Netflix Coming…But Only to “Select” Android Phones

Netflix is showing up in a lot of different places these days. Phones, TVs, laptops, tablets, game systems, etc. are all starting to have Netflix capabilities. Well, Android phones are about to be added to that list of devices, but only a few “select” smartphones. A blog that was posted by Netflix on Friday, November 12th said that by next year the company will have their service fully extended to the select phones. The reason why Netflix is not able to provide their service for all Android platforms is due to some concerns about security, privacy, and content protection.

Android product developer Greg Peters wrote, “The hurdle has been the lack of a generic and complete platform security and content protection mechanism available for Android. The same security issues that have led to piracy concerns on the Android platform have made it difficult for us to secure a common Digital Rights Management (DRM) system on these devices.”

Peters continued saying that unless there are some developments made to assist with protection, major studios won’t provide their content for Netflix. So, as Peters has stated, Netflix simply does not have the “common platform security mechanism and DRM” that is necessary for an Android phone. On the other hand, Netflix has recently been working with individual manufacturers to add content protection to their devices so that they can utilize the Netflix service. So hopefully, all Android phones will be able to utilize the service sometime in the near future.

“Unfortunately, this is a much slower approach and leads to a fragmented experience on Android, in which some handsets will have access to Netflix and others won't,” Peters said. This may be disappointing to some Android users, but as of right now, there isn’t much that can be done. "This clearly is not the preferred solution, and we regret the confusion it might create for consumers," continues Peters.

Peters adds that he feels that providing the Instant Streaming Netflix service to some Android users is better than to not provide it to any. That is why the decision was made that by next year certain Android-based phones will have the ability to utilize Netflix’s streaming service. As of yet though, it has not been revealed which “select” Android phones will feature the service.

Peters finishes by saying, “We will also continue to work with the Android community, handset manufacturers, carriers, and other service providers to develop a standard, platform-wide solution that allows content providers to deliver their services to all Android-based devices.”

Google has made no comment about this so far.

Most recently in August, Netflix added their streaming service to Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. They also made it available for the iPad. Apple’s Steve Jobs is mostly likely getting a kick out of Netflix’s use of the word “fragmented” to describe Android platforms. During Apple’s most recent earnings call, he made a comment about the devices that caused a bit of a stir. He said, “Android is very, very fragmented, and becoming more fragmented by the day.”

Well, despite everything, some of the “fragmented” platforms will soon have Netflix streaming capabilities, and hopefully, all Android phones will have streaming abilities soon.

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SquareTrade Research Reveals the Most Reliable Smartphone

There are tons of smartphones available from a multitude of service providers these days: the Droid from Verizon, the iPhone from AT&T, the HTC EVO from Sprint, etc., but which phone is the most reliable? Well, according to SquareTrade Research, a company that analyzes more than 50,000 different phones, Apple’s iPhone is the most reliable smartphone available to date.

The study that SquareTrade Research conducted analyzed four different phones from four different smartphone manufacturers: Apple, RIM, HTC, and Motorola. The last time that the company had conducted research concerning the reliability of a smartphone was back in 2008 when they analyzed phones such as the iPhone 3G, BlackBerry, and Palm Treo.

For their recent study SquareTrade Research utilized four months of data from the iPhone 4, one year of data from BlackBerry, and eight months of data for both the HTC and Motorola smartphones. The study utilized the Droid, the Droid X, and the Cliq to evaluate Motorola. To look at HTC’s smartphones, SquareTrade Research used the Nexus One, the EVO, the Droid Incredible, the Aria, and the Hero. For Blackberry observations, they used the Curve, the Bold, the Storm, the Torch, and the Pearl.

The study, which was conducted in November of 2010, found that the iPhone 4 was the most reliable phone, but it also found that the Android-based Motorola and HTC smartphones were actually pretty comparable to the iPhone when it came to dependability. Within the first 12 months of the iPhone’s existence, 2.1 percent of the phones were “projected to have non-accident malfunction.” In comparison, the Motorola smartphone had a malfunction rate of 2.3 percent, and the HTC smartphone had a rate of 3.7 percent. The study clearly showed that the RIM’s BlackBerry devices were much less dependable compared to these other smartphone options. It showed that in the first 12 months, the phones had a 6.3 percent malfunction rate.

The study did clarify that 75 percent of smartphone malfunctions were a result of “accidental damage.” In this area, BlackBerry did better than the other phones. These “accidental damages” only occurred in 6.7 percent of BlackBerrys. The iPhone 4, which did so well when it came to dependability, had the highest rate of “accidental damage,” coming in at 9.4 percent, which is nearly 1 in 10 of the iPhones researched.

The study stated, “There is a good deal of variance in the failure rates of different smartphones. The iPhone 4 is the most reliable phone in the study, but also has the highest risk of accidental damage. BlackBerrys had the least risk of accidental damage and may be the best choice for the clumsiest consumers but had a relatively high malfunction rate.”

It can be extremely difficult to decide on the smartphone that is best for you. If you just go into your service provider's store, you will most likely be overwhelmed and not know which direction you should go, but if you do a little research and consider some of the things that were discussed here, you will be able to march into your service provider’s store and make an educated decision. Don’t let buying a new phone stress you out. There are plenty of options out there that will fit any of your smartphone needs.

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New App Store for the Droid Incredible

On Thursday, November 4th, Verizon announced that their new Droid Incredible software update, which will be available within the next week, will add the V CAST App store to the phone. Basically, Droid Incredible users, who are currently utilizing Android Market for their apps, will have a second app store to browse.

Due to this new change, app developers will now have to decide whether they want to offer their apps with Android Market or the Verizon app store. The only real difference is the billing format. Unlike Google’s app store, which allows users to return their apps for a full refund up to 24 hours after the purchase, Verizon’s V CAST will only consider refunds on a case-by-case basis. One nice thing about the Verizon store though is that it will allow users to send the bill for the apps that they purchase to their existing wireless bill. With the Android Market, users are forced to utilize Google Checkout.

The update that Droid Incredible users will receive next week won’t just give them a new app store, but it will also update their Flash player, improve their visual voicemail application, enhance Yahoo IMAP email, update their Slacker application, give them the ability to attach files that are larger than 5 MB, update COX and Comcast POP3 mail, and a variety of other things.

The V CAST App store was originally launched by Verizon in July of 2009 for the RIM platform. A Verizon spokeswoman said that the company has always planned on expanding the V CAST App store to other platforms. “We think of it as sort of complementary to the other marketplace out there,” she said. "It gives consumers an opportunity for discovery and to choose.”

So far Google representatives have chosen not to respond to the question as to whether or not they view the Verizon app store as complimentary or competitive.

In contrast, Apple offers a single app store. Steve Jobs, chief executive at Apple, has said that Google’s OS itself is “very fragmented.” In an October conference call Jobs said, “Many Android OEMs, including the two largest, HTC and Motorola, install proprietary user interfaces to differentiate themselves from the commodity Android experience. The user's left to figure it all out. Compare this with iPhone, where every handset works the same."

Jobs added, “The multiple hardware/software iterations present developers with a daunting challenge. Many Android apps work only on selected Android handsets, running selected Android versions. And this is for handsets that have been shipped less than 12 months ago. Compare this with iPhone, where there are two versions of the software, the current and the most recent predecessor, to test against."

I think that having two app stores is great. A little competition has never hurt anybody. Verizon says that they are excited about the V CAST App store because it will allow them to have “the opportunity to do marketing and merchandising” for the developers. The Verizon spokeswoman did add that Verizon will offer the same 70/30 revenue split with V CAST that Google offers with Android Market. It will be interesting to see what V CAST has to offer in contrast to what is currently available with Android Market. I think that there are advantages and disadvantages with both of the app stores, so I guess it will simply come down to what apps you are looking for and which store is offering them.

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Possible PlayStation Phone from Sony?

Sony has had announcement after announcement recently. About a month ago, Sony released their PlayStation Move motion controller system, and just a few days ago they announced the price drop of their PSP go mobile gaming device. Now reports are leaking that a new version of the PlayStation Portable is on its way in the form of a smartphone.

Engadget reported that the Sony PlayStation smartphone is already in the prototype stage. Underneath the phone’s glossy exterior, there are a variety of different features. The phone is reported to have a 1-GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 CPU, 512MB of RAM, 1GB of ROM, and run the Android 3.0 (Gingerbread) OS. From the pictures that Engadget posted, the phone from PlayStation will have a sliding design very much like the design of the PSP go. It will include a multitouch trackpad instead of the analog disc found on the PSP. It is said that the PlayStation Phone won’t use Memory Sticks like other PSP models. Engadget says that it will instead support a microSD card. The prototype picture shows the phone with a Sony Ericsson logo, but as of right now, the phone does not show any PlayStation branding.

Right now, Sony will not confirm any details or really even the existence of the Sony PlayStation Phone. Last month Shaun Himmerick, the executive producer at Netherrealm Studios and the developer of Mortal Kombat, described a new device that he referred to as the “PSP2.” Himmerick said that Netherrealm Studios currently had a “PSP2” in their hands. He said that it “looks like it's a pretty powerful machine.” Just like Sony has not confirmed the existence of the PlayStation Phone, they also have not confirmed anything about the PSP2.

When Peter Dille, the senior vice president of marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment of America, was questioned about the PlayStation Phone he of course would neither confirm or deny anything about the existence of the device. He did in fact say though that Sony’s portable game system was definitely due for a change sometime soon. He said that the lack of cellular data connection could quite possibly be holding back Sony and their portable gaming system.

“The PSP is a Wi-Fi device,” said Dille. “People are used to having always-connected devices.” Sony’s devices are designed to last. Their home game consoles have a lifespan of about 10 years, says Dille, and the PlayStation 3 should last at least that long. The issue is that after six years, the PSP just might not hit the 10 year mark. “The portable market moves so fast,” said Dille. The PSP is now being put up against hand-held game systems that allow users to call, text, and access thousands of games and apps.

The PlayStation Phone definitely sounds fascinating. Unfortunately, until Sony makes some kind of statement, all of this information about the device is speculation. It is encouraging though to see pictures and hear specific details about the possible device from Sony because it makes it that much more plausible that the PlayStation Phone could be a reality. I guess for now we’ll just have to keep our eyes and ears open for more information about this possible exciting new development from Sony.

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Top 10 Touch-Screen Phones

These days, everything is going in the touch-screen direction. High-quality touch screens can be found on PCs, tablets, phones, GPS systems, digital cameras, and a variety of other different devices. By now, touch-screen interface has almost become mainstream.

The original iPhone that was released in 2007 is the device that sparked the touch-screen revolution. Consumers were fascinated by the beautiful 3.5-inch Multi-Touch screen found on the iPhone. Since then, every major phone manufacturer has come up with their own touch-screen smartphone. Some of the companies have succeeded, but others have failed miserably.

Three years after the release of the first touch-screen smartphone, there are plenty of phones that could make the top ten touch-screen phones list. Every one of the major U.S. carriers have at least one very successful touch-screen smartphone. If you’re looking for an amazing smartphone, here is a list of the best of the best.

AT&T

iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 has the most gorgeous touch-screen of any smartphone in my opinion. It also features a fantastic camera and the fastest iPhone processor yet. Apple’s app store has the greatest variety of apps that offer you anything you could need in a phone. Unfortunately with the iPhone 4, Apple has still not made voice calling top priority, which can be frustrating.

iPhone 3GS
Yes, the iPhone 3GS is not as fast as the iPhone 4, but it is still a great phone. This affordable smartphone features access to the thousands of apps that are also available for the iPhone 4, but you can get them for half the price for your iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS is still a very popular smartphone that has all of the features you look for in an iPhone.

Samsung Captivate
The Captivate is perfect for AT&T users who simply do not like the iPhone. It is a fantastic smartphone that features a very fast processor, bright screen, amazing social networking hooks, and the ability to sync your phone with PCs.

Verizon Wireless

Droid Incredible by HTC
This smartphone has a great screen and lots of power. Droid phones are the iPhone’s biggest competitor. The Incredible truly is incredible. It has beautiful interface additions and good strong call quality.

Samsung Fascinate
For Verizon customers that aren’t really interested in a Droid smartphone, the Fascinate could be just what you are looking for. It has a gorgeous screen and is very light and slim. The Fascinate also features a fast processor and a loud speakerphone. One of the biggest disappointments with this smartphone is that it has very inaccurate voice dialing.

Motorola Droid X
The Motorola Droid X is the most powerful Android smartphone to date. It features a large 4.3-inch, 854 x 480 resolution screen that gives you tons of room to maneuver your finger around the screen. The smartphone has excellent reception and fantastic noise cancellation. The only thing to criticize is the size. Some people simply think the screen is too large.

Sprint

HTC EVO 4G
If you’re looking for a smartphone that is dedicated to providing great online access, the EVO is perfect for you. It is the first WiMAX phone to be offered in the U.S. It is perfect for streaming media, Web browsing, and getting your laptop online with Sprint’s 4G network.

Samsung Instinct HD
The Instinct HD is the first phone in the U.S. to be a true high-def video phone. It can easily record and display sharp HD video and features lots of great media features. Some of the issues are that it's expensive, takes a long time to boot up, and has a very poor battery life.

T-Mobile

Samsung Vibrant
This is T-Mobile’s super smartphone. It has a very bright screen, PC syncing options, great camera, and a free full version of Sims 3. This phone offers a lot of power and a relatively inexpensive monthly plan. Unfortunately, the phone does not support Bluetooth voice dialing or tethering, but it is still an excellent smartphone.

Samsung Highlight SGH-t749
The Highlight SGH-t749 from Samsung features a very responsive touch-screen and TouchWiz UI that is extremely easy to use. It also features great battery life. If T-Mobile customers are looking for an touch-screen smartphone that is straightforward and simple to use, the Highlight is the phone for them.

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Apple’s iPad Available from Verizon?

Unfortunately, despite all the rumors, Verizon Wireless will not be carrying the iPhone anytime soon, but they will be offering something else from Apple. As of October 28, over 2,000 Verizon stores across the nation will be carrying Apple’s iPad.

Now this statement may cause you to question how this is possible. Doesn’t Apple have a completely exclusive contract with AT&T? Hasn’t Verizon been attempting to get an Apple product as part of their line for a while now and been totally unsuccessful? Well, with the iPad the company has been able to pull a few strings.

The trick is that Verizon will not be selling the iPad (Wi-Fi + 3G). This is the version of the device that runs on AT&T’s 3G network. They will instead be providing the Wi-Fi only iPad that will run on Verizon’s MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot.

There will be three different bundles that Verizon will offer to customers: a 16GB iPad with MiFi for $629.99, a 32GB with MiFi for $729.99, and a 64GB iPad with MiFi for $829.99. Verizon will only offer one data plan for the iPad: up to 1GB of data for $20 per month.

It’s no surprise that AT&T announced recently that they will be selling Apple’s WiFi + 3G iPad in their retail stores as of October 28 as well.

The bundle prices that Verizon will offer will be about the same as AT&T’s 3G packages, but with AT&T there will be the option of two different data plans. You can either get up to 250MB of data per month for $14.95 or up to 2GB of data per month for $25.

So which carrier should you consider purchasing your iPad from? Well, the up side to getting your device from Verizon is the convenient versatility of their MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. Verizon’s MiFi provides Internet access for up to five different devices ranging from 30 to 40 feet away. Unfortunately with MiFi you have to carry it around with you. It is very small though, measuring about 3.5 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches.

Battery life is another thing that you must take into consideration. When you have other devices connected, the life can be drained very quickly. Some testing revealed that when four other Wi-Fi connections were made, the battery dropped to one single bar in about an hour or so. In about an hour and a half, the battery was almost completely drained. On the other hand, AT&T’s iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G was able to last about eight hours, while having the 3G modem running constantly.

Where you decide to buy your iPad is entirely up to you. There are advantages with both of the carriers. No matter what, I just think that it is great to see an Apple product made available from Verizon. It may still be awhile before we see the iPhone, but the fact that they are now providing the iPad is definitely a step in the right direction.

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Newest Adition to the Rugged Line of G'zOne Phones: The Ravine

On Monday October 4th, Casio announced the newest addition to their rugged G’zOne line of phones for outdoor enthusiasts, the G’zOne Ravine. Casio’s G’zOne line of phones from Verizon are waterproof, rustproof, and shockproof. These phones are not only for individuals with hard hat jobs, but also for people who simply would like a phone that can withstand a dunk in the pool or a drop in the sink.

The design of the Ravine is very similar to other phones found in the G’zOne line. The phone is made of a sturdy black plastic and is a little slimmer than previous G’zOne models. It certainly is no smartphone but the Ravine is much sleeker and not as “outdoorsy” looking as some of the other G’zOne phones.

The Ravine not only has all the basic features found on most cell phones, but also includes tons of outdoorsy apps including a compass, a thermometer, a pedometer, a tide chart, a sunrise/sunset list, and an astronomy app. The astronomy app allows you to figure out and name constellations and shows local star charts. Whether you’re outdoorsy or not, these apps are cool. Several of these apps can even be accessed from the external display so that you don’t have to open the phone. There is also a flashlight on the back of the phone. The Ravine definitely has some very unique features to offer consumers.

Inside of the Ravine, there is a lot of Bing to be found. Verizon began promoting Bing hot and heavy with Samsung’s Fascinate. The Ravine features a Bing icon and a Bing home page in the phone’s basic browser.

Besides being waterproof, rustproof, and shockproof and featuring some unique apps, the Ravine includes a 3.2 megapixel camera and camcorder with flash, VZ Navigator GPS software, and voice dictation that allows you to text hands-free. The phone also is capable of running Verizon’s usual feature phone e-mail and IM apps.

The big question at hand about the Ravine is how it will perform. The other G’zOne phones from Casio have been all over the boards. Some feature amazing voice quality for your calls, while others have been absolutely terrible. The Type-V phone was excellent on voice quality, but the Type-S and Boulder that followed were certainly not the best on quality. Casio claimed in their press release that the Ravine would have noise cancelling abilities, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee good voice quality.

Verizon has said that the Casio G’zOne Ravine will be available with a two year contract for $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. As of right now, there is not a release date, but Verizon says that it will be “coming soon.”

This is a very intriguing cell phone. Whether you’re an adventurous outdoorsy type of person or simply don’t want to take the chance of having your phone damaged by the elements, this phone can serve all of your needs plus more. No it’s not the iPhone or Droid X, but this is definitely a phone that offers something new and unique to the cell phone market.

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