Telefónica shows Firefox OS phone prototype


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“Telefónica has been showing off a prototype phone running Mozilla’s recently revealed Firefox OS for smartphones. The Spanish telecom gave TechWeekEurope UK a peek at the prototype device, saying that it’s well positioned to make an impact in the mobile sector among developing markets.
The prototype shown off by Telefónica looks similar to any number of other smartphones powered by Google’s Android system, with a touchscreen and four capacitive buttons at the bottom. Telefónica representatives said that Firefox OS will run on the same hardware seen in current Android phones. Since the OS is lighter and less demanding of processors, Firefox should run faster on the same hardware and give a comparable experience on cheaper systems.
The prototype was developed in partnership with Qualcomm, already named as one of Mozilla’s partners for the platform. Apps on the platform will be built entirely in HTML5. Telefónica’s representatives said that the HTML5 underpinnings will make it easier to port apps from Android or iOS to Firefox OS, as 75 percent of apps built for those platforms are already HTML5 based. The strength of the Mozilla brand and community are also thought to be considerable draws for developers.
Rolling out a line of smartphones based on Mozilla’s platform would have the added effect of decreasing Telefónica’s dependence on Google. The company views this as a development that would be good for the telecom industry and encourages other service providers and manufacturers to support Mozilla’s OS as well. Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telefica, Telecom Italia, and Telenor are already on board as Mozilla partners. Alcatel and ZTE will be manufacturing the first Firefox OS devices. The first Firefox OS phones from Telefónica are expected to debut next year in Brazil, bearing Telefónica’s Vivo brand. They are expected to cost less than $100.” via electronista.com

Kouziro FT103: Android 4.0 tablet with 21.5 inch display

Kouziro crafts wiredonly, 215inch Android 40 mega tablet

“If you one of those people who find the display of Galaxy Note and Google Nexus 7 small, you might want to check out this ginorous piece of technology – The Kouziro FT103. Display packs full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and has micro HDMI port to output to another screen. PCwatch Japan says the screen works all the time in horizontal mode – there is no support for portrait, folks.Specs are not so thrilling too. You get a 1GHz dual core (TI OMAP 4428) processor, 1GB RAM with 8GB flash storage, which is fortunately expandable via micro SD card slot. There are two USB 2.0 ports, 2x 1W stereo speakers, micro HDMI, microphone, headphone jack. Connectivity options include 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. Oh, and it also comes with a 1.2 mega pixel camera to let you do video calls to your friends, family and girlfriend (if you have one).
How big is too big? That is the question. It weighs a hefty 5 kilo grams and measures 512.8 × 24.8 × 353mm. Still interested? It will cost 440 dollars (34,800 Yen) and shipping will start shipping in the later part of July. We personally doubt if it will ever make it to the States side though.” via mobilityupdate.com

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update rolling out to HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus

Android 41 Jelly Bean now hitting all Galaxy Nexus HSPA devices

“As promised, Google has begun rolling out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update to HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus devices. The official Nexus Google+ page recently posted that the rollout will begin today, so if you’re rocking the handset, be sure to check your settings now! Jelly Bean may not be the biggest update but it provides some very welcomed new features. From Google Now and the enhanced voice search to the great new tweaks to the notification panel, Jelly Bean is a solid update through and through. We’re sure that owners of the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus will be satisfied.
The Android 4.1 update will soon be making its way to the GSM Samsung Nexus S and the Motorola Xoom in the coming weeks, but the likes of the Verizon Galaxy Nexus and Sprint Nexus S 4G won’t see such luck. Since updates need to go through carriers with those devices, there’s no telling when Jelly Bean will arrive.
OTA updates can take time, so be sure to keep checking for the update every so often if you haven’t received it yet.” via intomobile.com