Huawei unveils 7-inch MediaPad Android tablet - FierceWireless

Huawei took the wraps off its latest tablet creation, the 7-inch MediaPad, the Chinese vendor's latest and strongest attempt to crack into the consumer tablet market.

Click here for details on the Huawei 7-inch MediaPad tablet.

The company unveiled the product at a press conference in Singapore, and said it will sell the device globally. A Huawei spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the device will be sold in the U.S. or when Huawei might announce carrier partnerships. Huawei did not reveal a price for the MediaPad.

The MediaPad runs version 3.2 of Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android Honeycomb platform and sports a dual-core 1.2 GHz Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) processor. The tablet supports Adobe Flash 10.3 and features 1080p HD video capture, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera and six hours of battery life. While Huawei did not reveal any carrier partnerships, the company said the MediaPad supports HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps connections and Wi-Fi.

For Huawei, the MediaPad represents the company's latest attempt to take on Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Samsung and other established device vendors. The company, which is the world's second largest network infrastructure vendor, has been trying to branch out more into consumer devices. Huawei unveiled its first tablet, the Ideos S7, last fall. That device is on sale in Europe and Asia.

In the U.S., where Huawei has continued making entreaties in the infrastructure market, the company has found more favor as a handset supplier. Huawei currently sells its Android-powered Ascend smartphone through both MetroPCS (NASDAQ:PCS) and Leap Wireless' (NASDAQ:LEAP) Cricket, and T-Mobile USA also sells the low-cost Comet Android phone from Huawei.

In other Huawei news, the company is denying allegations that it has had a leg up in the infrastructure business because of $30 billion in export credits from the Chinese Development Bank. U.S. Export-Import Bank President Fred Hochberg accused the company of making use of the credits.

Bill Plummer, Huawei's vice president of external affairs, told Reuters that the company's customers have attempted to use $4.25 billion of CDB export credits to finance some 35 projects globally since 2005, but he said only $3 billion was approved and that the export credits only extend to potential Huawei customers, not the vendor itself.

For more:
- see this release
- see this Bloomberg article
- see this Engadget post

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Apple developers: Loyal to iOS, but will eye Android too - ZDNet (blog)

Apple’s army of mobile developers is loyal to iOS, but nearly half of them are two-timing with Android and there are significant subsets playing with Research in Motion’s BlackBerry platform, according to a Piper Jaffray survey.

This survey, which was in a research report on Monday, isn’t exactly scientific. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster surveyed 45 developers at Apple’s WWDC conference. Naturally, Munster was going to find a lot of iOS fans.

However, if you look at the data below there are openings for other platforms. For instance, 11 percent of developers complained about Apple’s approval process for apps and another 38 percent had a beef with strict limitations.

Those issues have translated into interest in Android. In fact, 47 percent of developers said they also make apps for Android—even though iOS is better for monetization—and 36 percent also developed for RIM. A 13 percent chunk of developers also developed for Windows Phone 7. Keep in mind this poll was conducted at WWDC.

Add it up and iOS dominates with developers—at least at WWDC—but even with the home field advantage there are some small cracks for rival mobile platforms to exploit.

Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and SmartPlanet as well as Editorial Director of ZDNet's sister site TechRepublic.

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Sony Ericsson preparing NFC chips for Android smartphones - ZDNet (blog)

Google already promised at the launch of Google Wallet that NFC technology would be coming to more Android handhelds beyond the Nexus S. Sony Ericsson is helping out.

Answering the call for near field communications chips is NXP, which will provide “complete embedded, secure NFC solutions.”

Specifically, Sony Ericsson will be implementing NXP’s NXP PN65 NFC solution for its upcoming Android-based handhelds intended for featuring mobile payments support. That NFC option will also include a radio controller, the typical NFC software and embedded security measures such as advanced cryptography.

However, neither Sony Ericsson nor Google have announced specific smartphone models that will sport this NFC power. It also has not been announced when we could expect to see these Android-based Sony Ericsson mobile devices ready to make purchases via Google Wallet.

If Google plans to roll out its Wallet mobile payments service nationwide this year (beyond the beta tests in New York City and San Francisco this summer), then the Goog is going to need many more NFC-enabled Android smartphones swirling around to make it a success.

And for Sony Ericsson, this could be a real coup for the cell phone maker. It’s Android handsets haven’t been complete smash hits in the past, and the Xperia Play already has enough pressure riding on it. If Sony Ericsson can produce some awesome and competitive smartphones at the right price point running Android 2.3 or higher with NFC on-board, then it could beat out other mobile device manufacturers that are likely working NFC-enabled phone themselves.

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Rachel King is a staff writer for ZDNet based at CBS Interactive's San Francisco office.

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BBVA Compass Announces Development of Native Application for BlackBerry PlayBook - MarketWatch (press release)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- BBVA Compass today previewed an early version of a native mobile banking application for the BlackBerry PlayBook(TM) at the Future of Mobile Banking Conference in London. BBVA Compass is the first U.S.-based financial institution to announce the development of a native application for the BlackBerry PlayBook and is one of just a handful of financial institutions with a native application for BlackBerry® smartphones. The BlackBerry PlayBook application joins a stable of native mobile banking applications offered by the bank, including those for the aforementioned BlackBerry smartphones, as well as iPad® and iPhone® mobile digital devices, and the Android(TM) mobile technology platform.

"We are committed to providing our customers the ability to bank via their mobile device of choice," said Alex Carriles, SVP and director of mobile and internet strategies at BBVA Compass. "We are also equally committed to a quality experience which fully utilizes the capabilities of each unique mobile platform in order to create an unparalleled user experience. We're thrilled to be the first U.S. financial institution to announce the development of a native application for the BlackBerry PlayBook as it is a tangible representation of how we deliver on our 'banking built for you' experience."

The free BlackBerry PlayBook application will empower users with a fast and convenient way to manage their BBVA Compass accounts - deposits, loans and credit cards - in a striking setting. Users will be able to check balances, view posted and pending transactions, view check images and statements, transfer funds between BBVA Compass accounts and locate BBVA Compass branches.

For more information on additional BBVA Compass Mobile Banking applications, visit http://bbvacompass.com/go/mobile . BlackBerry® and BlackBerry PlayBook(TM) are trademarks of Research in Motion Limited Corporation Canada; iPad® and iPhone® are trademarks of Apple, Inc.; and Android(TM) is a trademark of Google, Inc.

ABOUT BBVA COMPASS

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates more than 717 branches including 379 in Texas, 93 in Alabama, 65 in California, 78 in Arizona, 45 in Florida, 36 in Colorado and 21 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 20 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (3rd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the nation's leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders, earning 'Lender of the Year' honors in 2009 and 2010. Additional information concerning BBVA Compass can be found on our website www.bbvacompass.com .

BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA /quotes/zigman/254684/quotes/nls/bbva BBVA -1.12% (mad:BBVA). BBVA is a financial services group with approximately $770 billion in total assets, 48 million clients, 7,400 branches and approximately 109,000 employees in more than 30 countries. BBVA ranks among the top 20 largest financial institutions in the world based on market capitalization and 21st in Global Finance magazine's list of the "World's 50 Safest Banks" for 2010. BBVA provides its customers around the world with a full range of financial services, including commercial and wholesale banking, retail banking services, consumer loans, mortgages, credit cards, securities brokerage, wealth management, pension plan management and insurance. The BBVA Group maintains a leadership position in Spain, Mexico, Latin America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States, as well as operations in China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com .

Editor's Note:BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

SOURCE BBVA Compass

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6 free Android apps that challenge iPhones market - International Business Times

Android operating system’s strong integration with existing Google products and the wide offering of devices and carriers, makes it a strong challenger for Apple’s iPhone and iPad.

With Blackberry’s market share dropping, Android has stacked up head to head with Apple’s iOS in terms of its offering of a handful of free apps.

Android is an open source that also allows the apps to change the appearance and functionality of the OS. Google’s OpenHome, which works as a replacement for the default home screen, is one of the best leading customization app available in the market. It also allows you to load customised skins, icon packs and fonts, most of which are freely available in the market.

You can also set up Google Voice and use the Android app to get missed call alerts to a Google generated number that you can check in the web, in your email or via the app. The app also lets you stream audio messages from the web, without wasting any mobile minutes. Google Voice’s deep integration with Gmail offers a great advantage compared to the voicemail alternative for iPhone.

Unlike the iPhone maps app, the free, voice-guided GPS in Android phone does not need you to read out the directions from the handset while driving. Android's built-in method allows users to jump directly into navigation from address links in other apps, whereas with the iPhone, you must manually copy and paste the address into your app of choice.

The Android app syncs directly with Google Finance, which enables streaming of live financial data right into your hands by way of quote updates, charts, and financial news.

NEsoid, Nintendo ROM emulator for Android is a software which interprets ROM files — the format of choice for hacked console games. The lite version of NESoid comes free, but prevents you from loading a “saved-state” of a game. The full version will cost you $3.49.

Winamp, the media player for android, can be wirelessly connected with your desktop and you can move iTunes library to Android, Playlist support and also SHOUT cast radio.

Must Read: Top 5 features that make Android a better choice over iOS 5

Must Read: 5 best Honeycomb Apps for business purposes

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Yahoo builds app to search for new smartphone apps - ZDNet (blog)

Undoubtedly, most of us have heard the phrase, “There’s an app for that,” whether it be serious or just in jest. But finding the app with the functionality we’re looking for might not be easy. Now Yahoo has an app for that.

In fact, Yahoo has built two apps for different platforms with the purpose of searching for iOS and Android apps. Both programs are touted as special (at least more than just search directly from a regular app store) as instead of promoting top selling apps first and foremost, Yahoo’s apps will offer personalized suggestions and “more precise results” based on matching app titles and related keywords.

The first one is Yahoo! App Search on the PC, which is a desktop-based program that is relatively straightforward. In fact, it works much like any other mobile app store such as the one seen in iTunes as well as the Android Market and the Amazon Appstore for Android.

However, Yahoo! App Search not charge the user but rather leads him/her to the source of the app, whether that be the iTunes App Store or the Android Market. Yahoo! also provides a QR code when applicable and the option to send the link directly to the user’s mobile device.

Then there’s the second option: Yahoo! AppSpot, a mobile search app for the iPhone, iPod touch and Android smartphones. This option is also free to use and works much like the desktop version. However, remember that when downloading apps on a smartphone, it could eat up your data plan when connected via 3G/4G.

Related:

Rachel King is a staff writer for ZDNet based at CBS Interactive's San Francisco office.

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Otterbox cases offer robust smartphone protection - FireRescue1

With each new iteration of the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry or Android phone, consumers are faced with the same question: "How will I protect this device from the inevitable drops, falls, bangs, dings, and scratches that inevitably arise from daily use?"

That is even more relevant for first responders who, with the ever-growing use of fire, EMS and police apps, are becoming increasingly dependent on these pocket-sized computers to do their jobs.

For civilians, a broken smartphone means an interruption in their quest to defeat Angry Birds. For first responders, a broken smartphone could mean a lost life or a hamstrung investigation.

OtterBox, with their heavy-duty Defender Series cases, has created a level of smartphone protection that will keep your mobile device well protected through month after month of heavy-duty daily use.

OtterBox sent me a Defender Series case to try out with my new iPhone 4, but they also manufacture models for Blackberry, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, HTC, and LG smartphones, as well as the Apple iPad.

The effectiveness of the Defender Series comes from its layered design. Instead of a simple plastic or rubber case that clips around your phone, the Defender has several layers of protection to keep the phone safe from drops and scratches.

The first layer is a polycarbonate shell that clips snugly around the phone. A plastic membrane on the front of the shell offers durable screen protection, making an adhesive screen protection film unnecessary.

Installing the shell took less than a minute and, once in place, it felt totally secure; pulling on the front and back of the case didn't offer any give.

Surrounding the base shell is a silicon cover that smoothes over the base layer's hard edges and creates another level of shock protection. The silicon layer has flaps that cover all the iPhone's ports and clip securely shut, but can easily be pulled open for access to the charging port, headphone jack, and volume buttons.

With the first two layers in place, the protected iPhone then clips into a polycarbonate holster that holds the device face in or face out.

The holster is, essentially, a case for your case, and with the phone clipped into all three (polycarbonate shell, silicone layer, and holster), the phone feels extremely secure.

It's bulky, but not overly so, and for the day I wore it clipped to my belt it never felt intrusive or uncomfortable. Firefighters, Medics or cops — who are used to having gadgets hanging from their utility belts — won't notice the added bulk.

But the real question when it comes to smartphone cases is: How far can you drop it?

I tested it for myself, dropping my Defender-wrapped iPhone from waist height, and then chest height. No damage whatsoever. I was tempted to drop it off our balcony, but the memory of replacing the glass backing of my iPhone a few months ago stopped me.

I asked OtterBox' Public Relations Specialist Kristen Tatti about the case's dropping capability, and she said their rule is "Three feet to concrete," meaning you can drop it from your pocket without risk of damage.

Tatti added that local firefighters in Fort Collins, Colo., (OtterBox' home) have been outfitted with the cases, and all have raved about the Defender's durability.

"They say it's nice to have something sturdy so they don't have to worry about their phones," she said. "With more and more firefighters getting emergency pages on their smartphones, a broken device can really ruin your day."

OtterBox also makes lines of cases more sleek than the Defender, including the "Commuter" (a simpler polycarbonate and silicone combination) and the "Impact" (just a silicon shell). Visit OtterBox' website to learn about all their smartphone and tablet cases.

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