Report on Android Distribution Platforms for apps – research2guidance

by Jesse Bauer on
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A new report done by research2guidance shows the distribution mix between Android application stores available to developers. As you can see above, ‘Handster’ is the number one Android distribution channel with over 23,000 apps available, which accounts for just over 10% of Google’s Android Market itself.

There are over 30 available channels for developers to get their apps noticed and distributed outside the Android Market, thus helping with developer recognition for their applications. The Amazon App Store is a very recent store, and so we’ll likely see them take top spot by the next time this report is updated. These app stores all offer some promo plans for developers to get their apps out to the public and noticed as well, so they may be worth checking out if you’re looking for some extra PR.

[via intomobile]

Promo Poster Reveals Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo

by Joe Sirianni on
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A Sony Ericsson promo poster recently leaked an image of the up and coming, but unannounced, Xperia Duo.  We’re still not sure what the full line of specs are but as the name implies, there is most likely a dual-core CPU on board.  It’s also possible we can see a front facing camera and slight subtle switch up of icons than what we’re used to seeing on Android devices.  The display also looks to be somewhere in the 4.3″-4.5″ range but only time will tell until the full spec sheet comes to light.  In the poster, the device lying juxtaposed to the Duo, the Xperia Arc, is as we know a 4.2-inch display.  Stay tuned to Talk Android as we dig a little deeper on the device.  Once we find more, you’ll be the first to know.  Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below.

[via bgr]

My Coffee Card updates to version 1.3, brings UI enhancements, still better than official Starbucks app [Hands On Video]

by Robert Nazarian on
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We announced last week that Starbucks launched an app that enables mobile payments in over 6,800 Starbucks using your gift card or Starbucks Gold Card. Starbucks launched it for iOS this past January with nothing for Android. Shortly after that, My Coffee Card debuted to fill the gap for Android users, but it was not some half baked short-term solution. Starbucks should have hired Birbeck, the developer of My Coffee Card, because this app is light years ahead of what the official Starbucks app offers.

Since the beginning, My Coffee Card has worked flawlessly. To me there wasn’t much need for improvement, but all good developers somehow find ways to improve what is already great. Today, version 1.3 releases which brings new UI enhancements, credit card saving for faster reloading, and a smaller widget option.

What separates My Coffee Card from the official app is that it actually works without bugs, has widget options (added a smaller size with version1.3), allows for multiple cards (PRO version), the ability to lock with a pin or password, order notepad for a list of drinks, notifications for card balances, database backup, and a lot less storage space. What is more fascinating is that all of these features have been there since day one.

» Read the rest

Android Market device listings now showing Google TV’s

by Robert Nazarian on
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Google told us at I/O that the Google Market would be coming to Google TV and it looks like we are getting close. For those that have a Google TV unit, like the Revue, you can now see them listed as “other” in the list of My Devices in the Android Market. Don’t attempt to download anything to it because it won’t work, but we know that soon you will be able to.

Google announced a few days ago that they bought SageTV so it looks like Google has more plans for Google TV. Stay tuned.

[via engadget]

Get the EVO 3D now if you are a Sprint Premier customer, $199 with a two-year contract and free shipping

by Robert Nazarian on
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If you have already decided to buy the EVO 3D and you are Sprint Premier customer then your wait is over. It launches on June 24, but you can order it now for $199 with a two-year contract, or $549.99 outright.

If you already have an EVO 4G and wondering if you should get this latest version then check out our recent article comparing the two.

[via engadget]

Motorola Droid 3 gets GLBenchmark, packs TI OMAP4

by Robert Nazarian on
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The Motorola Droid 3 came up in a GLBenchmark yesterday and performed very well. It was originally thought that it would come with a Tegra 2 since it is not an LTE phone. This benchmark confirms that it will indeed come with Texas Instruments OMAP4.

The first test puts the Droid 3 just behind the Optimus 3D for the Egypt test, but the Droid 3 does have a higher resolution (qHD) display so you have to wonder what would have happened if the displays were the same.

» Read the rest

Sensation 4G Having Over-Temperature Issues?

by Joe Sirianni on
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Anyone experiencing over temp issues on their T-Mobile Sensation 4G lately?  We’ve had the device for less than 24 hrs and I have yet to see the battery temp under 105º  In fact, while plugged in, I’ve hit 113º so far.  Now, it’s no surprise to see an HTC device getting slightly overheated, especially while plugged in and in heavy use, but 113º?  Something doesn’t seem safe to me about placing the device anywhere near my brain.  Call me crazy I guess.  Subsequently, Im watching battery life drop off at a rapid rate.  In addition,  unplugged and in slightly heavy use, I’m now seeing an avg of 107º.  I’ve reached out to HTC and this is what they had to say, in essence.  A rep requested I go in to a local T-Mobile retail outlet and swap out the battery to see if there is a difference.  He/we acknowledged that HTC devices tend to become slightly hot at times but agreed that 113º seemed overboard.  A ticket has been created for the issue and once I hear back from them and if there is any new info, we’ll be sure to share it with you.  Meanwhile, if you’re having the issue as well, feel free to sound off in the comments below with how hot your device has gotten.   » Read the rest

Unlimited data officially dies at Verizon Wireless on July 7th

by Robert Nazarian on
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A lot of people are going to be upset, but at the same time, no one can be surprised. For a long time Verizon Wireless customers have been paying $30 for unlimited 3G and 4G data.

On July 7th this will all end and it has been confirmed by Verizon.Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney said that the company is making changes to its data plans, including those for new smartphone customers.

“We will move to a more usage based model in July,” Raney said in an e-mail. “We’ll share more later.”

The plans are expected to be $30 for 2GB, $50 for 5GB, and $80 for 10GB. A tethering option of 2GB can be added for $20. These prices have not been confirmed, but it is looking more and more like they will hold. It also expected that this pricing will be for both 3G and 4G.

For those under contract now, it is expected that you will continue to receive unlimited data until you buy your next phone. For those that are eligible for a new phone, it might make sense to grab something now to lock in. You can then sell it and pay full retail for what you really want.

[via allthingsd]

Lookout Security Reports New Trojan, GGTracker, Charges Premium SMS Rates

by Michael Murphy on
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Our very good friends over at Lookout Security have announced the discovery of a new piece of malware that’s harassing some Android users. GGTracker seems to be sneaking itself into a few users’ ads, and disguises itself as an Android Market installation screen. While relatively low-risk, it does have the potential to rack up some “premium SMS” charges for infected users, potentially signing you for services that charge directly to your phone bill and usually require user interaction to sign up for. It’s been sighted masquerading as a battery optimizer packaged as ‘t4t.pwower.management,’ and in a porn app packaged as ‘com.space.sexypic’ – so if you see either of those, be wary. As always, the best protection is to download Lookout Mobile Security from our apps database or from the Android Market to make sure you’re completely protected, and the premium version will give you added “Safe Browsing” security that will check all browser links for security before directing you there. (If you don’t already have Lookout Premium, but sure and use our exclusive promo code to save yourself five bucks on the purchase.)

So be wary, practice safe browser practices, and make sure you have at the very least the free version of Lookout installed on your phone. They’ll watch out for you.

[via lookout - thanks Alicia!!]