Upcoming Android Phones – Cool Android Apps – Android Collaboration

 Despite the success and popularity of android phones, the tablets are on the opposite side of the market. Reports, data, and analysis from 2011 and 2012 have shown that the market for android tablets is fast dwindling while those of other platforms like the Apple’s IPad and the Amazon’s Kindle Fire are rising fast.

What could be responsible for this? You may want to ask. Well, the answer to that question may well be provided in the paragraphs below.

Here, an analyst takes us through the performance of android tablets in comparison with other tablets like the iPad and the Kindle Fire from Amazon:

First quarter numbers from IDC showed that Android tablet shipments declined in Q1-12 from Q4-11, while Apple cruised ahead, reasserting dominance of the tablet market. Looking a bit deeper, we see that Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet, a deviation from Google Android, is becoming dominant, and all the tablets from Samsung, Moto/Google, and other mainstream CE and PC manufacturers are losing share. This looks like a disaster for Android.

It is a disaster for Google’s Android tablet strategy, which seems to boil down to producing a better product with much the same value proposition as Apple’s iPad. The high-end Android tablets that are positioned right against the iPad (Moto Xoom, Samsung GalaxyTablet) are losing ground. Asus, Acer, and Toshiba, which have more of a value strategy, are hanging on. The others have failed to make a mark.

However, Amazon has created a whole new market with the Kindle: defined by simpler hardware and software, $200 price point, and linkage to the Amazon content platform and brand.

There’s more to this market than the Comscore numbers show, because Comscore does not consider Barnes & Noble’s Nook to be a tablet, although it’s functionality is similar to the Kindle. Other sources indicate that Nook sales are a large fraction of Kindle sales.

And, the lower-priced market is seasonal (more of a gift market) than the iPad. Analysts expected a Q1 dip in sales; it does not indicate that the category is going away.

Most important, there is a wave of competing tablets coming at the sub-$200 price point. Amazon has shown that there is demand for this class of product. The open source code for Android 4.x (Ice Cream Sandwich) was released in late 2011. OEMs are working hard to launch new sub-$200 products based on the new OS.

This produced a pause in Q1 and Q2 but will bring forth a surge of new offerings in the summer. A new wave of Chinese ODMs and CPU chip companies are entering the market with cost structures that are lower than the Taiwanese and Korean OEMs and ODMs who produce the bulk of products in the market today. They will offer products that retailers can sell well below $200 with a normal margin. Click here for the full analysis.

So, you have graphically seen how android tablets are fairing in the market. The truth is that, there general performances are still well behind those of iPad and Kindle Fire. As observed by the analyst, effective enterprise solution and management should be applied to change the marketing strategy for these tablets. When this is done, it is expected that there would be revival in the sales for android tablets.

Finally, as many OEMs for android go to the drawing board in the next few months, we are expecting cheaper performing tablets built with better enterprise applications.

If you are keen on building a rewarding career path in the IT industry then you may want to consider a certification in android and its related program. Many that have embraced the challenges of having to undergo the rigors of certification are now top professionals in their places of work. You too can embrace this career path and in control of your skill and future.

 The following are vital information about android certification you should know. They are quick but very valuable facts.

A certification in android technology shows that you have passed certain examination s that tested your theoretical and practical skills on certain aspects of the android technology. With this proof, it implies you are now professional in programming or developing of software related to the android platform.

Android is an operating system that allows for the installations and running different types of apps and mobile computing devices. This operating system is mainly   runs on smartphone and tablet computers. Other mobile devices can still benefit from the features of this operating system.

Types of certifications for android technologies you can received

After completing the academic requirement and having fulfilled all certification requirements, you can earn a android certification as a programmer, as a developer, and as an associate. In other words, you can become a: Certified Android Programmer, A Certified Android Developer, and a Certified Android Associate.

There are examinations and study requirements you would have to pass through if you are to become a professional in android development in any of the ways stated above.

The importance of being certified in Android

• You are going to develop invaluable skill in writing, creating, developing, and installing android programs. This would the core skills you are to develop in the program.
• you skill can help you provide solutions to those in the IT industry
• you will become a professional and enjoy a rewarding career in android development and management
• You can become independent and earn extra money by tweaking and creating applications software for android phones or tablets.

Android certification is sure a rewarding path you may need to take. You can enroll in the program of your choice to get certified. Visit the website of some official partners of android in the USA and other parts of the world for more details. The android development website can still be accessed for more details.

The android operating system is one that has seen a lot of updates since the introduction of its first version in 2007. Over the years various versions have been released and the aim has always being to correct any error and to add new features. The consistency to which Google, the owners of android has kept to this, has contributed to the popularity of this operating system.

This article relays some interesting details about the android versions. These are very important so you get to know what are being referred to whenever any topic about the android operating system is discussed.

Android is an open source operating system used for smartphones, tablet computers, and a host of other mobile devices. This platform is owned by Google and members of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). This platform has features that allow different types of applications or programs meant for multimedia, commuciations, games, etc to be run. Many top selling and flagship smartphones you can access today uses the android platform. Moreover, this platform is very popular and it is competing heavily with other platforms like Blackberry OS, Apple iOS, Symbian OS, Windows OS, and Palm OS etc.

Versions of android so far released

Different versions of the android operating system have so far being released since November, 2007 when the Beta was released. Following this version, the full commercial version released in September 2008 and it was named the Android 1.0.In February 2009, an updated version of the version was made, and it was dubbed the android 1.1.

Following the above versions, other versions have been released. These have code names that depict the names of sweet treats or food desserts. The codenames for every release followed an alphabetical order. Thus android versions that have been released so far are: android Beta, android 1.0, android 1.1, android 1.5(cupcake), android 1.6(donut), android 2.0(Eclair), android 2.2(Frozen yogurt), android 2.3 (Gingerbread), android 3.0(Honeycomb), and android 4.0(Ice cream Sandwich). According to rumored sources, future releases on the versions of the android operating systems are likely to be codenamed Jelly Bean and Key Lime Pie.

Facts about the features of the each version of the operating system

• Most of the other versions of the android operating system are developed to run on smartphones and tablet computers.
• The honeycomb version or android 3.0 was developed mainly for tablet computers.
• The Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is the latest version and combines the features of all other versions. Thus, it is suitable both for smartphones and tablet computers.
• If you have a device running any of the older versions, you can still upgrade to the latest version following instructions by the developers.
• The latest version has better features than previous versions.

So, the android platform is one platform for which you can access different types of apps. If you are going considering using any type of mobile computing device that runs this operating system, then this article surely would have helped you in no little way.

If you no longer want to pay your service provider for send your favorite ringtones, there are options available to get same tones and save money. If you have smartphone that run the Apple’s iOS (that is iPhone), android, or Windows OS there are do it yourself steps you can apply to record and customize your own ringtones.

Follow the highlights below as they apply to the type of smartphone you own:

Long ago, the only way to get custom ringtones on your phone was by purchasing them from your service provider. At about $1-2, this method is still an option today, but luckily, you can now create your own ringtones for free and load them onto your device.

With this do-it-yourself method, you’ll be able to turn any piece of audio into a ringtone–any part of your favorite song (not just the chorus), or even audio from a YouTube video. If you’d like to do the latter, you can extract audio from any YouTube video using this tutorial.

In any case, make sure you have the audio files for the music you want to turn into ringtones. When you do, follow the instructions for the appropriate phone and desktop operating system.

IPhone

Mac

Mac users can easily create ringtones for their iPhone using GarageBand. The process is straightforward and results in sending your ringtone directly to iTunes. Once your ringtone is in iTunes, simply sync your iPhone, then go to Settings > Sounds on your device to set your new tone.

Windows

Windows users should use Fried Cookie’s Ringtone Maker, as it allows you to turn full-length song into a 30-second .m4a file, which is Apple’s proprietary file extension for iPhone ringtones.

Once you’ve created a ringtone, simply drag and drop it into your iTunes music library. iTunes will automatically add it to the “Tones” section, which you can find in the left sidebar.

Finally, sync your iPhone. Then, on your iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds to set your new ringtone.

Alternatively, you can use the method shown in the video below to create ringtones directly from iTunes.

Android

Mac

To create an Android ringtone on your Mac, you’ll use an MP3 you already own and cut it to a 30-second clip of your choice. Follow these instructions, but when you’re ready to export the song, do not send it to iTunes. Instead, select Share > Export song to disk, and choose the MP3 format.

Then, plug in your Android phone and mount it. Explore the drive and, if you don’t have one already, create a folder and name it Ringtones. Finally, drag and drop your custom MP3 in to the new folder. Eject your Android phone and unplug it.

To set your new ringtone, head to Settings > Sound and select it from the list.

Windows

To create your ringtone in Windows, use Fried Cookie’s Ringtone Maker. When you’ve created and saved your custom ringtone, connect your Android phone to your computer and mount it. Drag and drop your custom MP3 in to the new folder. Finally, eject your Android phone and unplug it.

To set your new ringtone, head to Settings > Sound and select it from the list.

Alternatively, you can create ringtones directly from your Android phone using an app like RingDroid.

Windows Phone

Mac

Naturally, the process will be a little complicated since Windows inherently doesn’t play nicely with Mac. So, be a little patient with this one.

To make your ringtone, you’ll use an MP3 you already own and cut it to a 30-second clip of your choice. Follow these instructions, but when you’re ready to export the song, do not send it to iTunes. Instead, select Share > Send song to iTunes.

Open iTunes. Find the ringtone you created, right-click it, and select “Get info.” Then, in the Info tab, under Genre, type ringtone. Click OK.

If you don’t have it already, install Windows Phone Connector for Mac. Launch it, then connect your phone to your Mac. Sync your phone (or just the song) and unplug it.

On your phone, go to Settings > Ringtones + sounds. Tap the ringtone list, and you’ll see your new ringtone among the others.

Windows

To create your 30-second ringtone, use Fried Cookie’s Ringtone Maker. Then, drag and drop the file in to the Zune software. In the Genre list, make sure “ringtone” is selected. If it doesn’t appear, type it. Click OK.

Connect your Windows Phone to your computer and sync it. Unplug it, and (on your phone) go to Settings > Ringtones + sounds and select your new ringtone. Source.

So, these are how you can create custom ringtones for your smartphone. Its now time for you to tryout these steps. If what you have is that android phone, you get to see how easy it really is to get your custom tones through this smartphone.

Finally, ensure you download and print these instructions so you can master how to really create your tantalizing ringtones today.

If you are looking for an app that will help provide give your android tablet a more customizable look, then you should checkout the Chameleon Launcher. This is a new project from Kickstarter and it is expected to be launched in August.

There are many interesting details you really should know about this Home Screen app, and to sum up all, the appearance or user interface of your tablet it going to change when the apps locates your GPS tracking system.

This is really cute, isn’t it? Here are more detail on this budding project at Kickstarter:

Android tablets are cute things. But many a time the stock launcher could end up being a big let down, particularly because of the lack of enough personalization capabilities. Thus our quest for an alternative home screen found a budding project at Kickstarter very interesting.

Dubbed as Chameleon launcher, it is an unconventional, extremely customizable home screen. Chameleon is an elite Android species since it runs only on Android tablets, that too if the rigs have Android 3.2 or higher versions in their veins.

At a glance, it has everything that is needed for a perfect home screen replacement. It packs full featured, visually appealing widgets without giving you a cluttered feel. However, it is the customization capabilities that caught our attention.

Just like other custom UIs like HTC’s Sense, Chameleon allows you to arrange and set unlimited number of home screens containing different widgets and information according to time and your need. For example, you may customize a suitable home screen for office hours and make the launcher to switch to it when it detects the exact GPS location of the office or connects to the office network. When you reach back home, it will switch to a UI that brings you relaxing and entertaining widgets based on time, GPS location or network.

So far, there are 333 backers for the project at Kickstarter. So if you are excited about it, head to the project at Kickstarter with $5 to back it and get early access to the launcher in August, full one month before it goes live. Source.

Conclusively, if you get to imagine how the chameleon changes with new environments, then you should know that this Launcher really answers to its name. It’s quite an interesting piece of app and you surely will find it useful as a home screen or user interface for your android tablet.

For a price of $5 you can get this app and really be control. The app is going to be launched in August, so you should keep tabs with the developers to be one of those that will get this launcher when it goes live.

Whatever the type of android device you use, the truth is this, there is certain applications software which installed and you will find invaluable. These apps are mostly software created by Google, the owners of the android operating system. You may want to know why these apps are so indispensable; here are details about them you may want to know.

First off, the android operating system is that which many brands of smartphones and tablet computers run these days. These devices have great user interface that allow end users to manipulate them for their expenses. The android OS is now very popular and has market share that well above those of Windows Mobile OS, Apples iOS, and others.

Another important feature of this system is that it is an open source type of platform which allows independent developer and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop apps and devices without proprietary restrictions.

That said, Google is the owner of the Android operating system and most of devices that run the android platform have pre installed in them most of the Google apps. Therefore, when you buy these devices, you would start enjoying all these apps have to offer.

The list of the Google apps you really need for your android devices include:

Gmail – This is a free app that helps you send and receive email. It is owned by Google and has great anti spam control functions.

Google Voice – This is telephone service apps that help you make calls through the VoIP technology. You can make cheap calls, send free SMS, and listen to voicemail. If you know of what the Skype app does, then you should see Google Voice as an alternative.

Google Contact – Since phone and tablet usage is all about communication, you need to software or apps that will help sync all your contacts. This is just what Google Contacts does for you. It is an all important synchronization tool for your android device.

Apart from the above apps, there are so many other great apps from Google you really need for your android devices. Some of the other striking ones include: Google Talk, Google Calendar, Google Finance, Google Shopper, Google Earth, YouTube, Blogger, Google Offers, Google Translate, Latitude, Google Maps, and most especially, Google Search.

The use of these apps on your android phone or tablets is not something you would want to miss. They help you make the most use of your product. While some of these apps are already preinstalled into your system, others can still be downloaded free from the Internet.

Android apps from Google offer you wide range of business and personal computing options. They help you to perform different types of tasks that can give you productivity and entertainment. So, you need to check these applications software out.

Finally, these apps work great with the latest version of the android operating system – the Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS).

If you are an app developer you will want to take advantage of the great resources to build and create apps for the android platform. This is more so as you plan to build and find a market these programs to earn money from their sales.

To achieve these double objectives, you need the best resources for android apps developments. So, one of the greatest resources you can use is an android apps development guide or programming tutorial.

The following are some of the benefits you will enjoy when you access the best tutorials or apps development guides for android devices. They are categorized into apps development and apps marketing.

The android programming guides will provide you with these advantages:

1 – Android apps development benefits: Here the guide is sure to help learn how to build and install different types of applications software for android phones and tablets. You can:

• Discover the best apps ideas for the moment.
• Learn how to  set up the android Software Development Kit(SDK) and other important development tools
• Learn how to customize or personalize features for the  apps in line with the android platform and user interface
• Discover basic and advanced skills to develop different types of apps like those for  multimedia, entertainment, games, productivity ,etc

2- Android apps marketing benefits – It is one thing to build or develop an app, it is quite another to market it. A good programming guide or tutorial can help you enjoy or get one or more of the following benefits:

• You will have idea on how to sell or  market your android apps after their development
• You will discover how to list these apps in third party stores for further exposures and  more sales
• You will get idea of the best method to apply for each  market entered for  the apps
• You will also get idea of how to use free apps to generate revenues online.

With the details above, it then implies that your android apps development would be nothing short of fun. There are lots of things you can truly take advantage of from developing android apps today.

Finally, for more tips and directions and how to develop apps for android devices, take a tour online. You can begin from the android developer’s website and move on to other sites where you can download and study the best guides.

Android tablets are not enjoying popularity in the tablet computer’s market like the iPad. Some studies have shown that even the sale of the Amazon Kindle Fire far surpass the volumes Nexus tablets are being sold. To deal with this problem, Google has decided to change its production and marketing strategy for the android Nexus Tablets.

The plan now is to partner with other companies who would be provided with licenses to manufacture this flagship tablet. Details of this development are still in shadowy as at the time of writing. However, below is a recent online post that provides hints on this new collaboration:

Google’s exact plan of action in the tablet market is still shrouded in mystery. Plenty of Conjecture and rumors surmised that it’d try to give a fillip to the struggling market share of Android tablets by launching a low cost ($149 to be exact) ‘Nexus’ tablet of its own.

This would be directly influenced by the strategy it has followed for Nexus smartphones so far – they’d tie up with a single vendor (Samsung was their latest associate), and offer a phone with stock Android and quick updates.

But according to sources from WSJ, Google may be about to adopt a whole new way of dealing with the Android tablet problem. For the first time, it may be willing to work with multiple (up to five, in fact) manufacturers so as to create a full-fledged portfolio of Nexus tablets (and even smartphones) running stock Android.

The best part about this new plan is that Google manages to keep all Android OEMs on its side thanks to its Nexus series of devices. Nexus smartphones were rare but much sought-after devices among many consumers. The fact that only HTC, and now Samsung, have been allowed to have anything to do with the Nexus line estranged other manufacturers a great deal. Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility hadn’t done it any favors either in the eyes of Android OEMs – the widely held belief was that Google would gradually adopt the Apple approach and create end-user solutions all by itself. The involvement of multiple OEMs gives the best Android tablet and smartphone manufacturers a level playing ground now.

Consumers will stand to benefit from this expansion of the Nexus line of Android devices as well. There’s no dearth of people who’ve used the likes of TouchWiz (in all of Samsung’s offerings such as the Samsung Galaxy S I, II & II, and its numerous Galaxy Tabs), MotoBlur (in Motorola DROID Razr and the Xoom) or even HTC Sense 3.x, and found the skinned Android experience an abomination. Nexus tablets and phones offer Android the way Google meant it to be, and have the quickest update cycles among all Android devices. Source.

It is good that Google is now partnering with five manufacturers to offer fresh brands of the Nexus Android Tablet. This can make the sell of these tablets to soar, just as android phones are experiencing it big today. This new strategy can still offer end users with more flexibility, customization, and openness, as the android platform is meant to provide.

Conclusively, Nexus android tablet is one very big project that has always been in the mind of Google. Touching up on its manufacture and marketing, are good steps for the Google, the owners of the android operating system. Let’s wait as end users, manufacturers and Google are going to benefit immensely from this partnership.