Dec 28, 2011

Well, it appears as if it was a very merry Christmas for Google’s Android activation servers. Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google (read: the boss of Android), has announced that Android saw 3.7 million device activations on December 24th and 25th. This compares to the average of 700,000 that Andy Rubin also announced on his Twitter account. This means a lot of folks were activating new Android phones and tablets this Christmas. This number doesn’t include the likely-many Kindle Fires, Nook Tablets, and other non-Market devices that were also bought as gifts. Of course, the context of this number is important and that is something that we do not have yet; Apple’s yet to announce their own number of iPhone or iOS sales or activations for the time period. So while 3.7 million new devices with Google support is a large number on its own, it will be interesting to see how this number compares with Apple’s numbers, as the two corporate behemoths fight for mobile market share.

Dec 27, 2011

When the MOTOACTV was announced, I speculated about the potential of a wristwatch-sized Android device. Well, now, hackers have figured out how to root the MOTOACTV, Motorola’s wrist-wearable Android device. Chris Wade of cmw.me got his hands on the device and immediately set out to root it and install a stock version of Android on it – which he accomplished in short order. On his website, he provides files and instructions on how to root the device, and to get set up with stock Android on it. He managed to get Honeycomb set up on it, which is funny because the OS has been designed to run on screen sizes bigger than phones; now, it’s available on a screen a fraction of the size. Still, it’s a full-fledged Android device, supporting the Android Market, even games like Angry Birds. Still, it’s on a 1.6″ screen so it’s probably not the ideal experience, but it’s the most comfortable wrist-based Angry Birds experience on the market. Now is the time for wristwatch-friendly apps!

Dec 27, 2011

Phosphor Games is bringing their atmospheric horror title The Dark Meadow to Android in early 2012. This game, which takes cues from titles like Infinity Blade, has players trying to survive supernatural horrors that attack them in this horror environment. The game was developed using Unreal Engine 3, and features first-person gamepalay. The game will take advantage of the new Tegra 3 chips, though right now there is only one Tegra 3 device, the ASUS Transformer Prime, and they’re currently embroiled in a trademark dispute with Hasbro over the name. Given Unreal Engine 3′s cross-platform capabilities, it’s surprising to see that more titles haven’t released on Android using the engine, but it is good to see at least one title making the jump to Android. As well, this is claimed to be the ‘Deluxe Edition’ of the game, and will feature new game modes, levels, and characters compared to the iOS original. A release date and supported devices should be announced soon, and we’ll have more on the game as it nears release.

Dec 27, 2011

Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots has finally made its way to the Amazon Appstore. Announced back in November, the game’s release was summarily delayed for unknown reasons. However, the game has finally been released on the Amazon Appstore, and is free today, December 27th. This is the second major title to go free on the Amazon Appstore, after yesterday’s free full version of Where’s My Water. The game features two game modes: the classic Fruit Ninja mode where players try not to let fruit fall off the screen, or to slice bombs. As well, there’s a new Bandito mode where players try to complete missions without hitting any bombs. It’s an interesting new twist on the traditional Fruit Ninja gameplay. The delay could be in part as a campaign for new Kindle Fire owners who just got one from Santa; Amazon may be wanting people to check out the Amazon Appstore either on the Kindle Fire on on many other devices to help draw more eyes to the store. The game is available now on the Amazon Appstore; no word on when or if it will be on the Amazon Market.

Dec 26, 2011

So, here we are, two weeks later, and OnLive is still only on Android. It was announced to be released for iOS along with the Android version, but no real reason has been given as to the delay of the iOS version, beyond that Apple is still examining it for approval.

Without firsthand knowledge of the process, I can only assume that Apple is not likely to approve it because it will not fit their policies. See, OnLive’s client is all cloud-based; even the interface and menus to choose games are streamed from their servers. This also means that buying new games comes from operations occuring on their servers.

Apple likely has two problems with this. First is the fact that the OnLive could feature content that they themselves did not specifically approve; this may have been the ultimate issue with Big Fish’s subscription app that was available for a short while on the App Store before being pulled. The second, and more telling issue, is that Apple would not get their cut. See, Apple policies are as such where apps can now no longer sell content inside of an app unless they go through Apple’s in-app payment service, and Apple takes their 30% cut. For virtual currency, developers and publishers are willing to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but for sellers of subscription and physical goods, this is too large of a cut to surrender to Apple. As such, apps can now offer access to purchased content from outside the app, but they cannot specifically sell it inside the app. Kindle can’t sell books from within the app; Netflix can’t sell subscriptions from within their app. Likely, the issue here is that Apple doesn’t want to let OnLive sell games without them taking their pound of flesh.

Frankly, this is bunk. This is anti-consumer policy at its worst. This only benefits Apple, as this is holding up an app that many iPad owners would likely use, and one that Android owners are already getting to use, solely because of Apple’s policies. Presumably. This reasoning makes too much sense to not be true. The technology likely isn’t an issue; it’s largely just streaming video with occasional touch elements, with support for on-screen controls as well as an external wireless gamepad. Apple just wants control, and to make extra pennies off of anyone trying to do business on their store, not to provide the best experience to the user in this case.

The likely solution, if payment processing is an issue, would likely be that the iOS version of OnLive would only allow access to already-purchased games and trials of them. This would be a degraded user experience, especially compared to the fully-functional Android version (which supports Xbox controllers on devices with USB host functionality), for what are likely reasons only relating to Apple’s ham-handed control of the App Store.

Of course, I could be completely wrong and there was some other issue that kept it from being approved alongside the Android version. But this stinks of Apple’s anti-consumer App Store policies. It’s times like this when I truly appreciate the openness of Android – services can be free to operate properly without any interference from Google. It has its drawbacks at times, but it is times like these when it is a great strength. OnLive on, Androids!

While price drops to free may not necessarily be a good thing as far as justifying the price of paid apps, we here at Android Rundown would be remiss if a great freebie came along and our readers didn’t know about it. This one is a doozy, too. Disney’s physics puzzler Where’s My Water? is available for free today on the Amazon Appstore. This should prove to be a great bargain to new Android owners, especially those who have the Kindle Fire. This is one of the best mobile games of 2011, so every Android owner who hasn’t picked up the game yet should do so immediately. This is the second major free promotion for the game – Apple gave the iOS version away for free as part of a promotion on their Facebook page, which has also included other major titles like Jetpack Joyride and Bejeweled. The Amazon free promotion ends at around midnight Pacific time, so interested parties should click here to download immediately!

Dec 26, 2011

When porting games to Android is discussed, there’s always the discussion that it takes a lot of work and time to do it. So much work, that for many developers, Android has become a curse oath they mutter under their breaths. Android haunts their dreams at night. Well, for lesser developers, this is true. For 11 bit studios’ Bartosz Brzostek, Android porting is nothing he can’t handle. This man ported over the PC/Mac and then iOS tower offense title Anomaly: Warzone Earth to Android in 2 weeks.

By himself.

Ported over from the touchscreen-friendly iOS version, this tower offense title has players forming squadrons of units to navigate mazes full of encamped enemy defenses. It’s tower defense in reverse – tower offense. The game features a variety of challenging levels in its campaign mode, as they try to advance deeper into the enemy bases. As well, it features the bonus Squad Assault mode. Bartosz Brzostek was not satisfied just bringing the game to Android – he added two new Squad Assault modes for this version of the game.

While it seems silly to suggest that this game should force other developers to pick it up on their Android port jobs, it is still rather impressive that one developer was able to port this game from iOS to Android in a span of two weeks. All code is different, and it appears as if the code for this game was set up in a way that bringing it to the different architecture of Android was possible. Still, it is remarkably impressive!

The game is currently available as an Amazon Appstore exclusive. The game is only playable on tablet devices for now, optimized for the Kindle Fire, but devices like the Motorola Xoom are able to run it as well. Check out the video below detailing the process of bringing the game to Android; Mr. Brzostek, I raise a glass of vodka to you, sir! Well done!

Dec 25, 2011

So, you’re an Android owner now? Congratulations! Welcome to this world of little green robots! Here’s a variety of tips to help get acclimated to this mobile OS.

1. Customization!

Android is all about making the user experience tailored to how the user wants to do it. Don’t like the home screen software the carrier has preinstalled? Alternatives are available on the Android Market – I prefer LauncherPro, many users like to use ADW Launcher. Many themes are available on the Market to skin these in many ways – check out the archives of our Theme Thursday posts for ADW themes to try out!

2. Sharing

See something in an app that should be shared with the world? Keep an eye out for the sharing icon, and the sharing command in menus. Text, images, videos, and other content can easily be shared between apps. It’s one of Android’s best features, and very useful.

3. Settings

This menu is a very deep and tricky to navigate. Use Display to set lock screen options, system-wide font, brightness, and other settings regarding the screen. Sound will help set ringtones and volume, including different volumes for different sound types. This menu also handles vibration. Applications can be used to manually delete apps, or close down apps that are slowing down the phone. Finally, About Phone has a useful menu: Battery use. This helps keep track of just what is using up the battery, and what can be tweaked to help extend battery life.

4. Batteries and Acessories

Many Android phones’ batteries can be switched out by users. This means that it is trivially easy to just switch out batteries when the phone is dying, instead of using bulky external power adapters (although they exist as well) – the cheapest option is often eBay, where batteries and external chargers can be had for $10-$20. As well, eBay will likely have the best variety of accessories at the best prices, as compared to places like Radio Shack or Best Buy.

5. Apps Have More Power

If coming over from iOS, the most important thing to realize is that apps can hook into system functions deeper than they can on iOS. This means that Google Voice can be used for all calls, or even Skype! Alternative browsers like Dolphin or Skype can replace the primary browser. Apps like Handcent can be used in place of the default messaging app. Even alternative keyboards can be used, such as SwiftKey X or Flex T9. Pretty much any default function can be replaced. If something isn’t working as well as it could be, there’s likely a good alternative somewhere out there!

6. Hacking

Don’t like the way the phone is running? There are many developers that develop heavily customized and streamlined versions of phone software that can help make it run smooth as butter. A great jumping-off point is the XDA Developers Forums – there are many helpful FAQs and software located there to help the burgeoning tinkerer play with their phone. Just remember that it will likely invalidate any warranty on your device, so be careful!

7. The Apps!
Once you are comfortable with your new Android device, you’ll want to start looking for some apps. To find the ones that we like best, check out our App Rundown for all of our app and game reviews. There’s also the Editor’s Choice section at the Android Market for reference.

As well, here are some very useful tools:

8. The Rundown

Last, but most certainly not least, where you are right now, Android Rundown. It’s your best source for the very best in Android apps and games. Make sure you follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and even Google+.

Remember, Android has a little bit more of a learning curve than an entirely closed-off operating system like iOS; however, there is so much more power available to users that it makes Android a very personal experience!

Dec 23, 2011

Allow me first to mention that I am terrible at driving games, just awful. I’m that person frantically waving their controller around trying to get off of the grass and back on the track. But I have never played a race game that made it so easy for me to stay in the game as Real Racing 2 does. No, that doesn’t mean that the game itself is easy, but more that the controls are so incredibly smooth that only the slightest of motions will aim your car exactly where it needs to go. But before that, before I even ran my first lap, I was already blown away by the game’s opening sequence.

It begins with beautiful movie-quality shots of race cars speeding down the tracks, and immediately makes your heart pound – you can tell right away that this is something special. The whole game itself has incredible graphics, with no detail spared. Your view is 1st person, from inside the car. Your driver’s arms steer the car in harmony with your own movements, and I found myself playing with the phone almost touching my nose because I was enjoying the view so much. The world around the tracks is so richly detailed that it is almost distracting – on the first level alone you can see a moving ferris wheel, and a blimp fly by!

Steering is controlled by your accelerometer, with the options of gas being auto-on or self controlled, and there are different levels of difficulty to give yourself future challenges. But there is more to Real Racing 2 than just making the rounds around the amazingly detailed tracks. Before you even begin playing you must choose (and buy) your car. You start off with some seed money, and the choice between two actual Volvo brand cars. From there you can go to the pit and purchase customizations for your car, such as engine improvements, or superficial things like a new paint job. The money for these upgrades comes from winning races of course. Aside from the cash you can score, you almost have the opportunity to win a better reputation. So much thought went into creating this setup that I want to applaud the creators for taking a standard game style and making it unique.

There is something about races that appeal to us on a primal level. The incredible speeds you can reach, the skill needed to slide ahead of your opponents, and the unbelievable rush you get when you win. Add to all of this the sounds of engines revving, tires squealing, and fast beats, and you have some genuine excitement. Real Racing 2 gives you all of that and more.

It does have to be said however that all of those amazing graphics come at a price – the game clocks in at a whopping 600MB of space. Despite that it runs pretty smoothly, but it can still lag at times. I’ve also had a few problems with it locking up my phone and forcing re-starts. I don’t know if that’s the game maxing out the limits of my phone, or bugs that need to be worked out in future updates. And finally it has to be said that the price of the full version – $6.99CAD – is a bit daunting. Understandable given the work and time put into creating such a rich experience, but it’s still a bit of a kick in the wallet.

Dec 23, 2011

With OnLive now on Android, one of the biggest concerns besides lag has naturally been the lack of physical controls to control games that are controlled by keyboards and gamepads. While the OnLive Gaming Controller naturally serves as a useful tool for making this a non-issue, it does harm the portability factor. However, there is one phone that does mix portability with physical controls – the Xperia Play. Now, OnLive officially supports the Xperia Play and its physical controls for playing games on the service. While the full range of support is unknown, if all games will be playable on the Xperia Play or if just certain Android or Xperia optimized games will work.

However, this should prove to be a useful application of the Xperia Play; part of its appeal has been to bring gameplay closer to ‘traditional’ gaming systems to mobile phones, and now console and PC games are playable directly on the device. It will also work with Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, which just recently launched on the service; while latency will be an issue in particular with this game, the fact that the full version will be playable on phones is still impressive. The update with Xperia Play support is rolling out to the Android Market now.

Dec 23, 2011

EA is nothing if not dominating the mobile space, and to prove it once again, they’re launching six new gaming titles to the Android Marketplace. First up is Dead Space, named by Apple as iPad game of the year, and Real Racing 2, one of the best iOS Games of the year, according to Venture Beat. Real Racing 2 will be available for a free test drive, with an upgrade to the full version available for the first time on the marketplace. In addition, Plants Vs. Zombies, Peggleand Monopoly will also be on offer, so make sure you hit the Android Market in the coming days to fill up that sweet new device with EA gaming goodness.

EA Mobile is a leading mobile entertainment publisher witha ton of games like as Tetris, Bejeweled, The Sims, and Need For Speed, for starters. They also publish casual games based on the company’s alliance with Hasbro, Inc. including Monopoly, Yahtzee and Scrabble as well as sports games from the EA SPORTS brand, like Madden NFL Football and FIFA Soccer. EA Mobile develops games for multiple mobile platforms including feature phones, smartphones (Android & Windows Phone), the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. For more information about EA Mobile, head on over to www.eamobile.com.

Dec 22, 2011

In an earlier blog post I briefly mentioned a 2 dollar app called Siesta Text. I’ve spent a few days with this app and after a few initial problems I found Siesta Text to be very useful, especially for the holidays and other social events. Be warned, however, if you use third party messaging services such as the very popular Handcent. Siesta Text does not play nice with Handcent or GO SMS, but I was able to work around this in Handcent by deselecting Handcent as the default messaging app. This doesn’t affect how Handcent works; it will still send notifications, and you also need to disable notifications in Android’s stock messaging service because it becomes active again. Doing this allows Siesta Text to gain access to your text messages that GO SMS and Handcent intercept.

Ignoring this issue, Siesta Text really brings a lot to the table for a relatively low price. In case you aren’t familiar with the aforementioned blog post; it dealt with ways to unplug for the holidays while not completing dropping off the face of the earth. Siesta Text allows you to set an away message similar to away messages frequently used for work emails; this works for by sending out a custom text message to those who call or text you. Other than the issue between third-party messaging applications, Siesta Text runs extremely well and, other than a few force closures, I found no performance issues with the app.

This app allows you to save up to 20 different away messages which can be set to repeat for specific time periods. For example, if you have a meeting every Monday morning from 10-11 am Siesta Text will automatically silence your phone and send an away message to those trying to reach you. Calls and text messages still display as they normally would so you can answer if you want and there is a built in limit to how many times Siesta Text will respond to one phone number.

Overall, Siesta Text is a great idea followed up with great execution and a helpful dev team to boot. I would recommend giving Siesta Text a shot even if it means doing some finagling with your current messaging client.