Samsung hits the streets to challenge iPhone users with Galaxy Note

Jordan Kahn

When Samsung takes on Apple in one of its own commercials, it typically does so with a Galaxy S II ad mocking iPhone line sitters. However, Samsung hit the streets this time to compare its 5.3-inch Galaxy Note tablet/smartphone hybrid to Apple’s iPhone 4S. While it is not exactly a fair challenge, the video shows a Galaxy Note user performing various tasks with the integrated S Pen stylus. Meanwhile, an iPhone user stands dumbfounded at the results.

So, what exactly can the Note do that the iPhone cannot? According to the video, personal customized messages, the ability to draw and send walking maps with the stylus, and full support for editing PowerPoint presentations. The ad ends with the iPhone user announcing: “I’m jealous, and I’m upset, and I’m embarrassed.”
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Samsung previews new Galaxy Note ad focusing on the stylus

Seth Weintraub

Slightly more subdued than the Superbowl ad, this one shows some of the strengths of this particular device, which I—believe it or not—still love even though I finished my review last week. It is available at BestBuy.com, or Amazon has it for $250.

In case you are wondering, the music featured is “Alone in Kyoto” by AIR.

 

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Google and five others agree to new privacy policy standards for mobile apps

Jordan Kahn

California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced today an agreement with Google and five other tech companies including Apple, Amazon, HP, RIM, and Microsoft, that will see all companies implementing new standards for displaying privacy policies for apps that collect personal data. This took place multiple state attorneys general sent letters to Google CEO Larry Page expressing concerns over the companies new unified privacy policy rolling out March 1. The press release described the agreement:

The agreement with the platforms is designed to make sure that mobile apps comply with the California Online Privacy Protection Act. The Act requires operators of commercial web sites and online services, including mobile apps, who collect personally identifiable information about Californians to conspicuously post a privacy policy.

The new agreement will force Google and the other companies to implement a method of displaying a privacy policy to the user before an app is downloaded. The announcement noted all platforms would include the feature in a consistent place on the “application-download screen.” The news followed a FTC report criticizing privacy issues about mobile apps for children and lawmakers issuing a letter to Apple following privacy concerns over Path’s use of contacts in the iPhone’s address book. The Attorney General plans to meet with the companies in six months to assess the progress of the agreement, and we will wait to hear from Google on exactly how developers and the Android Market will carry out the privacy policies. The press release said a recent study found only approximately 5 percent of all mobile apps have a privacy policy. Attorney General Harris talked about the agreement:

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Microsoft asks EU antitrust regulators to probe Motorola Mobility, says Google is killing Web video

E. Betters

Microsoft requested European Union antitrust regulators to probe Motorola Mobility on claims that the United States phone manufacturer is blocking sales of Windows and Xbox products.

“Earlier today, Microsoft filed a formal competition law complaint with the European Commission (EC) against Motorola Mobility and Google,” wrote Microsoft’s Vice President and Deputy General Counsel David Heiner in a blog post this morning. “We have taken this step because Motorola is attempting to block sales of Windows PCs, our Xbox game console and other products.”

Microsoft’s post, “Google: Please Don’t Kill Video on the Web,” lambasted Motorola Mobility for not making industry standard patents available on reasonable and fair terms, and for using those patents to block competitors from shipping products.

The industry apparently agreed many years ago to define common technical standards for everyone to use and build compatible Wi-Fi and video products. However, Heiner contended, Motorola is backtracking on its word and attempting to use standard patents for “killing video on the Web.”

More information is available below.

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Feature

NYTimes: Google X Glasses will be sold by year end with augmented reality interface

Seth Weintraub

In what seems to confirm our earlier reports, (here and here), The New York Times’ Nick Bilton offered more information today on the Heads Up Display Glasses that Google is building. Some of the new bullet points are as follows:

  • The glasses are not designed for constant wear; although, Google expects the nerdiest users to wear them a lot. However, they will be more like smartphones—used when needed.
  • Internally, the Google X team is actively discussing the privacy implications of the glasses, and the company wants to make sure that people know if someone wearing a pair of glasses with a built-in camera is recording them.
  • One of the key people involved with the glasses is Steve Lee, a Google engineer and creator of the Google mapping software Latitude.
  • The other key leader on the glasses project is Sergey Brin, Google’s cofounder, who is currently spending most of his time in the Google X labs.

On a personal note, I think this will be the most exciting technology product release this year.

 

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LG announces ‘L-Style’ Optimus smartphone line for MWC

Jordan Kahn

Just ahead of Mobile World Congress set to take place in Barcelona, Spain from Feb. 27 to March 1, LG has unveiled a new line of ‘L-Style’ smartphones including the 3.2-inch LG Optimus L3, the 4-inch Optimus L5, and the 4.3-inch Optimus L7. LG is calling the line its “new design identity” and plans an official unveiling for MWC later this month. As for the new design concept, a translation of LG’s press release mentions a ‘leather back cover’,  a thin design with squared angles, and a “metal feel of sophistication”.

It looks like the L3, which is landing in Europe this March, will most likely be the entry-level device for the new line, as its the only one not shipping with Ice Cream Sandwich. The two other devices, the L5 and L7, will both run Android 4.0 out of the gate but specifics on specs and pricing for all three devices will have to wait for MWC. Check out LG’s press shot of the devices after the break.
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