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The next Nexus, Microsoft cashing in and NFCs do come true
#16 | 5:24 |
Wednesday June 8, 2011
Android Weekly
Wednesday June 8, 2011
On this week's show, we take a look at the latest Android handset reference design rumour; let's call it Nexus Next. Microsoft cashing in on Android's success and Google Wallet; I'd tap that.
Also, Kate Abraham shows us how to stay organized and on top of our to-do lists with the free Catch Notes app.
Also, Kate Abraham shows us how to stay organized and on top of our to-do lists with the free Catch Notes app.
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Is this the next Nexus?
Typically, unannounced consumer tech product rumors are accompanied with grainy, hard to place and verify pictures. Bonus points if the pics are said to come from a "trusted source close to the issue" and double points if said pics are plastered with some site's watermarks.
TechHog.com meets all these criteria. Apparently, the site got exclusive pics of an HTC device in testing. This decidedly iPhone-esque and button-free smartphone suggests that Ice Cream Sandwich, Android 2.4, will let manufacturers ditch the hardware back, menu, search and home buttons at a cost to a little screen real estate with on-screen buttons.
HTC made the first reference Android phone: the Nexus One. Samsung made the second, the Nexus S. No one knows who the torch will be passed to, though it's unlikely this is the next Nexus.
Ice Cream Sandwich will see release on smartphones and tablets closer to the end of the year. We'll be keeping an eye on what transpires.
Microsoft cashes in on Android's success
Every time someone buys an HTC Android phone, Steve Ballmer does a little dance of joy. Probably a little more subdued than the full-on celebration when someone buys a Windows Phone 7 handset, but a dance none the less.
Fortunately for all involved, the Windows Phone 7 dance doesn't come up that often. WP7 has been disappointingly slow in the uptake.
A recent patent dispute settlement with HTC sees the manufacturer giving the Microsofties $5 per Android handset it sells. At issue; technology in HTC smartphones and in Android specifically that infringes on Microsoft's patents. Which patents? No one is saying.
In addition to this recent settlement, Microsoft is going after other Android handset manufacturers for as much as $7.50 to $12.50 per device.
The moral of the story: If at first you don't succeed... dig through your patents file and sue someone who has.
Google Wallet: I'd tap that
Eric Schmidt, in talking Gingerbread, demo'd on a then unannounced device, was bullish on NFC or near field communication. NFC is the technology you've probably already seen and likely used at least a few times. The one that lets you tap as opposed to swipe or insert your credit card to pay.
NFC first appeared in Android smartphones with the Nexus S and is included in several product announcements from other manufacturers.
Now, the vision is a few steps closer to reality. Google Wallet is now official; it was announced in a press conference late last month and the scope of the vision is now clear.
Predictably, Google Wallet is about much more than just NFC payments. It's a sort of Foursquare meets Groupon meets Google Analytics meets loyalty card meets tap to pay. Wallet users will receive notifications of nearby specials and deals, merchants can push coupons to interested shoppers and grab analytics data on which specials work best.
Also predictably, the roll-out is small and US-only. The initial list of retailers supporting Google Wallet is fairly impressive though: Foot Locker, Macy's, Guess, Toys 'R Us and Subway, among others.
Review of the Day
Catch Notes
Free
Typically, unannounced consumer tech product rumors are accompanied with grainy, hard to place and verify pictures. Bonus points if the pics are said to come from a "trusted source close to the issue" and double points if said pics are plastered with some site's watermarks.
TechHog.com meets all these criteria. Apparently, the site got exclusive pics of an HTC device in testing. This decidedly iPhone-esque and button-free smartphone suggests that Ice Cream Sandwich, Android 2.4, will let manufacturers ditch the hardware back, menu, search and home buttons at a cost to a little screen real estate with on-screen buttons.
HTC made the first reference Android phone: the Nexus One. Samsung made the second, the Nexus S. No one knows who the torch will be passed to, though it's unlikely this is the next Nexus.
Ice Cream Sandwich will see release on smartphones and tablets closer to the end of the year. We'll be keeping an eye on what transpires.
Microsoft cashes in on Android's success
Every time someone buys an HTC Android phone, Steve Ballmer does a little dance of joy. Probably a little more subdued than the full-on celebration when someone buys a Windows Phone 7 handset, but a dance none the less.
Fortunately for all involved, the Windows Phone 7 dance doesn't come up that often. WP7 has been disappointingly slow in the uptake.
A recent patent dispute settlement with HTC sees the manufacturer giving the Microsofties $5 per Android handset it sells. At issue; technology in HTC smartphones and in Android specifically that infringes on Microsoft's patents. Which patents? No one is saying.
In addition to this recent settlement, Microsoft is going after other Android handset manufacturers for as much as $7.50 to $12.50 per device.
The moral of the story: If at first you don't succeed... dig through your patents file and sue someone who has.
Google Wallet: I'd tap that
Eric Schmidt, in talking Gingerbread, demo'd on a then unannounced device, was bullish on NFC or near field communication. NFC is the technology you've probably already seen and likely used at least a few times. The one that lets you tap as opposed to swipe or insert your credit card to pay.
NFC first appeared in Android smartphones with the Nexus S and is included in several product announcements from other manufacturers.
Now, the vision is a few steps closer to reality. Google Wallet is now official; it was announced in a press conference late last month and the scope of the vision is now clear.
Predictably, Google Wallet is about much more than just NFC payments. It's a sort of Foursquare meets Groupon meets Google Analytics meets loyalty card meets tap to pay. Wallet users will receive notifications of nearby specials and deals, merchants can push coupons to interested shoppers and grab analytics data on which specials work best.
Also predictably, the roll-out is small and US-only. The initial list of retailers supporting Google Wallet is fairly impressive though: Foot Locker, Macy's, Guess, Toys 'R Us and Subway, among others.
Review of the Day
Catch Notes
Free
Tagged:
dance
,HTC
,Ice Cream Sandwich
,lawsuit
,Microsoft
,near field communication
,Nexus One
,Nexus S
,NFC
,Samsung
,steve ballmer
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