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Tag: Nexus S

  • The Next Generation Of NASA Satellites Will Be Powered By Android

    NASA does some of the best work out of any public agency in the United States. Unfortunately, they are constantly defunded and must work within strict constraints. Even with the limitations, the agency was able to land on Mars with the Curiosity rover. Continuing the trend of getting the most out of a dollar, they’re now sending Android smartphones into space.

    NASA recently revealed PhoneSat, a cheap satellite that’s powered by an Android smartphone. The idea behind PhoneSat was to see if NASA’s engineers could build a satellite using only off-the-shelf consumer components. The design was successful and they were able to keep costs to a minimum. The costs are so low that each PhoneSat will only cost $3,500.

    Using smartphones has more benefits beyond cost for the next generation of satellites. NASA says that they will be able to easily update the next generation of PhoneSats as newer consumer-grade parts become available. This would save NASA time and money as they would not be required to create custom-made parts for their latest excursions into space.

    As for the satellite itself, the PhoneSat will be housed inside of a cube that weighs less than four pounds. It also measures approximately four inches. The first iteration of the satellite used an HTC Nexus One while the second iteration uses a Samsung Nexus S. The satellite features an S band radio that allows NASA to control the satellite from Earth. If the phone were to ever stop working, the satellite also features a watchdog circuit that reboots the phone.

    PhoneSat has only been tested in extreme environments so far, but has not actually made its way into space yet. The first PhoneSat prototype made its way into space via a high altitude balloon, but the actual space missions won’t take place until next year. The PhoneSat will be used to conduct heliophysics missions.

    Interestingly enough, PhoneSat is not the first time Android has been to space. Google actually sent Android into space via weather balloon back in 2010 as part of a publicity stunt. Google’s weather balloon was also equipped with the Nexus S smartphone.

  • Google to Expand Its Android Nexus Lineup

    Until now, Google has chosen one manufacturer to collaborate with and create a spec phone for new versions of Android. In 2010, HTC and Google created the first of these smartphones, the Nexus One. For the next two years Samsung was the chosen manufacturer, creating the Nexus S and the new Galaxy Nexus. These phones were often then only devices with the newest version of Android for months before other manufacturers got around to releasing their modified versions of the updates.

    Now, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google will be working with multiple manufacturers to create Nexus-branded devices. The Journal cites a “person familiar with the matter” as saying Google will “work with as many as five manufacturers at a time to create a portfolio” of Nexus-branded smartphones and tablets. Also, Google will sell the devices through its website and, possibly, through retailers. The first Nexus phone, the Nexus One, was sold through Google’s website, but, despite high expectations, sales were poor. Google quickly abandoned the web-sales model and embraced retailers.

    The reasons for this new approach to Android are clear from Google’s end. Though Android is open-sourced to give manufacturers room to modify the operating system for their needs, the clean installs of Android that come on Nexus devices are generally regarded as a better user experience. The changes that manufacturers make are, more often than not, implemented to limit the Android OS in some way, or simply to differentiate the aesthetic look of a manufacturer’s phones. By creating Nexus devices with every manufacturer, Google will be giving more consumers the choice of a pure Android experience. By allowing more customers to see pure Android in action, manufacturers will have a harder time convincing them that their crippled, out-of-date versions of the OS are acceptable. It will also encourage smartphone makers to update their non-Nexus phones in a more timely manner.

    Given the rumors that Samsung may be creating its own smartphone operating system, it’s certain that Google wants to keep control of the Android ecosystem it created. To do that, it will have to foster competition between Android device makers, and giving all major manufactures early access to Android updates is a great way to do that. Allowing Samsung to run away with the market and re-brand itself and the only “real” competitor to Apple could mean the death of the real Android.

    To begin this process, Google is already selling the latest Nexus smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, in the Google Play store. The phone is sold unlocked and is available for $400.

    (via The Wall Street Journal)

  • Ice Cream Sandwich For Nexus S 4G Leaked

    A week ago we brought you news that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich had come to Samsung’s Galaxy S II Skyrocket thanks to a leak. The leak allowed Skyrocket owners to get their hands on the latest and greatest version of Android. Though Ice Cream Sandwich will probably be coming to Galaxy S II smartphones in the US eventually, Samsung has declined to say when, despite having begun updating Galaxy S II phones in other countries.

    Now it looks like another leak is bringing Ice Cream Sandwich to certain phones a little early. According to a report from BriefMobile, Ice Cream Sandwich for the Nexus S 4G (Sprint’s version of the Nexus S) has been leaked. Given that the report is dated yesterday, you might be inclined to think it’s an April Fool’s Day prank. Fortunately, BriefMobile is kind enough to specify from the beginning that “This is not an April Fools joke.” They offer a link to download the ICS update files and instructions for installing it. They also include a handy (if slightly alarming) disclaimer warning would-be updaters that installing Ice Cream Sandwich will wipe their phone’s data, and disclaiming liability for users’ actions.

    Ice Cream Sandwich on the Nexus S 4G

    There is no word on when an official release of Ice Cream Sandwich will be coming to the Nexus S 4G. The GSM version of the Nexus S got the update a few days ago, so it’s a safe bet that it isn’t too far off. For those who can’t wait, though, BriefMobile’s got the link’s and a guide for installation. If you get it, let us know how it works in the comments.

  • Latest Android Update May Have Battery Issues; Google Pauses Rollout

    Google has paused the rollout of the latest update to their Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Several users reported seeing that the Android 4.0.3 was available, but were unable to download it when they tried to update their phones. A Google employee on Google’s Google+Mobile/thread?tid=4173d37ad6ba4e85&hl=en”>mobile help forum informed users that Google had paused the update in certain areas of the country in order to “monitor feedback.”

    The issue primarily affects Google Nexus S users. Owners of the new Galaxy Nexus received an update to Android 4.0.2 on the same day the phone released, and many seem to be having trouble with the phone’s battery draining at a far higher rate than normal. The issue appears to be greater than normal resource usage by the operating system.

    Apart from the forum post above, there has been no word from Google on why they have stopped the rollout. Nor is there any word on when the update will be expected to resume. For many Nexus S users this was to be their first taste of Ice Cream Sandwich. Having the update frozen left them justifiably furious. Look for Google to either finish rolling out the update, or to push out a quick fix sometime very soon.

  • Google Wallet Launches (Officially)

    Update: Google has now gone ahead and officially announced the launch of Google Wallet, complete with another video. Google VP of Payments Osama Bedier writes:

    We’ve been testing it extensively, and today we’re releasing the first version of the app to Sprint. That means we’re beginning to roll out Google Wallet to all Sprint Nexus S 4G phones through an over-the-air update—just look for the “Wallet” app.

    …

    When we announced Google Wallet, we pledged a commitment to an open commerce ecosystem. We appreciate Citi and MasterCard for being our launch partners. And today, Visa, Discover and American Express have made available their NFC specifications that could enable their cards to be added to future versions of Google Wallet.

    Google Wallet is launching today, it would seem. Google hasn’t made the official announcement just yet, but it’s expected anytime now.

    MG Siegler got ahold of a document that were reportedly sent to partners. In the document, which he provides a picture of, it says:

    Google Wallet is launching September 19, 2011. Google Wallet is a smart phone application (app) that allows owners of the Sprint Nexus S Android phone to use their smart phone as a wallet. This application or app will transform the way clients pay. Once Google Wallet is installed, the Sprint Nexus S phone may be used as a contactless (Tap and Pay) device at all PayPass enabled merchant terminals. Google Wallet is currently only available with Nexus S Android phones running Android Operating System (OS) 2.3.4 (Gingerbread).

    Here’s the video Google provided back when they announced Google Wallet:

    Here’s a teaser they put out a few days ago, featuring George Costanza from Seinfeld:

    GigaOm found a Google Wallet logo on a MasteCard PayPass NFC reader at Peet’s Coffee in San Francisco, seemingly providing more confirmation that Google Wallet is launching.

    More when the official announcement comes.

    Until then, here are 43 things you should know about Google Wallet.

  • Nexus S Free at Best Buy for Today Only

    Forget all that iPhone 5 talk that has been dominating the mobile device news for the last couple of days – today is an Android day.

    That’s because Google and Best Buy have announced a special promotion for the Nexus S smartphone. Today, at any Best Buy store, you can get the phone for free with a 2 year contract.

    Best Buy Mobile today revealed an exclusive one-day sale on Nexus S from Google phones valid on all carriers who support the device – AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Customers can receive a free Nexus S phone, either as a new phone or an upgrade purchase, with two-year activation at all Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile specialty stores, and online at BestBuy.com/Mobile.

    Nexus S is a pure Google experience phone and runs Android 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available, and will be offered free starting tonight at 11:00 p.m. CST, through Aug. 3, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

    The Nexus S, which was launched first for T-Mobile and Sprint, debuted on the AT&T network a little over a week ago.

    @googlenexus
    Google Nexus    Still craving a #puregoogle experience? Get a #googlenexus S for free at @BestBuy on 8/3/11 when you get a 2 yr contract http://t.co/vJeycpZ 9 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    The Nexus S has a 4 inch AMOLED screen and a 1GHz processor that can support 3D. It is also NFC capable and includes both front and rear cameras. It is a definitely a Google phone all the way, with complete Google mobile app integration.

    When Google debut the Nexus S, they also unveiled a game to advertise the device. Nexus Contraptions is a fun little Rube Goldberg-based game that will seriously ruin your productivity. Trust me, you’ve been warned.

  • Android Video Chat Via Google Talk

    Google announced the launch of Google Talk with video and voice chat for Android phones. Apple’s FaceTime is becoming less of a unique draw to the iOS.

    “You can now video or voice chat with your friends, family and colleagues right from your Android phone, whether they’re on their compatible Android tablet or phone, or using Gmail with Google Talk on their computer,” Google explains. “You can make calls over a 3G or 4G data network (if your carrier supports it) or over Wi-Fi.”

    “In your Google Talk friends list, a video or voice chat button will appear next to your contacts and you can simply touch the button to connect with them,” the company adds. “Any text chats from the person you’re talking with will be overlaid on your phone’s screen so you can read them without having to leave the video.”

    Video Chat on Android

    That’s a nice feature that should leave the conversation in tact, particularly if you’re the type that often forgets what you were saying in the middle of conversations (especially if that conversation is spaced out over time).

    “And, if you need to check something else, the video pauses automatically so you can go back to your phone’s home screen or another app,” Google adds. “The audio will keep going even though the video has paused.”

    Google says Google Talk with video/voice chat will roll out to Nexus S devices gradually over the coming weeks, as part of the Android 2.3.4 update. It will come to 2.3+ devices later.

    Earlier this week, Qik (recently acquired by Skype) launched a new app for Android, along with an update for its iPhone app, which allows video chat between users of both platforms.

  • Android Security Team Talks Openness, Not Rooting

    Last week, reports began to circulate that the Nexus S had been rooted.  Concerns about Android’s (lack of) security ensued.  Android fans shouldn’t worry, however, as this appears to be an authentic "it’s a feature, not a bug" situation.

    Non-news along these lines may be a little anticlimactic, but Google has been pretty firm on the matter.  The company explained its stance last week and hasn’t tried to go back on that position since.

    Nick Kralevich, an engineer on the Android Security Team, pointed out on the Android Developers Blog, "The Nexus S, like the Nexus One before it, is designed to allow enthusiasts to install custom operating systems.  Allowing your own boot image on a pure Nexus S is as simple as running fastboot oem unlock.  It should be no surprise that modifying the operating system can give you root access to your phone."

    Google AndroidThen, to drive the point home that no fixes are necessary, Kralevich continued, "Hopefully that’s just the beginning of the changes you might make."

    Developers and creative types should feel free to have fun with their Nexus S phones as a result, without worrying that Google will outlaw or brick anything in response.

    Self-proclaimed hackers, on the other hand, may want to proceed with a little more humility when dealing with Google in the future.

  • Google Nexus S Phone Now Available Through Best Buy in U.S.

    Google announced today that its Nexus S Google phone, announced last week, is now available in the U.S. starting today. The device can be purchased through Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores online and offline. 

    "With a brilliant 4" Contour Display, a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, the latest Google mobile apps and Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) pre-installed, we’re excited about getting this great device out there," says Product Marketing Manager Kenzo Fong Hing.

    The phone is sold unlocked for $529.99 without a service plan or for $199.99 with a T-Mobile service plan.

    The phone’s predecessor, the Nexus One was widely regarded as one of the best Android devices, if not the best. Google launched that with an experimental phone store, in which it sold the phones directly to consumers without contracts, but that didn’t go over so well, and the store eventually closed (though it later resurfaced as a way to browse different Android models from other providers). The Nexus One eventually became available as a developer phone. 

    Gingerbread, the latest version of Android is one of the big draws to the Nexus S.

     "We co-developed this product with Samsung—ensuring tight integration of hardware and software to highlight the latest advancements of the Android platform," said VP of Engineering Andy Rubin. "As part of the Nexus brand, Nexus S delivers what we call a ‘pure Google’ experience: unlocked, unfiltered access to the best Google mobile services, and the latest and greatest Android releases and updates."

    Upon last week’s announcement of the Nexus S, Rubin said Google would be open sourcing Gingerbread in the coming weeks. 

     

  • Android Gingerbread Makes Official Debut

    Android Gingerbread Makes Official Debut

    Soon enough, lots of children will set out plates of cookies for Santa, and just in time, the mobile operating system named after a cookie associated with Christmas is going to arrive.  Google introduced Android 2.3 (AKA "Gingerbread") this morning, along with the Gingerbread SDK/NDK and the new Nexus S phone.

    Gingerbread’s been eagerly anticipated, and consumers shouldn’t be disappointed.  An updated interface, new keyboard, and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) are all part of the package, in addition to Internet calling, refined copy/paste options, and better gyroscope sensors.

    Developers stand to see a lot of upgrades, too.  Google’s offering simplified debug builds, integrated ProGuard support, HiearchyViewer improvements, and a new visual layout editor.

    As for the Nexus S, it will be the first device to ship with Gingerbread, and should be here soon enough.  It’s supposed to be available after December 16th in the U.S. and December 20th in the U.K.

    Otherwise, a post on the Official Google Blog added, "Nexus S is the first smartphone to feature a 4" Contour Display designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and along the side of your face.  It also features a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, front and rear facing cameras, 16GB of internal memory, and NFC (near field communication) hardware that lets you read information from NFC tags.

    The initial teaser video of the Nexus S in action is impressive.  Google and Samsung co-developed the device.