Related
1. Tweaked UI
It doesn’t sound like the Android UI is getting a complete overhaul till Honeycomb, but Gingerbread will include some small tweaks. The notification bar at the top of the screen has gone from white to black, the launcher buttons are now green instead of translucent, and many of the native app icons have received a makeover.
Most of the existing native apps will also look slightly updated thanks to tweaks with the styling of menus, check boxes, and radio buttons as leaked in the last Google Maps update. Other small tweaks include new animations when you swipe across the desktop and when you power off the display (as reported by Phandroid).
2. Near Field Communications (NFC)
We first reported back in October that Samsung’s Google experience phone would support MasterCard PayPass, and then last week Eric Schmidt confirmed that Gingerbread would support Near Field Communication (NFC).
NFC is a short-range, high frequency wireless communication technology that only operates when two devices are about 4 inches apart. It is basically just another form of electronic identification except the ID is tied to a bank or credit card company. All the user needs to do is just setup their account then tap their phone to a wireless payment pad and complete the transaction.
Eric Schmidt said that in the future your phone could replace your credit card, so you can see how important this is to Google and their partners.
Opponents of NFC say it might fail because it is too complex and big companies will fight over who owns the point of control for the transaction, but if Google is going to make this a standard feature on all future Gingerbread phones then we think that ensures it will at least move the mobile payment standard forward.
MasterCard has not been confirmed as a NFC partner, but I think there is a good chance they are on board in addition to some other payment companies like PayPal.
3. New Motion Control APIs
True 1:1 motion processing is coming to Gingerbread thanks to InvenSense, the company behind the MEMS gyroscope sensor found in the Nintendo Wii MotionPlus controller.
Gyroscope sensors have already appeared in some phones like the Samsung Galaxy S, but Android 2.3 will add new sensor fusion APIs including quaternion, rotation matrix, linear acceleration and gravity. These new tools will open the door to all kinds of motion controls for augmented reality apps, games, navigation systems, and camera improvements like image stabilization.
See our previous post for a video with several real-world demos.
4. Native Video Chat
In his last interview, Andy Rubin hinted that native video chat was coming to the next version of Android. “We support video chat today, with Google Talk Video. It works on the desktop. Whether that can be repurposed and made appropriate for sipping bandwidth for mobile, it’s an exercise that’s underway.”
If Mr. Rubin is willing to admit that it’s underway, that tells me the project could be nearing completion and already in the testing phases.
It looks like all the high-end phones coming in the next few months will include front-facing cameras so this is another sign that Android is ready for a native video sharing app to connect all these devices.
5. New Android Market
Google has been telling us for awhile that a new Android Market was coming and recently said new features could appear in the next few weeks. The Android Market can be updated separately from the operating system, but the timing tells us the new Market could be tied to the release of Gingerbread.
Confirmed features for the new Android Market include YouTube video previews, parental controls, PayPal payments, and new high-res promotion graphics that sound like they will be used on the desktop browser version of the Market.
At the Google I/O Developer Conference we attended back in May, Vic Gundotra demonstrated the browser version of the Market that was being tested. See the video below for an idea of what to expect.
6. Google Music
As you can see from the video above, Google is also working on a music streaming service for Android. They launched a music search service earlier this year and hoped to get their music store opened before Christmas, but the latest reports say it might be delayed till 2011. Apparently the music labels are still negotiating with Google on how their “digital locker” will store purchased music, but maybe they come to an agreement this year.
This is coming sooner or later so if it doesn’t make it into Gingerbread then I expect we will see it early next year when Honeycomb tablets are revealed.
7. Support For More Large Screen Devices
On the Android Device Dashboard there is a report where Google displays the different screen sizes and densities of devices that access the Android Market. The Large category is currently blank, but look for more big screen devices like tablets to be officially supported in Android 2.3. This means we could see more 7-inch tablets like the Galaxy Tab (1024 x 600) get certified and maybe a few other resolutions for the new smartphone displays that are rumored to be coming.
We have also heard that Google might relax the rules of their Compatibility Definition Document and allow non-3G devices to be certified. No WiFi-only devices have been certified to use the Android Market yet, but Android 2.3 should hopefully change that.
In a somewhat related note, I believe this is the reason the WiFi-only Galaxy Tab was delayed till next year so that Samsung could make sure that Google allowed them to ship it with the Android Market.
8. Virtual Keyboard Enhancements
Google recently acquired hot startup BlindType to improve their virtual keyboard and we are hearing the enhancements might be coming as soon as Gingerbread. The old company website is now down, but you can still see a demo of their technology on YouTube.
What is BlindType? It is a revolutionary system that:
Eliminates touch typing frustrations
Allows for super sloppy typing
Helps you type easier and faster
Constantly adjusts to the user’s “perceived” keyboard and typing style
Just type the way you are used to – no gestures, nothing new to learn!
9. Support for WebM and VP8
We know that support for WebM and the VP8 video format are coming to Gingerbread because Google and the WebM team have told us this.
WebM is defined on the official project page as, “An open media file format designed for the web. WebM files consist of video streams compressed with the VP8 video codec and audio streams compressed with the Vorbis audio codec. The WebM file structure is based on the Matroska media container. Though video is also now core to the web experience, there is unfortunately no open and free video format that is on par with the leading commercial choices. To that end, we started the WebM project, a broadly-backed community effort to develop an open web media format.”
YouTube now offers WebM videos as part of its HTML5 player experiment. Logitech and Skype are also working with the format for future video calling services.
10. New YouTube With Broadcasting
As we get near the end of the list some of these possible features might be a stretch, but there are still hints that new YouTube features are coming. Phandroid reported that Gingerbread will have a new YouTube app and we know that they are also testing their new live broadcasting platform.
If you look at how important video will be to the upcoming Gingerbread experience, then it is not too hard to imagine that YouTube will allow live broadcasting from your phone similar to Qik or Ustream.
The next generation of superphones will include dual-core processors that support 1080p video streaming and also have speedy 4G connections, so the hardware is definitely going to be there to make it happen.
11. Google Me or Social Gaming Network
Google recently denied the reports they were working on a Facebook competitor called Google Me, but all the signs are there that Google is working on a way to bring together all their social services. TechCrunch reported that Google’s master pitchman Vic Gundotra was being placed in charge of the project, so we expect big things from him.
Andy Rubin hinted that Gingerbread would include improvements for gaming in a previous interview. “I think gaming is an area that I think is underserved right now. If we were to carefully look at what new features and functionalities in the platform that we would need to support all forms of gaming across the entire spectrum, I think that would probably be an interesting thing to pay attention to.”
A number of recent acquisitions and partner agreements might also play a role in this social gaming platform. In the last year Google acquired LabPixies for $25 million (an Israeli startup that made web games), Jambool for $70 million (makers of a virtual currenty platform), Slide for $182 million (Facebook games developer), and invested $100-200 million in Zynga (makers of Farmville).
Apple’s Game Center and platforms like Open Feint have really raised the bar for social gaming, so Google will have to release something soon if they want to catch up.
12. Flagship Phone – Nexus S
Finally, what good is a brand new operating system unless you have a flagship product that can show off all the new features. That device is the Samsung Nexus S which is widely expected to be released alongside Android 2.3. Google’s CEO recently demoed the phone to show off its NFC capabilities, so hopefully we see the device soon.
The Nexus S was originally planned to launch at Best Buy on November 11th, but then TechCrunch reported a serious hardware issue had caused a delay. One of our tipsters said the original Samsung Nexus S was scrapped for a newer dual-core version, which shocked many people because they did not expect Samsung to have a dual-core phone this year, but another trusted source also confirmed that Samsung had such a device in testing.
Conclusion
In the next few weeks we should hopefully get an official list of new Android 2.3 features from Google, but don’t be surprised if Andy Rubin doesn’t announce anything on December 6th.
Google and Samsung already missed the rumored launch date, so they could delay this project till next year in order to iron out all the launch details. Some would say that Samsung has rushed their recent Android products to market without properly testing them (aka GPS issues), so I have no problem with them taking as long as they need.
I would love a taste of Gingerbread for Christmas, but if waiting till next year gets me a fully functional dual-core Nexus S then I’m all for waiting.
How do you think Android 2.3 is shaping up so far? Does this sound like a worthy update, or do you hope that Google is packing in even more exciting features? What other types of improvements would you like to see included with Android 2.3?
If you think I’m leaving off any confirmed features, please leave a comment and I’ll gladly add them to the list.
ANDROID AND ME
You should quote the source:
http://androidandme.com/2010/11/new...at-andy-rubin-might-announce-on-december-6th/
1) Has nothing to do with the X10, since a bunch of those new features are unsupported hardware wise by the phone.
2) NFC for payments is already around, and nearly every new Android phone in Japan includes it, plus Infrared and a TV Tuner.
3) Stock UI is absolute garbage, and from the leaked Nexus S shots, looks to have gotten worse.
iead1 said:
1) Has nothing to do with the X10, since a bunch of those new features are unsupported hardware wise by the phone.
2) NFC for payments is already around, and nearly every new Android phone in Japan includes it, plus Infrared and a TV Tuner.
3) Stock UI is absolute garbage, and from the leaked Nexus S shots, looks to have gotten worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, Japan has had NFC for many years. NTT's FOMA been promoting it LONG LONG LONG time ago. People in Japan r using it like its something normal for their lives now. Unlike us, where we all are still reluctant whether to use it or not when it comes...
Yeah, I was really sad when I changed to the X10 and lost my abilty to pay for McDonalds and the train via cellphone. At least smartphones are catching up, finally.
The X10 has an issue with the Bootloader being protected by Marlin DRM.
There is no obvious reason and no clear benefit to end users or the general public. Most likely a precautionary measure to ensure SE applications work as intended and to assist with purchases of games, music, updates to Android firmware (often mistakenly called ROM's) and features Sony Ericsson have not explained in any level of detail or even stated that it exists as part of their obligations and your rights to know as the consumer.
According to the W3C.
What are some potential invasions of privacy?
1. User authentication - current PKI protocols limit the degree of anonymity -- we need to know who are you so we can sue you if you infringe
2. Usage tracking for fraud prevention
OK. Now you have just purchased a Sony Ericsson Android phone and all your social network contacts from any social media site can be merged with your phone book, backed up into Google's Gmail and shared beyond any one or all of these service's. The man controlling 'everything' that happens on your device is SE.
The phone at core capability is able to run Ubuntu / Debian Linux, Windows, iPhone and emulate everything you might wish to or choose to. Thanks to this 'feature' in the form of the Marlin DRM and Seacert broadband bootstrap implementation being present on these phones... it isn't going to happen.
With the Xperia models, the entire operating system is virtualized on boot and impossible to modify the behavior of the boot loader, due to a very high grade encryption system, provided by Inter Trust.
Unlike HTC, Motorolla, Samsung (who own a stake in the Marlin DRM but choose not to use it for snooping or destroying the main purpose of Android phones) for that matter most other Android phone manufacturers, allow the boot loader to be modified without too much effort and load a custom bootloader for multiple firmwares.
e.g; Gingerbread 2.3.2 is the default o/s shipped with Sony Ericsson apps, you want to keep this but also load Honeycomb, or Gingerbread 2.3.3, a modified vanilla o/s without things like timescape and unnecessary apps that do nothing for saving battery life.. it's your phone and you should be able to have this choice, in fact the reason Android is open source, is stop one company from forming any kind of monopoly.
So what should DRM so for us?
Are there general requirements from the concept of free flow of information?
* avoid unnecessary use restrictions, respect fair use
* universal service --- equal and fair access right
* support variety of licensing options
* make it easy for users to act lawfully
* seamless operation, interoperability of DRMS
* Support Information Search(engines)
* make licensing easy to reduce transaction costs
* secure operating environment: integrity and availability of content
* avoid bottlenecks and monopolies when standardizing (production and distribution)
Conclusion:
* copyright laws give free hand to those who develop DRMS
* Only few compulsory requirements from Law, but Guidelines can be derived from Law
* when hesitating, think in terms of free flow of information
Now back on over in Android world at Google HQ...
On 24 September 2009, Google issued a cease and desist letter to the modder Cyanogen, citing issues with the re-distribution of Google's closed-source applications within custom firmware.
Even though most of Android OS is open source, phones come packaged with closed-source Google applications for functionality such as the application store and GPS navigation.
Google asserted these applications can only be provided through approved distribution channels by licensed distributors. Cyanogen complied with Google's wishes and is continuing to distribute this mod without the proprietary software.
He has provided a method to back up licensed Google applications during the mod's install process and restore them when it is complete.
The exact same principle can be done with SE closed source apps and SE do provide the source code for their firmwares as part of the open source license. Anyone withing to check this out can simply head over to http://developer.sonyericsson.com/wportal/devworld/technology/android/ and start developing straight away. The source code, test keys and everything you need is either there or linked from there back to the places you need to be.
Semcboot security algorithms are not required and serve no benefit. The day that SE stop's supporting updates for this device, the same as they did with the Xperia X10 at 2.1 Eclair, your phone will be useless and stuck with older versions of Android.
If this is acceptable and your not bother by having no bootloader mod's, a hack to be able to change firmware that may someday soon be blocked and privacy issues built in as a matter of due course that you were not even correctly informed of, except for via a specialist forum (your looking at it), then good luck with your Arc, Neo or Play.. and I suspect that there is the real rationale here - Play.
Marlin DRM exists in the PlayStation 3 for the market and guide as it does in the PSP and also will in the Xperia Play. SE became rather unhappy when the master cryptographic key to the PS3 was discovered and distributed on mass over the internet (I have a t-shirt with the codes printed...) as it bypassed their protection ad allowed among other things, pirated games to play and unauthorized content to loaded, custom operating systems etc..
Sony Ericsson watched carefully at HTC and thought about how best to implement all of their technology in an extremely secure manor and this is the result. It may actually benefit end users, so far Sony have yet to state their side of the story and will be looking forward to seeing posts on anything relevant in this thread, for anyone interested in the subject and for anyone thinking of buying an Arc.
Wish I had of known this information before I purchased my x10 but is it such a perfect world?
Isn't the X10 hackable?
This forum here has tons of custom roms for the X10
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=617
Sorry for the stupid question. I'm new to SE and considering an Xperia arc.
yoyohere2 said:
Isn't the X10 hackable?
This forum here has tons of custom roms for the X10
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=617
Sorry for the stupid question. I'm new to SE and considering an Xperia arc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it is not. We cannot get a newer Linux kernel with new feature hooks that support functions like tether and hotspot and speed or security improvements. All the roms just overlay newer Android on top of the older kernel.
Other phones have been fully hacked and can get a newer kernel to support the newer Android without any mismatched functions. The devs here have to work hard retrofitting Android.
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
well the X2 wasnt hacked yet
This thread shows how to root a X10.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=711907
So the xperia arc and xperia x10 can be rooted?
Geohot recently announced that he bought a Xperia x10 and will be first in cue for the Xperia play. Keeping his success in mind I've got a good feeling about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXxw71oxjxs
Morning all!
I just wanted to say I'm a Sony Ericsson Ambassador based in one of the mobile network retail stores in the UK. If you have any questions you can't find the answers to either drop me a private message or send me something on twitter (SEyorkO2)
I'll do my best to get your questions answered and I'll also be posting information that I get my hands on (that I'm not forbidden to post )
I'm currently using the Arc as my primary phone and the Play as my bit on the side so these are my strongest subjects currently.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Due to lot's of questions coming through I'm going to write them all down and forward them onto the correct departments every Monday rather than constantly bombarding them. Once I get responses I'll post them at the bottom of this post.
ShaunD103 said:
Morning all!
I just wanted to say I'm a Sony Ericsson Ambassador based in one of the mobile network retail stores in the UK. If you have any questions you can't find the answers to either drop me a private message or send me something on twitter (SEyorkO2)
I'll do my best to get your questions answered and I'll also be posting information that I get my hands on (that I'm not forbidden to post )
I'm currently using the Arc as my primary phone and the Play as my bit on the side so these are my strongest subjects currently.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. Thanks for saying hi. Hoping to give you more questions when I get my SE XP (Xperia Play) back from service centre at SBE Limited.
Can you say if there are plans to integrate the PSN into the play or add trophy support?
Edit: Also there is a very cool PSN application for the android but is UK only. Do you know if there are plans to bring this app to the rest of the world? It has news, Blogs, friends and trophy list in it.
Edit 2: I have one more question. Who can we request a feature to? I love the Playstation app but I hate having to use three different launchers for my games. There is the Playstation app, the Pocket app and the normal desktop.
I would like the ability to add installed games to the Playstation app so I can slide the control pad and select any game I choose from the one that starts. So far some titles don’t show up there like the PSX games. I also have emulators that use the controls and would like that option. Or if sliding the controls down would give me a list of apps to run for instance a choice to run an emulator or the pocket app or the Playstation app. That would be cool.
ncaissie said:
Can you say if there are plans to integrate the PSN into the play or add trophy support?
Edit: Also there is a very cool PSN application for the android but is UK only. Do you know if there are plans to bring this app to the rest of the world? It has news, Blogs, friends and trophy list in it.
Edit 2: I have one more question. Who can we request a feature to? I love the Playstation app but I hate having to use three different launchers for my games. There is the Playstation app, the Pocket app and the normal desktop.
I would like the ability to add installed games to the Playstation app so I can slide the control pad and select any game I choose from the one that starts. So far some titles don’t show up there like the PSX games. I also have emulators that use the controls and would like that option. Or if sliding the controls down would give me a list of apps to run for instance a choice to run an emulator or the pocket app or the Playstation app. That would be cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll forward these onto my ADM and see if we can get some answers. WIth regards to the PSN intergration I believe there were plans for this before the play launched as we were told that the Play would have the same functionality as the Sony Ericsson Aino had. However now it all appears to be unofficial rumour.
I feel your pain regarding the multiple launchers for games and also the fact that they won't auto rotate while browsing through my selection.
We are constantly being told that both the Play and the Arc will be receving major new features with software updates so heres hoping for more playstation intergration. I'll see what I can dig up for you though!
are you serious? So it's not going to be tied into the PSN? What a load of ****...
We need better pc software, the sony ericsson pc suite is rubbish. Its like a cheap piece of software you get with a no brand piece of electrical equipment
and needs updating.
Any chance this will happen?
This reminds me of SamsungJohn from the Captivate section. Lol
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-josh- said:
We need better pc software, the sony ericsson pc suite is rubbish. Its like a cheap piece of software you get with a no brand piece of electrical equipment
and needs updating.
Any chance this will happen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try MyPhoneExplorer Client
Simply explore your SonyEricsson or Android phone !
Connect your phone via cable, bluetooth or infrared and you'll be surprised how easy and efficient you can manage your phone with this compact software. Since it's first appearance MyPhoneExplorer evolved into the most popular freeware tool for SE-phones and is constantly extended by new features. Since version 1.8 MyPhoneExplorer supports also Android-based phones (connected via WiFi, USB cable or Bluetooth)
Features:
Adressbook - with direct sync to Outlook, GMail, Windows contacts, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, Lotus Notes and Tobit David
Organizer with calendarview and direct sync to Outlook, Google, Sunbird, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, Windows calendar(Vista), Rainlendar, Lotus Notes, Tobit David and net shared calendars (WebDAV, FTP, local)
SMS - archive, export, import, excessive messages,...
Filebrowser with cachesystem to minimize datatransfer, automatic photosync...
Set phoneclock based on atomtime
and much more. f.e.: calllists, edit profiles, control phone, memorystatus, phonemonitor,...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are we not getting PSN integration? No LBP or God of War as was said before launch?
Nhialor said:
Are we not getting PSN integration? No LBP or God of War as was said before launch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still hope for a LBP version every day
Anything SONY related regarding the Xplay is a joke, how long has the phone been out now & how many ps1 games are available or dedicated Xplay games released?
Op really does has big balls coming on here claiming to be from S.E.
Personally, I smell a Troll.
DeadlyDazza said:
Anything SONY related regarding the Xplay is a joke, how long has the phone been out now & how many ps1 games are available or dedicated Xplay games released?
Op really does has big balls coming on here claiming to be from S.E.
Personally, I smell a Troll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only troll I smell in here is you...
The phone only been released for two months.. How many wii games were released two months after launch? Give it some time..
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
I bought the phone for emulators.
If you was hoping for it to be a proper Sony handheld system you should of waited to buy the NGP. (vita or w/e).
The Xplay is first and foremost an Android phone with Android and Gameloft games.
I didnt see any mention of titles like God of War or LBP being made for it. And if Sony Ericsson actually did claim this, i wouldnt of believed it anyway.
SE is not Sony.
SE is a London based/Swedish input company that works and is a division for Sony Japan.
It is a different entity from Sony.
Nhialor said:
Are we not getting PSN integration? No LBP or God of War as was said before launch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't know where you ever thought we were getting PSN, LBP or God of War. They NEVER said anything like that.
dsswoosh said:
I bought the phone for emulators.
If you was hoping for it to be a proper Sony handheld system you should of waited to buy the NGP. (vita or w/e).
The Xplay is first and foremost an Android phone with Android and Gameloft games.
I didnt see any mention of titles like God of War or LBP being made for it. And if Sony Ericsson actually did claim this, i wouldnt of believed it anyway.
SE is not Sony.
SE is a London based/Swedish input company that works and is a division for Sony Japan.
It is a different entity from Sony.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you see, that's where you're wrong:
"Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB is a joint venture established on October 1, 2001[1] by the Japanese consumer electronics company Sony Corporation and the Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson to manufacture mobile phones. The stated reason for this venture is to combine Sony's consumer electronics expertise with Ericsson's technological knowledge in the communications sector. Both companies have stopped making their own mobile phones."
I'm still a firm believer that Sony will support this phone in ways. I'm not banking on them releasing amazing games and ps1 titles, that doesn't bother me. I have fpse for that, and the Android Market, Gameloft also does what I need it to. I'm just hopeful that we will get some decent games from Sony. But I'm happy having it for the emulators for the moment
I personaly could care less if sony does anything for this phone. I already got everything I want for it. There is enough to keep me happy for years to come.
Sent from my R800a using XDA Premium App
dsswoosh said:
SE is not Sony.
SE is a London based/Swedish input company that works and is a division for Sony Japan.
It is a different entity from Sony.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, that is why it is a "Sony Playstation" certified phone?
I bought this phone because it was Playstation certified and I fully expect Sony to support it with some great games “like” God of War. GOW port would be perfect and make it worth the purchase but I Have them both on my PSP so I don’t really care. But I do expect better than regular android games with improper button support.
ncaissie said:
Hmmm, that is why it is a "Sony Playstation" certified phone?
I bought this phone because it was Playstation certified and I fully expect Sony to support it with some great games “like” God of War. GOW port would be perfect and make it worth the purchase but I Have them both on my PSP so I don’t really care. But I do expect better than regular android games with improper button support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony "may" port games over, but highly unlikely.
Here's how i see it -
1) Ericsson (a swedish company) struck a deal with Sony and merged into a telecommunications company called Sony Erriccsson. They moved headquarters to London.
2) Sony Ericcson made a new phone with a playstation pad and got it certified by Sony Entertainment, Playstation division.
3) All Sony would of done was say "yep, make the phone half decent, get our brand on it and we will certify it".
I doubt anybody on the gaming side of Sony even got involved with the production of this phone.
This phone to me is a pure Android phone that can play emulators with a decent control pad.
Thats all i wanted. Thats all i will get. IMO thats all it is ever going to be.
You’re wrong. Sony wouldn't certify the phone without plans to support it. Ericson is part of Sony just like Sony makes Toys, TVs, among other things.
Yea but sony has bigger and better things out there, a playstation phone is whatever to them they brought it out to satisfy a certain crowd nothing more just you watch
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
I have been a fan of XDA and appreciate the development and support the devs provide. But last few days a thought is bugging me continuously. We saw a lot of posts about S Voice and other apps being ported to other devices. Specially for S Voice, I believe that it's illegal as this could potentially cause Samsung to lose sales. My views:
1] We know that this is re-designed vlingo. vlingo is available in market, S Voice is NOT. Clear indication that they (as in Samsung) don't want the app to be used with other devices and they are not willing to sell it separately. Using vlingo from market is NOT same as using S Voice.
2] Did Samsung give us the permission to use/modify and distribute the app?
3] There is some infrastructure costs associated with running the services. It costs money to install and maintain servers and network. I work in enterprise storage management, so I am aware of costs associated with such massive infrastructure. Who pays for the non-SGS3 devices using the services?
4] Did Samsung every promise that SGS2/Nexus or other phones will get S Voice? So, why should we assume that other Samsung-device owners have the divine right to use a feature meant for SGS3?
5] It is one of the main USP for SGS3. Check here. This is listed as the top-most feature in the SGS3 product page. Hacking this app to be used with other phones is going to harm the phone sale. Is that not clear enough?
6] When Samsung started blocking connections from other devices - was that not an indication that they want the service exclusive for SGS3?
7] How is this different from movie piracy? The uploader never gains anything, but the studios/producers lose money.
8] What if Samsung starts locking their device in future with locked bootloaders/DRM/encryption because of such activities? Can we then blame Samsung for locking the devices?
9] Android is open source - but why assume that every feature in any Android is also open source? If someone can show me that S Voice is open source software, I will retract my statement.
It's sad that most people here equate freedom with piracy. Freedom and piracy are not same thing. Such act in the name of open source and community-feeling does not make it right. Maybe Samsung won't do anything about it -- but it does NOT make this act any better. It will just prove that Samsung considers this to be a petty nuisance (I am not using the word crime as I know nobody is doing this for any monetary gain).
Though I support open initiative with regards to Android, but I can't support such act.
Last check this statement from Samsung in VERGE
An initial test version of S Voice which was found online has been blocked as Samsung Electronics does not want consumers to judge the quality of the voice feature based on a test version. When the product is launched, users of GALAXY S III will be able to fully experience S Voice.
Exactly my thoughts. Though I am not sure what can be done to stop it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
rd_nest said:
I have been a fan of XDA and appreciate the development and support the devs provide. But last few days a thought is bugging me continuously. We saw a lot of posts about S Voice and other apps being ported to other devices. Specially for S Voice, I believe that it's illegal as this could potentially cause Samsung to lose sales. My views:
1] We know that this is re-designed vlingo. vlingo is available in market, S Voice is NOT. Clear indication that they (as in Samsung) don't want the app to be used with other devices and they are not willing to sell it separately. Using vlingo from market is NOT same as using S Voice.
2] Did Samsung give us the permission to use/modify and distribute the app?
3] There is some infrastructure costs associated with running the services. It costs money to install and maintain servers and network. I work in enterprise storage management, so I am aware of costs associated with such massive infrastructure. Who pays for the non-SGS3 devices using the services?
4] Did Samsung every promise that SGS2/Nexus or other phones will get S Voice? So, why should we assume that other Samsung-device owners have the divine right to use a feature meant for SGS3?
5] It is one of the main USP for SGS3. Check here. This is listed as the top-most feature in the SGS3 product page. Hacking this app to be used with other phones is going to harm the phone sale. Is that not clear enough?
6] When Samsung started blocking connections from other devices - was that not an indication that they want the service exclusive for SGS3?
7] How is this different from movie piracy? The uploader never gains anything, but the studios/producers lose money.
8] What if Samsung starts locking their device in future with locked bootloaders/DRM/encryption because of such activities? Can we then blame Samsung for locking the devices?
9] Android is open source - but why assume that every feature in any Android is also open source? If someone can show me that S Voice is open source software, I will retract my statement.
It's sad that most people here equate freedom with piracy. Freedom and piracy are not same thing. Such act in the name of open source and community-feeling does not make it right. Maybe Samsung won't do anything about it -- but it does NOT make this act any better. It will just prove that Samsung considers this to be a petty nuisance (I am not using the word crime as I know nobody is doing this for any monetary gain).
Though I support open initiative with regards to Android, but I can't support such act.
Last check this statement from Samsung in VERGE
An initial test version of S Voice which was found online has been blocked as Samsung Electronics does not want consumers to judge the quality of the voice feature based on a test version. When the product is launched, users of GALAXY S III will be able to fully experience S Voice.
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Click to collapse
Samsung will have known about this,
If they explicitly didnt want it to be shared with other android phones they could have prevented this easy in one of 2 ways,
1. integrate it into touchwiz framework
2. link the phones imei or unique identifier to the app and set up a database on the servers, similar to siri's protection.
Samsung wanted this app to be freely available as they have done nothing to protect its redistribution. I dont think they mind this because they have NO competitor in the Android market and are far superior to any other OEM that produces android phones.
PS. The Android OS is open source but there are many applications that have closed source to protect their business. Touchwiz source is never fully open sourced and neither is Sense.
I remember a year ago with the CM team asking for help from Samsung for little bits of protected code to get the camera fully functioning on the stock android rom (CM7 ROM).
JD
JupiterdroidXDA said:
Samsung will have known about this,
If they explicitly didnt want it to be shared with other android phones they could have prevented this easy in one of 2 ways,
1. integrate it into touchwiz framework
2. link the phones imei or unique identifier to the app and set up a database on the servers, similar to siri's protection.
Samsung wanted this app to be freely available as they have done nothing to protect its redistribution. I dont think they mind this because they have NO competitor in the Android market and are far superior to any other OEM that produces android phones.
PS. The Android OS is open source but there are many applications that have closed source to protect their business. Touchwiz source is never fully open sourced and neither is Sense.
I remember a year ago with the CM team asking for help from Samsung for little bits of protected code to get the camera fully functioning on the stock android rom (CM7 ROM).
JD
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Click to collapse
My view is that we took the application and made it compatible with other devices, Samsung never explicitly gave the permission.
Maybe they thought it would be easier to upgrade the app if it's not integrated into the TW. But I fear such activity may force them to become less dev-friendly in future.
It's a different story if in future they make the code available for CM9 or other projects separately. I just hope not, but the way it's being spread over the internet, I fear they will react in some way. Also throws a bad light over XDA.
JupiterdroidXDA said:
Samsung wanted this app to be freely available as they have done nothing to protect its redistribution.
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Click to collapse
They obviously didn't want it to be freely available because they have blocked it now.
Anyway, I don't get this mentality that if something is not impossible to take, it's ok to take it.
I will ask about the validity of ripping/porting the samsung apps and post back to this thread. If there is anything illegal about it (and im not sure there is unless the apps have been licensed specifically to the Galaxy S3) then any links on xda will be taken down.
I cant do anything about the rest of the internet though lol.
Mark.
mskip said:
I will ask about the validity of ripping/porting the samsung apps and post back to this thread. If there is anything illegal about it (and im not sure there is unless the apps have been licensed specifically to the Galaxy S3) then any links on xda will be taken down.
I cant do anything about the rest of the internet though lol.
Mark.
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Click to collapse
Much appreciated. I wanted this to be brought to the notice of MODs. Nobody wants XDA to be in bad light for such a petty affair.
As for the apps (specially S Voice) being exclusive to SGS3, I think so. That's what I infer from Samsung's statement in Verge:
http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/22/3037943/samsung-blocking-s-voice-app-leak
But please do verify with relevant authorities and take appropriate actions (if required).
Mac OS X doesn't require a product key, but that doesn't mean my friend can just use my installation DVD legally, it all depends on the T&C's
The fact Samsung have blocked it for other devices should give an indication of their decision towards people using this software on another device. They may not send the FBI to kick down your door and arrest you, but cracking it to spoof a SGSIII for example would probably get a DMCA take-down notice pretty quickly. They almost certainly won't want all and sundry freely enjoying one of the big features of their new flagship device.
I have e-mailed Samsung PR dept on their views about this issue. Not sure if they check their Inbox
Unless we hear otherwise from Samsung, we will follow the normal site policy. In this case (though it is an edge case) for the moment we're allowing it.
If this is the case, then all devs who port roms from other models are in breach also.
Is this thread trying to stop dev work, and has the OP loaded the program, if he has shame on him for going against his beliefs, now let us and the devs get on with it.:what:
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Edit: phone model is Arc, now why did I change the prop build?
OP - Care to share how this is any different from all of the Sense ports to other devices? It's not.
I also like how you thanked Mark for checking into this - and that you were waiting to hear.... And then not even an hour later you go and contact Samsung PR? It sounds to me like you have an ax to grind.
I think everything that needs to be covered has been
Hello,
I would like to know if anyone can test two apps, the only two really important to me.
Opera for android: apkpure.com/opera-with-free-vpn
ProtonMail: apkpure.com/protonmail-encrypte
I have not yet buy the phone, I would just like to know if the app works really well.
I do not want android phone or apple, I do not like the interface of these 2, too geek, not at all pro.
Can someone try to install these 2 app on his 950? And tell me if it works well?
Do you have tips for installing apk on Windows phone?
Can you please try to install those apps for us and make a small tutorial ?
The Lumia 950 and 950 XL are Windows powered phones. They don't run Android. Windows 10 Mobile has no notion of what an apk file is. It has it's own package.
Despite an excellent phone (if you don't care about apps, beside the select popular ones, and open to Microsoft ecosystem of the time), I would advice not getting it. The ecosystem is gone.
Support for the OS has been terminated from Microsoft (including security update end of last month). The phone got almost 4 years of support. It is a very old phone. Support of apps are being terminated if they are not already. In addition, the battery probably needs to be changed, and finding a good one (and not a cheap one or old production one), due to the very low popularity of the device, will be difficult. A poor or old battery results in fluctuating power delivery, mixed with the phone design flaw of not being able to manage this issue properly, leads to strange behaviors including random restarts and crashes.
The only web browser you have on this phone, are all using Edge web browser engine. And sadly, a growing number of sites are not fairing well, because the version of Edge on the phone is now old (much older than Edge on full Windows 10 on PCs), and already the web browser has a very small percentage of usage, and even that is being scrapped to be replaced with a new Edge that Microsoft is working on, which is based on Chromium engine. Keep in mind that "Windows 10 Mobile" is not "Windows 10". They are 2 different OSs. To be clear, the only similarities are some underground kernel level components, APIs, and the fact that they can run UWP apps, the name, but that is about it. It cannot run Windows executable files (*.exe). They are none with VPN. You can setup VPN on the phone if you want, which you'll need to toggle on/off when needed.
For Mail, your options is the Windows 10 Mail app which comes with it.
As for Maps, it is the same one as Windows 10, which hasn't been updated since Windows 10 Mobile was discontinued. It features old maps that are over 1 year old, possibly more depending on your region.
never buy apple or public star android
This is so bad, the 950xl have a better performance , a largely better screen quality and a largely better sound than the others Lumia or Google phones , for half price than a pixel 3 or a Lumia 8.1 ...
Microsoft was very good on hardware , specially the screen quality.
Google and Apple are billionnaires, who *insert at will* all users datas on their phones... Totally lose their minds about internet freedom place and give all datas to governement who *insert at will* people with stupid and non human laws and taxes.
You cant imagine what is it buying an Android or a Apple phone interface for me.
Hope Microsoft Will reborn and take advantage of all good skilled developers , instead of making some big browser without an well and easy dev console.
The last question is :
Is OPERA MINI old xapp file will be different than edge browser , and can it be Install with a tool ?
mayapi said:
This is so bad, the 950xl have a better performance
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Click to collapse
Hmm no. That is not true (or I am not sure I follow you). In fact, a Snapdragon (and yes that has shocked me) 670 (the one in the Pixel 3a, as example) is actually a bit faster than the Snapdragon 810 in the Lumia 950 XL. Qualcomm managed to really push performance forward over the years (~4 years). And in addition, the newer Qualcomm chips are much harder to throttle than the 810, due to their much reduced power consumption under load. While Microsoft brought some PC innovation like heatpipes to the Lumia 950 XL making it the few phones on the market with the 810 that could actually record 4K continuously without skipping after 30sec or so (due to throttling), it is still can throttle if you can take a lot of pictures in a row with little pause (due to the post processing on images) and other extended demanding tasks. So yes, at the time of release it as great, today, it is really not, sadly.
a largely better screen quality and a largely better sound than the others Lumia or Google phones , for half price than a pixel 3 or a Lumia 8.1 ...
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Click to collapse
At the time of release, sure. However, today and since a few years ago (and longer for some) many phone manufactures, add some color preference adjustment like the Lumia series has, so you can adjust things somewhat. I have to say, that one thing surprised is that both iPhones and Android powered phone still doesn't have automatic contrast adjustment to make the screen more visible to read under the sunlight. It only relies on the screen being able to be bright enough. That said, Microsoft doesn't make screens. OLED is made by 2 main manufactures in the world: LG and Samsung. For mass production product, these are essentially your only choices as a phone manufacture.
Microsoft was very good on hardware , specially the screen quality.
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Click to collapse
Yes they were, same as Nokia. And we can see that skill continue today with the Surface line systems and the XBox One S and X model (which where made by the Surface team, contrary to the first release model of the XBox One).
Sadly, while they had amazing hardware, the software was lacking, and developer support was already dying when Windows Phone 7 was released.
Ballmer monkey'ing around and screening "developers developers developers" doesn't do **** to grow developer interest in Windows when you have nothing to deliver, not to mention (at least based on leaks and rumors) complete miss management on many aspect of the company at the time. Including but not limited to different teams discourage to help other teams, have teams re-invent the wheel for something that already exists in the company, missing out on huge market opportunities, ignoring competitors despite internal alerts being raised, upper management and CEO being disconnected from reality in their own bubble, treating the company like it is the 90's while we are well into the 2000's. making the Windows Phone team fight for survival internally since day 1, lacking resources and internal political power to do their job. Forcing Microsoft employees and developers to use their own frameworks and solutions which many are rushed out, and as a result poorly done and clunky to work with, just to have a "Microsoft solution" of something that already exists in the market and has been there for years being polished and took all its time to develop correctly and be optimized. Not to mention that Microsoft never put actual effort in selling Windows phones, with 0 advertisement, and 0 bonuses of any kind to cellphone store and providers while both Apple and pretty much all Android manufactures, gave substantial returns to sales staff and companies to promote and push their device. This has greatly helped Samsung and Apple, and look where they are now.... Anyway, I am going on a tangent.
Returning back, all this has changed. Of course, it isn't a next day thing. Company culture, especially of the size of Microsoft, takes a long time to change, but results shows. When now, today, you have Windows 10 on ARM, not even officially launched, just soft lunched, with expensive, limited quantity, primarily US only, ARMed based systems, fraction of the current Windows 10 Mobile user base, has more developer excitement for then Windows Phone as a whole, shows how things turned. Heck, no one used to care about icons being changed in Windows 10 and Office, now it is all the rage. An extreme soft launch OS, already has big player interest without the company throwing any money at developers. Just on top of my head you have: Firefox, Chrome, Chromium, (and of course, the new Chromium Edge), and full VLC on Windows 10 on ARM or is in the active works.
Microsoft has changed, they are open, they actually listen, actually do serious actions to promote developers interest, knows where it can and can't compete and goes its own way, and let competition take its course, allow Microsoft employees to use whatever is available outside of the company to make great software and great experiences for the user.
So yes, I am sure that if they try again (not yet, however, later), things can be different. But there is still a lot of work to be done for the company. They still need to continue to work on their image, and shows that time have indeed changed for the company.
Google and Apple are billionnaires, who all users datas on their phones... Totally lose their minds about internet freedom place and give all datas to governement who people with stupid and non human laws and taxes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... Do I go in Microsoft dark history? If I do, you'll probably hate the company as much as Google and Apple, if not more. Company direction have changed. If we go by today, Apple has been much more protective of user personal data than Microsoft (and of course Google). Their business model is selling services (and one can say accessories too, based on their financial reports). That is their focus. Microsoft is complicated, because they touch a multitude of products and services, and you have products and service that crosses each other. For example, Microsoft does sell your user data if you use Bing, and Microsoft/Bing advertisement platform (which Windows 8/10 made apps can use).
However, if it is a question of trust, or "least evil" from your perspective:
You can limit what Google get from you if you have an Android device. Nothing stops you from installing Microsoft excellent and well reviewed Launcher to replace the Google's launcher, if you use Pixel device, or don't like the manufacture of the device one. You can also use the many great apps from Microsoft on Android including Edge web browser. The only thing that will touch Google is if you use Google Pay feature (which I don't think it is actually a deal braker) and Google Play Store (you could use alternative stores technically, but let's assume you want the best security mixed with a large store where you are sure to find everything at their latest versions as they are released). Same for using Cortana instead of Google Assistance.
Mix that Android phone with Windows 10 "Your Phone" feature, and you are set with a similar/better experience that what Windows 10 Mobile users used to get (MS pulled the plug on this).
You cant imagine what is it buying an Android or Apple phone interface for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, let's stay professional, please.
Second, I can perfectly relate, (as I am looking at my Lumia 950 XL that I am actually using as main device), this is not helped that Windows Phone 7, 8 and Windows 10 Mobile had many features that was ahead of their time. But with Android Q on the way, and with "Your Phone" (at least if you are part of Windows 10 Insider program, not sure how it is on the official release version as of the moment of writing), feature parity with Windows 10 Mobile, and has it's own benefits and feature set that Windows 10 Mobile didn't have.
The last question is :
Is OPERA MINI old xapp file will be different than edge browser , and can it be Install with a tool ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Any web browser found in the MS Store had to comply with the fact that they had to use the OS built-in web browser engine. The same policy applies for iOS devices, but not Android.
---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:05 PM ----------
Personally, I am getting Pixel 3 or 3a soon (haven't yet decided. Not interested in the Pixel 4 ugly design).
Why?
-> Yes, it is Google and I don't like it, but I know I'll stick to Microsoft ecosystem for the most part.
-> Unlike Apple, I can switch to Microsoft ecosystem for the most part.
-> Google did demonstrate to me, that yes they do provide 3 years of support in both security and sofware update. I expect to get not only Android Q with the Pixel 3a, if go with it, but also Android R and S, beside the security updates and firmware updates.
-> Android has custom ROMs powered by a large and active community, so if there is anything, I can switch separating myself more from Google, and have, in some ways, extended device support.
-> Pixel 3/3a series has genuinely a better camera than the Lumia 950 XL, justifying the upgrade for me. The Lumia 950 XL did have a camera that was, in my opinion, 3 years ahead of the competition. While these days are over, it is nice to actually get an updated camera and not one equivalent, or worst a downgrade.
Toilet Paper said:
(...) -> Pixel 3/3a series has genuinely a better camera than the Lumia 950 XL, justifying the upgrade for me. (...)
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Click to collapse
Google Pixel 3a VS. Microsoft Lumia 950: Comparison
I would not be so sure that the equipment, ten times more expensive, is worth its price only because of the camera.
Lumia 950 is currently very cheap on the secondary market.
If someone does not have, I recommend that you buy this model for the pleasure of owning and using good equipment.
I am an enthusiast of the android, but I can also appreciate good solutions on a different platform.
ok google, please spy my apple
ze7zez said:
I would not be so sure that the equipment, ten times more expensive, is worth its price only because of the camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buying a phone at the price of UHD TV is not a good argument for justify the fresh tech inside.
For this reason, i will never buy a phone that display a half of a tv for double price.
I think essentialy to Apple who let users think its a good opportunity to be usefull in buying a 4k display smartphone for the triple price of the 4K Tv, assumong it is less ressources... Less ressources ok but less cost also mister Cook ! :laugh:
mayapi said:
Hello,
I would like to know if anyone can test two apps, the only two really important to me.
Opera for android: apkpure.com/opera-with-free-vpn
ProtonMail: apkpure.com/protonmail-encrypte
I have not yet buy the phone, I would just like to know if the app works really well.
I do not want android phone or apple, I do not like the interface of these 2, too geek, not at all pro.
Can someone try to install these 2 app on his 950? And tell me if it works well?
Do you have tips for installing apk on Windows phone?
Can you please try to install those apps for us and make a small tutorial ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW WIndows has a built-in VPN system. Android has it too, but I like Windows more.
MOD ACTION:
mayapi said:
ok google, please spy my apple
Buying a phone at the price of UHD TV is not a good argument for justify the fresh tech inside.
For this reason, i will never buy a phone that display a half of a tv for double price.
I think essentialy to Apple who let users think its a good opportunity to be usefull in buying a 4k display smartphone for the triple price of the 4K Tv, assumong it is less ressources... Less ressources ok but less cost also mister Cook ! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have edited your post since it is in violation of our forum rules. As a friendly reminder, here is an excerpt of those mentioned rules:
2. Member conduct.
2.1 Language: XDA is a worldwide community. As a result, what may be OK to say in your part of the world, may not be OK elsewhere. Please don't direct profanity, sexually explicit language or other offensive content toward Members or their work. Conversely, while reading posts from other members, remember that the word you find offensive may not be offensive to the writer. Tolerance is a two-way street.
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Click to collapse
2.5 All members are expected to read and adhere to the XDA rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please refrain from this kind of language and try to make a point in a reasonable and respectful manner.
As a new member I understand that you still have to adapt to this enviroment. I am sure you understand the point of my message.
Have a good time on XDA
Cheers,
mrjuniork (Forum Moderator)