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Samsung and Corning announce joint venture, Lotus Glass coming to future Galaxy devices
Feb 3rd
The super scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass quickly became the gold standard for Android smartphones when it debuted over a year ago. Gorilla Glass made it so that it was okay if you happened to throw your phone in the same pocket as your keys, pens, or a tomahawk.
Samsung and Corning have announced a new joint venture between the two companies, which will bring Corning’s Lotus Glass technology to future Galaxy smartphones. Lotus Glass promises to bring enhanced picture quality, better response times, and higher resolutions, all while conserving power to keep your phone running longer.
Samsung has made a killing on selling Android devices with some of the most brilliant displays seen in a smartphone, and the combination of AMOLED and Lotus Glass will help Samsung maintain their dominance. We could see Lotus Glass come to Galaxy smartphones as early as this summer, when Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S III.
To learn more about Lotus Glass, we suggest you hit up Corning’s site. For more on the joint venture between Samsung and Corning, check out the press release below. Are you excited for Lotus Glass on Samsung super-phones? Sound off in the comments.
February 02, 2012 08:00 AM Eastern Time
Corning and Samsung Mobile Display Form New OLED Glass Venture
New business expands Corning’s long-standing collaboration with Samsung
CORNING, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd. have signed an agreement to establish a new equity venture for the manufacture of specialty glass substrates for the rapidly expanding organic light emitting diode (OLED) device market. The new business will be located in Korea.
“Samsung Mobile Display has led the global display industry by constantly seeking innovations and challenging current technologies’ limits. We are confident that combining our business powers with Corning’s technology leadership will deliver greater value to our clients”
Combining Corning’s Lotus™ Glass substrate technology and Samsung Mobile Display’s OLED display expertise, this new entity will be well-positioned to provide outstanding product solutions for current and future OLED technologies, from handheld and IT devices to large TVs and beyond.
The newly formed entity will supply OLED backplane glass substrates for Samsung Mobile Display, as well as for the broader Korean market.
According to a recent NPD DisplaySearch report, OLED technology advanced rapidly in 2011, setting a trend that is forecasted to continue through this decade. They estimate that OLED display revenues will exceed $4 billion in 2011 (approximately 4% of flat panel display revenues), and will reach more than $20 billion (approximately 16% of the total display industry) by 2018.
Samsung is playing a leading role in this emerging market through its Galaxy mobile device products and Super OLED TV technology introduced in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Corning’s ongoing advanced glass technology development includes a strong focus on high-performance displays. Most recently, this focus has been demonstrated through Corning’s new Lotus™ Glass substrates, which deliver the higher processing temperatures and improved dimensional stability needed to produce the new high performance displays.
“Samsung Mobile Display has led the global display industry by constantly seeking innovations and challenging current technologies’ limits. We are confident that combining our business powers with Corning’s technology leadership will deliver greater value to our clients,” said Soo In Cho, Samsung Mobile Display’s president and chief executive officer.
“Corning and Samsung have a long and successful partnership in the display industry, dating back nearly 40 years to the early days of television,” said Wendell P. Weeks, Corning’s chairman, chief executive officer, and president. “The strength of our business relationship is built on Corning’s ability to develop and make high-technology glass with the key attributes that enable Samsung’s next-generation displays. Together, we have led the evolution of displays – from the high-growth years of CRT, to our current successful business supplying world-leading substrates for today’s high-definition LCD TVs, and now to the launch of this important new venture to advance OLED technology,” Weeks stated.
Google Wallet comes to Nexus phones on AT&T and Verizon
Feb 3rd
After much hoopla Google Wallet finally launched on the Nexus S last September, but it was only available on Sprint’s version of the phone and not T-Mobile’s. Then when Verizon announced their Galaxy Nexus, it was soon discovered that they would not support Google Wallet. Verizon claimed that Google Wallet “needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones” and they were continuing their commercial discussions with Google on the issue.
Thanks to a recent app update, Nexus users on AT&T and Verizon can now install Google Wallet directly from the Android Market. Many users previously obtained a hacked copy or side-loaded it onto their device, but now they can have the comfort of getting the latest official version from Google.
AT&T users with the Nexus S or GSM Galaxy Nexus just need to search for Galaxy Nexus and install it. Those devices are recognized as supported in the Market and it’s a 1-click isntall.
For Verizon owners of the Galaxy Nexus, the process takes a few extra steps. They need to visit the Android Market website from their browser and then trick their device into installing the official app. It might sound like a little much, but it only takes around one minute to complete.
- From your phone open the browser and head to http://market.android.com. (Tip: You may want to clear data and defaults on browser and Market before doing this.)
- Search for “Google Wallet.” (If your browser prompts you to open the Market, don’t. Just stay in the browser.)
- When the results come back, tap on the Google Wallet icon.
- Tap the “Install” button from within the browser and then sign into your Google account. (Again, this is all from the browser, not the Market app.)
- Once you have signed in, you should be redirected back to the Market page in the browser.
- Obviously, you will not have the option to install there since the VZW Nexus is not supported.
- Tap the back button until you are prompted for the Market or Browser again, this time choosing the Market.
- The Android Market should open to the Google Wallet page with an option to install.
If it doesn’t work right away, just sign out of the Android Market website from your browser and try the steps again. I tried this on my Verizon Galaxy Nexus and it worked on the 2nd try. Previously I had side-loaded an older version of Google Wallet, and the install updated it to the latest version with no problems.
We don’t have a Nexus S or GSM Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile to test this trick out, but hopefully it works on that device as well. If you happen to have one on hand, let us know if you were able to install Google Wallet from the Market.
At least AT&T is now allowing Google Wallet on some Android phones with NFC, and hopefully Verizon is close to reaching an agreement with Google.
Google introduces Bouncer, keeps Android market free of malicious apps
Feb 2nd
Smartphone security continues to be a hot topic in the Android ecosystem. Whether you believe this is much of an issue or not, Android is the most popular mobile operating system, and the bad guys are known to target bigger markets. Google is not keeping its arms crossed, and they have just revealed Bouncer, a service that scans the Android Market for malicious apps.
This makes it easier to keep the Android Market safer while maintaining the simple process of uploading new apps (which is something developers and users love about Android). This service has been operating since the beginning of 2011, without our knowledge of its existence. And Google claims that the number of malicious app downloads has gone down by 40%, which is contrary to what most anti-virus app developers claim.
The procedure is simple (relatively). When a developer uploads an application, Bouncer analyzes it for known trojans, spyware and malware. The app is also scanned for any type of extraneous behavior, compared to past-scanned apps. The discovery of any dangerous behavior then raises a “red flag.” After finding a malicious application, Google goes on to revise the developer’s account, and prevents them from spreading any current or future dangers.
Google Mobile Blog’s post goes on to talk about the fact that Android was built with security in mind. There are multiple functions within the Android OS core, which help stop the bad guys from accessing all your goodies. Here are some of the features that help Google make our devices secure:
Sandboxing: The Android platform uses a technique called “sandboxing” to put virtual walls between applications and other software on the device. So, if you download a malicious application, it can’t access data on other parts of your phone and its potential harm is drastically limited.
Permissions: Android provides a permission system to help you understand the capabilities of the apps you install, and manage your own preferences. That way, if you see a game unnecessarily requests permission to send SMS, for example, you don’t need to install it.
Malware removal: Android is designed to prevent malware from modifying the platform or hiding from you, so it can be easily removed if your device is affected. Android Market also has the capability of remotely removing malware from your phone or tablet, if required.Hiroshi LockheimerVP of Engineering, Android
As Hiroshi mentions, there is no way to stop malicious applications from getting to Android devices (or any smartphone, for that matter). What Android is trying to do here, is rid the Android market of all possible danger.
Bouncer may be the answer to all of those that worry about this issue. If an anti-virus app makes you feel more comfortable, though, it never hurts to have it. Plus, anti-theft solutions come in handy much more often than we would hope. My personal favorite happens to be avast! Free Mobile Security, followed by Lookout.
As always, though, the best solution is common sense. Getting a trojan, spyware or malware is simply not as common just yet. A googler even goes into detail about this, going as far as to mention that virus companies are “charlatans and scammers.”
Are anti-virus apps necessary?
I don’t think so. Let’s put it this way – I don’t run those apps. That’s obviously an individual choice, but I haven’t felt the need for it.Hiroshi LockheimerVP of Engineering, Android
In an interview with JR Raphael, from Android Power, Lockheimer also mentions that he sees anti-virus apps as unnecessary. He also goes on to mention that the Android team is not stopping here, and they will be further trying to improve security within the Android ecosystem.
Android, security and its future
I want to emphasize that this is one piece of our overall security story. It doesn’t start and end here. It starts with the device. It’s not just about the app – it’s the sandboxing, the (analyses of) developer accounts, and the scanning that happens. We’re going for an end-to-end security path. Open source and security are not mutually exclusive.Hiroshi LockheimerVP of Engineering, Android
Just make sure you download apps from trusted sources (like the Android Market), and don’t forget to check out the permissions and app reviews. These techniques, along with Bouncer, should keep our devices safe enough, at least until this problem gets bigger (if it does). As for Google – we are glad they are working hard and have our backs.
Verizon takes first place in customer service – tell us your experiences
Feb 2nd
J.D. Power and Associates has conducted a customer care full service study during the second half of 2011 that shows some great results for Big Red. Despite all the hiccups that their 4G LTE network has been going through, Verizon Wireless seems to have the most satisfied customers out of all the US carriers.
Verizon is currently boasting the “most reliable” 3G network and the “fastest, most advanced 4G LTE network in the world,” and there is no doubt that the company is doing a great job (if we ignore 4G LTE hiccups). Coverage has been a dream with Big Red and the new 4G LTE speeds are quite stunning.
In the study, Verizon Wireless received a score of 762 out of 1,000, placing it on top of all full service wireless providers. This network is then followed by Sprint, with a 745 score, AT&T with 743 and T-Mobile with 739.
Verizon is on a roll, earning this position for the second time consecutively. Also, if you happen to be a fan of pre-paid services, you might also want to know that Virgin Mobile was the top-gunner with a rank of 735.
This probably explains one aspect of why people are willing to shell out the extra cash for Verizon. If it means better service, it can be worth it. Every time I have called customer service, they have fixed all my issues, and have even given me early upgrades to keep me happy. As far as coverage, I know I rarely have any issues with the service (except for 4G, when it drops).
But enough about me, we know that many of you are Verizon customers, especially with the recent release of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Are your experiences with Big Red comparable to what’s showing in the study?
Android and Security
Feb 2nd
By Hiroshi Lockheimer, VP of Engineering, Android
The last year has been a phenomenal one for the Android ecosystem. Device activations grew 250% year-on-year, and the total number of app downloads from Android Market topped 11 billion. As the platform continues to grow, we’re focused on bringing you the best new features and innovations – including in security.
Adding a new layer to Android security
Today we’re revealing a service we’ve developed, codenamed Bouncer, which provides automated scanning of Android Market for potentially malicious software without disrupting the user experience of Android Market or requiring developers to go through an application approval process.
The service performs a set of analyses on new applications, applications already in Android Market, and developer accounts. Here’s how it works: once an application is uploaded, the service immediately starts analyzing it for known malware, spyware and trojans. It also looks for behaviors that indicate an application might be misbehaving, and compares it against previously analyzed apps to detect possible red flags. We actually run every application on Google’s cloud infrastructure and simulate how it will run on an Android device to look for hidden, malicious behavior. We also analyze new developer accounts to help prevent malicious and repeat-offending developers from coming back.
The last year has been a phenomenal one for the Android ecosystem. Device activations grew 250% year-on-year, and the total number of app downloads from Android Market topped 11 billion. As the platform continues to grow, we’re focused on bringing you the best new features and innovations – including in security.
Adding a new layer to Android security
Today we’re revealing a service we’ve developed, codenamed Bouncer, which provides automated scanning of Android Market for potentially malicious software without disrupting the user experience of Android Market or requiring developers to go through an application approval process.
The service performs a set of analyses on new applications, applications already in Android Market, and developer accounts. Here’s how it works: once an application is uploaded, the service immediately starts analyzing it for known malware, spyware and trojans. It also looks for behaviors that indicate an application might be misbehaving, and compares it against previously analyzed apps to detect possible red flags. We actually run every application on Google’s cloud infrastructure and simulate how it will run on an Android device to look for hidden, malicious behavior. We also analyze new developer accounts to help prevent malicious and repeat-offending developers from coming back.
Android malware downloads are decreasing
The service has been looking for malicious apps in Market for a while now, and between the first and second halves of 2011, we saw a 40% decrease in the number of potentially-malicious downloads from Android Market. This drop occurred at the same time that companies who market and sell anti-malware and security software have been reporting that malicious applications are on the rise. While it’s not possible to prevent bad people from building malware, the most important measurement is whether those bad applications are being installed from Android Market – and we know the rate is declining significantly.
Android makes malware less potent
In addition to using new services to help prevent malware, we designed Android from the beginning to make mobile malware less disruptive. In the PC model, malware has more potential to misuse your information. We learned from this approach, designing Android for Internet-connected devices. Some of Android’s core security features are:
- Sandboxing: The Android platform uses a technique called “sandboxing” to put virtual walls between applications and other software on the device. So, if you download a malicious application, it can’t access data on other parts of your phone and its potential harm is drastically limited.
- Permissions: Android provides a permission system to help you understand the capabilities of the apps you install, and manage your own preferences. That way, if you see a game unnecessarily requests permission to send SMS, for example, you don’t need to install it.
- Malware removal: Android is designed to prevent malware from modifying the platform or hiding from you, so it can be easily removed if your device is affected. Android Market also has the capability of remotely removing malware from your phone or tablet, if required.
No security approach is foolproof, and added scrutiny can often lead to important improvements. Our systems are getting better at detecting and eliminating malware every day, and we continue to invite the community to work with us to keep Android safe.
Motorola Droid 4 release date tipped for February 9 and 10, more details
Feb 2nd
The Motorola Droid legacy is about to receive its latest iteration, the Droid 4. This 4G LTE, slide-out keyboard device is undoubtedly one of the most awaited in Verizon’s network, especially for all the keyboard lovers out there. We were expecting this bad boy to hit the streets last December, but rumors indicate that the release was pushed back. But this time around all stars are lining up, and it looks as though the device will be released next week.
The first, and most important sign is the fact that the Motorola Droid 4 has recently showed up at the Droid Does website. Such instance is usually followed by a release, very soon. In this site, we can see all the main features and specs, as well as sign-up for more information.
If you have not heard of the specs, they include a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 4-inch qHD display, Android 2.3.5, 8 MP rear-facing camera (1080p recording), front-facing camera (720p recording), 4G LTE connectivity and a 5-row slide-out physical keyboard. Also, remember that this phone will be getting GSM global roaming capabilities. All the travelers out there might be interested in this.
Its appearance at the Droid Does website definitely makes the Droid 4 a bit more exciting. But it tells us nothing we don’t already know. The specs and features have been known for months now. What we want to know is when and for how much we will be able to get this piece of technology in our hands. For such details, we have to turn our heads to the rumor wagon.
Just yesterday, our buds from Droid-Life received a tip that confirmed a February 9 release date. Rumors also state that this bad boy will go for $199 on a 2-year contract, which is not a bad price compared to the other new 4G LTE devices.
That was all good and dandy, until this morning, when Droid-Life got another tip. This time it is a screenshot from Verizon’s equipment guide, and it states that the Droid 4 will be launching on February 10 instead (image below).
But whether it is the 10th or the 9th, odds are that it will be coming very soon. Get ready to let your flying fingers type away at 4G LTE speeds, texting demons! This bad boy is finally getting here. Is anyone signing up for this one?
Google Maps Navigation found illegal in French courtroom
Feb 2nd
Google Maps is the best at what it does. Navigation is usually spot-on, maps tend to be so accurate it can be creepy (especially when they include pictures of your house) and best of all, it’s free to use. Sure, you could nitpick the minor details, but who can really complain about a free-to-use service of such a high caliber? One competing company who charges for mapping services did, and took those complaints to a French court where Google may be facing some serious problems.
A French court has ruled that by giving away Google Maps, Google is stifling competition and creating an unfair advantage in the topographical market. The plaintiff’s (Bottin Cartographes) legal counsel touted their victory over Google, saying the ruling finally “proved the illegality of Google’s strategy.” For giving away Google Maps for free, Google must now pay a fine of 500,000 euros. This is the first time Google has ever been prosecuted for Google Maps, and they plan on appealing the decision as soon as possible.
It’s understandable that companies with a similar service to Google Maps would be infuriated when faced with a massive loss of profits because they can’t sell their product. It’s understandable that they would take Google to court over it. It’s not understandable that Google would actually be charged with doing something wrong by giving away a great service for free.
If Google’s appeal falls through, this may be just the beginning. Could you imagine a world where Google Maps requires a subscription fee? We’ll be keeping a close eye on this as the situation continues to play out.
Sprint: If we give you $100, then will you stay?
Feb 2nd
Despite the promise of LTE right on the horizon, a slew of some of the best Android phones available, the iPhone 4S and some pretty cheap plans, Sprint isn’t doing so well. Their numbers have been slipping for quite some time now, with potential and former customers flocking to Verizon and AT&T in droves. Do Hesse and company have a long term plan in order to turn things around? Maybe, but we’re not seeing yet. For now, their best bet is bribery.
In order to keep customers from switching carriers, particularly those who are at a high risk of leaving, Sprint will be issuing $25, $50 and $100 discounts on handset upgrades with a two-year contract. The exact discount depends on the model. The promotion runs from February 5th to March 18th, and customers who are eligible for the discount will be notified via email or snail mail.
While this doesn’t fix the recent spike in network problems Sprint customers have been faced with, at least Sprint isn’t sitting back, digging their grave already. Although I have a feeling that if anyone is seriously ready to switch carriers, a $100 discount will do little to dissuade them. If you were looking to jump ship, would a discount on your next phone purchase get you to sign another two-year contract?
Is Sprint’s 3G $99 Android tablet offer too good to be true?
Feb 2nd
Today Sprint announced the release date and pricing of their 7-inch ZTE Optik Android tablet. Starting February 5th, Sprint customers can pick up the 3G Android tablet for only $99 with a 2-year contract, or $349 without a contract. A starting price of $99 sounds like a sweet deal, but is it really that good an offer?
Highlights of the ZTE Optik include Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS, 7-inch touchscreen display with WXGA 1280×800 resolution, dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, dual cameras, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, expandable memory slot, and 4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery.
To take advantage of the $99 tablet offer, Sprint requires customers to sign a 2-year contract for the wireless data. Sprint offers four plans designed specifically for tablets, starting at $19.99 for 1GB of data, $34.99 for 3GB of data, $49.99 for 6GB of data, and $79.99 for 12GB of data.
For those that choose the cheapest $19 data plan, the total cost of ownership is $578.76 (not including taxes and surcharges). That sounds like a lot, but it’s cheaper than a Sprint customer who purchases their own WiFi-only tablet and tethers it to their smartphone. Sprint charges $29.99 per month for their Mobile Hotspot 5 GB plan, so the total cost over 24 months would be $719.76 + the price of a tablet.
So for Sprint customers that want an affordable 7-inch tablet with a data plan, the ZTE Optik is a pretty reasonable deal. The only downside is that this tablet will be obsolete in less than 18 months and you will still be stuck paying the data plan.
For anyone purchasing the ZTE Optik, consider the WiFi-only, quad-core Asus Memo 370T will be out shortly for only $249. Other low-priced options include the $199 Kindle Fire
I’ve been using an Android tablet for the last year and I haven’t had the need for a dedicated data plan since I mainly use it around the house or office where I always have a WiFi connection. I could see certain use cases where a user would require a data plan on a tablet, but those are few and far between. That’s why a device like the 5.3-inch Galaxy Note could be appealing to some.
In my wireless fantasy land, I’d love to see carriers just offer a shared bucket of data that I can use with any device connected to my plan. If I’m paying for 5 GB of data each month, then I should be able to consume that on my smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Sprint has innovated with their truly unlimited plans for smartphones, so maybe they can push the boundaries on multi-device plans one day.
Back to the ZTE Optik, it looks like a nice starter Android tablet for the price. We will be receiving one for review, so check back soon for our full impressions.
Is a Samsung Galaxy S II Plus really in the works? And is it really needed?
Feb 2nd
Yesterday we learned that the Samsung Galaxy S III would be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, but the company is still looking forward to “introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products” at Mobile World Congress 2012. According to Anton Nagy of PocketNow, one of those products could be the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus.
Anton posted an An3DBenchXL result which listed a device with the name “Galaxy S 2+”, 1.5 GHz processor, Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, and a WVGA display. The low resolution display is a little puzzling, but it could have been altered for benchmarking purposes. Like most of these leaks, the results could have been easily spoofed, but it still raises some interesting questions.
Early this week we were discussing the possibility of a Galaxy Nexus Plus, so Samsung might have decided to refresh their current lineup as filler until the Galaxy S III is ready this summer.
Today my friend Kote from the Spanish blog Xataka sent me a picture of a new Samsung phone that appears to be this mysterious Galaxy S II Plus. You can see from the post image above that this device is running Android 4.0 and features three capacitive buttons that are similar to other Ice Cream Sandwich phones (Back, Home, Multitask). Again, this could totally be faked, but someone spent the extra time to add Mobile World Congress to the calendar widget and Barcelona to the weather widget on the desktop.
If Samsung were to release a Galaxy S II Plus with a 1.5 GHz processor, then it could feature the new dual-core 1.5 GHz Exynos 4212 that was announced last year. This chip is the first to market with Samsung’s advanced 32nm High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) low-power process, which promises “30 percent lower power-level over the previous process generation.” It also features a faster clocked GPU that promises “50 percent higher 3D graphics performance over the previous processor generation from Samsung.”
We have already seen what feels like a dozen different variations of the Galaxy S II in the U.S., so it wouldn’t be a total shocker to see a couple more. The carriers run the wireless world, so if they requested an updated phone for the first half of 2012, I’m sure Samsung will deliver.
What are your thoughts on a possible Galaxy S II Plus? Would anyone buy this phone or would you just wait it out for the Galaxy S III?
