Android software

The Android and iOS operating systems may be even more popular than you think.

Research firm Flurry Analytics today announced that iOS and Android adoption is ten times greater than PC adoption at that technology's rapid-growth phase in the 1980s. The mobile platforms have amassed users twice as quickly as the Web during its go-go period in the 1990s, and three times faster than recent social networks. The company is basing those figures on the first five years of widespread adoption across all of these technologies.

According to Flurry, 640 million iOS or Android-based devices were in use last … Read more

Samsung Electronics -- and possibly Android -- may need a complete overhaul if Apple has its way.

Today's jury verdict, in which Apple was awarded $1.05 billion in damages after Samsung was found to have copied several key design elements in the iPhone and iPad, could have a ripple effect in how Samsung designs its phones.

Samsung may have to do better than draw its inspiration from nature when designing and building the next wave of Android smartphones. The jury's decision was a statement on just how similar … Read more

Google's Nexus branded devices are supposed to get Android updates before anyone else. So why are Verizon and Sprint Galaxy Nexus subscribers still waiting for the latest of Android software introduced nearly two months ago?

This is a question that I address in this edition of Ask Maggie. I also clear up a lingering question about keeping your unlimited data plan if you're on Verizon Wireless.

Why doesn't my Verizon Galaxy Nexus have Jelly Bean yet?

Dear Maggie, I bought a Galaxy Nexus from Verizon Wireless thinking that it would get the latest updates of Google Android … Read more

While iOS users were today treated to a huge Facebook app update, Android users got a little something as well.

With the newest update to Facebook for Android, you can now easily create events from the app, share photos faster with a new upload process, and add photos and emoji to messages.

Sure, the Android update is nowhere near as big as the iOS update. But still, it's nice to see Facebook showing support for both platforms.

The newest version of Facebook for Android is available now on Google Play.

The U.S. Department of Justice has taken aim at three sites that allegedly pirated Android apps.

According to the Justice Department, it seized three Web sites -- applanet.net, appbucket.net, and snappzmarket.com -- that were allegedly offering copies of copyrighted Android apps. It marked the first time that sites were seized over allegedly pirating copyrighted mobile apps.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the sting operation by downloading "thousands of copies of popularity copyright apps" from the sites, the Justice Department said. The agency didn't specify the apps, but the servers hosting them were … Read more

With its newly designed user interface, Norton Mobile Utilities makes it a bit simpler to manage your Android device's performance. The four main modules are all reorganized, and it's easy to jump into any function, right from the get-go.

But version 2.0 doesn't just come with a prettier face. The updated app now offers a few premium paid features that Android users are sure to find interesting. For the $9.99 upgrade fee, you can get an automatic task killer, customized battery saver profile, data usage tracker, and more.

Norton Mobile Utilities Lite is free to … Read more

Book publishers offer large-print editions for elderly readers and people with vision problems.

Now there's a "large-print" interface for Android: Big Launcher.

This ingenious app replaces the stock home screen with one that's large, easy to read, and easy to operate. That makes it a good choice not just for seniors, the eyesight-challenged, and the tech-unsavvy, but also folks who like to mount their phones on their car dashboards.

True to its name, Big Launcher provides an interface that's, well, big. In place of Android's usual assortment of small icons and even smaller icon … Read more

A handful of tips and tutorial videos for a Motorola XT926 landed on YouTube this morning only to disappear shortly thereafter. Widely considered to be the Droid Razr HD, the clips were the first semi-official look at Verizon's next Android smartphone.

Those who were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the five videos saw demonstrations of various features such as managing e-mail, Wi-Fi, messaging, and battery life. More tellingly, it also was a chance to peek at Motorola's ROM. As it appears, Verizon's next handset closely resembles the same UI as found on AT&T'… Read more

Sony today confirmed that the Xperia P is the latest Android smartphone to receive its 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update. A post on the company blog advises that consumers will receive a notification when their respective update is ready to download.

As is the case with all other 4.0 releases, the handset will benefit from an enhanced lock screen, improved handling of data consumption, and scalable widgets. Sony has also taken steps to ensure a more rounded media experience for the Xperia P, introducing Walkman, Album, and Movies apps. … Read more