If you want to make an Android phone with Google, here’s some of the rules
Before large (and even larger) sums of money were asked of Samsung and Apple, the legal brawl between the pair kept dragging a third party, Google, into the discussion. A big part of this was the Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) between the internet company and Samsung which laid out how the latter would support the former in patent claims. Now the spotlights on this agreement, with a recent class action suit claiming that parts violate antitrust laws. Recode‘s uploaded the agreements between Samsung, HTC and Google, which touch on some of the rules of making an Android smartphone.
According the paperwork, If manufacturers want to use a single Google app on their forthcoming Android phone, then you have to install all of them. Even Google Play Newstand. Other (obvious) points outline that Google must be the default search engine (we’re shocked), and that the search box (and some apps like Google Play, then Android Market), be “at least immediately adjacent to the Default Home Screen”. And if you’re a smartphone maker willing to forgo Google Maps, Gmail and the rest, well, there’s always that open source version.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, HTC, Google
Via: Recode
Source: Samsung’s MADA, HTC’s MADA
Weekends with Engadget: Apple vs. Samsung round two, the new Engadget and more!
Welcome to Weekends with Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines from the past seven days — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. For even more action, subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
The new Engadget: it’s all about you… except when it’s about us
Like technology, Engadget is evolving. Our new Editor-in-Chief Michael Gorman and Executive Editor Christopher Trout tell you about how we plan to be your guide for this connected life.
Nokia X review: what happens when Nokia makes an Android phone?
With the acquisition by Microsoft now complete, it is a weird time for Nokia to be releasing an Android phone. Yet, here we are. Meet the Nokia X, a $120 device aimed at developing markets, from a manufacturer that, for a long time, devoted itself to Windows Phone.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is this year’s entry, starring Kevin Spacey
The first trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is out. And interestingly enough, the House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey appears to be cast as a (surprise, surprise) powerful, politically driven antihero.
This is what Amazon’s phone looks like
What do we know about Amazon’s upcoming smartphone? Well, according to BGR, it’s got 2GB of RAM, six cameras and looks like the picture seen above. Everything else about it remains a mystery.
Apple vs. Samsung trial round two: Samsung infringed three patents, owes Apple $119.6 million
The latest chapter in Apple and Samsung’s global legal war has come to a close. Though there’s still one outstanding damages issue left to decide, the jury delivered a verdict that has Samsung owing Apple almost $120 million. However, that’s not necessarily bad news for the Korean company.
Xbox Entertainment Studios has at least 12 projects in production, committed to half
We don’t know a ton about Xbox Entertainment Studio’s future plans, but we’ve learned a bit more about its push into original programming. According to XES president Nancy Tellem, the studio has 12 projects in the works and Microsoft is “committed” to at least six of them.
The true story of the worst video game in history
Back in the 1980′s, Atari created (and buried) ET, widely considered to be the worst video game in history. Howard Scott Warshaw is that game’s creator, and our own Timothy Seppala spoke with him about the experience doing so.
Researchers think water helped ancient Egyptians build the pyramids
Well, it looks like aliens might not have built the pyramids after all. According to researchers at the University of Amsterdam, a sledge and some wet sand were the winning combination that allowed workers to pull stone for miles across the desert.
Hulu will bring free TV shows to your phone, and it’s trying to reach your cable box
This week, Hulu announced that it’s bringing a selection of add-supported shows to mobile users for free streaming, regardless of whether or not they have a Plus account. Hulu’s also bringing some new interactive ads that’ll let you order pizza from inside the app, so you don’t have to leave the latest episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Popular login services have a security hole, but Facebook and Microsoft can’t fix it
Wang Jing, a researcher from Singapore, claims to have discovered a potentially serious security hole involving OAuth and OpenID login services used by the likes of Facebook, Microsoft, Google and others. Jing alerted those companies of the issue, but it appears impossible for any of them to singlehandledly squash the bug.
Filed under: Misc
Apple vs. Samsung trial round two: Samsung infringed two patents, owes Apple $119.6 million
Here we go again. 2012′s patent trial of the century — which was all about whether certain Samsung devices were utilizing Apple technology without paying for it — resulted in a billion dollar win for Apple. Yet, at the time we knew a second case, involving different patents and devices, was brewing on the horizon. The trial for that other case is finally over, and the jury has just rendered its verdict. In general terms, it’s not a complete win for either party, as Apple owes Samsung $158,400 and Samsung will have to cut Apple a check for $119,625,000, a far cry from the $6.2 million and $2.2 billion the parties asked for, respectively. Why? Apple devices infringed one of two asserted Samsung patents, while Samsung phones and tablets infringed two of Apple’s five asserted patents.
Developing…
[Image Credit: Janitors/Flickr]
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Apple, Samsung
Via: Recode
Samsung plans an event ‘around health’ for May 28th
Health. It’s the new smartphone — or the current best excuse to buy a fancy new wearable. And apparently, Samsung isn’t done with merely the Gear Fit and a (possibly unused) S Health app. We just received an invite to SF-based event on May 28th, where the company is planning a “new conversation around health”. That’ means it’s scheduled just before Apple’s annual WWDC, where it’s expected to show off a health-centered refresh to its product family. Our invite came from Samsung’s Semiconductor arm so it could be about forthcoming sensors and components, rather than, say, Fit Version 2. (The original Galaxy Gear was kicking around for less than six months before the company wheeled out a sequel, so who knows). We’ll be there and we’ll tell you more when we hear it.
Tablet demand hits a wall as many are happy with the devices they own
It looks like Apple wasn’t the only tech firm to see its tablet business take a hit this winter; according to IDC, others suffered a similar fate. The analyst group estimates that overall tablet shipments grew just 3.9 percent year-over-year in the first quarter, a sharp contrast with the breakneck pace of the past few years. Amazon took a particularly severe blow, as its shipments dropped almost 50 percent. So what prompted the suddenly chilly market? If you believe researchers, many are happy with the devices they’ve got — they either have a good-enough tablet or a big-screen smartphone that will do in a pinch. Simply put, there was no compelling reason to splurge on something new.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom. Samsung’s shipments grew by a third, in part because it encouraged carriers to bundle cellular tablets with smartphones. Lenovo’s success with slates also continued unabated. While it’s still relatively small in this field compared to Apple or Samsung, its unit numbers more than tripled in the past year thanks to hits like the Yoga Tablet. These are shipments and not sales, so they don’t tell a complete story — Apple claims that pent-up iPad mini demand skewed its figures last year, for instance. Even with that in mind, it’s evident that tablet makers will have to fight harder to capture people’s attention.
Filed under: Tablets, Apple, Samsung, ASUS, Amazon, Lenovo
Source: IDC
Can’t get enough of LeBron James? Samsung’s here to help
Listen, LeBron James is the best basketball player ever of all time. And I love everything about him. His shoes. His jerseys. His Samsung commercials. Thankfully, I now have constant access to his life and can monitor his playoff performance with the new LeBron app. I can keep a watchful eye on his meals, clothes and which color of LeBron 11s he’s wearing in tonight’s game. Stats and scores are piped in through NBA’s Game Time app, which you know is a staple on my home screen. There’s a LeBron radio station too, so I can pretend he’s on the sideline queuing up selections from Kanye in the five minutes per game he’s not on the court. Now when I leave game six early, this app will alert me to come back. Of course, this is only available if you’re wielding a Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note 3, or Galaxy Note II. Because Samsung. And LeBron.
Source: LeBron (Google Play)
Samsung debuts LeBron app with ‘unprecedented access’ to athlete
Samsung on Thursday announced a brand new Android app designed specifically for Galaxy owners. Called ‘LeBron’, it gives users a look into the athlete’s life as he works his way through the NBA Playoffs. Details include photos and videos of workouts, his clothes and style, post-game commentary, and insight into what motivates him off the court. Also included in the app are lock screens and wallpapers.
Designed by Samsung in conjunction with the NBA the LeBron app is available on the Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy Note II.
Samsung Gives Galaxy Owners Exclusive Access to LeBron James through New Mobile App
Galaxy owners get inside look into LeBron James’ life in the post-season
Dallas, TX – May 1, 2014 –Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) today announced “LeBron,” a mobile application that will give fans unprecedented access into the athlete’s life. Exclusively for Galaxy owners, the app provides a unique look into the life of LeBron James as he journeys through the NBA Playoffs.
The LeBron app will allow fans a glimpse inside LeBron’s world at a time when the Miami Heat player is in the midst of his busiest and most exciting time of year. The app will share never-been-seen content including photos and video both on the court and off the court along with game highlights and stats during the NBA Playoffs.
“We are creating content and services that enhance the consumers’ experience with our products,” said Todd Pendleton, chief marketing officer at Samsung Telecommunications America. “The LeBron app is the first of its kind that allows him to connect with his fans in a unique way, and gives our Galaxy owners an exclusive, insider’s view into his world.”
The exclusive content will focus on all areas of LeBron’s life, featuring four sections to browse:
- Athlete: Photos and videos of his workouts, daily life as an athlete including his routine for getting ready for games, post-game remarks and more.
- NBA Playoffs: LeBron’s season and career along with live scores from the Heat’s playoff games.
- Style: Photos and videos of his classic style, sneakers of the day, off-the-court looks, a radio that plays his favorite songs, and more.
- Journey: Insight into what fuels LeBron off the court including, his charitable work with his Foundation, as well as his home life with his wife and kids.
“Our partnership with Samsung continues to be totally innovative and exciting.” said Maverick Carter, LeBron James’ business manager and partner. “We collaborate on every project, concept, and campaign to come up with ideas that are totally authentic to LeBron and connect directly with his community. The NBA Playoffs are already so compelling and I think fans are going to love an opportunity to go even deeper.”
The app was built by Samsung in conjunction with the NBA and is available on the Galaxy S® 5, Galaxy S® 4, Galaxy S® III, Galaxy Note® 3, and Galaxy Note® II through the Google Play store.
“LeBron” also works in tandem with the NBA Game Time app allowing both apps to link together for current stats and game scores. Samsung also recently launched the Samsung Experience for select Galaxy* users available in the NBA Game Time app, featuring custom lock screens and wallpapers and special content for all NBA teams available first for Galaxy owners.
Through its partnership with the NBA, Samsung is continuing to develop unique mobile content and viewing experiences for fans. Screenshots and additional content is available on http://www.samsungmobileuspress.com.
*Samsung Experience in the NBA Game Time app is available on the Galaxy S 5, Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II, and Galaxy Note 3
Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Note are all registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, (Samsung Mobile) a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets, wireless infrastructure and other telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
The post Samsung debuts LeBron app with ‘unprecedented access’ to athlete appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Your fingerprint unlocks LastPass on the Galaxy S5
On any other phone, you’d have to type in the master password to access all your other passwords stored on LastPass — including the iPhone, where Touch ID gets you into your phone and iTunes account, but stops there. But on Samsung’s Galaxy S5, all you need to do is swipe your finger across the home button, now that the password manager’s Android app has been updated to work with the device’s biometric scanner. To set that up, you’ll first need to type in your credentials like everyone else, and then activate fingerprint authentication for future use. It’ll be a lot faster to add or change entries with the feature in place, and in some ways, fingerprint authentication is more secure than using a complex master password. We just hope you have no bitter enemies that’ll go as far as to make a fake finger to sabotage your digital life.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung
Source: LastPass
EU prevents Motorola and Samsung from suing over standards-based patents
The patent wars are about to cool down in Europe… a little bit, anyway. The European Commission has revealed measures that prevent both Motorola and Samsung from using lawsuits over standards-based patents as offensive weapons against competitors, rather than last-ditch options when negotiations fail. To start, the regulator has ordered Motorola to cut out any “anticompetitive” terms in patent licensing deals with Apple and other companies. Motorola is allegedly abusing its control of cellular patents by forbidding companies from contesting those patents’ validity; companies and their customers shouldn’t be forced to pay for licenses that might not hold up in court, the Commission says. Motorola won’t pay a fine for the claimed violation since there’s no precedent, but the phone maker now can’t threaten a lawsuit simply because Apple wants to challenge the patents it’s licensing.
Samsung, meanwhile, isn’t waiting for the EU to take unilateral action. The tech giant has made an agreement with the Commission that prevents it from demanding injunctions over standards-essential patents for the next five years, matching a proposal it made in October. Samsung now has to negotiate royalty rates with any would-be licensee for up to a year. If there’s still no deal after that, an arbitrator or court makes the final call.
Neither the Samsung pact nor the Motorola decision will affect European lawsuits over regular patents, including those that arguably prompted the standards-related suits in the first place. They also won’t help with any related claims in the US. However, the EU’s steps should have firms thinking twice before they add more legal disputes to the ever-growing pile — and that’s good news for those of us who’d rather see companies duke it out in the marketplace instead of the courtroom.
[Image credit: European Parliament, Flickr]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Google
Source: European Union (1), (2)
The Samsung Galaxy K Zoom is official, perfect for the obsessive mobile Photographer
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom was one of the more interesting devices to come from Samsung last year. Combining the general shape of the Galaxy S4 with more of a photography focus was an intriguing combination, and at the very least, an impressive niche product. Whatever you thought of it, Samsung is obviously confident enough to follow that device up with this year’s offering, the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom.
The Galaxy K Zoom combines the design and look of a fully functional Galaxy S5 smartphone with a 20.7MP camera lens with 10x optical zoom. In addition to the beefy camera specs, the Galaxy K Zoom also benefits from OIS which should help immensely with stabilizing images and videos. The 4.8-inch device is more than just a pretty face, however, as it possesses a hexacore Exynos 5 Hexa processor, 2GM RAM, Android 4.4 and a 2,430mAh battery. What’s probably most interesting is that Samsung didn’t name the devices the Galaxy S5 Zoom, possibly implying that they don’t necessarily want the Zoom line to be inherently tied to their flagship releases. Whatever the truth, it looks like Galaxy Zoom devices are here to stay, for now.
What do you think about the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom? Are you considering getting one over, say, the Sony Xperia Z2? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
Source: SamMobile
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