. Jean-Baptiste Queru, technical lead for the open source side of Android, made the announcement on the company’s developer forums.


Google officially announced Jelly Bean at the company’s I/O developer conference in June. This version of Android is aimed at both tablets and smartphones, and it was the featured OS for Google’s new Nexus 7 tablet that was also unveiled at the conference.
To that end, Mr. Queru noted that, “Proprietary binaries are available for Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus. Nexus S and Xoom will follow.”
Jelly Bean will be an important release for Google as the company works to make a dent in the world of tablets with the Nexus 7. Jelly Bean could also bring Android’s voice command infrastructure up to par with Apple’s Siri. As such, it’s the first version of Android that The Mac Observer considers all that interesting—you’re mileage will certainly vary.

Hands On With Android 4.0 for the Samsung Galaxy Note

So here's what's wrong with Android. Right now the tech world is talking about Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which brings a smoother interface, better responsiveness, and the potentially radical Google Now search function to the world's top smartphone platform. But as of July 10, AT&T is beginning to push Android 4.0 out to its popular Samsung Galaxy Note phablet.

That said, you shouldn't look a free software update in the opcodes. Many Android phones are still stuck on version 2.3 or earlier, so Samsung deserves some kudos for making it this far. Android 4.0 is a distinct update to the Galaxy Note's earlier Android 2.3, with better handling of multitasking and access to the superior Chrome browser. Those two features alone make the upgrade worth the time to install, but Samsung has also added in some entertaining frills.

Touchwizzing All Over The Place Android 4.0 on the Galaxy Note doesn't look anything like stock Android 4.0, with its minimalist black backgrounds. In fact, you'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the UI here and the earlier Android 2.3 UI. Samsung's TouchWiz overlay is so heavy and complete, touching every major app, that there's little new in many of the core apps.

Hold down the Home button, though, and you get a scrolling list of thumbnails of running apps - that's a new Ice Cream Sandwich feature. The new software also supports NFC (but not Google Wallet) and Google's gimmicky face-unlock feature.

Web-browsing performance has really improved, too. The Antutu and Nenamark system and graphics benchmarks didn't show any change, but the Android 4.0 browser shows dramatically better results on the Browsermark browser benchmark, jumping from 48260 under Android 2.3 to 67380 under Android 4.0. That's still far short of the fastest scores we've seen, though, because the Galaxy Note's 1.5-GHz Qualcomm S3 processor isn't as powerful as the Qualcomm S4 we're seeing in leading devices like the Samsung Galaxy S III.

Android 4.0 also gives you access to the Chrome browser, which I consider a killer app for Ice Cream Sandwich; it's fast and smooth and clean and you'll never go back. Chrome hit a 71702 on Browsermark, and its tab management is much quicker than the standard Android browser.

Some owners of foreign Galaxy Notes have complained about stability issues after their updates, but I didn't run into any such issues after running a range of apps on our unit.

Samsung also brought a few new apps along to showcase its pressure-sensitive, Wacom-powered S Pen technology. S Note is a note-taking app with various templates and a neat trick of solving mathematical formulas using Wolfram Alpha. My Story lets you create and send little handwritten cards made up of a collage of images and ink.

Thanks to a tweet from Samsung spokesman Phil Berne, I also discovered the new software supports Share Shot, a camera mode that automatically shares out your photos to nearby friends via Wi-Fi Direct.

I didn't see any responsiveness problems in Samsung's own apps, but Autodesk Sketchbook Pro sometimes wouldn't recognize light pen touches. That's disappointing, and it's also something Google specifically said it was addressing in Jelly Bean.

It's Not Just Jelly Bean Samsung won't commit to bringing Jelly Bean to the Galaxy Note yet. "Samsung will soon announce which additional devices are eligible for the Jelly Bean update," the company told me in an email. But my disappointment here doesn't just have to do with Jelly Bean.

Android 4.0 on the Galaxy Note now lacks important Samsung-specific features, too - the features that came with the new Galaxy S III. The S Voice personal assistant, S Beam file transfer, and more camera features all set Samsung's new flagship phone apart, but they aren't coming to the Galaxy Note with this update.

This leaves the Galaxy Note in an odd position. Already, rumors are whizzing around the Internet about a "Galaxy Note II" coming out in August with a newer processor and the Galaxy S III software extensions. Will that one have Jelly Bean? That's anyone's guess.

The new software doesn't change the Galaxy Note's basic value proposition, though. This is still the handheld for people who want to play games, watch videos, or read text without squinting at a tiny screen, who don't make a lot of voice calls and do spend a lot of time tapping at their devices. Right now, it's unique in the market. The Android 4.0 upgrade is a nice perk, but it doesn't change the game here.

Spam Emails: Android Botnet or Not?

Reports emerged this week about a spam-producing Android botnet, but is this really an Android problem?
As outlined by PCMag's Security Watch, researchers from Microsoft and Sophos on Wednesday said they had found the first instance of an Android botnet. The spam messages included the signature, "Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android," prompting Microsoft researcher Terry Zink to conclude that "a spammer has control of a botnet that lives on Android devices."
Sophos chimed in, with analyst Chester Wisniewski arguing that it is "likely that Android users are downloading Trojanized pirated copies of paid Android applications."
Later that day, however, Lookout Security said "a more plausible explanation for this behavior appears to be insecure Android applications."
Lookout said the information provided by Microsoft and Sophos was not enough to "definitively identify" the cause of the spam because the data is "easily replicable."
"After taking a detailed look at the app, we've found a number of issues that have potentially broader implications for all Android users of Yahoo! Mail," Lookout continued. "In the interest of responsible disclosure, we cannot at this time provide details around such vulnerabilities."
Microsoft's Zink and Sophos's Wisniewski have since published follow-up posts. Zink conceded that it's "entirely possible" that a bot on a compromised PC connected to Yahoo Mail inserted the Android tagline in an effort to dupe people into thinking it came from Android devices.
"On the other hand, the other possibility is that Android malware has become much more prevalent and because of its ubiquity, there is sufficient motivation for spammers to abuse the platform. The reason these messages appear to come from Android devices is because they did come from Android devices," he said.
Zink said he considered both options before publishing his data and "selected the latter."
In his own post, Wisniewski said he "didn't make it clear that we do not have a malware sample that does this, simply evidence that strongly suggests it is happening."
Wisniewski said he has "no evidence" of message forgery. "The messages are delivered to our spam traps from genuine Yahoo! servers with valid DKIM signatures," he wrote.
Wisniewski conceded that "we don't know the answer right now," but said "the evidence suggests it is Android malware and there isn't a good reason to think that pretending it is from Yahoo! via Android devices is of any benefit to the spammers."

Droid Incredible 4G LTE review: Verizon gets an excellent smaller-sized Android phone

It's hard to underestimate the value of brand loyalty. Just ask Verizon Wireless. It's with satisfied Incredible and Incredible 2 owners in mind that the carrier is promoting the Droid Incredible 4G LTE, a 4-inch, $149 device that -- as you may have guessed -- rides along VZW's fast LTE network.

Interestingly, the Incredible 4G LTE is landing at a time when many consumers might have preferred, say, the HTC One X. In fact, though, Verizon's decision to instead update the Incredible (also made by HTC) introduces a rather enviable proposition to Verizon customers. Remember that in a short matter of time, the Samsung Galaxy S III will soon make its debut at Verizon, at which point, it's expected to become the network's premiere smartphone. Still, its large size will deter many shoppers, and when viewed through this lens, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE begins to make sense. Put simply, it's a compact handset that stands as the antithesis to the assumption that size equals power. While the handset doesn't quite approach the capabilities or elegance of the One X (or the One S, for that matter), the latest Incredible is a worthy successor and deserves consideration as your next smartphone -- regardless of your current provider. Read on to learn why.

Go ahead and raise your hand if you were surprised that the Rezound wasn't christened as part of the Incredible lineup. Given the cosmetic similarities, you'd be forgiven. Perhaps it was the phone's larger 4.3-inch display that ultimately dictated its fate, but Incredible fans will be pleased to know that the industrial design of the Droid Incredible 4G LTE is remarkably similar to its forebears. The phone maintains roughly the same dimensions and weight as the previous iterations, and features bold, beveled lines around back. Purists will appreciate that the original Incredible's red accents have returned, which are evident on the front speaker grille, the power button and camera pod.
Thankfully, the latest Incredible is remarkably more comfortable to hold -- especially in comparison to the first generation -- as the beveled edges now flow into gentle curves along the side that allow the phone to fit naturally in one's palm. The soft-touch rear cover has also gained a nice textured finish, which adds to the overall visual appeal and makes the handset easier to grip. HTC has also updated the capacitive navigation buttons, which now fall in line with the scheme of the One lineup.

While the external changes to the Droid Incredible 4G LTE are rather modest, the real story lurks within -- and it's a thriller. Based on the Snapdragon S4 from Qualcomm, the phone sports a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU and an Adreno 225 GPU. We'll discuss performance details a bit later, but quite simply, the phone offers a lot of power in a little package and feels every bit as snappy as the dual-core One X and Galaxy S III. It's very impressive.
Naturally, a smartphone is only as good as its display, and the Droid Incredible 4G LTE doesn't disappoint. While some may be put off by its smallish size, just as many will view the 4-inch screen as the phone's most compelling feature. Like the HTC One S, the Incredible offers a qHD (960 x 540) display, and while the resolution isn't exactly cutting edge, it's a great fit for a screen of this size. The end result is a pixel density of 275ppi, which is slightly better than the One S. Thanks to the S-LCD screen, text is very sharp and crisp, viewing angles are admirable and color reproduction is solid. The display is also reasonably usable in direct sunlight. Only in comparison to the S-LCD 2 screen of the One X does the new Incredible appear to be anything less than excellent.

Sadly, you won't find anything like the Infinity screen on the One X and One S, which gently drapes over the phone's edge. Here, your fingers will rub against the phone's frame. While the Droid Incredible 4G LTE is a solidly built phone, small touches like this reinforce the impression that it doesn't reach the fantastic engineering heights of the One lineup. That said, the design is also more functional, as the device offers an accessible 1,700mAh battery and removable microSD storage. Users will need to handle the rear cover gently, however, which includes a built-in NFC antenna along with raised contact points that appear somewhat fragile. While the stock rear cover doesn't support inductive charging, the phone contains the necessary contact points. FCC documentation also hints at the functionality. So, perhaps we'll see HTC introduce a separate cover to make inductive charging possible.
In terms of amenities, you'll find the power button, 3.5mm headphone jack and a secondary microphone up top (which allows users to record sound in stereo), a volume rocker on the right-hand side, the primary microphone on the bottom and an MHL-capable micro-USB port situated on the left-hand side. There's also a handy charging / notification light, which is hidden just above the Verizon logo on the face of the phone. Positioned to the right of the camera pod on the rear is a speakerphone.

	HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE
Pricing	$199 on-contract before $50 mail-in rebate
Dimensions	4.8 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches (122 x 61 x 11.7mm)
Weight	4.66 oz. (132g)
Screen size	4.0 inches (102mm)
Screen resolution	960 x 540 pixels (275ppi)
Screen type	Super LCD display
Battery	1,700mAh
Internal storage	8GB (5.21GB available)
External storage	MicroSD, none included
Rear camera	8MP, AF, LED flash
Front-facing cam	VGA
Video capture	1080p
NFC	Yes
Radios	CDMA 800 / 1900MHz; LTE 700MHz
Bluetooth	v4.0
SoC	Qualcomm MSM8960 (Snapdragon S4)
CPU	1.2GHz dual-core Krait
GPU	Adreno 225
RAM	1GB
MHL	Yes
WiFi	2.4GHz: 802.11b/g/n; 5.0GHz 802.11a/n
Operating system	Android 4.0.3

Performance and battery life

Don't be fooled by the small size of the Droid Incredible 4G LTE, because this one runs with the big dogs. Like the US variants of the One X and Galaxy S III, the phone includes a wicked fast Snapdragon S4 from Qualcomm. Granted, the dual-core CPU within the latest Incredible runs at 1.2GHz -- compared to 1.5GHz in its larger brethren -- but it contains the same Adreno 225 GPU and real-world performance is comparable.
Benchmark tests reveal a similar story. For example, within Quadrant, the new Incredible's slower CPU is evident, but it also boasts significantly faster memory that helps it best even the mighty Transformer Prime tablet. In Vellamo, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE outperformed the quad-core HTC One X -- which features NVIDIA Tegra 3 internals -- and fell just behind the dual-core One X and Galaxy S III.

	HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE	HTC One X (AT&T)	Samsung Galaxy S III (AT&T)
Quadrant	4,247	4,784	5,084
Vellamo	2,045	2,259	2,153
AnTuTu	6,001	6,956	6,713
SunSpider 0.9.1 (ms)	1,871	1,453	1,926
GLBenchmark Egypt Offscreen (fps)	56	56	54
CF-Bench	7,778	9,479	9,439
SunSpider: lower scores are better.

As we've alluded to, the real-world performance of the latest Incredible is buttery smooth: boot times are quick, apps are summoned without hesitation and the web browser is utterly fluid. Put simply, it's a joy to use.
The story with Verizon LTE is generally consistent and two-fold: excellent data speeds and miserable battery life. While we never experienced the insanely fast speeds that many have come to expect (performance averaged 13Mbps down and 6Mbps up) the latest Incredible offers battery life that's a refreshing departure from the norm. In our standard rundown test, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE eked out a solid seven hours and 15 minutes of runtime, which matches the excellent longevity of the Droid 4. Similarly, the phone managed to get 52 hours of uptime from a single charge with moderate use. While the Incredible's battery life doesn't approach the high mark set by the Droid RAZR Maxx, it offers a respite from the constant search for power outlets. And at the end of the day, that's all that really matters.

The Droid Incredible 4G LTE is a remarkably solid performer as a phone. While it doesn't quite approach landline quality, it's easily one of the better experiences we've had with a mobile device in quite some time. In all cases, voices were remarkably clear -- even at low volume -- and we were able to carry on a natural conversation without straining to hear the caller or struggling to properly position the earpiece. Similarly, others commented on the clarity and depth of our voice.
With respect to navigation, we're happy to say that the latest Incredible was able to detect GPS satellites nearly instantaneously.

Software

If you're familiar with Sense 4, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE offers very few surprises. The skin was developed by HTC independent of Google's work with Android 4.0, and while it remains a significant departure from Ice Cream Sandwich, the overall experience is attractive, intuitive and responsive. For the purposes of this review, we'll focus on the software that's specific to the latest Incredible, but if you're unfamiliar with Sense 4, be sure to check out our full review of HTC's latest skin.

Upon first boot, you'll be greeted by a setup wizard that prompts first-timers to select their default language, configure Verizon's Backup Assistant Plus service (a freemium offering, which can be skipped), setup various email accounts and enable their Google account. As you'll see, the setup wizard also beats users over the head with the fact that their phone can be used to track location. Indeed, in the next step you'll be asked to configure which location services -- Verizon, GPS and Google -- to enable. Lastly, users are given the option to view basic tutorial videos. Once that's out of the way, you'll be delivered to the home screen, where the default wallpaper is quick to remind users that this is, indeed, a Droid. As you'd hope, you can easily switch to HTC's own themes, but by default, it's all rather heavy-handed with Verizon's own brand. The phone even goes so far as to play the familiar "Droid" sound with each new message. It's a not-so-subtle way of turning users into walking advertisements.
Fortunately, Verizon exercised restraint with its bundled apps. That's not to suggest that the phone is pristine, however, as you'll discover a few applications that essentially amount to advertisements. These include two games, Let's Golf 3 HD and Real Racing 2, along with Amazon Kindle, Amazon MP3, Slacker Radio and Slingbox. With respect to the games, these are merely shell apps that weigh in at less than 1MB and immediately prompt users to download approximately 600MB worth of data. As a bit of an insult, both games are merely playable demos, so it's hard to argue that they add any value to the phone. Slingbox is a similar story, as the included "app" merely prompts users to sign up for the paid service and download the software.

With respect to Verizon's own software, you'll find My Verizon Mobile for quick account access, NFL Mobile, V Cast Tones (for those who still pay for ringtones), Verizon Video, visual Voicemail -- a $1.99/month service -- and VZ Navigator. There's also a Mobile Hotspot app, which more or less exists for those who can't find the toggle within the settings menu. Those who need to keep close tabs on their data usage will also find a small widget from Verizon for this purpose, which links to the My Verizon app.
None of the bundled apps can be uninstalled, but HTC's software allows users to selectively disable unwanted titles, which keeps them out of the launcher. In this sense, it's rather unoffensive as each application's footprint is so small, but several of the apps are annoyances just the same.

Camera

We've good news and bad news to share with respect to the camera in the Droid Incredible 4G LTE. First, the bad: this phone's camera isn't the same as you'll find on the One X and One S. It's inferior. On the upside, however, the camera is still quite excellent in its own right. While the One X features an f/2.0 lens, you'll find an f/2.2, 28mm setup here. Both 8-megapixel cameras contain backside illuminated sensors and are rather comparable with respect to daylight and indoor photography, but the One X is noticeably better when it comes to low-light scenes.

All told, the camera captures an impressive amount of detail with admirable color reproduction and delivers fantastic results at the press of a button. Most users will be rightfully thrilled by this camera, and our only nitpick is an excessive amount of sharpness that's discernible when images are viewed at full size.
The greatest differentiator between the camera of the Droid Incredible 4G LTE and the One lineup is the exclusion of HTC's ImageSense processor. While you'll find roughly the same set of software features, the real magic of HTC's imaging capabilities happen on the processing level, and it's absent on the latest Incredible. Not only does ImageSense affect overall image quality, but it has a bearing on the camera's real-world functionality as well. For example, while the Droid Incredible 4G LTE can capture roughly three images per second, the HTC One series can process twice this in the same amount of time -- all thanks to its hardware. In terms of software, you'll find the same set of shooting modes, which include the ability to capture HDR imagery, gyroscope-assisted panoramas, close-up and low light scenes, along with landscape, portrait and a few others. You'll also find the ability to apply Instagram-like filters to images, along with basic crop and rotation tools.

The Droid Incredible 4G LTE once again impresses with its 1080p video capture, which records at a smooth 30fps with stereo sound. We would like to see more refinement with respect to the image stabilization feature, however, and while the auto-focus during recording is a nice feature, you'll likely need to tap-to-focus during the clip in situations where you transition between close-up and distant subjects. Like with the One X and One S, you'll find the ability to easily capture widescreen (3,264 x 1,840) images while recording 1080p video.

Wrap-up

At first blush, it's easy to say that Verizon made a crucial misstep by excluding the One X from its lineup. While it's difficult to quickly dismiss that claim, the Galaxy S III will no doubt satisfy a large number of customers in search of a large and powerful smartphone. And besides, the Droid Incredible 4G LTE is a strong addition to Verizon's lineup, as it offers nearly all of the power and functionality of a premiere Android superphone, except in a smaller form factor.
As is, the purchasing decision for Verizon customers is now clear and distinct: those who want a best-of-breed smartphone with a large display should choose the Galaxy S III, while those who want nearly the same level of performance within a smaller enclosure should choose the Droid Incredible 4G LTE. Naturally, the Galaxy Nexus remains a solid option for those who insist upon stock Android above all other considerations, and the Droid RAZR Maxx is a competent performer for those who demand maximum battery life.
While the One X would still be a welcome addition at Verizon Wireless, the carrier now has an incredibly strong portfolio of Android smartphones that cater to a wide variety of desires. If you're currently on the hunt for a compact smartphone that offers world-class performance, you've reached your destination.

Microsoft engineer discovers Android spam botnet

Microsoft engineer Terry Zink has discovered Android devices are being used to send spam. He has identified an international Android botnet and outlined the details on his MSDN blog.
Android malware is on the rise. There have been many fake versions of Android apps (see links below) that try to cash in by sending expensive SMS messages. This is different.
In this case, the money is being generated after spam e-mails are sent from Yahoo Mail servers on Android devices. A closer look at the e-mails' header information shows all the messages come from compromised Yahoo! accounts. Furthermore, they are also stamped with the "Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android" signature.
As such, Zink believes a cybercriminal has developed a new piece of malware that can access Yahoo Mail accounts on Android devices and send spam messages from them. Since this is happening on a large scale, it follows the perpetrator has also linked the Android devices together to create a spam botnet, a technique often used when trying to monetize spam; it's all about volume, volume, volume.
Since Yahoo provides the originating IP address for the e-mails, Zink was able to list the countries from where the spam is being sent: Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America. More specifically, the e-mails Zink got his hands on came from Chile, Indonesia, Lebanon, Oman, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
Most of these countries are in the developing world, and so the Microsoft engineer argues that users likely tried to download pirated versions of apps to avoid paying. Alternatively, they were tricked into downloading a fake version of the Yahoo! Mail app. Either way, it's unlikely they used the official Google Play store.
Android lets you download and install apps from anywhere. Please only install apps from Google Play unless you are absolutely certain you know who wrote the software you want to install. Fighting malware isn't just the responsibility of security firms: you can help by being smart about what you install.

Sky Go is coming to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich this month

TV BROADCASTING OUTFIT Sky has declared plans to bring Sky Go to Os 4.0 Ice Lotion Food gadgets by the end of the month, just in here we are at the rollout of Os 4.1 Jam Vegetable.

This is best part about it for clients who have already made the leap to Os 4.0, as Sky said that the app will be suitable with the HTC Wish S, Wish HD, Amazing S, Feeling, Feeling XE, New samsung Universe S, Universe Observe, Universe Nexus, Universe S2 and, of course, the Universe S3.

However, it's not such best part about it for those looking to update to Os 4.1 Jam Vegetable, as the app won't work with Google next mobile managing system.

Despite Sky typically moving out new functions to IOS first, owners of Os 4.0 Ice Lotion Food operated gadgets will also get access to Sky Go's new on-demand functions, allowing users' to get up with reveals while on the go.

"With the huge and ever-growing reputation of Os gadgets in the UK it's amazing to make on-demand content from Sky Films and Sky Enjoyment available to Sky clients for at the first try," said Mom Knill, product home of Sky Go.

"This update means clients can enjoy some of the most popular reveals such as Sky Atlantic's Mad Men, Veep and thousands of the newest Artist blockbusters, whenever matches them.

"We wish this update to the assistance offers extra versatility to Os clients and the new option of on-demand watching makes a better experience for all Sky clients across all systems."

It's still ambiguous when the Sky Go tv catch-up assistance will be coming to the Iphone and Ipad, and Sky was not available for thoughts at plenty of duration of writing.

Source: The Inquirer (http://s.tt/1gQcf)

Android extends its US smartphone lead

The Google Android platform has extended its lead in the US smartphone market while Apple increased its market share to nearly a third in March in May, a survey shows.
Android accounted for 50.9 per cent of all smartphones used in the US during the three-month average period, according to the comScore survey.
Apple's iPhone scored 31.9 per cent of the market, up from 30.2 per cent in the prior three-month period.
The survey comes amid intense competition and legal fights over patents in the smartphone market.
A judge in California last week granted Apple's request for an injunction blocking US sales of Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphones made in collaboration with Google to challenge the iPhone. Additional patent cases are pending in other courts.
ComScore on Monday said nearly 110 million people in the US owned smartphones during the three months ending in May, up five per cent from February.
The survey showed continued bad news for Research in Motion's BlackBerry, which saw its platform share fall to 11.4 per cent from 13.4 per cent.

Microsoft's share edged up slightly to 4.0 per cent from 3.9 per cent.
Among all mobile phones, Korean-based Samsung remained the top maker with 25.7 per cent of the US market. Second was fellow Korean LG with 19.1 per cent, while Apple was third with 15 per cent.
Android and iPhone smartphones accounted for slightly more than 90 per cent of US smartphone sales in the fourth quarter of 2011, industry-tracker NPD Group reported earlier this year.
A recent survey by ABI Research found that Samsung and Apple have captured more than half the global market for smartphones and over 90 per cent of its profits.
ABI said Samsung delivered 43 million units in the quarter, to 35 million for Apple.