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Why Kindle might be the Android Tablet Killer

Android UK — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:14:32 +0000

BBC TV Show, Click predicts the E-reader will be killed by the tablet, but could it be the other way around? Heres my theory.I was just watching a really interesting episode of Click, the popular tech tv show from the BBC. In the episode this week, they predicted the death of the E-book reader, which is a common held belief by many in the tech industry.

The fact that the Kindle e-reader has managed to spawn such a huge amount of sales, currently sitting at over a million units shipped a week, completely blows away any of the sales numbers that any Android tablet has hit to date.

What is interesting as well is how its begun to enter the public psyche, spawning its own cottage industry of 3rd party accessories. A quick browse at Mobile fun’s store shows over 87 different kindle covers varying in price from just under £10.00 all the way up to £35 for the “tan leather” cover which is amongst the top 10 covers sold.

I have been told over and over that ebook readers won’t do as much as tablets so will ultimately disappear. By contrast we are actually seeing how very successful these devices are despite using “inferior” e-ink technology, which offer long battery life, easy reading in daylight conditions, and a very cheap price.

So Whats going on here?

Amazon are one of the few companies in the mobile market at the moment, who can make more money in the market from selling other 3rd party products to subsidise hardware. Unlike most android manufacturers:
1. they have a successful ebook business,
2. an mp3 store
3. and thanks to their purchase of pushbutton.tv they can do movie and tv shows too.

All the above mean that Amazon can keep the kindle cheap, can bring out a product that is infinitely suited to its purpose and can ship it as a standardised product that other 3rd parties can afford to tool up their factories and make money even on niche accessories (like a pink Kindle Cover with kickstand)

Killing them softly

By selling cheap, Amazon is ultimately setting other Android tablets to their doom. In a market where public expect to buy amazon tablets for £200, a £500 tablet will ultimately be unsuccessful and will die out. This doesn’t bode well for Android as ultimately to drive things forward we want to see better and faster hardware so that we can really push the limits on what is possible. By turning Android into a budget tablet screen, it can’t be long, before they are given away free with newspaper and magazine subscriptions with such low specs that they will struggle to play even the most basic augmented reality game.

Unless the price drops on Android Tablets, I can’t see a day anytime soon where they will be able to match a 3 million kindles shipped in one day The tablet manufacturers view tablets as a safe haven for their declining pc markets, however unless they play their cards right, encourage alternative streams of sales based on using their platforms as a channel for brands and other 3rd party services, it won’t be long till the choice of tablets are Kindle or Ipad. Guys its time to step up your game- now am off to go find me a pink cover for my Motorola Xoom.

Nexus S: Ice Cream Sandwich released UK!

Android UK — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:40:04 +0000

Christmas just came early. Google have officially released the latest Android 4.0 version. And its amazing. Here are the instructions on how to get it.

There are so many major improvements in latest android that its hard to put them on one page. Even Google on their Android 4.0 platform highlights launch page still don’t even scratch the surface on all the amazing features.

The only way to do it is to have phone with it on. Up until this morning the only option was to purchase a brand new Galaxy Nexus phone. For those of you there with a Google Nexus S, there is another way- just follow the steps below ( tested ok on stock UK Google Nexus S )

How to Update: ( Make sure you backup first!)

IMPORTANT! The below method works for me and I have also included a video by another helpful Androider at the end of the method. It didn’t work perfectly for me first time so I have added some helpful comments in my procedure below to ensure you don’t hit the bumps I did. As with any update some things may go wrong so if you are concerned, then just wait for the notification for the official update to hit your handset ( any risk you take is your own!)

1. Download the Nexus S Ice Cream Sandwich update package from the google servers here: Link for Android 4.0

2. Save it to your computer

3. Rename the file to update.zip

4. Plug in your phone via the USB and click the button to turn on USB storage

5. Copy the update.zip into the root of your phone( ie not in a subfolder)

6. Eject the usb from your computer.

7. (Optional) Make sure you have backed up everything – Google seem to have done a great job ensuring that your data is looked after even when upgrading but better to be safe. I also make sure I have put at least half a battery charge on the phone just incase.

8. (Optional 2) I also turn off any security locks on the phone eg lock patterns or pins- but put them back on after the upgrade. I have had earlier issues before with these things causing problems for the update

9. Power down the phone, and Turn it back on ensuring you are holding the Power button and Volume Up button.

10. This will boot you into the Android Control Screen. Press the Volume down button to select recovery and then press the power button.

11. You will now be presented with a screen with an Android and a warning sign. You have to press the Power button and Volume button within a second or two after this screen appears otherwise like me – you will have to start again from point 9. I managed to do it after the second go.

12. You are then presented with the android system recovery screen. Press the volume down button to select “Apply Update from /sdcard) and then press the power button.

13. My friend Paul doesn’t follow point 13 on anything so moving onto 14.

14. Select the update.zip flle and press power button.

15. Now leave it alone, don’t touch it, definitely don’t do anything except wait for it to finish upgrading. (seriously don’t touch it)

16. Enjoy your delicious Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android and share with me what new features you love!

Here is the video of how to update

Link found via the cool peeps At Xda Developers and thanks for QBKing77 for his Video

Samsung Galaxy S2 beats iPhone to phone of year

Android UK — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:31:32 +0000

Samsung Galaxy S2 has been lauded by many as being the Android flagship of 2011 and it has just beaten iPhone to a top uk award from gadget mag site Pocketlint.

The most interesting thing is that Android managed to get 3 of the top 5 nominated phones in the shape of the Sony Ray and the HTC Sensation as nominated by press and other experts in the industry.

Android tempting the Apple masses?

Speaking to many Android users that I do, through work focus groups and from my own personal contacts, there was an interesting change in tone this year. A few android phones have started to tempt the loyal iPhone followers away from their much loved devices.

The HTC Sensation was also in the top 5

In one case, I was shocked that someone who was an ardent iPhone fanatic last year was seen sporting a new shiny Samsung Galaxy S2. When quizzed what made him switch?

Its Beautiful and its fast

Beautiful and Fast- its that simple?

The simpleness of the answer astounded me- after all the manufacturers work on apps and features to let you phone do all but cook your dinner, the fundamental two key things that people want was something that was beautiful to look at ( i.e. amazing screen technology and clean interface) and fast(lets you power through those tasks quickly.)

Clearly Samsung’s focus on creating great devices with great user experiences is starting to pay off, however with Sony recently patenting the next iteration of high end screens, how long will this last?

Sony Ray is one of the phones tempting users away from Iphone

For full list of nominations check out Pocketlint’s site

UK Pre-release Galaxy Nexus Unboxing

Android UK — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:20:46 +0000

Lucky Andrew McSweeney has got his hand on a sweet exclusive in the form of a pre-release version of the Galaxy Nexus.

See below for the video of him giving a video overview of the phone ( perched on the street near the post office he picked it up from)

Here is a great run through tour of icecream sandwich.

Here is a video of the face unlock and the sheer joy of playing with his new toy. You can also admire the intimate details of Andrew’s very busy and tidy desk) (Andrew do you accept bribes in exchange for phones?!)

Video: Galaxy Nexus Unboxing videos by the Stripey Shirted Andrew McSweeney.

Official: Ice Cream Sandwich for Sony 2011 phones

Android UK — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:10:44 +0000

I am very excited to see official confirmation on the Sony Blog that they are going to be rolling out ice cream sandwich to the full 2011 line up of sony phones- full list after the jump!

Sony have confirmed via their blog that they are going to be releasing the updated versions Android to its 2011 line of Sony Phones. Here is the official word if you don’t believe me!

We plan to upgrade the entire 2011 Xperia™ portfolio* to the next version of Android known as Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich

The full list of handsets include:

Xperia™ arc
Xperia arc S
Xperia™ PLAY
Xperia™ neo
Xperia neo V
Xperia™ mini
Xperia mini pro
Xperia™ pro
Xperia™ active
Xperia™ ray
Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™

Sony have already rolled out in their recent 2.3.4 update some Ice Cream Sandwich features eg Screenshots and panorama capture, whether they will be removing these and opting for the Native solutions is anyones guess. I personally hope they opt for the standard ICS features as that means a lot less work and time before I can load it onto my precious Sony Arc.

Ice Cream Sandwich for Sony Ericsson 2011 Xperia™ portfolio — Sony Ericsson Product Blog.

Nexus S connected to O2 and Orange

Leslie — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:45:29 +0000

If you’re looking to upgrade to the Nexus S you can via The Carphone Warehouse to O2,Orange and of course Vodafone.

As we know Vodafone will be selling it direct themselves with the new exclusive all white version very soon and it’s a waiting game to see if you can get it elsewhere after any ‘exclusive’ period has expired.

You can also still get the buy one get one half price deal on all extras such as cases,pouches etc.

If you want the Nexus S click here, if it’s the extras you want click here.

The bonus of course is that any phone purchased from CPW is you get a more varied tariff and will be both unlocked and not have the branding that some networks decide to paste their phones with.

Samsung unveil the Galaxy Ace,Fit,Gio and Mini

Leslie — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:45:48 +0000

When you pop down to your local phone shop to browse the expensive shiny phones it can be hard enough deciding what to get and Samsung, in a good way, have made that a little bit harder for you.

They’ll all come packing the Android platform and your and my friend Engadget has a full run down of the specs and press release from Samsung.

Now we suspect that this is a stop gap until Samsung releases something special at the Mobile World Congress.

Facebook phone on it’s way via HTC?

Leslie — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:07:14 +0000

We all know Facebook and we all know HTC.

One provides us with our social network needs and the other makes some of the best handsets on the Planet.

Now if we combine the two what do we get? Well a phone all about you and your friends.

Android will be the platform of choice as it’s the best of course!

It was only a matter of time before Facebook got in on the mobile market, more and more people spend their time on their phones using it to browse the internet and tell us what they had for dinner or where they are ay any given moment.

It is expected that at the Mobile World Congress HTC and Facebook will announce the partnership and where did i get this from you may ask.

Well if you have a look at City-Am you can see that i haven’t just made it up.

It’s another ‘brand’ getting in on the multi, multi – million pound mobile market and i have no fear that it will sell well.

If this is to be an exclusive to one network is yet to be seen but i imagine they will all be falling over themselves to sell it.

Who is going to want one? Well teenagers and Girls and no it’s not Andy Grey writing this up!

No related posts.

Something big coming from Samsung?

Leslie — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:49:52 +0000

In a few weeks time the Mobile World Congress will be upon us.

Here all the big names from the World of Mobile will be there showing us what we will be wanting to buy.

One of those will be Samsung Mobile who had great success with the Samsung phones running the Android OS, more so with the Galaxy S.

If you look here they are promising something big is on the way and by the looks of things it’s going to be the successor to the said Galaxy S.

Hold on to your hats and we’ll let you know all about it as Androidbloke will beam all the news straight to you.

Posh Samsung Galaxy S is here

Sony Ericsson LiveView for Cycle Hire Widget by Little Fluffy Toys Ltd

Leslie — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:08:43 +0000

With the price of fuel on the up and everything else going skywards more and more people are taking to the streets, not as students complaining that they have to pay for something but as Eco friendly London folk.

A scheme by Barclays goes live today which gives everyone access to Boris’s cycle bikes to get around the best city in the World and your Android device can make getting on your bike, super simple to do.

To bring it to the next level if you have the Cycle Hire Widget by Little Fluffy Toys Ltd there is a piece of kit that is going to completely blow you away.

When we are out and about on our 2 wheels we all want to be safe so if you’re in London along with you’re lights, Hi-Vis jacket and helmet you should now carry the Sony Ericsson LiveView Device. With this cracking bit of kit there is no longer any need to be fiddling with your phone at the side of the road, all the info you need is right on your wrist and the LiveView is streaming all the info direct from your phone via Bluetooth.

“We are delighted to be able to solve the problem of quickly and safely finding a docking station whilst riding your hired bike out on London’s roads,” said Kenton Price, Chief Architect of Little Fluffy Toys Ltd.

Now don’t be sad if you don’t have a Sony Ericsson as this can be used with ANY Android device running 2.0 or higher. Not only can it locate a bike for you but it can also advise you of Facebook and Twitter updates too which is just brilliant.

Of course reading this and seeing how great the LiveView is you want to buy one so I suggest you head on over here ( or to play.com at £49.99) and get one and then head to the Android Market and download the Cycle Hire Widget by Little Fluffy Toys Ltd if you already haven’t done so.

(If you haven’t got the widget get it now as it 99p, discounted from the usual £1.75 just for you casual users.)