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Xbox SmartGlass Comes to Android Tablets

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by Jason Bracey on
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Microsoft has finally released a Tablet version of its ever popular Xbox SmartGlass Android app. The app is compatible with Tablets with screen sizes 7″ and larger, and is available for immediate download on the Google Play Store. Hit the break below for the download link.

As is the case with the Xbox SmartGlass smartphone app, Tablet user’s will be able to:

• Navigate their Xbox 360 with swipe and tap
• Use a phone’s keyboard to type to a user’s Xbox 360
• Browse the Internet on an Xbox 360 with full keyboard and zooming
• Play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop videos and music on an Xbox 360
• Search the full Xbox catalog of music, video, and games
• Enjoy rich, interactive experiences from select game and entertainment content creators
• Track and compare your achievements with your Xbox friends
• Change up user’s 3D avatars
• Message Xbox friends
• Edit Xbox profiles » Read the rest

Leaked roadmap indicates Microsoft Office won’t hit Android devices until Fall 2014

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Microsoft sure is doing its best to stay quiet regarding its launch plans for its Office for Android, but it finally appears that we have an idea of when to expect the productivity suite and tools to hit our Android devices. The gang at ZDNET obtained a leaked roadmap for the mobile port of Microsoft’s Office product, also affectionately known as “Gemini”. The major thing to note right off the bat is that “Gemini” is not only being stalled for a launch later this year, but it’s looking like it will be ready around the fall of next year. As Microsoft’s Win32, Surface RT and Mac versions takes precedent, it will likely have the Android’s app version being developed on the back-end and won’t be ready for the masses until October 2014.

The long wait is definitely a bummer for sure. Here’s hoping that Android port will be worth the wait.

source: ZDNET

Google in the hot seat again as Microsoft, Nokia, and Oracle file new antitrust complaint with the EU

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by Robert Nazarian on
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Looks like Google might be in the hot seat again because competitors filed a new antitrust complaint against them in the EU alleging that the Android OS gives an unfair advantage for Google apps. The complaint was filed by Fairsearch Europe, which consists Microsoft, Nokia, and Oracle. Lead lawyer for Fairsearch said that Google is using Android “as a deceptive way to build advantages for key Google apps in 70 percent of the smartphones shipped today,”  He is referring to the fact that Android OEM’s have a contractual obligation to place Google-branded apps such as Maps, YouTube, and Drive in “prominent default placement on the phone.”

» Read the rest

U.S Judge denies 13 Motorola patent claims against Microsoft

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by Nathan Alvarez on
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Motorola took a pretty heavy hit yesterday when a judge in Seattle, WA ruled that 13 patent violation claims made by Motorola were invalidated on the grounds that the claims were too vague and too weak. The patents in question this time around involved several H.264 video encoding patents and were claimed in an attempt by Google and Motorola to seek $4 billion dollars in damages from Microsoft. Microsoft disputed these claims by counter-claiming that Google and Motorola refused to present an answer under FRAND licensing.

» Read the rest

Nokia’s CEO Says Google Moving Toward Closed Ecosystem

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by Rudy Rivapalacio on
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Nokia’s CEO, Stephen Elop, said Google is closing its once open ecosystem as Android faces increased fragmentation. Elop was discussing the company’s 4th quarter earnings at a press conference when the topic turned to Google. Elop said, “The situation that Android is facing, where the amount of fragmentation that you’re seeing is increasing as people take it in different directions, is of course offset by Google’s efforts to turn an open ecosystem into something that’s quite a bit more closed as you’ve seen quite recently.”

Elop is not alone in his critique of Google’s recent “openness” decisions. Earlier this month Google blocked Windows Phone users from accessing Google Maps via the browser but later restored access. Google has also announced it will drop support for Exchange ActiveSync which Microsoft uses to offer push email for Gmail users on Windows Phone. iOS devices also use ActiveSync but they’ll still be able to get push email via Google’s Gmail app for iOS. Google released Maps for iOS but has said it will not develop apps for Windows 8. It’s unclear whether Google is actually moving toward a closed ecosystem but there is little doubt they are playing hardball when it comes to Microsoft and, by extension, Nokia.

Source: The Verge

Stephen Elop Reiterates Nokia’s Allegiance To Microsoft, But Possibly “Anything Can Happen” In Regards To The Android Platform

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Is Nokia in the midst of planning a potential move over to the world of Android or not? That is the question my dear citizens. Considering Microsoft’s share in the mobile marketplace is less than stellar at the moment, Stephen Elop took some time to share some thoughts about the future direction of Nokia in an interview with El Pais:

 

“In the current ecosystem wars we are using Windows Phone as our weapon. But we are always thinking about what’s coming next, what will be the role of HTML 5, Android… Today we are committed and satisfied with Microsoft, but anything is possible.”

 

Elop clearly says that “anything is possible” in regards to the direction of Nokia… which is nothing short of shocking considering it has been staunchly against Android for quite some time. While that certainly raised an eyebrow or two in the Android world, it certainly didn’t take very long for Elop to make a quick follow-up statement indicating the original quote was well— misinterpreted:

 

“So, the way I think about it is, in the current war on ecosystems, we are fighting with Windows Phone. That’s what we’re doing. Now, what we’re always doing is asking, how does thatevolve? What’s next? What role does HTML5 play? What role does Android or other things play in the future? We’re looking further into the future, but it terms of what we’re bringing to market, and what we’re immediately focused on, we’re focused on Windows Phone”.

 

Boy oh boy it’s easy to see things taken out of context when it comes to these manufacturing giants— but it certainly is feasible to see Nokia jump ship in say… the next few years and eventually develop Android devices, right?

source: NeoWin | WinSource

Hands On With The Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon Tablet [Video]

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by Roy Alugbue on
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While some of us may feel a little iffy about Windows Surface Tablets out there, Lenovo is out to change that perception by introducing the IdeaCentre Horizon tablet. While the massive 27-inch display, “Aura” custom UI and the ability to play air hockey are each nothing to sneeze at— the real noteworthy aspect of the device is the fact it can operate Android apps, thanks to the Bluestacks Android player which comes preloaded. And before you ask— yes— the apps work like a charm and operate as if you’re on a traditional Android device.

If you’re in the market for a Windows-based tablet, but want something that’s Android-friendly— the IdeaCentre Horizon may be a compelling option. Hit the break to check out the hands-on video in all its glory.

» Read the rest

Another Day, Another Dose Of Sharp Android & iOS Criticism From Steve Ballmer

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Microsoft head man Steve Ballmer is at it yet again by touting his Windows Phone platform, while offering sharp criticism of both the Android and iOS platforms at the same time. According to TechCrunch, Ballmer took some time to highlight the difference of apps between his Windows Phone platform and the competition, albeit in a fiery manner. He argues that the Android ecosystem is “wild”, “uncontrolled” and susceptible to malware. It doesn’t stop there as he highlights Apple’s iOS ecosystem is “high-priced” and “highly controlled”. We get the sense that those in the audience listening to him may have been somewhat uncomfortable and/or offended by his latest comments.

Naturally he doesn’t highlight the successes of both platforms despite their perceived “flaws”, but such is life I suppose. Ballmer is known for creating controversy and expressing bold opinions, but it may appear that he is jumping the gun just a little bit. Let’s see how Windows Phone sales do during Q4 and if Ballmer will continue to stir up controversy then.

source: Tech Crunch

 

Rumored Microsoft Office app for mobile devices screens captured

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by Jeff Causey on
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Last month we reported on an event in the Czech Republic where a representative of Microsoft revealed native versions of Microsoft Office were being prepared for both the Android and iOS platforms. The timeline hinted at mobile versions being ready sometime in the first quarter of 2013.

Today, The Verge was able to obtain some screenshots of the app that seem to indicate development is well underway. The screenshots suggest that at least MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel files will be supported. It is not clear how much editing may be possible using the app, assuming you would want to try that. The screenshots also seem to confirm the information suggesting an Office 365 subscription will be required. » Read the rest

Xbox SmartGlass available for Android

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by Jeff Causey on
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A few days ago we reported on a new app coming from Microsoft, Xbox SmartGlass, that creates a connection between a user’s mobile device and their Xbox. The app is similar to immersive entertainment solutions like Netflix or IntoNow that enable you to watch content on your big screen TV while controlling the content from your device. These apps typically provide you with access to other information about the content and social media interaction with other fans. Xbox SmartGlass does the same thing for users who have an Xbox Live Gold subscription and the popular gaming platform. » Read the rest

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