It’s interesting to see so many insurance companies starting to come out with Android apps. We know Progressive Insurance have one, Geico allow you to get a quote and pay your bill, and new insurance companies like Policy Expert are sure to be looking at introducing apps as soon as they can to position themselves well for the future.
At last 2011 might be the year that mobile searches online overtake traditional internet searches from a desktop or laptop. What’s to stop Google from running some kind of app search alongside it’s natural search. It makes sense.
Insurance companies and other large brands will have to have an app to offer their customers or potential customers because they will be behind the curve if they don’t.
Sharp Unveils Android Phones with 3D Capabilities
by Patrick Martin
As Android phones continue to gain market share over popular smartphones like Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s Blackberry, several new additions to the Android family have been announced. Sharp’s newest Android offering, which carries the model name “Galapagos,” is slated to be released in Japan later this year. The Galapagos comes with a host of different features that have become nearly standard amongst Android phones, including an impressive camera shooting both video and still images. The most impressive aspect of this new
handset is the 3D screen, which Sharp hopes will bring such films and 3D content to smartphone users around the globe.
Though the idea of a 3D phone might conjure up images of consumers texting incessantly on their deviceswhilst wearing a pair of 3D glasses, these new products from Sharp don’t require any glasses. The phone is initially going to be released in two different versions, one of which will incorporate a touchscreen. The other device will sport a full QWERTY keyboard. Both phones are tailored to a design conscious consumer, and come in thirteen different color combinations.
While the arrival of a 3D phone is certain to grab the attention of diehard fans of such technology, analysts are divided on whether more phones will be developed with 3D capabilities. Though 3D content is becoming more widespread than it once was the majority of the film and gaming content developed by independent companies does not utilize 3D technology. This lack of content could prove to be detrimental for such a phone, although the device sports the capability to view such material; not very much of it is easily available at
present.
On the other hand, some feel that the phone could encourage the furthered development of 3D content, in addition to encouraging other manufacturers to begin developing similar phones. In addition to the great camera and 3D-capable screen, the Sharp phones include hard-working processors, GPS, and the latest release of the Android operating system. As Android phones have become more and more advanced, they’ve already begun claiming former users of other popular smartphone devices. With the introduction of 3D Android phones, some feel that phones running the wildly popular OS will finally overtake their competitors.
Sharp has also addressed some of the concerns regarding the lack of available 3D content by signing several partnerships with gaming companies. These developers, which include Namco Bandai and Capcom, will create 3D games that will be available for the device. In fact, Capcom is expected to bundle games with the smartphone when it is released later this year.
As a Japanese company, it makes sense that the initial release of the new Galapagos phone is taking place in Japan. The company has yet to release plans to introduce the state-of-the-art phones in the United States, though many consumers are hoping that such a decision takes place in the months to come. Much of that decision will likely be based on how well these new phones do in the Japanese marketplace.
Android 3.0 to Arrive in January 2011
by Patrick Martin
Android 3.0 the latest software update for the popular mobile operating system owned by Google, is reportedly set to launch in January 2011. Phone and tablets running the operating system have experienced an enormous boom within the past years, leaving consumers and developers’ alike hungry for a new release of the Android operating system.
The newest version of the platform, which is code-named “Gingerbread,” is set to upgrade the existing OS in multiple ways, including new video capabilities and rumored features that incorporate Google TV.
The popular operating system is currently being run by mobile phones built by a variety of different companies, including Samsung, Acer, Motorola, and HTC. Furthermore, Android is now one of the most popular operating systems for new tablet devices. Presently, Google has yet to comment on its upcoming Gingerbread release, though the company has confirmed that the release will be occurring within the next few months. Many have speculated that such a release could be announced at the CES 2011 conference, at the beginning of January.
In spite of all the speculation, some of the features of the new version are widely known. One such addition is video chat, which will support the protocols used by Google Talk. Furthermore, the OS will have the ability to receive Google Talk calls over a Wi-Fi connection. Such features directly challenge similar features in the Apple iPhone 4.0, which was released this past summer.
Additional video capabilities in the new generation of devices include the capability to link the mobile phone with Google TV products. The new operating system will reportedly allow users to control such products with their phone, which essentially operates as a remote control. These rich video and chat features are expected to continue the accelerating market share of Android devices.
Beyond the popular features recognized by casual users of Smartphones and tablets running Google’s operating system, the new Android release is expected to incorporate several features that translate into a faster end-user experience. For example, the new software is reported to have enhanced CPU performance, meaning shorter response times for users. In general, the OS is expected to experience a boost in overall speed, and should offer more power in the hardware department.
Regardless of which details of the new operating system ultimately prove to be speculative or true, one thing is certain: Google has effectively built an operating system that is consistently finding new adopters and fans. In fact, since its initial release in 2008, the operating system has found its way into the hands of users across the globe. According to current estimates, Android could potentially be in second place in the race for market share, as early as 2014. Current figures show market share to be constant at just over 16%, though analysts expect that figure to skyrocket more than 50% to 24.6% in the next four years. This surge in market share is attributed to many factors, including the lower price points of devices running on Android, and the presence of the Open Handset Alliance.
The New Zeus Android Phone
by Guest
One thing that’s really put the Android OS ahead of the game is the allowance of many different manufacturers to create smart phones that are designed to run the Android OS. Recently, a new company has stepped into the lineup with its release of the ‘Zeus’ Android Phone.
Videocon, a company with influence all across the world (but based in India), is the manufacturer of this new phone – the V7500. Thanks to Videocon, the Android market will be even more easily accessible to most of Asia and more affordable to local consumers too.
The ‘Zeus’ is a 3.5G phone. It sports a Qualcomm 600 MHz micro-processor along with a 3.2 inch multi-touch screen. It has a flash-enabled 5-megapixel camera attached, capable of recording 24 FPS (frames per second). The actual resolution of the HVGA display is 320×480 pixels, which is noticeably clearer than other Android phones currently available from multi-national manufacturers.
It comes with an 8GB micro-SD memory card but its internal memory (which starts at 512 KB) is expandable up to 32 GB. It also includes Bluetooth, Wifi, and Push Mail capabilities. Something interesting worth noting is that the package comes with two 1230 mAH batteries – not just one. Very few phones come with more than one battery.
Other included accessories are a wall charger, car charger, carrying pouch, and applications guide. Along with all of these features is, of course, the ever-expanding Android market with over 70,000 applications and counting. Users can easily get their hands on resourceful applications such as maps or GPS navigation.
Videocon, the manufacturer of the new ‘Zeus’ Android phone is a dominant force in the Indian market; it’s been in existence for over thirty years. Although the company has been around for quite some time, Videocon is just now starting to focus its energy on reflecting the ever-changing nature of this generation’s youth and the technological advances that go along with it.
This is precisely why Videocon is getting involved in the smart-phone market. For basically the same features and accessories as other manufacturers, the entire ‘Zeus’ package can be bought for only $300. This package comes along with a year warranty on the phone, and six month warranty on the accessories that come along with it.
Despite being made by a company that isn’t really known outside of India, the ‘Zeus’ is capable of putting a lot of pressure on the more prominent manufacturers of smart phones in India, such as Sony, Samsung, and HTC. Along with the announcement regarding the ‘Zeus’ phone, Videocon also revealed a few other new models – the V1410, V1603, V1475, and V1606. These phones are not Android phones, but do have a few notable features of their own, such as a full-QWERTY keyboard and laser touch capabilities.
Unfortunately, the ‘Zeus’ hasn’t been around for enough time to be given a proper review. However, it is certainly a step in the right direction. Other companies may soon follow in Videocon’s footsteps, which would further solidify the Android OS as the standard operating system for smart phones.
Android Shipments Soar as iPhones Drop
by Guest
After Apple’s new iPhone 4 found itself facing a large amount of criticism soon after it’s release, Google’s Android-based phones showed an increase in sales. Apple has gone on to claim that sales have not been deeply affected (their main complaint was reception issues) and it seems its competitor is slowly catching up.
The Android phones running open-source Linux systems have been steadily rising in sales and have a 13% take of the UK wireless phone market. This increase in sales may have more to do with customers who are ready to upgrade after nearing the end of their wireless contracts.
Of course the rise in sales of Smartphone technology has been slow at best over the last several years. Many of the early email and internet ready phones were very slow and limited in their capability. However, demand for email ready phones have increased over time despite the technology continuing to be hammered out and advanced. New software was created, such as Symbian, and introduced to the world market with much success.
As the iPhone OS and Android were slow in their introduction to the wireless market, Symbian was leading in countries such as China who mainly use Symbian and Windows Mobile. Android has yet to make a greater impact in the eastern markets.
Such is not the case in other countries, particularly in the west. The iPhone 4, despite its complaints, is still a thoroughly designed and advanced piece of wireless technology. Even so, Apple tends to be exclusive when it comes to applications, most of which must be downloaded and approved by Apple, and a large amount of which must be paid for.
Android on the other hand, while having far less applications to offer, is open sourced and many of these Android apps are free to users. This also means that users can download apps from anywhere, which appeals to those who find a large part of the appeal of owning an iPhone, or Android the applications.
Customers are offered a variety of Android based phones, more than a dozen in fact, whereas Apple offers the iPhone 4G and 3G, with the 3G likely to be obsolete as the 4G becomes the signature phone of Apple. The variety of Android phones allows customers a choice which affects their wallets in a positive way; phones range from about $100 to as much as $500, whereas the iPhone 4 is priced at one price and there are no other options.
This difference in pricing obviously favors the Android and it is showing in sales. Not to mention that even a more cheaply priced Android phone still shares features with more expensive ones, such as Google Apps and a 3.2 megapixel camera. Android is also featuring all the attributes of a true Smartphone, like the iPhone 4 and is able to cover the whole of the market from the bottom to the top of the line.
While 13% of the market is not a huge share, the Android’s rise is impressive, which is great for Google and many of the phone manufacturers that are using the software in its devices. As Android’s sales climb, a shift towards the Google software is taking place, which should create a slowing of Apple created apps and an increase in Android developed apps. Such a shift will bring the two contenders closer and even give Google’s Android the edge.
3 New Android Phones to Hit the Market this Fall
by Guest
On Tuesday, AT&T and Motorola announced plans to release three new and improved Smartphone’s based upon Google’s Android software. The prospect of helping Motorola switch to the AT&T provider instead of Verizon has excited many.
The models each have a unique look and are more accessible to a wider audience. Motorola made it their primary focus to be conscientious of price considering their Droid X device currently sells for $200, a steep price for this economy.
The Bravo, the Flipout, and the Flipside all offer an enhanced version of the Android software while still maintaining a savvy look Motorola is known for. AT&T has priced the Flipout at $79.99, starting on October 17 with a two-year service agreement. Exhibiting a flashy twist effect, the square Smartphone features a screen that swivels revealing a QWERTY keyboard underneath.
Although the Flipout stands out in stores, there have been concerns about the reliability of this model. Regardless, this particular phone has already achieved much success in Latin America and Europe. If you are set on buying this versatile phone, you may want to consider switching to AT&T because the Flipout is exclusive only with this provider. This fun and original design contains 600 MHz of power with an ARM cortex-A8 processor, fast enough for anyone on the go.
The Motorola Flipside, which features an impressive slide-out keyboard will cost $99.99. A two- year contract will also be required to purchase this phone. Considered the more practical of the phones, this model contains a touch-screen with a sliding keyboard design that is fast and easy to use. The 320 by 480 screen has a generous trackpad beneath it, allowing smooth navigation throughout the phone. People have compared the design of this phone the Motorola’s Backflip in that the keyboards resemble each other.
The impressive touch-screen phone, the Bravo, is the most expensive of the bunch priced at $129.99. Although this model may not be at the top of it’s game, the phone does feature a 3.7 inch 854 by 480 display and an impressive 800 MHz processor. The design is sleek and easy to hold. Both the Flipside and the Bravo will be available just in time for the holidays, at the end of November.
While all three phones offer a unique cellular experience, the Bravo, Flipout, and Flipside all feature some of the latest technology. Motorola’s MotoBlur has been integrated into Android 2.1 allowing all social networking updates to be organized while providing wipe options. This utilizes server-side technology, which helps sustain battery life and optimizes the Android system. All phones have been upgraded to 3G with Wi-Fi, something many individuals are looking forward to taking advantage of. Each phone contains a three megapixel camera as well as CrystalTalk Plus, a program that enhances voice call quality.
With the addition of three new phones to its repertoire, AT&T is finally expanding the Smartphone family. There is speculation that the iPhone, which is currently exclusively with AT&T will lose this privilege next year to its rival, Verizon Wireless. Teaming up with Motorola will be an investment for both companies and will allow sales to improve.
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