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There have been 900 million Android activations, 48 billion app installs to date
What would a Google liveblog be without some updates on Android activations? Well, in case you're curious, the newest figure is 900 million -- a big jump from the 400 million activations reported last year. What's more, Google says there have been 48 billion app installations to date, including 2.8 billion in the last month alone, with revenue per user 2.5 times what it was a year ago. To put that in context, that's not far off Apple's latest numbers: the company has logged just under 50 billion downloads of its own. Moving on to Chrome, meanwhile, Google is touting 750 million active users, and that includes not just the desktop, but phones and tablets too. That's up from 450 million users at this time last year, with 300 million switching over in the past 12 months. Finally, if you want to get really granular, Google also gave an update on its Google Cloud Messaging service, which was announced last year. Apparently, 60 percent of apps are now using GCM, and 17 billion messages are pushed through the service per day. We'll let you chew on that for a moment while you follow the liveblog, but it seems to us now would be a good time to start placing bets on when we hit the 1-billion-activations mark.%Gallery-188420%
Sony Xperia SP review: lights, camera, performance
Sony's Xperia Z took the company into the big leagues this year: the company finally has a handset that turns heads and can compete with the established Galaxy and One brands. The Z and its plainer ZL variant weren't the only bullets in the Xperia revolver for 2013, though. Back in March, the company announced the Xperia SP and Xperia L handsets to fall in line behind its flagship. While the L is undoubtedly targeted at the low end of the Android spectrum, the Xperia SP sits in a strange middle ground, with a 720p display and internals that rival the flagships of 2012. It's not some kind of Xperia S and P fusion, either. The design is vastly different from the sum of its moniker, although the transparent element that defined those devices makes a comeback here. And thus, with intrigue, we must put the Xperia through its paces the Engadget way. Is it just another Android handset put out so there's something with the Sony name available at a lower price point than the Z? Is there anything other than a transparent piece of plastic to set it apart from the plethora of other touchscreen rectangles that live in the shadow of their top-tier peers? Instead of pondering the answers to those questions yourself, save time by heading past the break for our full review.%Gallery-188132%
Huawei P6-U06 super slim smartphone poses for more leaked pictures, this time in black
At the beginning of last week, we learned of a Huawei smartphone, model number P6-U06, by way of the TENAA in China (their FCC equivalent). In addition to some pictures of the handset and a few internal components listed by the TENAA, its thickness, or rather, its thinness was the most interesting spec -- at 6.18mm, it could be the super-slim P series model a Huawei exec has been teasing all year. While the company remains tight-lipped, the folks at NowhereElse have received what are thought to be some in-the-wild shots of the P6-U06, this time in black. The French site admits it can't verify the legitimacy of the pictures, and there's none of the back that should show the Huawei logo, but they do marry up with what we saw at the TENAA, and it looks pretty trim. We wouldn't be surprised if Huawei made it official sometime soon, if only to stop the leaks before we know it all and lose interest. There are a couple more pictures after the break, and luckily, it appears Mr. Blurrycam was on another job.
Microsoft's Switch to Windows Phone app for Android attempts to prove you're not missing out
Ever since its launch, Windows Phone has faced criticism for lacking a broad app selection compared with its main mobile OS competitors. Microsoft is out to convince users otherwise, and in a rather cheeky move, has launched the Switch to Windows Phone app for Android. Available now on the Google Play store, the app takes note of all the software currently on your Android handset and suggests official WP8 apps that correspond to what's on your phone, or apps that match up best if official versions aren't available. The results can also be saved and recalled using an app of the same name for WP8 to make installing those alternatives that bit easier. You may remember a similar app for PCs called Welcome Home to Windows Phone that Nokia put out last year, which uses the same app-matching search tech from Quixey. Microsoft has also taken this opportunity to launch a new ad campaign (embedded after the break) pumping itself up as a sensible alternative to the Android / iOS battles, timed perfectly to arrive with this app. Assuming you have the requisite devices handy, hit the source links to install the software and let us know how good it is at finding a match.
Skinny Huawei smartphone shows off 6.2mm profile in Chinese certification
The FCC isn't the only agency playing with devices we don't even know exist: its Chinese equivalent has recently had some hands-on time with an unknown Huawei smartphone, codenamed the P6-U06. Luckily, there are a few pics and specs to accompany the filing, which tell us it weighs 120g (4.2 ounces) and measures 132.6 x 65.5 x 6.18mm (5.2 x 2.6 x 0.2 inches), meaning it could be the super-slim P series handset a Huawei exec hinted at in January. It didn't materialize at MWC, but the same executive promised more was to come in 2013, possibly starting with this P6-U06. Those dimensions house a 4.7-inch TFT screen at 720p resolution, quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM, an 8-megapixel camera on the back and an unusually large 5-megapixel sensor in the shooter up front. Unsurprisingly, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean is listed as the OS, while GSM / WCDMA radios suggest Asia as the target market (not to mention the Chinese certification). That's all we've got on the P6-U06 for now, but in lieu of official press shots, the handset strikes a couple more candid poses after the break.
Huawei A199 outed with 5-inch 720p display, 1.5GHz CPU, 2GB RAM
Huawei kicked off the year by introducing its 5-inch Ascend D2 and 6.1-inch Ascend Mate flagships, and after a few months of catering for smaller hands, it's revisiting larger screens with the A199. The new handset shares a handful of specs with the Ascend D2, and although it's not as equipped, you wouldn't call it a low-end device. Behind the 5-inch, 720p IPS display, you'll find Huawei's own quad-core 1.5GHz K3V2 CPU paired with 2GB of RAM and eight gigs of internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot (up to 32GB cards supported). Weighing in at roughly 160g (5.6 ounces) with a 2,150mAh battery on board, the 8.9mm (0.35 inch) thick handset has an 8-megapixel main camera, a 1.3-megapixel shooter up front, and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean as standard. We're inclined to believe the A199 will be destined for China and emerging markets only given the phone's dual-SIM support (GSM / CDMA / EV-DO), a feature popular in these regions. The device does, however, bear similarities in both specs and design to an Ascend G710 that was detailed in a leak back in February. Maybe, then, the A199 will make its way to the US eventually, albeit with a fresh name and brushed metal disguise.
Get an early look at Facebook Home with these leaked pre-release APKs
Facebook Home's making its official debut on the HTC First and a handful of big-hitting Android handsets this Friday, but MoDaCo has come across a trio of APKs which offer an early taste. The leaked APKs have been stripped from a pre-release HTC First ROM, with MoDaCo noting they're "rather buggy" and not fully functional -- Chat Heads doesn't work, for example. You'll need a handset with a max screen res of 1,280 x 768 and must be able to remove the current Android Facebook app, as the newer APKs won't install otherwise. MoDaCo lists a workaround for phones that have Facebook baked into the ROM, but it'll still need to be rooted. Hit up the source link if you've got the side-loading skills and feel like giving Facebook Home a preliminary poking.
Google TV's PrimeTime app update welcomes Amazon Prime content
An update to the PrimeTime Android app for Google TV has been released, bringing with it some bug fixes, as well as a "subscription selector" which means Netflix, HBO Go and Amazon Prime content now shows up as free if you're paying for any of those services. Wait, Amazon Prime content, you say? Well yes, we did, as the Amazon Prime Instant Video catalogue has been worked into the new version of the guide and recommendation app. Yet more ways to make sure we're up to date with The Good Wife? Sounds fine to us.
Amazon Appstore celebrates its second year with free apps, cake (for today only)
Did the word free in the headline grab your attention, or was it the cake? Either way, Amazon's Appstore is throwing a party to mark its second birthday, and there's a goody bag of software for anyone who attends. It's been a good month for Android users, as Google's Play store had its own shindig recently, and like last year, Amazon's been treating Appstore patrons to discounts all week. For its official anniversary today, though, a tray-full of apps can be downloaded gratis. Admittedly, the selection isn't fantastic, but you should find one or two things worth at least the time it takes to click 'em -- Chu Chu Rocket, may we suggest (long live Dreamcast!). Remember, you've gotta be quick, as the offers expire at the end of the day. But enough from us. Head to the source link for cake and more.
Facebook allegedly skirts Google Play store with latest update, adds auto-download of newest versions
Did Google's Larry Page get on the wrong side of Zuckerberg when he was less than complimentary about Facebook a couple of months ago? Maybe so, as the latest update to the social network's app for Android appears to be ignoring the normal route of outing a new version through the Play store, using the app itself to push the update to users. We haven't seen the prompt ourselves, but Liliputing has some screenshots of it (shown above) and is reporting the update auto-downloads and notifies you when its ready to be installed. The new version is said to allow profile picture changes within the app, make messaging easier and grant users the ability to flag spam and hide feed posts you don't want to see. It also alters the app's permissions, allowing it to update without your approval. However, The Verge spotted a thread on the social network's Help Center which clarifies that'll only happen when connected to WiFi. Maybe we're out of favor with Facebook also, as we haven't been offered the update on our phones just yet, but the comments on Liliputing seem to confirm its out there. Has Google already stepped in? Let us know how your app is reacting in the comments below.
DirecTV Android tablet app knows it's late, makes suitably low-key entrance
We bet you thought your DirecTV receiver and Android tablet would never get along, didn't ya? Well, it has been over two years since the satellite provider released an iPad app, and although software for both Android and Apple smartphones were available long before that, Android slates have curiously been neglected. That's all changed now, however, as "DirecTV for Tablets" quietly snuck onto the Play store yesterday. Better late than never, we suppose, and at least it's got the functionality you'd want to make up for its tardiness. The app allows you to use your tablet as a remote, stream various channels (including the Audience Network), manage your DVR, access a bunch of TV-related content, and overshare your viewing habits on several social networks. If you've been waiting for the app so long you refuse to believe it's actually here, don't trust us. Head to the source link for proof.%Gallery-181121%
Onkyo launching six fresh Android SlatePads in Japan on March 8th
Onkyo is best known in the US and most other markets for its audio gear, but in the past, has tried its hand at PCs, music services, and even a dual-screen netbook. The company also occasionally dabbles in tablets, and will soon be releasing no less than six new Android-powered "SlatePads" in Japan. On the bottom rung is a 7-incher with miserly specs: 1.2GHz Cortex-A8 CPU, 800 x 480 res, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage and ICS to sticky-up your fingers. Dual-core 1.6GHz Cortex-A9 processors, 1GB RAM and 4.1 Jelly Bean are found on the rest of the range, which includes another 7-inch, one 8-inch, one 10.1-inch and two 9.7-inch models. All will be available from March 8th, with damage starting at 10,480 yen (around $114) and topping out at 28,800 yen (approx. $313) for the 9.7-inch, 2,048 x 1,536 res option. You can check out the finer details in the Japanese PR sourced below, but know these aren't likely to make it stateside -- not unless you want to pony up the extra dough to import one, anyway. [Thanks, Olivier]
Firefox 18 launched with Retina support, Android browser also updated
We took a look at Mozilla's mobile OS at the final pre-proper CES event yesterday, and little did we know the official release of its Firefox 18 browser was dropping today. The update adds the new Javascript compiler IonMonkey, which is said to make wep apps "perform up to 25 percent faster." Mac users who will settle for nothing less than high-res browsing will be happy to know Retina display support has been implemented, as long as you're on OS X 10.7 or above. Preliminary support for WebRTC has also been added. The upgrade is available now, but if you're reading this on FF, you've probably got it already. The Android version of the Firefox browser has received a little TLC alongside its computer-based counterpart. The IonMonkey compiler is also new to this version, the Google Now search widget has been integrated, and Mozilla suggests mobile browsing has never been safer. Head to the source link for the release notes for both versions.
Fleksy predictive text beta software for Android wanted to write this post for us, will be demonstrated at CES 2013
If touchscreen typing worked flawlessly, we wouldn't have Bluetooth keyboards to avoid it, or special software around to make it a little easier. Syntellia is one company working on a solution in the latter category -- a predictive text engine called Fleksy -- that makes some pretty bold claims. Apparently, the technology means you can type accurately "without even looking at the screen," producing perfect prose regardless of if you "miss every single letter." Fleksy is already available on iOS, but Syntellia is showing off the beta of its psychic software for Android at CES 2013 (watch out Swiftkey!). We hope to put it through its paces on the show floor, but if you feel like you're missing out, head to the source link below where you can register for beta access yourself. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Tumblr Android app update brings tablet support, new 'following screen'
Tumblr users have been managing their online repositories via mobile apps for a while now, but that software has been tailored specifically for smartphones thus far. The latest version of the blogging service's Android app has changed that, however, finally adding support for tablets, as well as a new "following screen" and tweaked design. Unfortunately for iPad users, you're still stuck in iPhone / iPod view, as Tumblr hasn't gotten 'round to releasing a slate-supporting update for iOS yet. It's strange that such optimization was omitted from the recently launched native app, but for now, both platforms have exclusives to boast about -- tablet support for Android, and Tumblr's Photoset app for iOS.
Russian site shows off 5-inch Sony 'Yuga' with 1080p display, S4 Pro CPU, 12MP camera
The folks at Mobile-review have been dropping hints that they have an unannounced Sony handset in their possession, and now they've released a gabble of specs and images to prove it. Sony's "Yuga C6603" bears all the potential hallmarks of a flagship, sporting a 5-inch screen running at full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080), although some of that real estate is occupied by on-screen buttons. The display is loaded with an impressive 440 ppi, just like HTC's Droid DNA, and Sony's Mobile Bravia Engine has been employed for color reproduction. Under that screen we find a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU with Adreno 320 graphics, and 2 gigs of RAM for Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean to take advantage of. In terms of connectivity, it's got USB host and micro-HDMI ports, Bluetooth 4.0, standard WiFi, NFC and a Qualcomm modem of the LTE variety. A 12-megapixel shooter can be found on the back (perhaps using the same HDR sensor as the Oppo Find 5), a microSD slot supporting up to 128GB cards on the side, and a non-removable battery of unknown capacity hiding within. That's pretty much it for now -- but judging by how final this hardware looks, there's a chance we might see more of it at CES.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (WiFi) owners in the UK receiving Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean nourishment
It may not be the newest circa 10-inch slate Samsung's got to offer, but the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is still a good way from retirement. As part of its promise to upgrade a whole bunch of devices to Jelly Bean, Sammy has started pushing the OTA Android 4.1.1 update to Tab 2 10.1 bearers in the UK (try Kies if you haven't received a notification). For now, it appears to be a local rollout for the WiFi-only model, but if it's conforming to the staggered nature of most Android updates, other countries and versions should also find their melting OS re-sweetened in the near future.
Green Throttle Games Atlas and Arena hands-on (video)
Amid Nintendo's latest piece of kit and the buzz for the next generation of home consoles, a quiet voice is whispering in the consumer's ear: Android, it says. Between dual-analog gamepads, crowd funded hardware and hardcore gaming tablets, Google's mobile OS is gaining ground among gamers. It certainly has Guitar Hero co-creator Charles Huang's attention -- he's teamed up with Matt Crowley and Karl Townsend (who both had a hand in building various Palm devices) to create Green Throttle Games, an outfit that joins the ever-growing legion of firms out to convert your Android device into a full fledged gaming console. How's it work? We dropped by their Santa Clara offices to find out. %Gallery-171176%
Kobo Arc available today in Canada and UK, coming to France on Monday
Kobo's Arc tablet is hitting stores for the first time in Canada and the UK today, leaving eager punters in the US of A wondering if they've been forgotten. In America's hat, the 7-inch competitor to the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 is showing price tags of 200, 250 and 300 Canadian dollars for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions, respectively. A WHSmith exclusive in the UK, £160 and £190 is what you'll need for the lesser two options, and we can't see a 64GB listing online just yet. French store Fnac will keep customers waiting til Monday, when they'll be able to swap €200 for an Arc avec 16 gigs -- its listings show no other sizes right now, barring a non-existent 8GB variant. Kobo hid a surprise for us in the announcement PR, too: it's already working on a Jelly Bean 4.1 update for the ICS tablet. If you're American and bummed you're not reading this on your own shiny new Arc, it's already passed inspection, so should be shipping before you know it.
Google wants to change your reality with Ingress, a mobile game played out in real life
All the viral ads courtesy of Niantic Labs told us something was coming, and now its here -- an alternate reality game from Google called Ingress. The theme is one of worldwide mind control, and it'll be played out in real life, where you'll be a part of one of two teams which either embrace or fight "the power" -- The Enlightened or The Resistance, respectively. With a companion mobile app installed, you'll venture out into the world collecting energy known as "Exotic Matter" (XM), found at real locations. This can then be spent claiming, stealing or reinforcing "portals," which are positioned at key public places. Teamwork will be essential, as the goal is to create zones controlled by your faction, and attacking those occupied by the enemy. One team will eventually win, although this end point is expected to be a year to 18 months down the line. John Hanke of Niantic Labs said some of the inspiration for Ingress came from JJ Abrams, and hardcore Lost fans may remember a similarly cryptic internet 'game' focused around the show. The Ingress app is available on Google Play today, with an iOS version in the pipe, and if you want you play, sign up at the source below to request access. Your mobile device will provide you with an overview of your local battlefield when you're out and about, but a web client can keep you up to date on the global war while you're sat at a computer. Check out the video and app screenshots below, and if you're still confused as to what it's all about -- well, that's how they want you to feel.
