Recently, I had the chance to review the MOTOACTV by Motorola, a gadget hybrid fitness watch with phone capabilities powered by Android. I’ve written about this device on Androinica since it first was announced some months back, when the company held an event with the tagline: “Faster, thinner, smarter, stronger.” Even though I didn’t get to work out with the watch, the MOTOACTV lives up to its hype. This thing is nothing short of impressive, it can watch a user’s workout, and offer music tracks to keep those working out motivated. Also, that you not only can sink your Bluetooth enabled headphones, but your Droid phone via its Motoactv app to answer calls, sync contacts, and calendar notifications is remarkable.
I got to checkout the phone call feature more exclusively, as I put the Bluetooth connection through the test. I paired the ACTV to a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G (yes, the phone’s name is really that long), where I then went as far as I could to see how long the connection would stay. I came up with a range of 20-30 feet. Not bad.
One thing I noticed was the look of the accessories. Motorola sent me a bike mount, rubber wrist band, and sports arm band that all resembled something a man would wear. I let my fiancé who’s probably 5 foot 1-inch tall try the armband and she hated how it draped over her wrist. The wrist band is probably better suited for men because of how thick it is (you can see it on my wrist in the video).
That said, this watch is more of a niche device for fitness freaks, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The problem with this being a niche device is it alienates the casual Android user. It also cost a bit too much for my liking, with the 8GB model going for $249 and the 16GB for $299. Aside from that, it’s a cool gadget to own, and a definite conversation starter at your local gym. Check out my video to see the hybrid fitness watch in action.
Just when you thought hackers couldn’t be anymore creative; a hacker by the name of Rich, came up with a design project — which combined the two very things he loved, his Android phone and Super Nintendo. This makes Android gaming a little more excitable, don’t you think?
He [Rich] figured out how the controller’s signaling works, then wired it up to an Arduino Pro Mini 328. The Arduino interprets the SNES controller’s signals, sending them to his Android phone via a BlueSMiRF Bluetooth module. If you found that hard to comprehend, don’t feel bad, because it went way over my head as well.
This hack doesn’t require the rooting of your Android phone, but if you are interested in taking the hacking plunge be prepared to get hands on with some soldering and programming.
Cartoon fans rejoice, finally there is a video app for Cartoon Network on Android. Cartoon Network Video is free to download and features both full show episodes and clips streamed right to your Android smartphone. You can pull up Cartoon Network TV schedule, so you’ll hanse an idea as to when you can tune into any of your kids favorite shows.
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Samsung Electronics Co. today launched GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and a fresh addition to its smart player portfolio, the GALAXY S WiFi 5.0.
Each featuring 4” and 5” screen-sizes and delivering the powerful application experiences as the original GALAXY S, the two versions give users an unrivalled entertainment experience through a clear display, a swift 1GHz processor and the Android 2.2 “Froyo” platform.
Looks like Samsung is ramping up production on their flagship Galaxy brand, what do you think about the new Galaxy S Wifi “smart players”?
Press release
SyEOUL, May 2, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading provider of Smart Mobile Devices, today launched GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and a fresh addition to its smart player portfolio, the GALAXY S WiFi 5.0.
Each featuring 4” and 5” screen-sizes and delivering the powerful application experiences as the original GALAXY S, the two versions give users an unrivalled entertainment experience through a clear display, a swift 1GHz processor and the Android™ 2.2 “Froyo” platform. The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 will be first available in Russia and will be gradually rolled out in other countries. The GALAXY S WiFi 5.0 will be first available in Switzerland.
“With the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 we’re delivering a rich, immersive experience for multimedia enthusiasts.” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “A large, high-quality screen, a world of fun and useful applications and great communications services make this a powerhouse device at an affordable price.
The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 will deliver all the rich smartphone experiences of the GALAXY S smartphone. With video communications via VoIP services and rich video and music entertainment with multi-codec support, the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 will keep you constantly entertained.
Stunning Performance, Powerful Features
Key Features of the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 include:
· Display: The clear display makes web surfing and multimedia viewing a joy. Keep your lifestyle mobile – enjoy movies, your favourite TV shows, photos and web-browsing anywhere. Samsung’s latest mDNIe image engine technology ensures that video and images look stunning.
Android™ 2.2 “Froyo”: The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 feature the Froyo operating system, with a possibility to upgrade to 2.3 Gingerbread.
Application Customization: With access to over 150,000 apps available on Android Market™, the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 are fully customizable smart devices. Integrated GPS support further expands the capabilities of the device, letting you benefit from Google’s map services and directory applications.
Google Mobile Services: Enjoy premium Google™ services such as Gmail™, Google Talk™ and YouTube™. Utilize voice recognition technology to search with Google faster than ever on the Internet. Stay plugged into the world with premier Google applications.
· Samsung Social Hub: Your entire social life in your hand. Simultaneously post messages and pictures on Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter using Samsung’s Social Hub. The integrated address book provides the ultimate command & control station for the most popular SNS services. Synchronize your personal calendar with friends, family, and the latest events.
VoIP Voice & Video Calls: The GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 utilize cost-effective video and voice communications services. The Qik application allows video chat which can be shared over social network services.
HD Video & Images: A camera lets you shoot and share your life, capturing high-quality video or still images. The Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 support DivX HD, allowing high-definition video playback; Support for various codec standards including MPEG4, H264, DivX, XviD, WMV codecs ensures you can enjoy huge catalogues of content from all over the web.
Audio excellence: The Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 “Smart Player” put entertainment at its core, designed to deliver the best possible audio and video experience. Samsung SoundAlive™ technology provides unrivalled sound quality, with deeper bass and greater tone articulation.
· Enhanced Memory Capability: Packed with generous 8/16 GB memory, plus mircoSD slot and powered by a powerful 1GHz for an industry leading performance, the GALAXY S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 are equipped to handle any user demand.
Since the inception of its first Android device, the G1 in 2008, Google’s Android has maintained itself as the cool platform that offers consumers a choice in customizing their handsets to their liking. Today, Google’s open source policy has been both a gift and a curse when it comes to consumers. Open source brings the incredible gift of unlimited customization which in turn brings the curse of ‘fragmentation’.
There are reports from Bloomberg’s Businessweek that indicates some sort of shake up when it comes to Android development. According to their reports, Google is actively working to gain control and final say over customizations of its popular mobile OS (Android).
It seems natural at this point in time for Google to seek to stabilize the platform and ensure quality control. Many of you out there shouldn’t be surprised, because Android started – an open source OS (with nothing but great attentions) that was also open to manufacturers and carriers to customize as they wished.
And that’s the problem, because of the current open source rules, manufacturers and carriers are allowed to run amok, customizing the OS as they please without any oversight. Engadget has gotten word that changes in the works include Google demanding that content partnerships and OS tweaks get the blessing of Andy Rubin before proceeding.
If true, this sets up to be a real kick in the you-know-what for all manufacturers and carriers. When it comes to non-fragmentation licenses, Andy Rubin has pointed out those have been there from the start, but it’s only now that Google is really seeking to use them to establish control.
This will without a doubt, tick off both the manufacturers and carriers; I’m sure they will argue how Google is turning away from their open source roots – which is somewhat true. What’s also true is the fact that most real Android enthusiasts (or purists) prefer a more “vanilla” Google experience over the user interfaces like HTC Sense, Moto Blur, or Espresso (all manufacturers and carriers).
Having an all-Google experience is better because it doesn’t add apps to your phone that you can’t remove. Also, updates to the latest OS will come a whole lot faster than a fragmented generated system controlled by the folks who make the phones and the ones who offer the service. You do realize new software updates are delayed because of this?
Google could solve this problem by putting their foot down, telling manufacturers and carriers that users should have the choice between an all “vanilla” Google experience or opting for a custom user interface.
Today, Amazon officially introduced its ‘Cloud Drive’ music service. The way ‘Cloud Drive’ works is by allowing users to store up to 5GB of music in Amazon’s new, online locker and playback uploaded tracks via their Android smartphone, Android tablet, Mac, or PC.
The cool part to this is, users that purchase a complete album via Amazon’s MP3 store will automatically be upgraded to 20GB of storage, free of charge, and tracks purchased on Amazon are automatically uploaded to the cloud; purchased tracks do not count towards your storage quota.
This announcement had got me thinking about Amazon in general. Just think when it comes to media, Amazon within the past few weeks has announced Apple-like functionality to all gadget like devices who do not have Apple’s iTunes available to them.
So, lets put this in better perspective, Amazon now offers an Android App store and now it offers a ‘Cloud Drive’ music service that stores every amazon mp3 purchase. In retrospect, all Amazon has to do is combine its actual store (where everthing is for sale) with ’Cloud Drive’ music service, Android App Store and its Amazon Instant Video service, and walla – they’ll have their own iTunes Store.
Of course, they would have to make it more user friendly (more intuitive) but the basic build will be very competitive to the iconic iTunes store. Infact, I believe it could be better (if done right) because Amazon will offer more with its store (which sells everything).
I’m not trying to miss lead you by saying this is something in the works, I’m just speaking hypothetically– I think it would be pretty cool if Amazon were to offer its own iStore.
In what seems to be a pro Andoid move, Cellular South plans to have BIG deals on select smartphones like half off the HTC Desire, 75 percent off the HTC Wildfire and free activation for customers who purchase two lines or more are available for any new customer during its Valentine’s Day promotions (which has already started).
Also, it will allow any iPhone users who can visit one of Cellular South’s retail locations between now and Valentine’s Day to trade-in their iPhone for $199 – good to use towards the purchase and activation of any new Cellular South device or accessory.
Cellular South will offer the following Android devices all for under $100 (with a $50 mail-in reward card):
HTC Desire ($74.99) – HD video recording 720p, Snapdragon processor, 5 MP camera
HTC Wildfire ($19.99) – With Android 2.1 and HTC Sense interface technology
Motorola Milestone ($99.99) – Powered by Android 2.1, turn-by-turn voice-aided Google navigation, video and picture messaging
LG Axis ($99) – Powered by Android 2.1 with a touchscreen display with a QWERTY keyboard
HTC Hero ($49) – Powered by Android 2.1, turn by turn voice-aided Google navigation, video and picture messaging
For all you fashion oriented people be stoked, because Giorgio Armani has decided to create it’s own “special” Android Galaxy S smartphone courtesy of Samsung. This phone will be released globally in 2011.
More detail offered by Samsung PR:
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced a partnership with Giorgio Armani to create an exclusive edition smartphone, the Giorgio Armani Samsung GALAXY S, that will be available in the Netherlands, UK, Italy and Russia. The Giorgio Armani-designed body of the smart phone comes equipped with a brilliant SUPER AMOLED display, integrated messaging, SWYPE technology, and access to the Android market™. The handset is designed specifically for customers who seek design, powerful technology and luxury in one smart phone.
So fellas, would you catch a stunt in the club in front of the ladies with this bad boy?
